Overnight Eye Treatment - Your FAQs

Our newest addition to the eye care range is almost here. A nightly treatment that pairs encapsulated retinol with Opal Alga and upcycled elderflower, designed to brighten and hydrate the eye area by morning. We've gathered the questions you've been asking ahead of launch and answered them all in one place. Click here to shop!

1. What is the Overnight Eye Treatment?

A high-performance nightly retinol eye treatment that delivers results using exosomes, tiny natural particles that help active ingredients absorb effectively into the skin. Paired with Opal Alga, a mineral-rich seaweed extract, upcycled elderflower and squalane, it works overnight to soften the look of fine lines, reduce puffiness and brighten tired eyes and dark circles.

2. What does it target?

It's designed to target every concern that you might have around the eyes - dark circles, eye bags, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles, plus that dull, tired look after a bad night's sleep. Retinol can soften the look of fine lines, Opal Alga boosts hydration for smoother, brighter skin, and both elderflower and AGH, derived from citrus, targets dark circles and dullness.

3. How much retinol is it?

This is a beginner-friendly retinol encapsulated at 0.3% in a delivery system designed to release the retinol gently and effectively overnight. That makes it a great starting point if you're new to retinol, while still delivering recognisable results.

4. What are exosomes?

Exosomes are tiny natural particles that act like a delivery system. They carry the retinol and Opal Alga extract, slowing their release, so instead of it all hitting the skin at once, it's released gradually overnight. That's part of what makes this formula gentle and it cuts down on the irritation retinol's known for.

5. What is Opal Alga?

Opal Alga, or Rainbow Alga (Cystoseira Tamariscifolia) is a mineral-rich seaweed extract known for boosting hydration and supporting the skin's natural cell renewal process, leaving skin feeling smoother. The iridescent seaweed also helps reduce the appearance of dark circles, perfect for an eye treatment.

6. Which ingredients are upcycled?

Elderflower is the upcycled ingredient in this effective formula, saved from surplus draff (the leftover pulp from elderflower processing). With soothing & brightening properties, it's ideal to use around the delicate eye area.

7. Who is this eye treatment for?

It's a great fit for anyone noticing the visible effects of ageing around the eyes, especially those going through perimenopause or menopause, when skin often loses hydration, brightness and firmness. It's also a gentle, beginner-friendly way to introduce retinol into your routine as a preventative measure.

8. Is it good for mature skin?

Yes, it's formulated with mature skin in mind. Retinol encourages cell turnover and softens the look of fine lines, while Opal Alga supports hydration and skin renewal, both especially helpful as skin matures.

9. Is it good for sensitive skin?

The retinol is encapsulated at a gentle 0.3% and released slowly, which makes it more beginner-friendly than some retinol treatments. If your skin is particularly reactive, we'd recommend patch testing first and introducing it gradually, a couple of nights a week to start. You can also use a moisturiser first, like our new cooling gel cream, to act as a barrier for hyper-sensitive skin.

10. Is it suitable for teenage skin?

Our Overnight Eye Treatment is designed for those starting to notice fine lines, wrinkles or dark circles, concerns that tend to show up later in life, so it's not formulated for teenage skin. We'd recommend a less targeted treatment like a gentle cleanser or light moisturising cream.

11. Is it safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Whilst the formulation is considered to be safe, we don't recommend using this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it contains retinol (Vitamin A). Please speak to your doctor or midwife about suitable alternatives during this time.

12. Why does it say to consider my daily Vitamin A intake before use?

This is required cosmetic labelling for any product containing Vitamin A. It's not about how much you apply, it's about total Vitamin A exposure from all sources, including diet, supplements and skincare, since these all add up. 

13. Do I use it instead of your bestselling Eye Cream with Cucumber, Hyaluronic Acid + Coffee?

Not instead of, as well as! You can use it alongside, they work really well together. Start your day off with our caffeinated Eye Cream in the morning and finish off with the Overnight Eye Treatment at night for a full day-to-night routine. You can also layer both together, applying Overnight Eye Treatment first, and following with the eye cream. 

14. Can I use it alongside Peptide Serum with upcycled Custard Apple + Blood Orange?

Yes, they work well together as part of a high-performance upcycled skincare routine. Apply the peptide serum to your full face, then follow with Overnight Eye Treatment around the eye area. Finish with one of our award-winning moisturisers for best effect.

15. Can I use it alongside other actives like tretinoin or azelaic acid?

We'd suggest a bit of caution here. If you're using a prescription retinoid like tretinoin, we wouldn't recommend layering this on top, as doubling up on retinoids can increase the risk of irritation. Gentler actives like azelaic acid can usually be alternated on different nights, but always patch test first and build up slowly. If you're unsure, it's worth checking with a dermatologist for your specific routine.

16. Can it be used alongside another retinol?

Layering two retinol products increases the amount of Vitamin A your skin is absorbing and raises the risk of irritation, so it's best to use this as your one retinol step rather than combining it with another.

17. Do I need to phase it into my routine?

Yes, especially if you're new to using retinol. Start with two to three nights a week and build up to nightly use as your skin adjusts.

18. When do I use it?

Overnight Eye Treatment is for evening use only. Retinol not only will break down and become ineffective if exposed to the sun, it can also leave skin more prone to sun damage. Apply it as the last step before moisturiser in your evening routine, after cleansing and toning and after face serums, then let it absorb before applying your moisturiser and finally face oil.

19. Do I need to wear SPF after using it?

Yes, we'd always recommend wearing SPF the morning after using Overnight Eye Treatment. Retinol can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so a broad-spectrum SPF, like our SPF 25 Mineral Sunscreen, helps protect skin and keep your results looking their best.

20. How much should I use?

One drop from the pipette is enough for both eyes. A little goes a long way!

21. Can it be used on eyelids?

It's designed for the delicate skin around the eye, not the eyelid itself. Apply above and below the eye, and avoiding the eyelid (and getting it in the eyes!).

22. How do I use it?

Natural product separation may occur, so shake well before use. Apply a small amount to your finger or eye roller, and then apply around the eyes, massaging until fully absorbed.

23. Why does the product separate sometimes?

As a natural, minimally processed formula, some separation can happen over time. It's completely normal, just give the bottle a good shake before each use.

24. Is it natural, vegan and cruelty-free?

Yes! It's vegan, cruelty-free and made in the UK, with a 98% natural formulation.

Have a question we haven't answered here? Drop us an email to sales@upcirclebeauty.com and we'll be happy to help.

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