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I have reviewed a lot of Dr Sam’s skincare products on here already. Some I liked, others not so much, but I figured I’d leave the most interesting one until last: The Dr Sam’s Flawless Nightly Serum. (More info: All my Dr Sam’s skincare reviews)
This serum combines quite a few interesting ingredients that might make it a great option for those of you that either want one serum to target all their concerns or that suffer from rosacea and want to use Azelaic Acid paired with a retinoid.
So without further ado, let’s take a closer look.
What Dr Sam’s Flawless Nightly Serum claims
An Amplified Active – Niacinamide, Granactive Retinoid, Azelaic Acid, and Bakuchiol – to deliver that signature Grown-up Glow.
It softens laughter lines, vacuums pores and makes the light love your skin.
(More info: Retinol, Adapalene, Granactive Retinoid – Your comprehensive guide to retinoids)
Facts about the Dr Sam’s Flawless Nightly Serum
Prize and size
One pump bottle contains 30 ml and is available for 44 £ on the website here. It is vegan, cruelty- free and fragrance-free. My pump bottle sometimes had issues when I wanted to use more than one pump, it needed some time as if it needed to recharge, but I don’t know if that was just mine or is a general issue maybe triggered by the consistency of the product.
Texture and smell
The serum has a lotion texture, is yellow (probably due to the Granactive Retinoid) and has no noticeable scent. Azelaic Acid can sometimes feel a little grainy, and while that typically happens in higher concentration, I sometimes got a faint feeling of texture with this one. Only occasionally though, usually it felt smooth.
How to use the Dr Sam’s Flawless Nightly Serum
As the name “Nightly” suggests, it is supposed to go on at night, after cleansing and, depending on your skin type, before moisturizer. This is designed to be a one step serum, so you shouldn’t combine it with other actives in the same routine, and as it contains Glycerin, you don’t really need a separate hydrating serum either.
I have used it every night for three weeks without any signs of irritation, but as every skin is different, you might want to start introducing it slowly if your skin is more on the reactive side.
(More info: The 5 steps you need to take to repair your skin barrier)
Ingredients of the Dr Sam’s Flawless Nightly Serum
cci|sb|aacne|h, Azelaic Acid aacne|so|buff, Dicaprylyl Carbonate emo, Glycerin sii|h 0 0, Ethoxydiglycol solv|h|perf 0 0, Cetearyl Alcohol emo|vc|emu|surf 1 2, Dimethyl Isosorbide solv|vc, Bakuchiol 
cci|aox|amic, Tapioca Starch vc, Benzyl Alcohol pres|perf|solv|vc, Allantoin so 0 0, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate emu|surf, Xanthan Gum vc, Phenoxyethanol pres, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate cci, Disodium EDTA chel, Dehydroacetic Acid pres, PolymethylsilsesquioxaneHover the mouse over an ingredient for short explanation. Read more on INCIDecoder.
Niacinamide is at 10%, which is on the higher spectrum and the Azelaic Acid at 5% – that is on the lower end of the spectrum. (More info: Niacinamide in skincare).
Available without prescription is usually at 10% max, with prescription containing up to 20%. Azelaic Acid is recommended for rosacea prone skin as well as skin prone to redness and here comes combined with Granactive Retinoid as retinoid and Bakuchiol, a plant extract that claims retinoid like effects. (More info: What is Bakuchiol?)
While Granactive Retinoid is at 2%, you need to remember that it is a complex, with Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, the actual active component, being at a lower concentration. In addition to the Glycerin I already mentioned there is also Allantoin, which is soothing.
Does it live up to its claims?
Yes.
It certainly has the potential to refine the skins texture so that it “makes the light love your skin”. Only thing I wouldn’t sign is the “vacuums your pores” – even if I know this is an euphemism.
How does it compare to…
The Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum
Both are designed for those that want just one product as opposed to layering different ones, and both combine Granactive Retinoid and an exfoliating Acid. Both are also equally pricey, with Alpha-H containing 50 ml as opposed to Dr. Sam’s 30 ml.
Which one is better for you depends on your skin type. In my opinion, Alpha-H with the added peptides and the 14% Glycolic Acid is better suited for mature and non-reactive skins, while Dr. Sam’s with the Azelaic Acid and the complete lack of botanicals is probably better if your skin is reactive, rosacea prone or just in general prone to redness.
You can read my full review of the Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum here.
Would I repurchase and which skin types do I recommend it to?
Despite really enjoying it, I wouldn’t repurchase, simply because I use Tretinoin, so don’t feel the need for a weaker retinoid, and because I prefer other acids over Azelaic Acid. If your skin is reactive or you have well controlled rosacea and want to try incorporating a retinoid for anti-aging benefits, this might be perfect for you.
(More info: Skincare tips for rosacea – The Do’s and Don’ts)
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