Works for
Evens skin toneHydroxypinacolone retinoate, Niacinamide + 2 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: hydroxypinacolone retinoate.
In addition, this product contains azelaic acid, bakuchiol, niacinamide. 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.
Anti-agingHydroxypinacolone retinoate, Niacinamide + 1 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains hydroxypinacolone retinoate, bakuchiol, niacinamide.
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.
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Polyglycerin-6 + 7 moreWorks well
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, glycerin.
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: niacinamide
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Azelaic acid, BakuchiolWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (azelaic acid, bakuchiol) 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-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, Azelaic acid + 3 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: azelaic acid, hydroxypinacolone retinoate, niacinamide. These ingredients 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Hydroxypinacolone retinoateMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Niacinamide~5.1–7.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamidePolyglycerin-6~3.4–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglycerin-6Azelaic acid5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is produced by a yeast that lives on normal human skin. It is used in medicine as a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It has a mild exfoliating effect. It can also help reduce hyperpigmentation, helps calm down inflammation and can help neutralize free radicals
More about Azelaic acidButylene glycol~2–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolDicaprylyl carbonate~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonateGlycerin~1.5–2.2%
- 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 GlycerinEthoxydiglycol~1.2–1.8%
Cetearyl alcohol~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholDimethyl isosorbide~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin
More about Dimethyl isosorbideBakuchiol~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 BakuchiolTapioca starch~0.4–0.95%
Benzyl alcohol~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholBetaine~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetaineSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateXanthan gum~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPhenoxyethanol~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolHydroxypinacolone retinoate~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A derivative of the most potent form of vitamin A, retinoic acid. The ingredient can be sold under name Granactive Retinoid. Note that if a skincare brand discloses the concentration of Granactive Retinoid in a product, the concentration refers to a diluted form of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate: 1% of Granactive Retinoid corresponds to 0.1% of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a unique derivative of retinoic acid because it can directly work in the skin and does not require additional conversion steps. According to studies done by the manufacturer on models of human skin (not real people), this derivative is more effective than other cosmetic versions of retinoids (such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinyl palmitate), and, at the same time, causes less irritation. It has been also demonstrated to be more stable than retinol which makes formulating with easier and increases the chances that a product with it will maintain its effectiveness after opening. The packaging should still ideally be air-tight. HPR is available over the counter in the EU, UK, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, but is only with a prescription in Canada.
More about Hydroxypinacolone retinoateAllantoin~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinDisodium edta~0.05–0.25%
Dehydroacetic acid~0.05–0.2%
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneIngredient list view
Water, Niacinamide, Polyglycerin-6, Azelaic acid, Butylene glycol, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Glycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Cetearyl alcohol, Dimethyl isosorbide, Bakuchiol, Tapioca starch, Benzyl alcohol, Betaine, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Xanthan gum, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Allantoin, Disodium edta, Dehydroacetic acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane
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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.
| Dr Sam'sFlawless Nightly SerumYOUR PRODUCT | GalenicumDermaHypemium Double Serum | StackedSkincareAdvanced Retinol Serum | NIP+FABCeramide Fix Serum 12% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 77% | 71% | 66% |
| Price | — | $31.34 | $29.99 | $38.82 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 7 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 7 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Ferulic Acid | Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Medicube Deep Reviving Bakuchiol Retinol SerumMaruderm %10 Azelaik Asit Solüsyon Serum – Leke ve Kızarıklık Karşıtı Cilt Bakım Serumu
Product summary
"Dr Sam's - Flawless Nightly Serum" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging and Moisturizing
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (5.10% - 7.70%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- This product contains Bakuchiol (0.50% - 1.20%). 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): hydroxypinacolone retinoate 0.05% - 0.15%. 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.
- Azelaic Acid (2.70% (declared)). This active can reduce hyperpigmentation. It also works helps against acne and clogged pores. Please note that Azelaic Acid is most effective against acne in concentrations between 10% and 20%.
- Humectants (betaine 0.30% - 0.75% and glycerin 1.50% - 2.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 44.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 11 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Bakuchiol in the Management of Acne-affected Skinresearchgate.net
- 6
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