I’ve been a fan of No7’s Future Renew collection since it launched, along with so many leading dermatologists and celebrities, including Elizabeth Banks, Bethenny Frankel and Dolores Catania. The Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum won our Beauty Award in 2025, the Night Serum won our Beauty Award this year and now, I’m singing the praises of yet another formula: the new Future Renew Defense Shield Moisturizer SPF 50 (already a Bethenny Frankel fan-favorite). Here’s a closer look at the science behind No7’s acclaimed product range and how two of its bestsellers make the ultimate daytime skin-care duo.
Featured Experts
- Hope Mitchell, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Perrysburg, OH
- Tess Mauricio, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego
- Mike Bell, PhD is the head of science research for No7
- Ellie Bradley, PhD is the science credentialing manager for No7
What Makes the Future Renew Line So Effective
“Invisible damage can show up as early as your 20s and continues to accelerate with age,” says Perrysburg, OH dermatologist Hope Mitchell, MD. “Damage can be caused by multiple factors, including sun exposure, pollution, smoking and nutrition/diet.” This is what No7 scientists, led by Dr. Mike Bell, have been studying for 20 years. “We have been working with the University of Manchester, conducting more than 15 years of research to understand the mechanisms of skin damage in the context of skin aging,” says Dr. Ellie Bradley, science credentialing manager for No7. “Through this work, we became very interested in peptides and specifically matrikines, which are dermal matrix–derived peptides.”
San Diego dermatologist Tess Mauricio, MD explains that “peptides are like text messages that tell our skin to repair itself, and No7 is a pioneer in peptides when it comes to their use in skin care. These particular peptides help reverse signs of damage on the skin, such as fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, and dryness. Peptides are important because they offer several skin benefits, including boosting collagen formation, hydrating the skin and assisting in skin barrier repair function.”
The Ultimate Daytime Skin-Care Duo
Impressively, the Future Renew collection has been tested on 8,000 consumers across 79 studies, with 47 percent of users having skin of color. Beloved by celebrities including including Elizabeth Banks and Dolores Catania, the hero in the range is the Damage Reversal Serum, which is clinically proven to reverse visible signs of skin damage by up to 10 years. Formulated with the brand’s patented peptide technology, Pepticology, this lightweight face serum is the ultimate multitasker, making skin look brighter and feel firmer and less dry. I love that it’s nongreasy, doesn’t pill when layered under moisturizer and/or sunscreen and is also suitable for sensitive skin.
Though the serum sets the foundation, every good skin-care routine needs broad-spectrum sunscreen, and the new Future Renew Defense Shield Moisturizer SPF 50 makes this duo the perfect pair. “Sunlight is the number-one cause of visible skin damage, and therefore sun protection is the key way to defend against it,” says Dr. Mitchell. “It’s also important to remember to reapply every couple of hours that you’re outside.” Dr. Bell stresses the importance of sun protection, too, based on his discoveries in the lab. “We’ve discovered that 93 percent of rhythmic genes are weaker in sun-exposed skin.” This nongreasy formula makes it easy to combine your moisturizer and sunscreen into one step, hydrating and protecting from UV damage simultaneously. Plus, because the SPF is chemical-based (avobenzone, octinoxate and octisalate), there is no white cast.
Another big bonus is the accessible price point the Serum is $40 and the Moisturizer SPF 50 is $35. Together, these two skin-care superstars can help prevent and reverse skin damage, making sure one of your best assets—your skin—is cared for from all angles.
