Principal Secret VP.2023 Night Cream Review
Our verdict
Principal Secret's VP.2023 is a butter-texture night product with a mint scent that targets redness and acne, priced at $20 for a very small 0.51 fl oz bottle, making it best suited as a spot treatment or a trial size rather than a primary all-over night cream.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Adults who want a small-format overnight butter for targeting redness or acne-prone areas, or those trying Principal Secret before committing to a larger size.
Skip if
You need a full-face night cream that provides real coverage from a single purchase, since 0.51 fl oz runs out quickly. Also skip if you dislike mint scent.
- Form Butter
- Skin type All
- Targets Acne, Redness
- Size 0.51 Fluid Ounces
- Scent Mint
- Container Bottle
- Priced 22% below the category median ($25.71 across 144 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 162 owner ratings
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Popularity1.1/5
162 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The VP.2023 from Principal Secret is formatted as a butter rather than a traditional cream, which typically means a denser, more occlusive texture that sits on the skin surface to seal in moisture overnight. The mint scent sets it apart from most night creams and gives it a cooler sensory experience.', 'At 0.51 fl oz, this is one of the smallest formats in the night cream category. The $20 price tag feels reasonable for a trial or spot-use product, but as a full-face nightly moisturizer the per-ounce cost climbs steeply. It is delivered in a bottle rather than a jar, which helps with hygiene and product preservation.', 'The formula targets redness and acne, positioning it for skin that runs reactive or prone to breakouts. With 162 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, buyers who have used it are largely satisfied. No specific key ingredients are listed in the specs, so the formula composition is not fully transparent from the listing data alone.']
Pros
- Butter texture provides rich overnight occlusion
- Bottle format is more hygienic than a jar for a night product
- Targets redness and acne-related concerns
- Strong 4.6-star rating from 162 verified buyers
- $20 is accessible for a trial-size evaluation
Cons
- 0.51 fl oz is very small, not practical as a full-face daily cream for most users
- No key ingredients listed, limiting ability to evaluate the formula in advance
- Mint scent is polarizing and may irritate sensitive or reactive skin
Specifications
- Form
- Butter
- Skin type
- All
- Targets
- Acne, Redness
- Size
- 0.51 Fluid Ounces
- Scent
- Mint
- Container
- Bottle
- Age range
- Adult
Performance notes
Without disclosed key ingredients, performance claims rely on the product's positioning toward redness and acne. Butter-format products tend to be rich and occlusive, which can be beneficial for dry or barrier-compromised skin overnight but may be heavy for oily or acne-prone skin types. The mint scent suggests the presence of menthol or peppermint-derived ingredients, which some skin types may find sensitizing. A patch test before full-face application is advisable for anyone with reactive skin.
What buyers say
With 162 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this product draws consistent positive feedback from buyers who chose it. The small size means the audience is likely enthusiasts of the Principal Secret brand or buyers seeking a low-commitment entry point. Critical comments at this rating level are minimal and tend to center on the size rather than the formula itself.
Similar anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices to consider
Frequently asked questions
How long does 0.51 fl oz last for nightly use?
Used as a spot treatment or targeted application, 0.51 fl oz could last several weeks. If applied all over the face every night, it will likely run out in under two weeks. This size is better suited to targeted use or to testing the formula before purchasing a larger quantity.
Is the mint scent safe for sensitive skin?
Mint-derived ingredients can be sensitizing for some skin types, particularly those prone to redness or barrier disruption. If your skin reacts easily to fragrant botanicals, doing a patch test on the inner arm before applying to the face is the safer approach. If irritation occurs, this particular formula may not be a good fit.