Dr. Althea

Dr. Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum

Name: Dr. Althea - 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum
Brand: Dr. Althea

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Panthenol, Glycerin + 7 more

Works well

What the product description says

“DESCRIPTION Dr. Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum is moisturising while being formulated with Retinol that helps enhance skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Source: Lila Beauty

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, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, glycine soja oil.

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

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~1.6–2.4%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.8–5.7%

Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~1.3–2%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.1–1.6%

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency~0.1–0.45%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~3.2–4.9%

Dibutyl adipate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~2.7–4%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.05–0.15%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.1–0.5%

Evens skin tone

Retinol, Bakuchiol

Works well

What the product description says

“Features Bakuchiol that helps improve skin texture and reduce pigmentation.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.

In addition, this product contains bakuchiol. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.

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.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo 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~0.1–0.5%

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~0.15–0.55%

Anti-aging

Retinol, Bakuchiol + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“DESCRIPTION Dr. Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum is moisturising while being formulated with Retinol that helps enhance skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol, bakuchiol.

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.

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Bakuchiol, Retinol + 3 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (bakuchiol, 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).

RetinolKey activeEffect: HighTwo 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~0.1–0.5%

Centaurea cyanus flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have antibacterial effect and help neutralize free radicals~0.05–0.25%

Salvia sclarea extractEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.05–0.25%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.05–0.15%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Retinol, Bakuchiol + 1 more

Works 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.

In addition, this product contains bakuchiol. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.1–0.5%

Exfoliation

Side benefit · Retinol, Allantoin

Works well

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.

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.1–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Retinol, Salvia sclarea extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

RetinolTwo 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 irritatingHigh~0.1–0.5%est.

Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.

Centaurea cyanus flower extractA plant extract that might have antibacterial effect and help neutralize free radicalsHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

Salvia sclarea extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

Lavandula angustifolia flower extractEssential oil that can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~1.2–1.8%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~1.3–2%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~1.1–1.6%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.6–1.35%est.

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerA gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finishMedium~0.35–0.75%est.

BakuchiolA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritationMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.5%est.

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Caprylyl/capryl glucosideHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~1.3–2%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.1–0.4%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

SKIN&LAB retinol repair serum

Cheaper96% match

$13.99

ISNTREE Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum

Cheaper93% match

$13.71

View all alternatives

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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

Glycerin~3.8–5.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Glycerin

Butylene glycol~3.2–4.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Dibutyl adipate~2.7–4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Dibutyl adipate

1,2-hexanediol~1.2–1.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Panthenol~1.6–2.4%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol

Glycine soja oil~1.3–2%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil

Hydrogenated lecithin~1.3–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.1–1.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.6–1.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate

Sodium polyacrylate~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions

More about Sodium polyacrylate

Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.35–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish

More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.2–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer

Betula alba juice~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Betula alba juice

Retinol~0.1–0.5%

Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMattifyingExfoliationAnti-aging

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 Retinol

Bakuchiol~0.15–0.55%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation

More about Bakuchiol

Polyisobutene~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to improve the product consistency

More about Polyisobutene

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Allantoin~0.1–0.5%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAnti-blemishReduces irritationExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.1–0.45%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency

More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer

Disodium edta~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Sorbitan isostearate~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan isostearate

Pvm/ma copolymer~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Pvm/ma copolymer

Sorbitan oleate~0.1–0.4%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate

Caprylyl/capryl glucoside~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Caprylyl/capryl glucoside

Hyacinthus orientalis extract~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hyacinthus orientalis extract

Borago officinalis extract~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Borago officinalis extract

Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract

Centaurea cyanus flower extract~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant extract that might have antibacterial effect and help neutralize free radicals

More about Centaurea cyanus flower extract

Salvia sclarea extract~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Salvia sclarea extract

Lavandula angustifolia flower extract~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Essential oil that can be irritating

More about Lavandula angustifolia flower extract

Tocopherol~0.05–0.15%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-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

More about Tocopherol

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Dibutyl adipate, 1,2-hexanediol, Panthenol, Glycine soja oil, Hydrogenated lecithin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Sodium polyacrylate, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Sodium acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Betula alba juice, Retinol, Bakuchiol, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Disodium edta, Sorbitan isostearate, Pvm/ma copolymer, Sorbitan oleate, Caprylyl/capryl glucoside, Hyacinthus orientalis extract, Borago officinalis extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Centaurea cyanus flower extract, Salvia sclarea extract, Lavandula angustifolia flower extract, Tocopherol

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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
	Dr. Althea0.1% Gentle Retinol SerumYOUR PRODUCT	SKIN&LABretinol repair serum	ISNTREEHyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum	Standard SeoulFirming Bouncy Boost Serum
Match	—	96%	93%	89%
Price	—	$13.99	$13.71	$22.21
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 8	5 of 8	5 of 8
Key difference	—	Sh-Polypeptide-22	Copper Tripeptide-1	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum Cos De BAHA RT Retinol Tranexamic Acid Cica Serum

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Product summary

"Dr. Althea - Buy Dr. Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum in Australia - Korean Skincare Online" is effective for: Moisturizing, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging, Anti-blemish and Exfoliation

Ingredient callouts

this product contains Bakuchiol (0.15% - 0.55%). It is a plant extract that is has a similar effect to that of Retinoids but with less irritation. Bakuchiol can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation.
This product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.10% - 0.50%. 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.
Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 1.60% - 2.40% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Humectants (glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer 0.10% - 0.45%, panthenol 1.60% - 2.40% and glycerin 3.80% - 5.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.