Night-Time, Right Time
New Insights in Night-Care Formulations
Night-time is when the skin’s natural repair mechanisms peak: cell turnover increases and collagen synthesis accelerates under reduced UV stress [1]. During sleep, the skin undergoes a natural repair process, addressing the damage accumulated throughout the day.
However like blue light, pollution, and improper cleansing may sabotage this natural cycle. Below, we break down the biological rationale for each step in a night care regimen and how cutting-edge botanical ingredients can support this process.
🟡 Step 1 “Cleansing” — Tonifying
Nighttime cleansing isn’t just about removing makeup. It helps to eliminates ROS-inducing pollutants and resets the skin’s pH (ideal: 4.5–5.5) to optimize enzymatic activity for repair [2]. Harsh cleansers strip lipids, but gentle enzymatic exfoliation balances efficacy with barrier preservation.
Ingredient Spotlight:
GlowActive AHA + White Willow Bioferment Extract ( salix alba )
INCI: Lactobacillus Lysate, Glycerin, Apple Extract, Pineapple Fruit Extract, Citrus aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Passiflora edulis Fruit Extract.
GlowActive AHA combines Lactobacillus Lysate (pH-balancing postbiotics) and fruit-derived AHAs (malic, citric, and lactic acids) for a dual-action cleanse:
Dual-Action Exfoliation: AHAs (malic, citric, glycolic, lactic) gently remove dead skin cells while Salix alba delivers natural BHA-like purifying action.
Nighttime Clarity Booster: Supports skin detox while calming inflammation and refining pores as skin enters its regenerative phase.
→ R&D Insight: Prioritize acid pairings that offer both resurfacing and purifying benefits, while maintaining barrier safety and supporting skin comfort.
🟠Step 2: Repair,Calm and More…
Nighttime isn’t just for rest—it’s when the skin enters its most intense repair cycle. CalmActive Oat delivers bioactive avenanthramides and ß-glucans extracted from oats via controlled fermentation, offering a natural anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing shield.
Ingredient Spotlight: CalmActive OAT
INCI: Lactobacillus Lysate, Glycerin, Avena sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Beta-Glucan.
Benefits:
Avenanthramides helps to soothe inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB and COX pathways.
ß-Glucans support moisture retention and barrier repair during overnight recovery.
Bio-fermented oat fractions contribute to postbiotic skin microbiome balance.
🔵Step 3: Hydration – Locking in Barrier Resilience
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) peaks at night due to lower humidity. Hydration is essential to maintain skin elasticity and barrier function. Nighttime is an opportune moment to replenish moisture and reinforce the skin's defense mechanisms.
Ingredient Spotlight: Hydractive 100
INCI: Lactobacillus/ Aloe barbadensis Ferment Filtrate, Xylitol, Glucomannan, ß-Glucan.
Benefits:
Provides long-lasting hydration.
Enhances collagen production and supports skin cell proliferation.
Para-Postbiotic Technology reinforces the microbiome, helps to balancing skin microbiome.
Formulating for the Future: Key R&D Teams
. Gentle & Effective Exfoliation: AHA + BHA Harmony : Deliver smoother, clearer skin overnight with a mild dual-exfoliation system. By combining fruit-derived AHAs with plant-based BHA-like actives (such as White Willow Extract), gently renew the skin’s surface while clearing pores—without irritation.
Postbiotic-Driven Calming Mechanisms
Fermentation: Biofermented actives (e.g., oat, aloe) offer higher stability and bioavailability.
Postbiotic Trends: Hydractive 100’s para-postbiotic tech aligns with microbiome-focused trends.
References
1-Lyons AB, Moy L, Moy R, Tung R. Circadian Rhythm and the Skin: A Review of the Literature. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019 Sep;12(9):42-45. Epub 2019 Sep 1. PMID: 31641418; PMCID: PMC6777699.
2-Lambers H, Piessens S, Bloem A, Pronk H, Finkel P. Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006 Oct;28(5):359-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00344.x. PMID: 18489300.
