Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer

Bottom line

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer contains retinol, an antioxidant that has been proven to boost collagen production, smoothing out fine lines while brightening skin in the process. Whether it has enough of the ingredient to be effective isn't clear. Some reviewers say it produces noticeable results in a matter of days, while others see no change at all. Neutrogena claims this formula is their fastest retinol formula to date, but it doesn't contain as much retinol as the longtime favorite Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream -- Night (*Est. $13 for 1.4 oz.). The latter also contains more antioxidants and is reviewed more often by users.

Performance

Small concentration of active ingredients: Manufacturers say Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer is their fastest acting retinol formula to date and that it's "so effective, 100% of women tested had noticeable results in just one week." Unfortunately, Neutrogena doesn't say exactly what those results were -- they could have been as simple as more hydrated skin. Furthermore, skin care expert Paula Begoun says, "the amount of state-of-the-art ingredients (including retinol) is nothing to write home about." In fact, Rapid Wrinkle Repair contains more fragrance and preservatives than it does retinol or hyaluronic acid.

Still, editors of Allure magazine give the formula a Best of Beauty award saying that "skin looks smoother and more radiant after just a week of use." Several users at MakeupAlley.com and TotalBeauty.com agree. Many say they saw noticeable results in the form of diminished fine lines and softened deep wrinkles in just a matter of days. Others, however, saw no difference at all. As with all skin care products, results will vary from one person to the next based on overall condition of the skin, interaction with other skin care products and adherence to manufacturer instructions.

Feel and smell

Light, fresh scent: Reviewers say Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair has a nice, silky texture that goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly into skin. Although the formula contains fragrance, most say it has a light, fresh scent. Like all retinol products, it may cause some initial irritation, but reviewers say that it fades as your skin adjusts to the formula. Experts suggest applying the lotion every other night and gradually increasing to nightly use.