Matkas Retinal 0.05% Capsule Hybrid Cream
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Anti-agingRetinal, Niacinamide + 3 moreStrong evidence
“A supercharged cream with 0.05% Retinal to visibly fight the signs of aging, brightens the complexion and enhances the skin's natural radiance with a powerful blend of moisturizing, anti-aging, and antioxidant-rich ingredients.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinal, adenosine, niacinamide.
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.
MoisturizingCeramide np, Niacinamide + 18 moreStrong evidence
“A supercharged cream with 0.05% Retinal to visibly fight the signs of aging, brightens the complexion and enhances the skin's natural radiance with a powerful blend of moisturizing, anti-aging, and antioxidant-rich ingredients.”
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:
betaine, fructooligosaccharides.
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: dimethicone, cetearyl alcohol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, niacinamide
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Retinal + 1 moreStrong evidence
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, retinal. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Retinal, NiacinamideStrong evidence
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinal.
In addition, this product contains niacinamide. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Eclipta prostrata leaf extract, RetinalMedium risk
Comedogenic3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale3 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~4–6%
- 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 GlycerinDimethicone~3.5–5.3%
- 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 DimethiconePropanediol~2.5–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about Propanediol1,2-hexanediol~1.1–1.7%
Niacinamide~1.6–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideBetaine~1.3–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture
More about BetainePentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate~1.2–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product consistency while softening the upper layer of the skin
More about Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoateHydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)~1–1.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture
More about Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin)Dicaprylyl ether~0.55–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients
More about Dicaprylyl etherCetearyl olivate~0.4–0.9%
Cetyl alcohol~0.35–0.85%
- 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 alcoholCetearyl alcohol~0.2–0.7%
- 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 alcoholSorbitan olivate~0.1–0.45%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.15–0.55%
- 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 triglyceridePolyglyceryl-2 stearate~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-2 stearatePhytosteryl/isostearyl/cetyl/stearyl/behenyl dimer dilinoleate~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Phytosteryl/isostearyl/cetyl/stearyl/behenyl dimer dilinoleateCeramide np~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npGlyceryl stearate~0.15–0.55%
- 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 stearateHydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.4%
- 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 lecithinSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamateStearyl alcohol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholSodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateMicrocrystalline cellulose~0.1–0.3%
Dipropylene glycol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolGlyceryl stearate se~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient
More about Glyceryl stearate seLaminaria japonica extract~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Seaweed extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Laminaria japonica extractEclipta prostrata leaf extract~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that is mostly used as a fragrance. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Eclipta prostrata leaf extractHydroxyacetophenone~0.05–0.25%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.25%
Retinal~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
One step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal 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. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritating
More about RetinalXanthan gum~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumAdenosine~0.05–0.2%
- 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 AdenosineFructooligosaccharides~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about FructooligosaccharidesBeta-glucan~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Beta-glucanHydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin
More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidTocopherol~0.01–0.05%
- 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 TocopherolIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Propanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Betaine, Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated poly(c6-14 olefin), Dicaprylyl ether, Cetearyl olivate, Cetyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol, Sorbitan olivate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-2 stearate, Phytosteryl/isostearyl/cetyl/stearyl/behenyl dimer dilinoleate, Ceramide np, Glyceryl stearate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Stearyl alcohol, Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Microcrystalline cellulose, Dipropylene glycol, Glyceryl stearate se, Laminaria japonica extract, Eclipta prostrata leaf extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Retinal, Xanthan gum, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Beta-glucan, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Tocopherol
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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.
| MatkasRetinal 0.05% Capsule Hybrid CreamYOUR PRODUCT | HSGNRetinally Liposomal Retinal Cream | AbibYesStyle Exclusive PDRN Volume Fill-it Booster Crème 2.5 Tube Mini 5pcs Bundle Set | AHCYouth Focus Emulsion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 99% | 87% | 83% |
| Price | $25.98 | $13.20−$12.78 | $37.53+$11.55 | $29.35+$3.37 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 11 of 12 | 6 of 12 | 7 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Hexapeptide-9 | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Matkas - Retinal 0.05% Capsule Hybrid Cream" works well for improving skin hydration This moisturizer uses a good combo of humectants and emollients. These both types of ingredients are essentials for improving the skin hydration and keeping the skin barrier healthy. Betaine, fructooligosaccharides, glycerin and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Ceramide np, dimethicone, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol and hydrogenated poly (c6-14 olefin) 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
- We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 1.60% - 2.40%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
- This moisturizer contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinal 0.05% - 0.25%. 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.
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains Ceramides (ceramide np 0.15% - 0.50%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
- Adenosine 0.05% - 0.20%. 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 medium. 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
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