Don’t you hate it when products get reformulated for the worse? That’s what happened to my beloved Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum.
The latest incarnation, imaginatively called Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, doesn’t contain any form of vitamin A, that powerful antioxidant that’s been proven to REALLY reduce wrinkles.
But, you know where you can find it, instead? Missha Night Repair Ampoule. It features the same main active ingredient, Bifida Ferment Lysate, as the Estee Lauder serum, too. So, it is a better dupe? Let’s take a look:
- What Ingredients Do These Serums Have In Common?
- What Else Is In These Serums?
- What’s The Texture Like?
- What’s The Packaging Like?
- How To Use Them
- Which Of The Two Should You Go For?
- Price & Availability
- Is Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule [Gold] A Dupe For Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum?
What Ingredients Do These Serums Have In Common?
BIFIDA FERMENT LYSATE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR SKIN’S BARRIER
Both Missha and Estee Lauder have chosen bifida ferment lysate as their star ingredient. It’s a probiotic that helps maintain microflora in the GI tract. But what does it do for skin?
Makes sense. Your skin’s barrier is your first layer of protection from harsh weather, irritating skincare products, toxic pollutants, and anything else that’s trying to harm it. The stronger your barrier is, the less likely something is to breach it and irritate you.
P.S. I doubt there’s 10% in these serums. But even a smaller amount will do something.
Related: The Truth About Probiotics In Skincare: Do They Really Work?
HYALURONIC ACID TO HYDRATE SKIN
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of Hyaluronic Acid. It’s a humectant that attracts, and binds, to the skin up to 1000 times its weight in water.
That means it’s extremely hydrating, and a great help in keeping skin softer and plumper. Oh, and it works well both in high and low humidity conditions. You could live in the middle of Siberia or the Sarah, and it’d still do wonders for your skin.
Related: Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type
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What Else Is In These Serums?
In Estee Lauder, not much. Probiotics and Hyaluronic Acid aside, the serum contains a bunch of antioxidants that help prevent the signs of premature aging.
But it’s Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule [Gold] that really shines here. It has two ingredients that makes it a more effective option for your skin.
Before I tell you about them, here’s the caveat: Missha also has way more ingredients. That means that if your skin is sensitive and reactive, the Missha serum is more likely to irritate your skin.
RETINOL TO FIGHT WRINKLES
Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule also contains retinol, a form of vitamin A that promotes cellular turnover and boosts collagen production. The result? Reduced wrinkles and dark spots.
The old version of the Estee Lauder serum used to contain retinyl palmitate, a less powerful, but more gentle, form of vitamin A. But, they took it out, and replaced it with nothing. What the heck were they thinking?
P.S. If you’re new to it, retinol can irritate and dry out your skin. Use it a couple of times a week to begin with and increase frequency overtime.
Related: The Complete Guide To Retinol: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
NIACINAMIDE TO… EVERYTHING
Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule contains another of my favourite ingredients: niacinamide.
A stable form of vitamin B3, niacinamide has been proven to do pretty much everything, from hydrating skin to reducing wrinkles and dark spots, to soothing rosacea and even treating acne!
Any cream or serum that contains more than the tiniest pinch of it gets a thumbs up from me.
Related: The Complete Guide To Niacinamide: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
What’s The Texture Like?
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum has a lighter texture, so it absorbs more quickly. But Missha isn’t that much thicker, really.
What’s The Packaging Like?
They both come in bottles with a dropper applicator for easier application. Plus, they both keep the antioxidants inside safe from light and air (they would degrade them).
Estee Lauder is a sleek brown and gold, while Missha opted for more feminine purple hues.
How To Use Them
You can use Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum morning and/or evening, straight after cleansing.
Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule [Gold] contains retinol, so it’s strictly a night-time product. Apply it in the PM, straight after cleansing. Start with a couple of nights a week and increase frequency to every other day slowly.
Related: What Skincare Products Should You Only Use In The Evening?
Which Of The Two Should You Go For?
Opt for Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex if you have sensitive skin.
Go with Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule [Gold] if you’re more concerned with anti-aging than hydration.
Price & Availability
Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule [Gold]: $52.00 at Missha
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum: $70.00 at Dermstore, Feel Unique, Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom, Sephora and Ulta
Is Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule [Gold] A Dupe For Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum?
No, Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule [Gold] isn’t a dupe for Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. It’s better for those who are concerned about anti-aging. But if you have sensitive skin, Estee Lauder is still the gentler option.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II
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) <ILN39632>
Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule [Gold]
Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycereth-26, Juniperus Chinsensis Xylem Extract, Sorbus Commmixta Extract, BIS-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Betaine, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethyl Hexanediol, Dimethicone, Grifola Frondosa (Maitake)/Ophioglossum Vulgatum Extract Ferment Filtrate, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Triethanolamine, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sea Water, Sodium Hyaluronate, Octyldodecanol, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Acacia Arabica Stem Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Extensis, Adenosine Xanthan Gum, Aronia Arbutifolia Extract, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Vaccinum Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cyclomethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Dextrin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Manilkara Multinervis Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Saccharomyces/Viscum Album (Mistetoe) Ferment Extract, Yeast Ferment Extract, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Dimethiconol, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharides, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Beta-Sitosterol, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Propylene Glycol, Cholesterol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Ceteth-24, Chloeth-24, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Ubiquinone, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Maltodextrin Crosspolymer, Cetyl Phosphate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Retinol, Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Biotin, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterol, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, BHT, Ceteteh-3, Ceteth-5, Copper Tripeptide-1, Silica, Tripeptide-1
Wow!!! I’m going to get this and I’ll click through here! I’ve tried the purple bottle EL serum John Hsu recommended once and I loved it. So expensive though. I’ll order it later tonight!
