Works for
Anti-blemishRetinol, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractWorks well
“Able to repair problematic and photodamaged skin, it reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and blemishes.”
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.
MoisturizingPalmitoyl tripeptide-8, Glycerin + 12 moreWorks well
“The combination of retinol, vitamin E, vitamin C and an activator of a vitamin D receptor nourishes and hydrates the skin deep down.”
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:
dextran, glycerin.
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, vitis vinifera seed oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl tripeptide-8
Anti-agingRetinol, Palmitoyl tripeptide-8 + 3 moreWorks well
“Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and imperfections”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: palmitoyl tripeptide-8.
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.
ExfoliationRetinolWorks well
“The action of pure retinol stimulates the natural process of exfoliation getting rid of dead skin cells and impurities, which has the effect of improving other active ingredient absorption for maximum results.”
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.
Evens skin toneRetinol, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidWorks well
“Ideal for all skin types and conditions, this clarifying, vitamin-enriched serum evens skin tone and smooths the skin's surface.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid.
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-oxidationSide benefit · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Retinol + 5 moreWorks 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).
The following ingredients - 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Retinol, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
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User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.4–5.3%
- 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 GlycerinCaprylic/capric triglyceride~4.2–5.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 triglycerideGlyceryl stearate~2.8–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateNeopentyl glycol diheptanoate~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidShea butter ethyl esters~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Shea butter ethyl estersDicaprylyl carbonate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonatePeg-100 stearate~1.3–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateIsododecane~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture
More about IsododecaneCetyl alcohol~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholGlyceryl dilaurate~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Glyceryl dilaurateMagnesium aluminum silicate~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Magnesium aluminum silicatePolysorbate 20~0.5–0.75%
Retinol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 RetinolSteareth-21~0.5–0.8%
Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateVitis vinifera seed oil~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties
More about Vitis vinifera seed oilDisodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A form of Vitamin E. In concentrations 1-3%, it can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support photodamage repair
More about Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphatesPalmitoyl tripeptide-8~0.3–0.5%
Cichorium intybus root extract~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hydroxide~0.25–0.5%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating
More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractButyrospermum parkii butter~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterInulin lauryl carbamate~0.25–0.45%
Steareth-2~0.25–0.5%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Peg-75 stearate~0.25–0.5%
Butylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 glycolCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateXanthan gum~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCeteth-20~0.35–0.65%
Steareth-20~0.3–0.55%
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerBehentrimonium chloride~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sucrose laurate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
More about Sucrose laurateSorbic acid~0.15–0.3%
Benzoic acid~0.15–0.3%
Dehydroacetic acid~0.1–0.2%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Dextran~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the most upper layer of the skin. Derived from sugar
More about DextranCitrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glyceryl stearate, Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Shea butter ethyl esters, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Peg-100 stearate, Isododecane, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl dilaurate, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Steareth-21, Tocopheryl acetate, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates, Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, Cichorium intybus root extract, Sodium hydroxide, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Inulin lauryl carbamate, Steareth-2, Ethylhexylglycerin, Peg-75 stearate, Butylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Xanthan gum, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Behentrimonium chloride, Sucrose laurate, Sorbic acid, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid, Disodium edta, Dextran, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Phenoxyethanol
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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.
| FunctionalabRetinol + SerumYOUR PRODUCT | The Purest SolutionsYouth Radiant Renewal Retinol Serum | SVR[A] Ampoule Lift Smoothing Concentrate | SkinMedicaRetinol Complex 1.0 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 85% | 85% | 83% |
| Price | — | $6.63 | — | $76.80 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 10 | 5 of 10 | 5 of 10 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide | Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Dermadoctor Kakadu C 1% Retinol + 12% C, Ferulic Acid & E ComplexPlaisir Renewing Retinol Booster Serum
Product summary
"Functionalab - Retinol + Serum" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-blemish, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging and Moisturizing
Ingredient callouts
- this product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.45% - 0.65%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily.
- Peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-8 0.30% - 0.50%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. They might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
- Humectants (dextran 0.15% - 0.25% and glycerin 4.40% - 5.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails for 106.25$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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