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BABOR REFINE RX Retinew A16 Concentrate
BABOR

BABOR REFINE RX Retinew A16 Concentrate

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Urea, Sodium lactate + 6 more
Works well
What the product description says
“softer and smoother texture”
Source: SkincareRX

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": fructose, glycine.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: urea

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.05–0.2%
Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~1.8–2.7%
Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~1.5–2.2%
FructoseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.5%
GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.1–0.4%
InositolKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.05–0.3%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.05–0.25%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.05–0.1%
Anti-aging
Niacinamide, Lactic acid
Not delivered
What the product description says
“anti-ageing holy grail ingredient”
Source: SkincareRX

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.

NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.05–0.1%
Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.05–0.25%
Evens skin tone
Lactic acid ~0.05–0.25% + 1 more
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“more even appearance”
Source: SkincareRX

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.05–0.25%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.05–0.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Parfum, Linalool + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~1–1.5%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.9%est.
Hexyl cinnamalA fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritantHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.3–0.75%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~1.8–2.7%est.
Sodium cocoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.3–2%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.6–1.4%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.5–1.15%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.05–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Hyaluron Booster Drops
Kruidvat Hyaluron Booster Drops
Higher efficacy · 75/10071% match
Hyaluron Booster Feuchtigkeitskonzentrat
ISANA Hyaluron Booster Feuchtigkeitskonzentrat
Higher efficacy · 100/10071% match
$7.49
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Polyglyceryl-5 laurate~5–7.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Polyglyceryl-5 laurate
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Vigna aconitifolia seed extract~3–4.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Vigna aconitifolia seed extract
Xanthan gum~2.1–3.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Sodium lactate~1.8–2.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Sodium pca~1.5–2.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Sodium cocoyl glutamate~1.3–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium cocoyl glutamate
Parfum~1–1.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.6–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Citric acid~0.5–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Linalool~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Hexyl cinnamal~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with jasmine smell. A likely irritant

More about Hexyl cinnamal
Limonene~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Geraniol~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Fructose~0.1–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructose
Glycine~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function

More about Glycine
Inositol~0.05–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Inositol
Lactic acid~0.05–0.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Urea~0.05–0.2%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea
Niacinamide~0.05–0.1%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Benzyl benzoate~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate
Ingredient list view

Water, Polyglyceryl-5 laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Vigna aconitifolia seed extract, Xanthan gum, Sodium lactate, Sodium pca, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric acid, Linalool, Hexyl cinnamal, Limonene, Geraniol, Sodium benzoate, Fructose, Glycine, Inositol, Lactic acid, Urea, Niacinamide, Benzyl alcohol, Benzyl benzoate

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
BABORREFINE RX Retinew A16 ConcentrateYOUR PRODUCTKruidvatHyaluron Booster DropsISANAHyaluron Booster Feuchtigkeitskonzentrat111SKINHyaluronic Acid Aqua Booster Serum
Match—71%71%68%
Price——$7.49$115.00
Shared key ingredients—6 of 66 of 66 of 6
Key difference—PanthenolPanthenolNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Medium Low
Drying alcohol— Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol —
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Safety Assessment of Amino Acid Alkyl Amides as Used in Cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Irritant and sensitizing potential of eight surfactants commonly used in skin cleansers: an evaluation of 105 patientsjournals.lww.com
  3. 3
    Annex I: Clinical evidence regarding sensitisation to individual fragrance chemicals and to natural extractsec.europa.eu
  4. 4
    Effect of Topical Application of Glycine and Proline on Recalcitrant Leg Ulcers of Prolidase Deficiencyjamanetwork.com
  5. 5
    Functional glycine receptor in cultured human keratinocytesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. 6
    Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
BABOR REFINE RX Retinew A16 Concentrate
BABORREFINE RX Retinew A16 Concentrate
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