Institut Esthederm Intensive Retinol Oil Serum
Works for
Anti-agingRetinol, Limnanthes alba seed oil + 1 moreWorks well
“Institut Esthederm Intensive Retinol Smoothing Serum is a perfect intense 2-month complimentary care to Botox and fillers, as it stimulates the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans - fundamental macromolecules within the dermis, to help reduce the signs of photo ageing.”
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.
MoisturizingLimnanthes alba seed oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 4 moreWorks
“It is balanced with 4 botanical oils which improve retinol stability, protect from dehydration and fortify the skin barrier.”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, glycine soja oil.
Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · 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.
Evens skin toneSide benefit the brand mentions · RetinolWorks well
“The right dose of Vitamin A to firm and even out the 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-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Limnanthes alba seed oil + 2 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).
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 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
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Limnanthes alba seed oil~22–33%
- Irritation risk
- Low
This oil's cmposition is closest to rapeseed oil. It is a very stable oil and serves as an emoillient
More about Limnanthes alba seed oilCaprylic/capric triglyceride~8.6–12.8%
- 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 triglyceridePropylheptyl caprylate~4.8–7.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Propylheptyl caprylatePrunus armeniaca kernel oil~3.8–5.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oilGlycine soja oil~2.7–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.
More about Glycine soja oilCyperus esculentus root oil~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Retinol~1.1–1.6%
- 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 RetinolParfum~0.8–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumPentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateTocopherol~0.35–0.85%
- 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 TocopherolEugenol~0.1–0.5%
Ingredient list view
Limnanthes alba seed oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Propylheptyl caprylate, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Glycine soja oil, Cyperus esculentus root oil, Retinol, Parfum, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Eugenol
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.
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.
| Institut EsthedermIntensive Retinol Oil SerumYOUR PRODUCT | IOPERetinol Expert 0.3% | COSRXThe Retinol 0.5 Oil | The INKEY List CASuperSolutions 1 Retinol Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 92% | 90% | 89% |
| Price | $89.00 | $79.00−$10.00 | $18.90−$70.10 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 5 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 | Squalane | Glycerin |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Mara Beauty Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face OilTypology Sérum Rides et Ridules — Rétinol 0,3% + Huile de ricin
Product summary
"Institut Esthederm - Intensive Retinol Oil Serum" is effective for: Exfoliation, Evens skin tone, Anti-aging and Anti-blemish
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- this product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 1.20% - 1.90%. 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.
Price
The product retails from 43.23£ up to 59.95£ 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 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4
- 5Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.