Adenosine is a naturally occurring nocturnal biomolecule known for its anti-wrinkle and skin-soothing benefits. Though it occurs in the body, the adenosine found in skincare is typically derived from yeast and, like retinoids and peptides, it functions as a cell-communicating ingredient, meaning it enhances the natural behaviour of our skin cells.

It may be little-known, but adenosine is a big hitter when it comes to skin benefits.

Research has found adenosine has potential anti-ageing benefits, as it is believed to aid skin’s natural collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity. Adenosine can also help to smooth the look of lines and wrinkles over time.

2. Soothing.

In our new Smart Clinical Repair™ Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask, adenosine acts to soothe and restore the skin overnight, improving the look of irritation and turning down skin sensitivities.

3. Skin barrier protection. 

Some research suggests adenosine’s hydrating, soothing properties can help to strengthen the skin barrier. It also has potential to help with wound healing.

4. Safe for all skin types.

Adenosine is a gentle ingredient, meaning it is well-tolerated by most skin types, and suitable for sensitive skin in certain formulations (including our new Smart Clinical Repair™ Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask).

Now we’ve covered adenosine skin benefits, let’s talk about how to incorporate adenosine into your routine. We recommend adding an adenosine cream like Smart Clinical Repair™ Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask to your night-time routine – this advanced hydrating formula will help to soothe and restore your skin, while it’s already in repair mode.

Adenosine anti-ageing routine:

Step 1: Double cleanse.

Remove daily makeup, SPF and impurities with our silky balm-to-oil Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm, then follow up with your choice of Clinique Cleanser.

Step 2: Gently exfoliate.

Next, sweep away daily pollution and dulling flakes with Clarifying Lotion. This gentle liquid exfoliator reveals smoother, clearer looking skin and helps to prep your skin for moisturiser. Exfoliated skin can more readily absorb other treatment products in your routine, so it’s an important step in your AM and PM routine.

Step 3: Apply a targeted retinoid and peptide serum.

For optimal anti-ageing action, apply Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Serum, formulated with 9.5% peptides and 1% retinoid to help reduce the look of wrinkles, firm skin and boost radiance.

Step 4: Finish with an adenosine cream to help soothe and smooth skin overnight.

Expertly formulated with adenosine, 12% hyaluronic acid and peptides, our new Smart Clinical Repair™ Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask reduces the look of lines and wrinkles, helps restore skin’s moisture barrier and quells the look and feel of sensitivity. Use nightly as a face cream, massaging all over the face and neck until absorbed (read here for our anti-ageing facial massage routine), or apply a thicker layer as a soothing, smoothing leave-on overnight mask.

If you're a fan of the Smart range, we have another innovation we think you'll love. The new Smart Clinical Repair™ AM/PM Retinoid Balm, a concentrated retinoid treatment that softens and plumps the look of fine, dry lines and targets deeper wrinkles too. In an innovative stick format for targeted application, it’s formulated with plumping hyaluronic acid and 1% retinoid to gently resurface and reduce the look of wrinkles. Apply directly to lines AM and PM to target wrinkles on the spot – and always follow with sunscreen.