Kate Somerville Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
Works for
4 of 4 advertised claims delivered
Anti-oxidationRetinol, Adenosine + 3 moreStrong evidence
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).
MoisturizingPanthenol, Hyaluronic acid + 13 moreStrong evidence
“Apply this nourishing hydrator for visibly brighter complexion, more even skin tone, and improved appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”
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, hyaluronic acid.
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, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol
Anti-agingRetinol, Adenosine + 3 moreStrong evidence
“Apply this nourishing hydrator for visibly brighter complexion, more even skin tone, and improved appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol, adenosine.
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.
Evens skin toneRetinol, Ascorbic acidStrong evidence
“Apply this nourishing hydrator for visibly brighter complexion, more even skin tone, and improved appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”
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.
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · RetinolStrong evidence
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-blemishNot advertised by the brand · RetinolStrong evidence
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?
Irritancy7 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil + 5 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate~4.2–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Neopentyl glycol diheptanoateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~4.3–5.3%
- 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 triglycerideCetearyl alcohol~2.6–3.1%
- 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 alcoholCocoglycerides~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Help soften the upper layer of the skin and make it easier for oil and water mix together. Recently, a rising number of allergic reactions to cocoglycerides and other coconut-derived surfactants has been reported. As there is a significant overlap between frequent irritants and allergens, we flag this ingredient for attention of those with very sensitive, reactive skin
More about CocoglyceridesCetyl esters~2–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften upper layer of the skin and can enhance penetration of other ingredients into the upper layer of the skin
More about Cetyl estersPropanediol~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolStearyl alcohol~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholGlyceryl stearate~1.3–1.6%
- 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 stearateDimethicone~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeTridecyl neopentanoate~0.8–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
1,2-hexanediol~0.6–0.95%
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilCitrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oilPpg-26-buteth-26~0.55–0.8%
Glycerin~0.55–0.85%
- 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 GlycerinBis-stearyl dimethicone~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Retinol~0.45–0.7%
- 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 RetinolAscorbic acid~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidTocopheryl 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 acetatePanthenol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolPhysalis pubescens fruit juice~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Volcanic soil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Tocopherol~0.35–0.65%
- 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 TocopherolAdenosine~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineHyaluronic acid~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
More about Hyaluronic acidEthylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.6%
Amylopectin~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Peg-40 stearate~0.4–0.6%
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilPolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polysorbate 20~0.35–0.65%
Ceteareth-20~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties
More about Ceteareth-20Polysilicone-11~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that forms a light film on the skin surface helping to bind water and temporarily absorb oils creating a matt and powdery feel
More about Polysilicone-11Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolArachidyl alcohol~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Arachidyl alcoholT-butyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating
More about T-butyl alcoholBha~0.25–0.45%
Citric acid~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPotassium sorbate~0.2–0.35%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Cetyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
- 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 alcoholBht~0.15–0.25%
Citral~0.15–0.25%
Linalool~0.1–0.15%
Limonene~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneIngredient list view
Water, Neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetearyl alcohol, Cocoglycerides, Cetyl esters, Propanediol, Stearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Dimethicone, Tridecyl neopentanoate, 1,2-hexanediol, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Ppg-26-buteth-26, Glycerin, Bis-stearyl dimethicone, Retinol, Ascorbic acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Physalis pubescens fruit juice, Volcanic soil, Tocopherol, Adenosine, Hyaluronic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Amylopectin, Peg-40 stearate, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Polysorbate 20, Ceteareth-20, Polysilicone-11, Phenoxyethanol, Arachidyl alcohol, T-butyl alcohol, Bha, Citric acid, Potassium sorbate, Disodium edta, Cetyl alcohol, Bht, Citral, Linalool, Limonene
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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.
| Kate SomervilleRetinol Vitamin C MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCT | COSRXMoisturizer The Retinol 0.1 Cream | Reform SkincareEveryday Moisturiser | innisfreeRetinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 75% | 74% | 70% |
| Price | $89.25 | $24.06−$65.19 | — | $4.88−$84.37 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 10 | 4 of 10 | 6 of 10 |
| Key difference | — | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid | Ferulic Acid | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Kate Somerville - Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer" works well for improving skin hydration The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Humectants in this product (panthenol, glycerin and hyaluronic acid) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol and cetyl esters in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- This product also contains Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). It can be an effective active for anti-aging and evening out the skin tone, but in this moisturizer it is used for stabilizing other ingredients in the formulation. In this concentration (0.45% - 0.70%) it cannot have a noticeable benefit for the skin.
- This moisturizer contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.45% - 0.70%. 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. Because of the irritation risk of Retinoids, we recommend to have another, retinoid-free moisturizer in your routine to use on the alternate days or when your skin feels dry.
- Adenosine 0.30% - 0.50%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Kate Somerville" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 77.00$ up to 143.00$ in the United States and from 84.00£ up to 655.00£ 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 23 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 5
- 6
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