Works for
Anti-blemishRetinolWorks well
“The lightweight formula is boosted with Retinol 3TRTM, also known as Vitamin A, which works to decongest pores and lessen the chance of breakouts and blemishes appearing.”
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.
Anti-agingRetinolWorks well
“Developed to soften visible signs of ageing, the serum is infused with advanced technology to enhance the skin’s complexion.”
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.
Evens skin toneRetinolWorks well
“Formulated with squalane, Medik8's unique time-release technology, this retinol nourishes as it rejuvenates, the high performance retinol reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven 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.
MoisturizingSqualane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 3 moreWorks
“Caring for your skin’s sensitivity, a nourishing blend of squalane and vitamin E charges the skin with a refreshing burst of hydration.”
This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone.
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).
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil + 1 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).
ExfoliationSide benefit the brand mentions · RetinolWorks well
“This lightweight serum is infused with vitamin A, a hero ingredient in anti-ageing skincare that works to enhance the skin’s natural resurfacing function.”
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Retinol, Pogostemon cablin leaf oilMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Squalane~25–37%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 SqualaneCaprylic/capric triglyceride~6.4–9.6%
- 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 triglycerideCarthamus tinctorius seed oil~4.7–7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation
More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oilDimethicone~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 DimethiconeRetinol~2.1–3.2%
- 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 RetinolPpg-12/smdi copolymer~2.1–3.2%
Tocopheryl acetate~1.1–1.6%
- 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 acetateClimbazole~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pogostemon cablin leaf oil~0.6–1.35%
Decylene glycol~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to creat a nice product texture and support penetration of other ingredients
More about Decylene glycolPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolBht~0.1–0.35%
1,2-hexanediol~0.05–0.3%
Lecithin~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinIngredient list view
Squalane, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Dimethicone, Retinol, Ppg-12/smdi copolymer, Tocopheryl acetate, Climbazole, Pogostemon cablin leaf oil, Decylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Bht, 1,2-hexanediol, Lecithin
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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.
| Medik8Retinol 10TR IntenseYOUR PRODUCT | Aesthetics RxA Serum Retinol Restorative | The Purest SolutionsYouth Radiant Renewal Retinol Serum | IOPERetinol Expert 0.1% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 90% | 88% | 87% |
| Price | — | $83.57 | $6.63 | $80.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide 1 | Niacinamide | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Riversol New: Retinol TreatmentSummer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5
- 6
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