PRODUCT REVIEW
Dermalogica Smart Response Serum
Buy from Amazon US $148.00
More options from: $135.00
Price as of 3/7/2025 1:53 GMT.
More info
Add to Compare
Cheaper alternatives
Product summary
What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
Key Benefits Uses Smart Response technology to respond to the skin’s needs Helps improve the look of lines and wrinkles Rich in antioxidants Reduces the appearance of dark spots Soothes and brightens the skin Helps to maintain hydration levels UK200031555
niacinamide
2.3% -
2.8%
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
ilex paraguariensis leaf extract
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritating
lactic acid
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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)
Show more
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Key Benefits Uses Smart Response technology to respond to the skin’s needs Helps improve the look of lines and wrinkles Rich in antioxidants Reduces the appearance of dark spots Soothes and brightens the skin Helps to maintain hydration levels UK200031555
niacinamide
2.3% -
2.8%
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
lactic acid
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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)
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Key Benefits Uses Smart Response technology to respond to the skin’s needs Helps improve the look of lines and wrinkles Rich in antioxidants Reduces the appearance of dark spots Soothes and brightens the skin Helps to maintain hydration levels UK200031555
helianthus annuus seed oil
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A 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
jojoba esters
0.55% -
0.85%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
sodium acetylated hyaluronate
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
A type of hyaluronic acid that works as an excellent moisturizer by attracting water into the upper layer of the skin. Is typically feels less sticky on the skin compared to the usual hyaluronic acid
Show more
Anti-blemish
niacinamide
2.3% -
2.8%
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
bentonite
0.25% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Helps stabilize the product formulation
Anti-oxidation
squalene
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast
cornus officinalis fruit extract
0.35% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation
ilex paraguariensis leaf extract
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritating
Show more
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
Buy now
We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost for you. Thank you for your support! Learn more
US Retailers
CA Retailers
AU Retailers
UK Retailers
Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 2
Potential irritants
cornus officinalis fruit extract
0.35% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation
ilex paraguariensis leaf extract
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritating
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
chlorella vulgaris extract
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
squalene
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast
User reviews (0)
Similar products & dupes
| Dermalogica - Smart Response Serum |  Mary&May - Rose Collagen Mist Serum Sponsored | Mary&May - Rose Collagen Mist Serum |  Skinfix - Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen + Niacinamide Activating Serum |  PCA SKIN - Intensive Age Refining Treatment 0.5 Percent Pure Retinol Night |  SUNGBOON EDITOR - Active Marine Astaxanthin Capsule Serum |  Jin Jung sung - Omega Vegan Vita Serum |  Adaptology - Time Warp Anti-Ageing Serum |  Zelens - Lumino - Brightening Serum |  Talika - Skintelligence Anti-Age Regenerating Serum |  Nooance cosmetiques - Multi-Active Serum |  Bliss - Glow & Hydrate Day Serum | |
| Price | ||||||||||||
| WIMJ similarity score |
91%
|
91%
|
89%
|
88%
|
88%
|
88%
|
88%
|
87%
|
87%
|
87%
|
87%
| |
| Key ingredients |
| Common:
Other: | Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other: | Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
| Common:
Other: | Common:
Other:
|
| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
HIGH
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
MEDIUM
|
| Potential Irritants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| All ingredients |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
niacinamide
2.3% -
2.8%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Evens skin tone,
Moisturizing,
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
tocopherol
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Moisturizing,
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-aging
Pure 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
Show more
Potential irritants
cornus officinalis fruit extract
0.35% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that contains anti-oxidants. It might help to neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used to help preserve the product formulation
ilex paraguariensis leaf extract
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging
A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain fragrand compounds like linalool that can be irritating
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
chlorella vulgaris extract
0.2% -
0.4%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-oxidation
A plant extract that can help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
squalene
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: Medium
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-oxidation
An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast
All ingredients
glycerin
4.3% -
5.3%
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
coco-caprylate/caprate
4.1% -
5%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Ppg-24-glycereth-24, Niacinamide, Butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Sodium acrylates crosspolymer-2, C18-36 acid triglyceride, Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Jojoba esters, Olive oil decyl esters, Phytosterols, Cornus officinalis fruit extract, Hydrolyzed wheat flour, Sodium mannose phosphate, Phytosteryl macadamiate, Hydrolyzed beta-glucan, Mimosa tenuiflora bark extract, Ilex paraguariensis leaf extract, Sea salt, Ferula galbaniflua resin oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Juniperus virginiana oil, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Vetiveria zizanoides root oil, Prunus amygdalus amara kernel oil, Chlorella vulgaris extract, Dipteryx odorata seed extract, Lactic acid, Bentonite, C12-18 acid triglyceride, Squalene, Tocopherol, Sodium acetylated hyaluronate, Mannose, Citric acid, Hydrated silica, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Coumarin, Linalool, Limonene
Sources
- Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics
- 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
- The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
- Chemoprevention Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Cornus officinalis in vitro
- Safety Assessment of Phytosterols as Used in Cosmetics
- Topical formulation containing Ilex Paraguariensis extract increases metalloproteinases and myeloperoxidase activities in mice exposed to UVB radiation
- Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil., Aquifoliaceae) extract as obtained by spray drying
- Essential oil and antioxidant activity of green mate and mate tea (Ilex paraguariensis) infusions
- Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Care
- Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egypt
- Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skin
- Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countries
- Fragrance Compound Geraniol Forms Contact Allergens on Air Exposure. Identification and Quantification of Oxidation Products and Effect on Skin Sensitization
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Squalene and its potential clinical uses
- Biological and Pharmacological Activities of Squalene and Related Compounds: Potential Uses in Cosmetic Dermatology
- Enhanced comedo formation in rabbit ear skin by squalene and oleic acid peroxides
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Acetylated Hyaluronic Acid: Enhanced Bioavailability and Biological Studies