It’s probably no secret that I’m a fan of the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum. I know it’s not everyone’s favourite, and I often get people telling me they don’t understand why I like it, or that it is overpriced.
But it’s a product that’s consistently worked for me, and it’s one that I find pleasure in using. So really, it should just be that – different products work for different people!
Some time last year, the iconic little brown bottle underwent another reformulation. Truth to tell, I’ve lost count. I think the last one was the Synchronized Recovery Complex II? Or am I mistaken?
Anyway, the new version of the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum is now called Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, and I was kindly gifted a bottle a long while ago to have a go. Yes, I’m tardy, it’s a flaw 😛
I was curious just how the reformulation (if that) might make this iconic serum feel any different on skin, especially since I haven’t used it for a while.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex serum
When I read the blurb about this new version of ANR, I found that it employed the same technology, or gave me the same or similar information to that of the previous ANR Synchronized Recovery Complex II.
RELATED READING: Here’s the blurb in detail of the previous ANR version READ HERE
In gist, it’s a multi-use ‘anti-aging’ serum product. I call it a multi-use serum, because it doesn’t focus on just one or two key ingredients e.g. retinol or niacinamide, two keywords in today’s serum world. Instead, it’s one that sort of does everything in one bottle.
It is a serum that promises you skin that is smoother and less lined, younger, more radiant and even toned. They accomplish this with their patented Chronolux™ Power Signal Technology, and it is a deep and fast-penetrating serum that reduces the look of multiple signs of aging caused by the environmental assaults of modern life.
Just like the previous version, the ANR Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex is one that works while you sleep. It increases your skin’s natural ability for self-repair while you sleep, promoting skin’s natural renewal of new cells and production of collagen. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, it attracts and locks in moisture in skin for, they say, up to 72 hours.
Truthfully, there isn’t much that’s new in terms of how the serum promises to perform. In fact, I took a look at their ingredients list, and noticed that it is quite similar, with similar key ingredients.
Their key ingredients, based on the ingredients list are hyaluronic acid, which boosts skin hydration; Bifida ferment lysate, which contains probiotics for skin to strengthen skin immunity and protecting it against environmental aggressors; and peptides in the form of tripeptide-32, to boost collagen production.
For me therefore, I often wonder what purpose a ‘relaunch’ or ‘reformulation’ serves, except to update the packaging, remind people of its existence, and more often than not, raise the price.
I’d personally prefer that the product be updated, if it needs updating, but there is no real need to change the name to an ever more confusing one. It is known since its launch as the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum, and honestly, it should just stay that way. But what do I know eh? I’m just a consumer 😛
A full dropper of goodness
I use a full dropper each time. It’s what is recommended, and that’s how I’ve been using it from Day 1. Using a few drops of product, as many are wont to do due to the price, is rather counter-intuitive. So, be generous with use.
The texture, smell and absorbency feels just like the previous iteration. It is a light, opaque, golden liquid that sinks right into skin.
Estee Lauder even suggests that you apply it on damp skin, by first spritzing your skin with a facial mist. I’m not surprised this is recommended, due to the high content of hyaluronic acid in the serum.
As I’ve previously shared, hyaluronic acid needs moisture to grab on to, to be effective, so applying it on damp skin activates it better. I’m glad to see that my hunch is justified 😀
RELATED READING: Are you applying a hydration serum or hyaluronic acid serum effectively? You might not! READ HERE
For me, moist skin isn’t an issue as I already use the moisture sandwich technique, but if you don’t already use it, consider trying!
Skin does look and feel smoother and more rested
However, I must note here that this is just how my skin looks and feels with the previous iteration of this ANR serum.
Perhaps, if you have never tried the Estee Lauder ANR serum, you might notice a more profound result. You may notice that your skin feels smoother, and more hydrated. You may even notice that it looks more rested, and calmer, even if you don’t actually feel more rested when you wake up LOL! 😛 I kid you not, it does fool you some.
However, if you have used the Estee Lauder ANR before this, then don’t expect any earth-shaking results. You will get skin that looks and feels the same. It’s not a bad thing!
Is the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum worth the money?
This question of whether a product is ‘worth the money’ is never one I will impose my view on.
RELATED READING: I’ve shared my thoughts on whether expensive products are ‘Worth it’ and you can READ HERE
Ultimately, much of it depends on your budget, and how much you’re willing to spend on a skincare product.
I will say here that the Estee Lauder ANR Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex isn’t something you must have in your skincare wardrobe. You could in fact, never use it in your lifetime, and you won’t miss it.
However, if you are a little overwhelmed by the jungle of products and mumbo-jumbo of active ingredients flooding the market, it is quite nice to retreat into the safe familiarity of the iconic little brown bottle. A one bottle fits all sort of product that doesn’t need a degree in chemistry to understand and to use.
It isn’t the world’s most innovative nor the world’s most complete serum. But for my purposes, as a multi-use, all-in-one product that keeps my skin happy, rested, hydrated, plumped and smooth, I could really do worse! 🙂
IN A NUTSHELL
The newest iteration of the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex serum is a purported reformulation of the iconic formula. I however find that it performs similarly to the last iteration, which isn’t a bad thing. It absorbs easily into the skin, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated, smooth, plumped and looks rested. I can wake up feeling like a truck hit me, but my skin will fool anyone otherwise LOL! It’s a product I’d suggest for someone who wants an all-in-one serum, without being too complex about it. It does the job, as it has done all these years.
