PRODUCT REVIEW
Ddf Pro-Retinol Complex 3 Moisturizer
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Dr. Sobel's multi-tasking formula, rich in skin revitalizing ingredients, helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, increase cell turnover for new healthy skin cells to surface and re-texturize skin for a more youthful appearance.
niacinamide
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
retinyl propionate
0.8% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, even thought its potency is not as well established as in case of retinol or retinaldehyde
sodium ascorbyl phosphate
0.15% -
0.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C
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Evens skin tone
niacinamide
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
retinyl propionate
0.8% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, even thought its potency is not as well established as in case of retinol or retinaldehyde
ascorbic acid
0.15% -
0.25%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
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Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Pro-Retinol Complex 3 Moisturizer
carthamus tinctorius seed oil
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation
sodium hyaluronate
0.15% -
0.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
squalane
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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.
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Anti-blemish
niacinamide
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
retinyl propionate
0.8% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, even thought its potency is not as well established as in case of retinol or retinaldehyde
sodium ascorbyl phosphate
0.15% -
0.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C
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Anti-oxidation
sodium ascorbyl phosphate
0.15% -
0.3%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A stable derivative of vitamin C. It is oil-soluble which means it is more likely to penetrate the skin compared to the pure form of vitamin C (which is water-soluble), but it is less bio-available and is way less effective in stimulating collagen and reducing wrinkles compared to the pure form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and its other derivatives (for example, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). At the same time, this vitamin C derivative has been shown in studies to be effective in reducing acne, blemishes and clogged pores. It is less irritating then the pure form of vitamin C
carthamus tinctorius seed oil
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation
borago officinalis seed oil
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant oil that is effective in reducing irritation in skin, restore the barrier function and support its hydration
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Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 3
Potential irritants
retinyl propionate
0.8% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, even thought its potency is not as well established as in case of retinol or retinaldehyde
propylene glycol
0.55% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
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Comodogenic ingredients
ethylhexyl palmitate
1.9% -
2.4%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture
isopropyl isostearate
1.4% -
1.8%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
An emollient that helps soften the skin
Show more
User reviews (0)
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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LOW
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
niacinamide
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish,
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial
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
allantoin
0.15% -
0.3%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-inflammatory,
Moisturizing,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-blemish,
Exfoliation
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
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Potential irritants
retinyl propionate
0.8% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, even thought its potency is not as well established as in case of retinol or retinaldehyde
propylene glycol
0.55% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
ethylhexyl palmitate
1.9% -
2.4%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture
isopropyl isostearate
1.4% -
1.8%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing
An emollient that helps soften the skin
Show more
All ingredients
glycerin
5% -
6.1%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
niacinamide
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish,
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial
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
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Isohexadecane, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Ethylhexyl palmitate, Dimethicone, Isopropyl isostearate, Polyacrylamide, Retinyl propionate, Methyl gluceth-20, Propylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Stearyl alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl stearate, Cetyl alcohol, Behenyl alcohol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Corn starch modified, Panthenol, Polyethylene, Tocopheryl acetate, Isononyl isononanoate, Benzyl alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, C13-14 isoparaffin, Dimethiconol, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Sodium benzoate, Peg-100 stearate, Titanium dioxide, Allantoin, Borago officinalis seed oil, Disodium edta, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oenothera biennis oil, Tocopherol, Laureth-7, Stearic acid, Hydrolyzed wheat protein, Sodium hyaluronate, Ascorbic acid, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Squalane, Magnesium aspartate, Zinc gluconate, Copper gluconate
Sources
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medications
- Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyol
- Retinol and retinyl esters: biochemistry and physiology
- A clinicopathological study of the effects of topical retinyl propionate cream in skin photoageing
- Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitis
- Propylene Glycol
- Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycol
- Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations
- Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics
- Safety Assessment of Isoparaffins as Used in Cosmetics
- Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoin
- Dermatology News - Commentary: Borage Seed Oil
- Undershirts coated with borage oil alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Wheat in skin care
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate shows in vitro and in vivo efficacy in the prevention and treatment of acne vulgaris
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate in topical microemulsions
- Final report of the safety assessment of L-Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate as used in cosmetics
- Regulation of collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts by the sodium and magnesium salts of ascorbyl-2-phosphate
- Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment
- Application of l-ascorbic acid and its derivatives (sodium ascorbyl phosphate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) in topical cosmetic formulations: stability studies
- Sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate 5% lotion for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
- Magnesium ions inhibit the antigen-presenting function of human epidermal Langerhans cells in vivo and in vitro. Involvement of ATPase, HLA-DR, B7 molecules, and cytokines
- Zinc salts in dermatology
- An overview of zinc and its importance in dermatology-Part II: The association of zinc with some dermatologic disorders
- Zinc, copper and manganese enhanced keratinocyte migration through a functional modulation of keratinocyte integrins
- Evaluation of the effects of topical zinc gluconate in wound healing
- A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen