Hello, Beauty!
I am going to be extremely honest, I was worried about using the Activated Night Serum at first.
NOT because I didn’t believe it was a great product. But, because I have really sensitive skin and rosacea so anything revolving retinol, even a non-toxic alternative, made me a little hesitant based on previous experiences.
The main reason I ended up trying it was after hearing my CEO Rachel talk about how gently the Bio Active A Complex was, which is the ingredient that acts as our retinoid alternative.
The Bioactive A Complex is an algae-derived blend that gives skin a gentle nudge to renew itself. It supports cell turnover, helps boost collagen production, and smooths texture, but it doesn’t act like a traditional retinoid that can overstimulate the skin.
The ingredients are plant-based and work through different pathways than vitamin A derivatives, so they don’t trigger the same intense receptor activity that often leads to peeling, burning, or redness.
That’s why it’s way more kind for sensitive skin. Instead of forcing rapid turnover, it supports the skin’s natural renewal processes and your skin barrier while it works.
The serum also contains barrier-supporting lipids and calming botanicals, so as the complex encourages renewal, the rest of the formula helps keep the skin hydrated and soothed.
It’s also worth saying the Activated Night Serum isn’t only for sensitive skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, the complex helps regulate cellular turnover so pores are less likely to clog. For dry or mature skin, it supports firmness and plumpness while the hydrating components prevent dryness.
Combination skin benefits from the smoothing and evening of tone without the usual trade-off of irritation.
In short, you get many of the results people seek from retinol—improved texture, clarity, and firmness—with broader tolerance across skin types.
Here is how I use it:
I only use it at night, usually about an hour before I go to bed.
Apply to clean skin that is still slightly damp from my toning mist.
Pump a generous amount into the palm of your hand.
Dab a small amount on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead.
Gently blend.
Follow with your preferred moisturizer.
After a few weeks I noticed calmer skin, improved texture, and none of the usual tightness, redness, or flaking I was initially worried about.
So if you’re like me and instinctively hesitate at retinoid products, the point is this isn’t retinol. It’s a gentler, more adaptable alternative that supports renewal without the usual irritation, and it actually helps strengthen and soothe the skin as it works.
That’s the kind of product I can get behind without any hesitation.
One more note: this is the last chance to save 30% on the Activated Night Serum.
Use code ASCNIGHT30 at checkout.
Happy Saturday,
Grace - Email Marketing Lead