It’s simple to divert yourself with new skin care launches: When a sparkling new toy is within reach, why would I choose something I’ve already played with? However, I never stop using Sunday Riley Luna Night Oil, especially when my winter dry skin worsens. Without fail, the nightly treatment leaves my skin so smooth and glowing that I wonder if someone secretly applied a pearlescent-tinted moisturizer while I was sleeping. And, because to its delicate trans-retinoic acid ester compound, I’ve never had the common unpleasant side effects that regular retinol can produce.
According to Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, “When esterified, trans-retinoic acid turns it into a storage form, which is a milder, weaker, storage form of retinol,” adding that it “has no biological activity and needs to go through a few steps to be converted to an active retinoid.” Nonetheless, it is similarly effective, as evidenced by my initial month-long trial period. Sunday Riley Luna will always be a fixture in my skincare routine.
Goals
Like many others, I have the unpleasant and unthinking habit of resting my head on my hands at my desk during the day. With NYC smog and greasy fingertips, I end up with congested pores and blackheads. In addition, I have combination, sensitive skin (meaning greasy on my forehead and dry around my cheekbones). TLDR: I require a potent yet mild solution to handle my problematic skin type.
From the first drop until it sank into my skin, I thought the oil was the pinnacle of luxury skin care. In classic Sunday Riley flair, the oil is housed in stunning packaging that, when opened, feels like unwrapping one of the rare artifacts from The Smithsonian’s mineral and gem collection.
Above all things, its blue tint astounded me. Should my serum match the hue of the acai bowl I had for breakfast? Would I get indigo-stained skin, linens, and pajamas? Fortunately for me, the blue light dissipated as soon as the oil hit my skin. It dissolved into my skin, keeping it from spilling and creating a mess. Furthermore, I enjoyed how the initial blue tint allowed me to see exactly where I put the oil, ensuring that I wasn’t overusing the product.
Luna has a light consistency, similar to the silky smooth texture of the popular C.E.O. Glow face oil. I felt more comfortable keeping it on my skin overnight because it does not include heavy fillers such as sulfates, silicones, or parabens.
After only two weeks, I was ecstatic to observe smaller-looking pores and fewer little red lumps surrounding these trouble regions. Even more surprising, despite my concerns about my skin drying out or flaking like it does with other retinol products, these fears were never realized. Its botanical extract blend woke up my skin, giving it a revitalized complexion that felt so moisturized that I didn’t even notice the days when I didn’t apply moisturizer.
Without a time machine, I can’t say how successfully it combats indicators of premature aging, but I’m optimistic. My smile lines were less visible, and my skin felt tighter, especially since Sunday Riley created Luna with essential oils high in anti-aging vitamins, including C and E.
The final decision: Was it worthwhile?
Luna is a $105 investment in your skin care regimen. Especially so for people with sensitive skin, who are frequently excluded from the realm of retinol and the skin-smoothing, blemish-clearing benefits it provides. With perseverance and attention, Luna finally enables individuals prone to irritation (hi, me) to get these benefits without the annoying side effects.
My Testing Process:
I was so worried about irritating my skin that I kept track of which evenings I applied the oil on a calendar to ensure I didn’t forget. For four weeks, I applied the oil on my skin at night, three to five times per week. After a month, I took a step back and examined my complexion to see if the brand’s promises were fulfilled: reduced redness, brightened my complexion, and softened the appearance of my fine wrinkles.
Your questions are answered.
What is the proportion of retinol in Sunday Riley Luna?
The Sunday Riley Luna does not have a typical retinol percentage because it uses a trans-retinoic acid ester. Instead, the brand used trans-retinoic acid ester in its recipe, which is a gentler version that causes less skin irritation. While it may take some time to notice improvements, “the product can be an appropriate option for sensitive skin, addressing issues such as acne, breakouts, and blackheads,” adds Dr. Nazarian.
How many drops of Luna oil should be used?
I just needed approximately a half-dropper of oil every application. It spreads easily, allowing the bottle to last for quite some time.
Does Luna oil apply before or after moisturizer?
The most basic lesson I learnt from every aesthetician and dermatologist: Layer skin care products from lightest to heavy. I always apply a little layer of light moisturizer to seal the Luna oil into my skin.
Why Shop with us?
Irene Richardson writes about fashion and beauty for InStyle. For this narrative, she used the Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil for four weeks, gradually increasing the frequency of application from three to five times per week. She also spoke with an expert to learn more about the retinol utilized in this solution and how it affects the skin.
Dr. Rachel Nazarian, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group
