What does AlphaRet do for your skin?

AlphaRet is a unique retinoid that combines a retinoid (retinoic acid) with an AHA (lactic acid). Retinoids help increase skin cell turnover, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, while supporting healthier, younger looking skin.

What’s the difference between Retinol and a Retinoid?

Retinoid is an umbrella term for all Vitamin A derivatives. This includes esters, retinol, retinaldehyde, Tretinoin, and AlphaRet!

Can retinol cause acne?

Retinoids (like retinol) help to increase cell turnover and with that, some patients may experience a period of congestion which generally subsides with continued use. We recommend consulting with your medical provider to discuss your individual skin care needs and any potential skin responses when using a Retinoid.

Is it safe to use AlphaRet every day?

Yes! AlphaRet’s breakthrough combination of a retinoid and an AHA can be used nightly. Each AlphaRet formula addresses the tolerability vs. efficacy tradeoff of traditional retinoids. AlphaRet formulations also contain hydrating and soothing ingredients, to help rejuvenate the appearance of the skin while providing the skin with much needed moisture and barrier support.

Can AlphaRet be used with vitamin C?

AlphaRet Overnight Cream, Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream and AlphaRet Clearing Serum are often recommended to use in the evening after applying Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum, which contains 19 antioxidants, including Vitamin C. Fun fact: AlphaRet Overnight Cream and Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream both contain Vitamin C (THD Ascorbate) in their formulas!

Can I use AlphaRet if I have reactive or rosacea prone skin?

We always recommend that you consult with your treatment provider to determine which skin better science products, if any, are appropriate for your unique skin type and concerns.

What Age Should I Start Using Retinol?

When choosing a retinoid (like retinol), it’s best to consult your medical provider to determine which retinoid is best for your unique skin type and concerns and at what age you should begin usage.

Can you use Tretinoin and Retinol?

Tretinoin and Retinol are in a class of ingredients called Retinoids (Vitamin A). You do not need to use both at the same time, and your medical provider can recommend which Retinoid is the most appropriate for you according to your unique skin care needs and concerns.

At what point in my skincare routine should I use AlphaRet Overnight Cream?

Use AlphaRet Overnight Cream at night, after cleansing and once your skin is clean and dry. Apply a thin, even layer to the face, avoiding the eye area. Then continue with the rest of your nighttime routine. Pro Tip: With retinoid use, we always suggest daytime usage of a high-performance, mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen like sunbetter with Advanced Mineral Protection.

Back to Retinoid

AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Photodamage, lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and texture.

Average rating includes incentivized reviews

Experience the transformative power of the #1 dermatologist-recommended retinoid brand.* AlphaRe ... Read full description

Product texture close-up featuring a glossy smear of cream with on-image text about suitability for all skin types and indications like wrinkles, uneven tone, and texture.

A small dollop of cream on a fingertip and text listing formula claims: dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and formulated without parabens, fragrance, and dyes.

Five-star testimonial graphic showing the AlphaRet Overnight Cream bottle and a customer quote recommending the product.

Close-up of a model’s face beside “How to apply” steps for AlphaRet Overnight Cream, including nighttime use and morning sunscreen recommendation.

Product comparison graphic featuring AlphaRet Overnight Cream, Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream, and AlphaRet Clearing Serum with key benefits, primary ingredients, and suggested skin types.

“Complete the regimen” infographic displaying a four-step skincare routine with skinbetter science products and guidance for AM sunscreen and PM AlphaRet use.

Before and after facial comparisons labeled baseline and 12 weeks, with text stating a 33% reduction of fine lines and wrinkles as an average clinical result.

AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Photodamage, lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and texture.

1.0 fl. oz. (30 ml)

1.7 fl. oz. (50 ml)

Quantity

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Experience the transformative power of the #1 dermatologist-recommended retinoid brand.*

AlphaRet Overnight Cream is a clinically validated prescription-strength retinoid that fights lines while it hydrates skin for visible results in 4 weeks.** Tested even on retinoid-sensitive users to be suitable for nightly use. ***

Why You'll Love It: Helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, refines the look of uneven skin tone and texture, and improves skin hydration and visible redness.

All skinbetter science products are dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, paraben free, fragrance free, dye free, and cruelty free.

*Among non-prescription brands sold by physicians or medical practices, in addition to other outlets or retailers. Blinded nationwide survey of dermatologists 2025. Responding dermatologists may have sales relationships with one or more medical aesthetic brands.
**A 12-week, split-face, randomized, dermatologist-led clinical study in participants with mild-to-severe photoaging (N=48) vs 0.025% tretinoin
***A 12-week multicenter, dermatologist-led clinical study evaluated nightly use of AlphaRet Overnight Cream in participants with self-identified retinoid sensitivity and mild-to-moderate photoaging. (N=56)

This 20x award-winning retinoid is powered by patented AlphaRet technology and a blend of skin rejuvenating ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and ceramides to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously reducing visible redness and boosting hydration. See visible results in the look of wrinkles and uneven skin tone in as little as 4 weeks. **

#1 dermatologist-recommended retinoid brand.*

Visible results in 4 weeks.**

33% improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 12 weeks.**

14% improvement in hydration in 12 weeks.**

98% of retinoid-sensitive users agree that AlphaRet can be used nightly.***

Patented AlphaRet Technology combines a retinoid and an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in a novel molecule for effective, tolerable overnight skin rejuvenation.

