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Eve Lom Radiance Repair Retinol Serum
Eve Lom

Eve Lom Radiance Repair Retinol Serum

Efficacy91/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Retinol, Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Infused with alpha hydroxy acids, the formula gently exfoliates the skin to help visibly smooth textural irregularities.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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.

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~0.1–0.4%
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)~0.1–0.45%
Anti-aging
Retinol, Tocopherol + 2 more
Works well
What the product description says
“The Eve Lom Radiance Repair Retinol Serum is designed to soften the appearance of fine lines and imperfections, while replenishing the skin with moisture to help maintain hydration for up to 72 hours.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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

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.

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~0.1–0.4%
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~0.05–0.2%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.01–0.05%
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)~0.1–0.45%
Moisturizing
Glycerin, Xylitylglucoside + 12 more
Works
What the product description says
“The Eve Lom Radiance Repair Retinol Serum is designed to soften the appearance of fine lines and imperfections, while replenishing the skin with moisture to help maintain hydration for up to 72 hours.”
Source: Lookfantastic

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

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~3.3–5%
XylitylglucosideKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function~2.4–3.6%
AnhydroxylitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function~1–1.6%
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.15–0.6%
Kappaphycus alvarezii extractKey activeEffect: HighA red algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties~0.15–0.6%
Lactobacillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~0.1–0.4%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.1–0.4%
Lecithin· EmollientEffect: LowUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.45–1%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.35–0.85%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.45%
Rosa damascena flower oilEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.1–0.4%
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~0.05–0.2%
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)~0.1–0.45%
Avena sativa kernel extractUnder-dosedAn effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties~0.1–0.45%
Anti-blemish
Not advertised by the brand · Retinol
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.

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~0.1–0.4%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Retinol, Kappaphycus alvarezii extract + 5 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (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~0.1–0.4%
Kappaphycus alvarezii extractEffect: LowA red algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties~0.15–0.6%
Lactobacillus fermentEffect: LowA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~0.1–0.4%
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.1–0.35%
Avena sativa kernel extractEffect: Low, below effective doseAn effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties~0.1–0.45%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.01–0.05%
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~0.05–0.2%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit the brand mentions · Retinol, Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“Gentle-yet-potent, Radiance Repair Retinol Serum plumps and hydrates skin, delivering a firmer, smoother and more even complexion over time”
Source: Lookfantastic US

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

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~0.1–0.4%
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)~0.1–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Alcohol, Retinol + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
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~0.1–0.4%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.45–1.05%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.75%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~0.1–0.45%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
BhaHelps preserve the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.01–0.05%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Retinol Reform
Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform
CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10093% match
$75.00
Beet + Vitamin A Serum Shot
Sweet Chef Beet + Vitamin A Serum Shot
Cheaper92% match
$21.46
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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
Glycereth-26~4.9–7.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Glycereth-26
Glycerin~3.3–5%
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
Xylitylglucoside~2.4–3.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function

More about Xylitylglucoside
Polysorbate 20~1.8–2.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~1.4–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Anhydroxylitol~1–1.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function

More about Anhydroxylitol
Caesalpinia spinosa fruit extract~0.8–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Caesalpinia spinosa fruit extract
Sodium citrate~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Lecithin~0.45–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Pentylene glycol~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Citric acid~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Panicum miliaceum seed extract~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Panicum miliaceum seed extract
Xylitol~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function

More about Xylitol
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
Kappaphycus alvarezii extract~0.15–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A red algae extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some antioxidant properties

More about Kappaphycus alvarezii extract
Alcohol~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol
Lactic acid~0.1–0.45%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-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
Retinol~0.1–0.4%
Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMattifyingExfoliationAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

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
Avena sativa kernel extract~0.1–0.45%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces rednessAnti-oxidation

An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties

More about Avena sativa kernel extract
Lactobacillus ferment~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment
Caprylyl glycol~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Decylene glycol~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to creat a nice product texture and support penetration of other ingredients

More about Decylene glycol
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Potassium phosphate~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps regulate the pH of the formulation

More about Potassium phosphate
Tannic acid~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Tannic acid
Bioflavonoids~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Bioflavonoids
Chlorogenic acids~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Chlorogenic acids
Glucose~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Bht~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract
Maltodextrin~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Bha~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps preserve the product formulation

More about Bha
Tocopherol~0.05–0.2%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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
Ascorbyl palmitate~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate
Citronellol~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Geraniol~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Xylitylglucoside, Polysorbate 20, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Anhydroxylitol, Caesalpinia spinosa fruit extract, Sodium citrate, Lecithin, Pentylene glycol, Citric acid, Panicum miliaceum seed extract, Xylitol, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Kappaphycus alvarezii extract, Alcohol, Lactic acid, Retinol, Avena sativa kernel extract, Lactobacillus ferment, Caprylyl glycol, Decylene glycol, Sodium benzoate, Potassium phosphate, Tannic acid, Bioflavonoids, Chlorogenic acids, Glucose, Rosa damascena flower oil, Potassium sorbate, Bht, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Maltodextrin, Bha, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl palmitate, Citronellol, Geraniol

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Dermstore30 ml
$129.50
Buy
Amazon USPrice as of 11/5 18:30 GMT
$185.00
Buy
SpaceNK US
$185.00
Buy
Ulta1 oz
$185.00
Buy

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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
Eve LomRadiance Repair Retinol SerumYOUR PRODUCTShani Darden Skin CareRetinol ReformMoon&RuneRoyal Jelly Retinol Night SerumSweet ChefBeet + Vitamin A Serum Shot
Match—93%92%92%
Price$129.50$75.00−$54.50—$21.46−$108.04
Shared key ingredients—5 of 75 of 74 of 7
Key difference—NiacinamideGlutamic AcidVitamin B12 (Synthetic)
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
View product Shop Shop Shop
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Safety Assessment of Glycerin Ethoxylates as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  2. 2
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
Eve Lom Radiance Repair Retinol Serum
Eve LomRadiance Repair Retinol Serum
Buy at Dermstore$129.50$185.00as of 11/5 18:30 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Dermstore$129.50$185.00as of 11/5 18:30 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.