Janessa, thanks for your support. Estee Lauder makes some great skincare products, but the prices are crazy!
wow this misha serum sounds like a winner! Look at those ingredients and the price!
Tirurit, it is!
Great analysis! I had heard good things about Missha Time Revolution, but now you’re got me convinced. It has all my favorite serum ingredients in it. I just need to find out the percent retinol coz I’m using a serum I really like that has 2.5.
Allison, I doubt this contains that much. It’s pretty rare to find a serum with more than 1% retinol. But maybe you can alternate them?
Another blogger asked the company and they replied it contains 0.0004% retinol.
Cristina, thanks for sharing. Retinol is one of those ingredients that works well even in tiny amounts. But, of course, the less there is, the longer it takes to see results.
I’m new to this whole serum game but your website has helped me tremendously. My question is, do you alternate serums (one in the morning, one in the evening or alternating days) or can you use more than one at a time? I am using a product right now called HQRA+ and it has been pretty irritating. I’ve started using it every other/third day. Would you use a serum on the days you don’t use the HQRA+? I did just order the Timeless C that you recommended but this one looks fun too and I’m tempted to purchase it! Thanks in advance! Love your blog!
Carissa, I’m glad you find my blog useful. 🙂
I suppose you could use more than one at a time, if you give your skin enough time to absorb them all. But, I prefer to use one in the morning and a different one at night.
Or, like in your case, when you’re using a very powerful serum only two or three times a week, you can definitely use another product on the “off days”. I find that serums rich in hyaluronic acid or skin sootheners work very well alternated to retinol serums, as they help skin recover from its harsher effects (at least, until it has gotten used to it).
There are too many good serums around, aren’t there? This one contains retinol too so I wouldn’t recommend it together with the HQRA+. It may be a bit gentler though, so you can give it a go once you run out of it.
Love this article! (Like most of yours) Just checked for it in Spain and it´s ridiculous that it costs twice as much!!! (45,90€).
Barbara, glad you enjoyed it. And that’s ridiculous! Why does everything always has to cost a lot more in Europe?
Try iherb. It’s almost half that price and the shipping is cheap.
Cristina, thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
Hello! I was googling for a dupe for Night Repair and I got so very much more than I thought I’d find! Your comments, comparisons, and scientific information is fabulous…I trust that with all the work you put into this answer on your blog that the Missha will be just what I am looking for. Thank you for your detailed comments and I will be ordering it from Amazon…it’s sad that Night Repair has obviously changed its formulation to cut costs…thanks again, Sher
Sher, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you found this post useful. If you like Night Repair, you’ll like Missha Time Revolution even more. Let me know what you think of it when you try it.
Hi there, I was recommended Missha night care by my friend but was not that convinced. Thank you so much for your post that I find it very helpful and you really got me totally convinced that I am going to by Missha right away!!!!
Min, glad this post helped. I’m sure you’re going to love it. 🙂
Thank you so much for this! My skin is so dry and the EL Night Repair has been the only thing working lately… But I knew there had to be an alternative at a lower price! Thank you, I’ll try it straight away!
Janne, my pleasure! Let me know how you get on. 🙂
Retinol is so far down in the list of ingredients. There are far better options if retinol is the ingredient you’re looking for. With all the options out there, both of these are inferior products.The optimal ingredients are in minimal concentrations in both formulas. I’m not sure why even post them, dupes or not, TWICE?
Bobi, normally I would agree with you but retinol is one of the exceptions. It works well even at <1% concentrations. In fact, 1% is already huge when it comes to retinol and should be used only by people with resilient skin who have build resistance to it. 🙂
Thank you so much. i recently lost my job and while I don’t want my skincare to suffer, I just cant afford Night Repair anymore. It’s great to see there’s not only a great alternative, but a BETTER one. I was wondering also how you felt about the night repair eye cream and if the Missha version of that is also a better choice?
Aaron, glad you found this useful. I wouldn’t say the eye creams are dupes but the Missha cream is a good basic cream for the eye area. However, if you’re on a budget, you may not need an eye cream at all: http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2011/05/30/do-you-really-need-an-eye-cream/
What is the difference between the Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule and the MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Borabit Ampoule, Repair Serum? Would you use it combined with another retinol product as it contains such a little quantity? Thanks
Elisa, I think they are the same product, it just underwent a name change along the line.
NEVER use more than ONE retinol product at a time. Retinol (even in small doses) is HARSH. You need to train your skin to tolerate low doses before you can increase them.
Hello,
Thank you so much for this article. It is so helpful. I was wondering what is your take on the Ordinary Buffet serum in comparison to the 2 serums listed above. Do you think it could be another dupe for the Ester Lauder advanced night repair serum ?
Also is it better than the Missha serum you talked about in the article?
Thank you☺️☺️☺️
Astrid, I’m not a fan of Buffet. There’s no much evidence that peptides do much of anything in skincare yet, so I wouldn’t recommend it.