A powerful dual Retinol overnight treatment — stimulating collagen, accelerating cell renewal and delivering visible anti-ageing results while you sleep.

What It Does

Retinol is one of the most well-researched and celebrated active ingredients in skincare — and for good reason. As skin ages, it loses elasticity, collagen production slows and cell renewal becomes less efficient, resulting in lines, wrinkles, rough texture and uneven tone. Retinol directly addresses all of these concerns by stimulating the fibroblasts in the skin that produce collagen, accelerating the rate at which new skin cells emerge and helping to resurface the skin from within.

The Annique Rooibos Forever Young Retinol Night Treatment takes this proven active and delivers it in a thoughtfully formulated, highly stable overnight treatment. Rather than relying on a single form of Retinol, this formula combines two — Retinol and Retinyl Palmitate — for a dual-action approach that delivers both fast results and sustained, gentler long-term benefits. Retinol works quickly and penetrates deeply, while Retinyl Palmitate acts as a slow-release reservoir, converting gradually to Retinol for prolonged effect and reduced irritation.

The oil-based formula improves both the absorption and stability of the Retinol actives, and the amber glass bottle protects the formula from light degradation — ensuring the product remains effective from the first use to the last. Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier, Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection and Rooibos Extract soothes and calms the skin throughout the treatment process.

Introduced gradually — starting at two to three times per week before building to daily use — this treatment delivers visible, meaningful results for anyone serious about addressing the signs of ageing.

Key Ingredients & Benefits

Retinol & Retinyl Palmitate (Dual Retinol Complex) A powerful combination of two vitamin A derivatives that work together for comprehensive anti-ageing results. Retinol penetrates deeper into the skin, delivering fast and effective stimulation of collagen production and cell renewal. Retinyl Palmitate acts as a gentler, slow-release form that converts gradually to Retinol — providing prolonged benefits while reducing the risk of irritation, redness and dryness. Together they deliver enhanced effectiveness, sustained release and a broader range of skin-renewing results than either ingredient alone.

Ceramides Essential lipid molecules that form and reinforce the skin’s protective barrier. Ceramides prevent water loss, shield the skin against environmental damage, aid in repair and help manage conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In an anti-ageing treatment, they play a critical supporting role — maintaining skin moisture and elasticity while the Retinol actives work to renew the skin underneath.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol) A well-established antioxidant that fights free radical damage, promotes healing, helps diminish visible signs of ageing and provides moisture to the skin. Vitamin E also strengthens the skin’s protective barrier — complementing the Ceramides and helping to counteract any dryness that Retinol can sometimes cause.

Rooibos Extract (Aspalathus Linearis) Hypoallergenic and non-irritating, Rooibos calms and soothes red, irritated, inflamed and sensitive skin — making it an ideal inclusion in a Retinol treatment where some initial skin sensitivity is possible. Its antioxidant properties further support the skin’s overnight repair and renewal processes.

What It Improves

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin firmness and elasticity
• Skin cell renewal and overall skin texture
• Uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and age spots
• Enlarged pores and skin congestion
• Skin radiance and overall complexion
• Skin barrier strength and moisture retention

Who It’s For

Those with fine lines and wrinkles Retinol directly stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell turnover — one of the most effective approaches available for visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Uneven skin tone and pigmentation The cell renewal and resurfacing action of Retinol helps fade hyperpigmentation, age spots and uneven tone — revealing a more even, radiant complexion with consistent use.

Acne-prone skin Retinol’s exfoliating and pore-clearing properties help unclog pores, reduce their appearance and address the congestion that contributes to breakouts.

Mature skin Formulated specifically to address the multiple visible signs of skin ageing — loss of firmness, lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and sagging — with one of the most proven anti-ageing actives available.

Those with enlarged pores The exfoliating and resurfacing action of Retinol helps unclog and minimise the appearance of enlarged pores over time.

How To Use

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly each evening with a suitable Annique cleanser.
2. Apply the Retinol Night Treatment to the face and neck — use before Essense Skin Detox and serums if applicable.
3. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the treatment to absorb fully before applying subsequent products.
4. Follow with your preferred Annique night cream — such as the Forever Young Crème de Nuit.
5. Always use daily sun protection the following morning — Retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV exposure.
6. Begin by using two to three times per week for the first four weeks. Gradually increase to daily use as your skin adjusts.

Pairs well with:

• Annique Forever Young Retinol Night Treatment 30ml — accelerated skin renewal at night
• Annique Forever Young Anti-Ageing Serum 30ml — layer under moisturiser for enhanced anti-ageing benefits
• Annique Forever Young Crème de Nuit 50ml — complete your routine with overnight regeneration
• Annique Forever Young Firming Col-Q10 Therapy 30ml — collagen and CoQ10 firming support
• Annique Forever Young Revitalising Cream 50ml — use Revitalising Cream during the day while Retinol Night Treatment works its magic overnight
• Annique Forever Young Bo-Serum 30ml — apply Bo-Serum during the day for complementary BoNT-L Peptide wrinkle reduction alongside overnight Retinol
• Annique Essense Skin Protect SPF 50 30ml — always use SPF 50 daily when using Retinol as skin becomes more sensitive to UV exposure

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this formula contain two types of Retinol? The dual Retinol approach combines the fast, deep-penetrating action of Retinol with the slower, gentler sustained release of Retinyl Palmitate. Together they deliver more comprehensive results than a single Retinol form — providing both immediate effectiveness and prolonged overnight benefit, while reducing the risk of the irritation that high concentrations of Retinol alone can sometimes cause.

Why is it packaged in an amber glass bottle? Retinol degrades when exposed to light — which reduces its effectiveness over time. The amber glass bottle protects the formula from light degradation, ensuring the product remains stable and effective from the first application to the last.

Why does this use an oil-based formula? The oil-based formula improves both the absorption and stability of the Retinol actives — helping them penetrate more effectively into the skin and remain active for longer compared to water-based alternatives.

How do I introduce this into my routine without irritation? Start slowly — two to three times per week for the first four weeks. This allows your skin to adjust to the Retinol actives gradually. After four weeks, increase to daily use as your skin’s tolerance builds. Always follow with a nourishing night cream and use sun protection every morning.

Can I use this with the Forever Young Crème de Nuit? Yes — and Annique recommends it. Apply the Retinol Night Treatment first, wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to absorb, then apply the Crème de Nuit. The Bakuchiol and Squalane in the Crème de Nuit complement the Retinol’s action while also helping to soothe and hydrate the skin during treatment.

Do I need to use sunscreen while using this product? Yes — this is essential. Retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV exposure, making daily sun protection a non-negotiable part of your routine while using this treatment. Annique recommends applying Essense Derma Protect SPF 20 every morning as a minimum, and a higher SPF on days with extended sun exposure.

Is this suitable for sensitive skin? The dual Retinol approach and the inclusion of Rooibos Extract and Ceramides make this formula gentler than many Retinol treatments. However, some initial sensitivity is normal when introducing Retinol into a routine. Starting at two to three times per week and building gradually will help minimise any irritation. Those with very sensitive skin may find the Forever Young Crème de Nuit with Bakuchiol a more suitable starting point.