So Pestle & Mortar quietly swapped the formula on their cult Superstar Retinoid Night Oil and the reviews are… spicy. Like, “I’m returning this” spicy.
The old one smelled like a fancy spa. The new one smells like a vitamin aisle sneezed into the bottle. That’s not the real problem though — it’s the texture.
$68 for 30ml. The brand calls it a “superstar” — I call it a retinoid hybrid that’s supposed to smooth lines without peeling your face off.
Bakuchiol swap
They swapped retinol for bakuchiol. That’s a plant-based alternative — gentler, yes, but also slower.
Dry oil base
It’s a dry oil. No greasy shine, absorbs in about 12 seconds flat.
Glass dropper
Comes with a glass dropper that feels nice but picks up less product than you think.
Photo: Harper Sunday / Unsplash
Old formula ran on retinol. New formula runs on bakuchiol + a peptide complex. Gentler on paper — less punchy on skin. Here’s the new lineup:
- Bakuchiol: plant-based retinol alternative, less irritation but slower results
- Peptide complex: supports collagen, but takes weeks to show
- Squalane: lightweight hydration, no breakouts
- Vitamin E: antioxidant buffer, helps with the smell (kind of)
Photo: ibnu ihza / Unsplash
Texture is thinner — almost watery. It sinks in fast, no film. First night I thought “ok, fine.” By night three I missed the old velvet feel.
Week two: skin looked fine. No glow. No drama. That’s the problem — it’s boring now. The old one gave you that “I did something” tingle.
Photo: ONNE Beauty / Unsplash
Fine lines on my forehead? Same. Texture around my nose? Slightly smoother, but nothing crazy. No purging — but no “wow” either.
The new formula isn’t *bad* — it’s just forgettable. If you loved the old one, you’ll be disappointed. If you’re new, you won’t know what you’re missing.