Lunula Night — how does an oil-based night retinol serum work?

A night retinol serum is one of the most commonly used products in skincare routines focused on smoothing, improving skin texture, and addressing visible signs of ageing.

However, its effectiveness does not depend on concentration alone. The form of retinol, its stability, the formula base, and the way it supports the skin barrier all play a key role. A well-designed retinol serum should combine effectiveness with high tolerability — especially for skin that is sensitive, dry, or easily irritated.

This is the premise behind Lunula Night — an oil-based night retinol serum developed in our Laboratory in Poland.

Why does the form of retinol matter?

Retinol belongs to the group of retinoids — vitamin A derivatives. Different forms of retinoids can vary in stability, mechanism of action, release rate, and skin tolerance.

This matters because retinol needs to remain active within the formula and only then be converted in the skin into a form that can effectively support renewal processes. If it degrades too early — for example due to light, air, or temperature — its effectiveness may be reduced, while the risk of irritation can increase.

This is why two retinol products with seemingly similar compositions can perform very differently. One may lead to dryness and discomfort, while another — thanks to a more stable form and a well-designed base — can support the skin effectively, but more gently.

When choosing a retinol serum, it is therefore worth looking not only at the active ingredient itself, but at the overall architecture of the formula.

What to look for when choosing a retinol serum?

The first factor is retinol stability. It determines whether the active ingredient retains its effectiveness until it is applied to the skin. Classic retinol is highly sensitive — it easily loses activity when exposed to light, oxygen, and heat.

The second factor is skin tolerance. Retinol can be highly effective, but in an unsuitable formula it may also lead to dryness, flaking, or a feeling of tightness. This is why not only the type of retinol matters, but also the presence of ingredients that support the skin’s hydrolipid barrier.

The third factor is the formula base. A night retinol serum should not act in isolation. A well-designed formula can support regeneration, reduce water loss, and improve overall skin comfort during use.

This is why, in retinol skincare, “more” does not always mean better. What matters is the balance between activity, stability, and tolerance.

How does Lunula Night work?

Lunula Night is an oil-based night retinol serum designed to smooth the skin, improve its structure, and support overnight regeneration.

At the core of the formula is next-generation hydrogenated retinol — a more stable form of retinol. According to ingredient data, hydrogenated retinol retains 100% of its activity over time, while classic retinol may lose 77% after one week of light exposure.

The oil-based formula also plays an important role. It supports the skin’s hydrolipid barrier, helps reduce water loss, and creates a more comfortable environment for active ingredients to work.

In Lunula Night, retinol does not act in isolation. The formula combines next-generation hydrogenated retinol with Oio Lab Cell Revive Complex™, spilanthol CO₂ and mastic oil — ingredients that support skin density, firmness, elasticity and overnight renewal. As a result, the serum works beyond surface-level smoothing. It supports improved skin density, smoother texture, and overall comfort during evening use.

This type of formula architecture makes Lunula Night especially relevant for skin that is sensitive, dry or has previously had difficulty tolerating classic retinol.

What results can you expect from Lunula Night?

Lunula Night works on multiple levels: it supports smoother skin, improved density, and overnight regeneration. The formula is not limited to a surface-level smoothing effect — it is designed to support processes related to skin structure, elasticity, and overall skin quality.

The effects of Lunula Night have been confirmed in studies:

• – 16% reduction in wrinkle surface after 4 weeks

• increase in skin density observed after 4 weeks

• 98% of users reported smoother skin after the first application

• after 8 weeks, 95% reported a lasting improvement in skin quality, while 93% reported that the smoothing and firming effect was maintained

• 100% of participants with sensitive skin confirmed high tolerance of the formula

This is particularly important in retinol skincare, where effectiveness should go hand in hand with comfort. A well-designed formula not only delivers results — it should also support the skin throughout the process.

How to use a retinol serum in your evening routine?

A retinol serum is best used in the evening. At night, the skin regenerates more intensively, and richer textures — such as oil-based formulas — can support the skin’s hydrolipid barrier more effectively.

Apply Lunula Night in the evening to clean, dry skin. After applying lighter-textured products — such as a toner, water-based serum or emulsion — apply 4–5 drops to the face and neck, then gently massage into the skin. Leave the oil-based serum as one of the final steps in your routine.

Retinol should be introduced gradually. Start by applying it 2–3 times per week, observing how your skin responds. If well tolerated, the frequency can be increased over time.

For dry, sensitive, or temporarily compromised skin, the routine can be complemented with a barrier-supporting cream. This can help improve comfort and reduce the risk of dryness. Daily sun protection is also essential.

Apply a high-SPF sunscreen in the morning, as retinol increases the skin’s need for protection against UV exposure.

Bibliography

1. https://aestheticcosmetology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ke2018.4-1.pdf
2. http://www.h-ph.pl/pdf/hyg-2019/hyg-2019-3-165.pdf