
“Improves the look of uneven tone and texture.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
“This Retinol Face Serum, infused with Squalane, Green Tea, and Vitamin E, helps hydrate and visibly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
“This Retinol Face Serum, infused with Squalane, Green Tea, and Vitamin E, helps hydrate and visibly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, caprylyl glycol.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: copernicia cerifera wax, helianthus annuus seed oil.
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: retinol.
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: retinol. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
This product contains antioxidants (retinol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
1 of 1 community members would buy it again.
The Advanced Clinicals Retinol Serum is absolutely amazing. I usually see results within just a few days — and honestly, I often notice a slight improvement after the very first night. (Just remember: retinol should only be used at night, since light breaks down the molecule and reduces its effectiveness!)
I personally use it along with the glycolic acid from the same brand (Advanced Clinicals), and the combination makes my skin look incredible. I apply glycolic acid first, then the retinol — always at night, preferably right before bed, so it doesn’t lose its effectiveness due to light exposure. However, it’s important to test your skin’s sensitivity first, especially when combining actives. Not everyone tolerates this combo well at first. And of course, even though you’re applying it at night, it’s highly recommended to use sunscreen daily, since your skin will be more sensitive during the day.
What I’ve noticed from using this serum is that it helps with skin recovery, evens out my complexion, and improves overall texture and glow. With consistent use, the results become even more noticeable. It also helps to reduce acne, shrink the appearance of pores, and fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time. It boosts cell turnover, which is key for smoother, clearer, and healthier-looking skin.
As for the anti-aging benefits: yes, it helps maintain youthful skin and prevent premature aging. But let’s be honest — NO cream or serum will reverse aging, and that’s true for ANY brand. Rejuvenation requires professional treatments. Skincare products help maintain results, not perform miracles.
That said, I absolutely recommend this serum. Every product I’ve tried from Advanced Clinicals has been excellent — and this one is definitely a favorite!
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic
More about Isopropyl myristateOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinHelps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Ethylhexyl olivateA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholCan have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content
More about Pyrus malus fruit extractAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderActs as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
More about RetinolPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractHelps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Helianthus annuus extractHops extract. Can contain common irritants and allergens geraniol, limonene, linalool
More about Humulus lupulus extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function
More about Helianthus annuus seed oilIncreases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions
More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymerA preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolHelps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Copernicia cerifera waxHelps stabilize the product formulation
More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetateHelps oil and water mix together
More about Disodium cocoamphodipropionateUsed to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneWater, Isopropyl myristate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl olivate, Cetearyl alcohol, Pyrus malus fruit extract, Squalane, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Propanediol, Avena sativa bran extract, Retinol, Tocopherol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Oryza sativa bran extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract, Helianthus annuus extract, Humulus lupulus extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene glycol, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum, Copernicia cerifera wax, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, 1,2-hexanediol, Disodium cocoamphodipropionate, Xanthan gum, Ethyl ferulate, Parfum, Limonene
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| ADVANCED CLINICALSRetinol SerumYOUR PRODUCT | DermelectEmpower Anti-Wrinkle Treatment | Saint Jane BeautySacred Sleep Retinol Repair | SkinMedicaRetinol Complex 1.0 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 86% | 85% | 85% |
| Price | $12.99 | $75.00+$62.01 | $70.00+$57.01 | $76.80+$63.81 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 11 | 4 of 11 | 4 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Lactic Acid | Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Derm Institute Cellular Rejuvenating TightenerNaturium Vitamin C Super Serum Plus
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.
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