Works for
ExfoliationRetinolWorks well
“The result? A smoother, gently resurfaced complexion, without any of the irritation typically associated with harsh vitamin A-derived products.”
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.
Anti-agingRetinol, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilWorks well
“This silky serum uses 0.5% retinol to rejuvenate skin, boosting collagen production and improving skin texture in the process.”
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.
Evens skin toneRetinolWorks well
“One of four vitamin serums by Australian skincare brand Alpha-H, the Vitamin A serum seeks to improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, texture and uneven tone.”
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.
MoisturizingGlycerin, Methyl gluceth-20 + 6 moreWorks
“In part, that’s thanks to the indulgent cocktail evening primrose oil and jojoba seed oil also found in the formula: together, this fatty acid-rich duo nourishes skin to keep your moisture barrier in tip top health.”
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, methyl gluceth-20.
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: simmondsia chinensis seed oil, squalane.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil + 1 moreWorks well
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).
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Oenothera biennis oilWorks well
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: RetinolMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~4–6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One 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 GlycerinMethyl gluceth-20~3.4–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it
More about Methyl gluceth-20Polysorbate 80~2.4–3.6%
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolSqualane~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An 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 SqualaneRetinol~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Two 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 RetinolPolysorbate 20~0.9–1.35%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.55–1.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.
More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSolanum lycopersicum fruit extract~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin
More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilOenothera biennis oil~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can support skin barrier function
More about Oenothera biennis oilMacadamia ternifolia seed oil~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients
More about Macadamia ternifolia seed oilCaprylyl glycol~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateDisodium edta~0.01–0.05%
Citric acid~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Methyl gluceth-20, Polysorbate 80, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Squalane, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, Oenothera biennis oil, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Caprylyl glycol, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Disodium edta, Citric acid
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Worth comparing, line by line.
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.
| Alpha-HVitamin A Serum with 0.5% RetinolYOUR PRODUCT | Beauty PieSuper Retinol High Dose Booster Treatment | Summer FridaysMidnight Ritual Retinol Serum | SkinMedicaAge Defense Retinol Complex .25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 87% | 85% | 85% |
| Price | $45.50 | — | $66.12+$20.62 | $64.00+$18.50 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Endota Overnight Glow TreatmentDerm Institute Cellular Rejuvenating Tightener
Product summary
"Alpha-H - Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-blemish, Anti-aging and Evens skin tone
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- this product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 1.10% - 1.60%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily.
- Humectants (glycerin 4.00% - 6.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Alpha-H" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails from 18.95$ up to 64.00$ in the United States, for 34.50£ in the United Kingdom, for 82.00A$ in Australia and for 490.00HK$ in Hong Kong.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5
- 6
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