Features a targeted peptide blend and antioxidant complex to promote elasticity and help neutralize free radicals.

*Among non-prescription brands sold by physicians or medical practices, in addition to other outlets or retailers. Blinded nationwide survey of dermatologists 2025. Responding dermatologists may have sales relationships with one or more medical aesthetic brands.

**A 12-week, split-face, randomized, dermatologist-led clinical study in participants with mild-to-severe photoaging (N=48) vs 0.025% tretinoin

***A 12-week multicenter, dermatologist-led clinical study evaluated nightly use of AlphaRet Overnight Cream in participants with self-identified retinoid sensitivity and mild-to-moderate photoaging. (N=56)

20X AWARD-WINNER

2016 ALLURE Best of Beauty Breakthrough

2018 & 2019 lnStyle Best Beauty Buys - Best Wrinkle Cream

2019 Cosmopolitan Skin Award - Best Retinol

2020 & 2021 InStyle Best Beauty Buys - Best Night Cream

2020 Shape Skin Award - Best Retinol

2021 NewBeauty Award - Best Retinol Night Cream

2021 Reader's Digest Editor's Choice Award - Best Moisturizer for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

2021 Harper's Bazaar UK Beauty Award - Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin

2022 VOGUE - Best Wrinkle Cream

2022 Shape Beauty Award - Best Night Cream

2023 Good Housekeeping Best Beauty Award - Best Retinol

2023 Byrdie Skin Award - Best Retinol

2023 Shape Skin Award - Best Retinol

2024 Prevention Healthy Skin Award - Best Anti-aging Cream for Normal Skin

2024 Marie Claire - Skin Award - Best Moisturizer Overall

2025 TODAY - Beauty Award

2026 Byrdie Skin Award - Best Skincare

2026 The Strategist - Best in Class Hall of Fame

2026 Cosmopolitan Holy Grail Award - Best Hall of Fame Skincare Product

Use as part of your evening skincare regime after cleansing.

Apply a thin layer of AlphaRet to a clean, dry face. Apply evenly all over the face, avoiding the eye area. Follow with other skinbetter science products in your evening regimen.

Protect with sunbetter sunscreen during the day for additional skincare benefits and daily sun protection.

Review recommended order of product application.

Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards. Caution: This product contains retinoid in a topical form. If you are pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant, consult a physician before use. If using more than one exfoliating product, irritation may occur.

KEY INGREDIENTS

AlphaRet: A unique combination of a retinoid and an AHA (lactic acid).

Glycolic Acid: Helps retexturize and enhances performance of AlphaRet.

Targeted Peptide Blend: Helps smooth the appearance of wrinkles, skin firmness and resiliency.

Ultra Hydrating Blend of Ceramides, Squalane, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid: Helps to counteract dryness, providing hydration and moisture.

Allantoin Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Bisabolol, and Green Tea Extract: Ingredients with calming properties that also help reduce the appearance of redness.

Vitamins C & E and CoEnzyme Q10: Provide antioxidant protection.

FULL INGREDIENT LIST

Aqua/Water, Sodium Glycolate, Glycolic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Pentylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Sorbitan Olivate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, Ceresin, Glycol Palmitate, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Squalane, Methyl Gluceth-20, Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Ceramide NP, Hyaluronic Acid, Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Superoxide Dismutase, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Allantoin Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol, Linolenic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Steareth-2, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Hydrated Silica, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

Please refer to the ingredient list on the product packaging for the most updated list of ingredients. Due to variability in photography, monitors, lighting and printing, the actual color of the product you have at home may differ from that featured in digital or print marketing materials.

Results

Results

BEFORE / AFTER
4 WEEKS, NIGHTLY USE

BEFORE / AFTER
8 WEEKS, NIGHTLY USE

BEFORE / AFTER
8 WEEKS, NIGHTLY USE

BEFORE / AFTER
12 WEEKS*

Before/After Disclaimer

AlphaRet Overnight Cream was evaluated in a dermatologist-led clinical trial in 48 patients following evening application over 12 weeks.
*Twice-daily application of Even Tone Correcting Serum and evening application of AlphaRet Overnight Cream. Unretouched clinical photography on clean, product-free skin.

👁 SEE OUR PROTOCOL

Answers to your frequently asked questions.

Not at all. Traditional retinoids may cause irritation, but AlphaRet Technology combines two gold standard ingredients - an alpha hydroxy acid (lactic acid) and a retinoid for efficient skin rejuvenation that is gentle enough to use overnight, every night. AlphaRet helps with cell turnover with little to no irritation, while hydrating and soothing the skin, so patients can experience both remarkable efficacy and tolerability.

A lesser-known limitation of traditional retinoids is the fact that they are difficult to incorporate with other skin rejuvenating ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and peptides into a robust formula. There can be pH and formulation stability issues between retinoids and acidic ingredients which makes it difficult to combine both. There is also an increased risk of irritation with many retinoids and other active ingredients which may prevent consistent usage. AlphaRet formulas are specifically formulated with alpha and beta hydroxy acids as well as peptides and other hydrating and soothing ingredients and can safely be used by all skin types.

Better Packaging

BETTER PACKAGING

skinbetter science packaging is thoughtfully designed to fully dispense from the inner bottle, giving you access to as much product as possible. This product features an airless container to help maintain the benefits of our proprietary formulations over the course of their shelf life. Our twist-up pumps control the amount of product dispensed and prevent leakage during travel and storage. And speaking of travel, this product is air travel friendly!

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