PRODUCT REVIEW
Hand Chemistry Retin-Oil
Can it cause trouble?
Buy from Amazon Australia A$39.90
More options from: $51.86
Price as of 2/7/2023 2:32 GMT.
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What can the product work for?
Works for
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
The highly concentrated dry oil combines a next-generation anti-ageing retinoid complex (1%), vitamin C and E, Amazonian oils and deep-sea red algae to smooth, even and brighten the skin.
hydroxypinacolone retinoate
0.05% -
0.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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.
algae extract
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
ascorbyl palmitate
5.1% -
7.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
LOW
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.
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Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
This multi-purpose oil will also help to target scarring, stretch marks, cellulite, ageing skin and dehydrated areas, helping it to look more healthy and even.
hydroxypinacolone retinoate
0.05% -
0.2%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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.
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
The highly concentrated dry oil combines a next-generation anti-ageing retinoid complex (1%), vitamin C and E, Amazonian oils and deep-sea red algae to smooth, even and brighten the skin.
algae extract
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
caprylic/capric triglyceride
1.3% -
1.9%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
c12-15 alkyl benzoate
23% -
34%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
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Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone | |
| Moisturizing |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
91/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Potential irritants
hydroxypinacolone retinoate
0.05% -
0.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation
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.
parfum
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
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Comodogenic ingredients
algae extract
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
User reviews (0)
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| WIMJ similarity score |
91%
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76%
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72%
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70%
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26%
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| Irritancy | IRRITANCY
HIGH
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HIGH
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
| IRRITANCY
HIGH
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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MEDIUM
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
hydroxypinacolone retinoate
0.05% -
0.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation
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.
tocopherol
0.5% -
1.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-inflammatory,
Anti-aging,
Moisturizing
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
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Potential irritants
hydroxypinacolone retinoate
0.05% -
0.2%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Exfoliation
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.
parfum
0.45% -
1.05%
Irritation risk:
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
algae extract
1.4% -
2.1%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Moisturizing,
Anti-aging
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
All ingredients
c12-15 alkyl benzoate
23% -
34%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Moisturizing
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
ascorbyl palmitate
5.1% -
7.7%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-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.
Show more
Ingredient list view
C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbyl palmitate, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Tocopheryl acetate, Oenocarpus bataua fruit oil, Euterpe oleracea fruit oil, Algae extract, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dimethyl isosorbide, C12-15 alcohols, Tocopherol, Parfum, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Benzyl benzoate, Benzyl cinnamate, Benzyl salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene
Sources
- Antiaging effects of retinoid hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin models. (2018). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 79(3), AB44. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2018.05.215
- Treatment of mild to moderate acne with a fixed combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol glycospheres and papain glycospheres
- Antioxidant Capacity and Other Bioactivities of the Freeze-Dried Amazonian Palm Berry, Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (Acai)
- Activity enhancement of ferulic acid with dimethyl isosorbride in cosmetic compositions