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Josie Maran Pink Algae Pro-Retinol Eye Cream
Josie Maran

Josie Maran Pink Algae Pro-Retinol Eye Cream

Efficacy62/100IrritancyMedium
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Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 19 more
Good evidence
What the product description says
“This hydrating eye cream formulated with NEW Pro-Retinol and Argan Oil smooths the look of lines and wrinkles around the eyes.”
Source: Josie Maran

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: biosaccharide gum-1, 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: butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

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~2.1–2.5%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~1.1–1.3%
Argania spinosa kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.8–1.2%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~4.3–5.3%
SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~0.45–0.65%
Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.35–0.65%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.5%
Ethylhexyl olivateKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%
Dunaliella salina extractKey activeEffect: MediumA green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin~0.65–0.95%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.6–3.1%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.45–0.65%
Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.6–0.9%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed 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~1.7–2.1%
C15-19 alkaneEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.5–0.75%
Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1.5–1.9%
Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~4.5–5.5%
Oleic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness~0.45–0.65%
Tribehenin· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to create a thicker product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.6–0.95%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.65%
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~0.2–0.4%
Anti-aging
Butyrospermum parkii butter, Tocopherol
Limited evidence
What the product description says
“This hydrating eye cream formulated with NEW Pro-Retinol and Argan Oil smooths the look of lines and wrinkles around the eyes.”
Source: Josie Maran

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - butyrospermum parkii butter - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

This ingredient quercetin might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~1.1–1.3%
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~0.2–0.4%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Quercetin, Coffea arabica seed extract + 6 more
Moderate evidence

This product contains antioxidants (quercetin) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

QuercetinKey activeEffect: MediumMight be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin~0.3–0.6%
Coffea arabica seed extractEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin~0.5–0.8%
Dunaliella salina extractEffect: LowA green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin~0.65–0.95%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~1.1–1.3%
CaffeineEffect: LowMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes~0.5–0.75%
Argania spinosa kernel oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.8–1.2%
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.4–0.65%
TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.2–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract
Medium risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Aesculus hippocastanum extractA plant extract. Benefits of topical application are not confirmedHigh~0.45–0.7%est.
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extractUsed as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.4–0.65%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~4.3–5.3%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.8–1.2%est.
Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.6–0.95%est.
CaffeineMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyesMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Sodium stearoyl lactylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Oleic acidHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin drynessMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.6%est.
Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.35–0.65%est.
Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Butyrospermum parkii butterA 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 radicals3/5~1.1–1.3%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.6–3.1%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Octyldodecanol~4.5–5.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation

More about Octyldodecanol
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~4.3–5.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

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 triglyceride
Cetearyl alcohol~2.6–3.1%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Glyceryl dibehenate~2.4–3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Glyceryl dibehenate
Glycerin~2.1–2.5%
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
Butylene glycol~1.7–2.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

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 glycol
Glyceryl stearate~1.5–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Sodium hyaluronate~1.2–1.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.1–1.3%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

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 butter
Argania spinosa kernel oil~0.8–1.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Dunaliella salina extract~0.65–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A green micro-algae extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but solid evidence is lacking. It helps to soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Dunaliella salina extract
Olea europaea fruit oil~0.6–0.9%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.6–0.95%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Coffea arabica seed extract~0.5–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin

More about Coffea arabica seed extract
Caffeine~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
De-puffingAnti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

More about Caffeine
C15-19 alkane~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about C15-19 alkane
Octyldodecyl pca~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Octyldodecyl pca
Aesculus hippocastanum extract~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract. Benefits of topical application are not confirmed

More about Aesculus hippocastanum extract
Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract~0.4–0.65%
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
Terminalia arjuna extract~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Terminalia arjuna extract
Biosaccharide gum-1~0.35–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1
Quercetin~0.3–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Quercetin
Tribehenin~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Tribehenin
Ethylhexyl olivate~0.3–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Ethylhexyl olivate
Squalane~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane
2,3-butanediol~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about 2,3-butanediol
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Cetyl alcohol~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Sodium stearoyl lactylate~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl lactylate
Oleic acid~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. At the same time, it can weaken the skin's barrier enhancing penetration of other ingredients and increasing the risk of skin dryness

More about Oleic acid
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Cetearyl glucoside~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside
Xanthan gum~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Synthetic fluorphlogopite~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products

More about Synthetic fluorphlogopite
Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate
Silica~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Sodium phytate~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Dehydroacetic acid~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid
Lecithin~0.35–0.65%
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
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Sodium potassium aluminum silicate~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sodium potassium aluminum silicate
Citric acid~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Tin oxide~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A colorant that can add a pearl-like appearance to the formulation

More about Tin oxide
Tocopherol~0.2–0.4%
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
Sodium benzoate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Titanium dioxide~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide
Ingredient list view

Water, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl dibehenate, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Glyceryl stearate, Sodium hyaluronate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Dunaliella salina extract, Olea europaea fruit oil, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Coffea arabica seed extract, Caffeine, C15-19 alkane, Octyldodecyl pca, Aesculus hippocastanum extract, Hydrolyzed gardenia florida extract, Terminalia arjuna extract, Biosaccharide gum-1, Quercetin, Tribehenin, Ethylhexyl olivate, Squalane, 2,3-butanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Cetyl alcohol, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Oleic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetearyl glucoside, Xanthan gum, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Silica, Sodium phytate, Dehydroacetic acid, Lecithin, Potassium sorbate, Sodium potassium aluminum silicate, Citric acid, Tin oxide, Tocopherol, Sodium benzoate, Benzyl alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium dioxide

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/23/2026 21:45 GMT
$42.00
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Josie Maran
$42.00
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 15 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
  4. 4
    Natural vegetable fats in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Dunaliella salina alga extract inhibits the production of interleukin-6, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species by regulating nuclear factor-κB/Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription in virus-infected RAW264.7 cellssciencedirect.com
  6. 6
    Biochemical composition and bioactivity screening of various extracts from Dunaliella salina, a green microalgancbi.nlm.nih.gov
Josie Maran Pink Algae Pro-Retinol Eye Cream
Josie MaranPink Algae Pro-Retinol Eye Cream
Buy at Josie Maran$42.00$42.00as of 10/23 21:45 GMT

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

Buy at Josie Maran$42.00$42.00as of 10/23 21:45 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.