Works for
Evens skin toneRetinolWorks well
“A lightweight serum seeking to smooth the appearance of fine lines and support a smoother-looking, even-looking skin tone.”
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.
Anti-agingRetinol, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 + 1 moreWorks well
“A lightweight serum seeking to smooth the appearance of fine lines and support a smoother-looking, even-looking skin tone.”
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 pentapeptide-4.
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.
MoisturizingPalmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Glycerin + 10 moreWorks well
“Supercharged with encapsulated retinol and hyaluronic acid, the slow-release formula seeks to refine the appearence of the skin by diminishing the look of fine lines, discolouration and textural irregularities, while adding a burst of hydration.”
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, sodium hyaluronate.
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, cetearyl alcohol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Retinol, TocopherolWorks 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).
ExfoliationSide benefit · RetinolWorks 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.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · RetinolWorks 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy3 strong irritants: Retinol, Parfum + 1 more — patch-test recommendedHigh 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~45–55%
Glycerin~4.4–5.4%
- 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 citrate~2.8–3.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Glyceryl stearate citrateGlyceryl stearate~2.3–2.8%
- 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 stearateAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~2–2.4%
- 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 crosspolymerBht~1.6–1.9%
Butylene glycol~1.4–1.8%
- 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 glycolCarbomer~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerCetearyl alcohol~1.1–1.3%
- 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 alcoholCetyl palmitate~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability
More about Cetyl palmitateCrocus sativus flower extract~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethyl olivate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.45–0.7%
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 lecithinPalmitoyl pentapeptide-4~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polysorbate 20~0.4–0.6%
Polysorbate 60~0.35–0.6%
Polysorbate 80~0.3–0.6%
Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphateRetinol~0.25–0.45%
- 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 RetinolSilica~0.35–0.65%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateSodium lactate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product
More about Sodium lactateSorbitan stearate~0.25–0.45%
Tocopherol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolTriheptanoin~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A synthetic triglyceride. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about TriheptanoinXanthan gum~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumParfum~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumLimonene~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneBenzyl alcohol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholCitric acid~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPotassium sorbate~0.1–0.25%
Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Glyceryl stearate, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Bht, Butylene glycol, Carbomer, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl palmitate, Crocus sativus flower extract, Ethyl olivate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated lecithin, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-10, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Polysorbate 80, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Retinol, Silica, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium lactate, Sorbitan stearate, Tocopherol, Triheptanoin, Xanthan gum, Parfum, Limonene, Benzyl alcohol, Citric acid, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate
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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.
| GatineauAge Benefit Night ElixirYOUR PRODUCT | celimaxThe Vita-a Retinol Shot Thightening Serum | MedicubePDRN Pink Exosome Shot Serum 2000 | AramoreRETINOL PEPTIDE BOOSTING SERUM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 90% | 89% |
| Price | — | — | $3.36 | $124.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 8 | 5 of 8 | 6 of 8 |
| Key difference | — | Dipeptide-2 | Niacinamide | Ferulic Acid |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Anua Retinol 0.3% + Niacin Renewing SerumOlay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum
Product summary
"Gatineau - Age Benefit Night Elixir" is effective for: Anti-blemish, Anti-aging, Moisturizing, Evens skin tone and Exfoliation
Ingredient callouts
- this product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.25% - 0.45%. 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 pentapeptide-4 0.40% - 0.65%). 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 (sodium lactate 0.25% - 0.45%, sodium hyaluronate 0.25% - 0.45% and glycerin 4.40% - 5.40%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Price
The product retails from 76.00£ up to 106.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 133.00CA$ in Canada.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 8 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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