PROS:
Lightweight texture absorbs easily and quickly into the skin
Skin feels plumped and smoothed
Skin looks more rested in the morning
Skin feels hydratedCONS:
PriceyWHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who already enjoys using ANR, Anyone who wants an all-in-one anti-aging serum product
PRICE: RM450 | US$105 for 50ml (comes in various sizes)
WHERE TO BUY: Estee Lauder counters and online, Sephora, Lookfantastic
For those interested, I’ve included the ingredients list for the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, and its predecessor, the Synchronized Recovery Complex II, so you can have a look.
ANR Synchronized Recovery Complex II Ingredients (review)
Water\Aqua\Eau, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Peg-75, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Cola Acuminata (Kola) Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Pantethine, Caffeine, Lecithin, Tripeptide-32, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Rna, Bisabolol, Glycereth-26, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Oleth-3, Oleth-5, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure, Choleth-24, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceteth-24, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Hexylene Glycol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Trisodium Edta, Bht, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Red 4 (Ci 14700), Yellow 5 (Ci 19140)
ANR Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex ingredients (new)
Water\Aqua\Eau, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Peg-8, Propanediol, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycereth-26, Peg-75, Butylene Glycol, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Tripeptide-32, Sodium Hyaluronate, Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure, Lactobacillus Ferment, Cola Acuminata (Kola) Seed Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Pantethine, Caffeine, Lecithin, Sodium Rna, Bisabolol, Squalane, Glycerin, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Oleth-3, Oleth-5, Choleth-24, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Jojoba Wax Peg-120 Esters, Ceteth-24, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Tetrasodium Edta, Bht, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol, Red 4 (CI 14700), Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
To my untrained eye, the ingredients lists look similar, albeit with ingredients in different sequences, and some new additions/omissions. Perhaps that’s reflected in the formula. However, I am not one to ingredients peep, so I’m not particularly fussed by it. Just putting it up there for anyone else who understands it better 🙂
Are you a fan of the iconic ANR serum? Have you tried this new one?
I think I’ve tried almost all the iterations of the ANR at various times in my life LOL! It was one of the first ‘anti-aging’ serums I bought back in the day, and still one of the few all rounders I use now and again. It’s nice to use all the strong active ingredients, but it’s also nice to just use one product and call it a night 😀
Paris B
Disclosure: Featured products were press samples by the store for consideration. Our commitment is to honesty and fairness. For review guidelines please read the disclaimer.
Hi Paris,
Like you I have used countless bottles myself. But reached a point where I couldn’t justify the price tag. But as you said its always a comfort bottle to turn to albeit a pricey one.
I’m the same as you so if I manage to find it on offer somewhere, or a deal, I’d get it but to just stroll out and get a bottle, it’s hard to justify. Back in the day when we could travel, Duty Free offered up the best options. Twin packs of 100ml bottles for what is, relatively, a song! But those days are gone now, for a while haha! 😀
Exactly that’s where I use to stick mine up. At the airport.
I used Night Repair many years ago. Even then, the price was too high for the results that I got, which is, little.
My skin care philosophy has changed. Nowadays, I buy products to target specific skin problems. To diminish brown spots, I use Murad Vitamin C serum (US$80). I am planning to buy the Inkey List Tranexamic acid serum (US$14.99) to see if it’s more efficacious because I’ve finished the Murad serum. To hydrate my dry skin, I use Dr. Jart ceramidin cream which is the best cream I’ve had in years. It hydrates, doesn’t clog pores and it is housed in a tube! Much more hygienic than a jar. I’m so tired of companies that put creams in jars. Finally, I’m going to buy the new Skinceuticals glycolic 10 serum to exfoliate my skin before the summer comes. I think the Skinceuticals serum sells for US$80 and one can always get 15% off by shopping online at one of the many American stores.
Before Covid, I used to go every year to Singapore to an aesthetic dermatologist for Botox (just a bit) and ultherapy (to lift sagging skin). I didn’t go in the past year because of the travel ban.
Yes it seems to work differently for people. For me, it’s always been good. But the price, I agree, is just too prohibitive these days so it’s now just a treat, when I see a good price or deal. Otherwise, as you’ve pointed out, thre are many other products in the market that do a good job at a smaller price tag
Last I used this was probably about 4 years back when I bought the biggest 50ml (i think I saw a 75ml on sephora online) but was totally disappointed that it didn’t work as well as it did before. Like you, it was more of a revisit and since then I stopped buying it. Now with age gradually climbing and skin’s not as plump as before and I’m totally desperate to find an anti aging serum without oil for my troubled skin, I’m inclined to put this back into my list. Hoping that it won’t disappoint me again.
To be honest, it’s a bit of a one-leg-kick and you know how that goes right? It can’t do everything well 😀 How is your skin with products like Vit C or Retinol? Those are clearer game changers especially for skin that’s gotten a bit too used to all-in-one products.
I used ANR many years ago and found it wonderful . During lockdown I bought a 30 ml bottle from Debenhams closing down sale. I started getting small spots on my skin so stopped using Vitamin C, the spots continued so I stopped using The Ordinary retinoid but the spots continued.
I have now stopped using ANR every night and the spots have instantly gone! I have not used it for one week .
Unfortunately I had bought a 50 ml bottle from Boots sale during the recent lockdown so may give it a try later.