Annmarie Activated Night Serum (Retinol Alternative)

This plant-based night serum is designed to support skin renewal and hydration without using synthetic retinoids. It combines aloe, tremella mushroom, olive-derived squalane, hyaluronic acid, algae extracts, and antioxidant-rich botanical oils to help soften the look of fine lines and support a smoother, more radiant complexion by morning. The texture is lightweight yet nourishing, making it a good fit for nighttime use when skin tends to feel drier or more compromised.

Ingredients

Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (algae) extract, Tremella fuciformis (tremella mushroom) extract, squalane (olive derived), herb extract (aloe vera leaf juice, mallow flower, horsetail leaf, olive leaf, bringraj leaf, arnica flower, fennel flowers), Populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract, glycerin (vegetable derived), Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) oil, Calophyllum inophyllum (tamanu) oil, carrageenan (red algae) extract, pomegranate seed CO2 extract, Nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil, St. John’s wort herb extract in olive fruit oil, copaiba balsam oil, lavender oil, sodium gluconate, sodium ascorbate, xanthan gum, superoxide dismutase (SOD), white turmeric oil, sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), blue chamomile oil, astaxanthin (algae) powder. Ingredients are listed by the brand as organically grown or wildcrafted where noted.

Certifications & Standards

  • MADE SAFE certified (verified on the brand’s product page)

  • Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free (verified on the brand’s product page)

  • Made in USA (brand-stated on the brand’s product page)

  • Non-GMO (brand-stated on the brand’s product page)

What I Like

  • I like the “retinol alternative” approach here, using algae-derived actives and antioxidants instead of vitamin A derivatives.

  • Tremella mushroom, hyaluronic acid, and aloe support hydration and a smoother look without the typical dryness often associated with retinoids.

  • Olive-derived squalane, tamanu oil, black cumin seed oil, and pomegranate seed extract support the skin barrier and overall comfort.

  • Antioxidant support from ingredients such as mangosteen, astaxanthin, and superoxide dismutase makes this feel like an overnight treatment.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • EWG rating: 4, based on entering the ingredient list into the EWG Skin Deep Analyzer. This score is mainly driven by aspen bark extract and conservative contamination-based flags for algae/seaweed ingredients and lavender, rather than confirmed safety issues at cosmetic-use levels.

  • This is a complex botanical formula, so it may not be the best fit if you prefer very minimal ingredient lists.

  • Patch testing is a smart step for very sensitive, fragrance-reactive, rosacea-prone, or acne-prone skin, as the formula contains essential oils and numerous botanicals.

Sensitive Skin & Pregnancy Considerations

The base ingredients in this serum are generally considered low risk for topical cosmetic use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Because the formula contains multiple botanicals and essential oils (including lavender and blue chamomile), it may feel too active for those who become more scent-sensitive or reactive during pregnancy.

Essential oil transparency: This product contains essential oils. Essential oils can carry trace contaminants, depending on sourcing and processing, and Feather & Nest prioritizes brands that use certified ingredients and, when available, testing practices to minimize impurities.