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Welcome to Skincarma.

These are the musings of Carmine Montalto, NYC-based writer, skincare junkie and brand guru. The former copywriter at Kiehl’s, Carmine has more than 25 years of experience in beauty. Through the Skincarma Blog, he puts all of his product wisdom to work demystifying the ever-evolving world of skin care. 

You can change your skin’s destiny.™

PRODUCT REVIEW: WANDER BEAUTY DO NOT DISTURB OVERNIGHT REPAIR CONCENTRATE - BEST RETINOL FACE CREAM, BEST MOISTURIZER WITH RETINOL

PRODUCT REVIEW: WANDER BEAUTY DO NOT DISTURB OVERNIGHT REPAIR CONCENTRATE - BEST RETINOL FACE CREAM, BEST MOISTURIZER WITH RETINOL

WANDER BEAUTY | DO NOT DISTURB OVERNIGHT REPAIR CONCENTRATE

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I dropped this baby on my IG page two weeks ago on #skincarmasaturday — a glimpse of new skincare discoveries.

The Wander Beauty Do Not Disturb Overnight Repair Concentrate is a more interesting retinol treatment than I’m used to. It’s more of a sensorial experience and actually a pleasure to use. That’s not something I often say about Retinol products. In fact, they’re rarely pleasurable.

The closest I come to enjoying Retinol is with the Paula’s Choice CBD Oil + Retinol, a rich and velvety facial oil. Do Not Disturb is a lightweight cream (or is it a thick lotion?!) infused with a multitude of nourishing non-fragrant plant oils, many with antioxidant potency, including Camellia Japonica Seed Oil (Tsubaki) and Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil (Green Tea). Both are rated among the best antioxidants for skin by the Paula’s Choice Research Team.

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There’s also a smattering of Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, commonly known and Matrixyl for perhaps a bit of a plumping, wrinkle smoothing boost. The star active is, of course, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, or HPR. Commonly known as Granactive Retinoid, HPR is one of the most effective OTC forms of retinoids. It’s believed to have efficacy on par with Retinoic Acid, aka Tretinoin or Retin-A, but without the irritation. Which may be why I’ve experienced none!


What is Retinol?

Considered among the best actives used in skin care, here’s what the experts on the Paula’s Choice Research Team have to say:

“Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that has value for skin on several fronts: It’s a skin-restoring, wrinkle-smoothing, firming ingredient and an antioxidant, allowing it to improve a variety of skin concerns, most related to visible signs of aging.

“Many consumers are concerned about the percentage of retinol in anti-aging products such as serums or moisturizers. Although the percentage can make a difference (especially if it’s too low), it’s not helpful in understanding how a retinol product will benefit your skin. Far more important is the delivery system, packaging, and the other ingredients present with the retinol. 

Using a product with a range of anti-aging ingredients plus retinol is far more valuable for skin than using a product with only a supposedly high percentage of retinol. Skin needs far more than any one ingredient can provide, however great that one ingredient may be. See our article on this topic for detailed information.

There are several myths about using retinol with other anti-aging ingredients or products, such as those with vitamin C or exfoliants like glycolic acid. See our article on this topic to learn what the research has shown to be true.”


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I found an insightful article on HPR by the Paula’s Choice Research Team titled, The Complete Guide To Retinol: The Anti-Aging (And Anti-Acne) Hero. According to the PC team:

“Because HPR is an ester of Retinoic Acid – the active form of Retinol, instead of an ester of Retinol — it doesn’t have to go through the same conversion process to be used directly by skin. So, in theory, a lower amount of HPR can elicit the same results as higher concentrations of Retinol.

“Although it sounds very promising and is already found in a few skin care products (marketed as Granactive Retinoid), there is a lack of independent studies at the moment to further test and verify these manufacturer claims.”

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Do Not Disturb does have one drawback, at least for me. It contains Lavender Oil which, while infusing the treatment with a pleasant, soothing aroma that demands quietude (“do not disturb!”), has the potential to irritate the skin.

If you’re sensitive or sensitized to fragrance and fragrant plant oils in skin care, this isn’t for you. If not, you may enjoy Do Not Disturb as much as I have been. 

I’ve experienced no irritation whatsoever using the Wander Beauty Do Not Disturb Overnight Repair Concentrate and, again, really like using it — something I just don’t say about retinol treatments. I hate the smell of higher concentrations of retinol!

Do Not Disturb also doubles as a perfectly adequate moisturizer for nighttime use.

SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Wander Beauty Do Not Disturb Overnight Repair Concentrate for $68 here.


The Ingredient List of the Wander Beauty Do Not Disturb Overnight Repair Concentrate:

Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Dimethicone, Squalane, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cetearyl Olivate, Polyacrylate-13, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyisobutene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Polysorbate 20, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Adenosine, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hyaluronate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Monascus Extract, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate, Croton Lechleri Resin Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

PRODUCT REVIEW: SKINFIX 911 OINTMENT - BEST SLUGGING CREAM, BEST FACE CREAM FOR MASKNE

PRODUCT REVIEW: SKINFIX 911 OINTMENT - BEST SLUGGING CREAM, BEST FACE CREAM FOR MASKNE

MY #SLUGGING ESSENTIALS: SKINFIX 911 OINTMENT AND SKINNIES WATERLESS SUNGEL SPF 30 - BEST SLUGGING CREAM, BEST FACE CREAM FOR SLUGGING

MY #SLUGGING ESSENTIALS: SKINFIX 911 OINTMENT AND SKINNIES WATERLESS SUNGEL SPF 30 - BEST SLUGGING CREAM, BEST FACE CREAM FOR SLUGGING