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Neutrihebs Retinol Serum For Face
Neutrihebs

Neutrihebs Retinol Serum For Face

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-blemish
Retinol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 more
Works well
What the product description says
“It unclogs and shrinks pores while simultaneously minimising the appearance of fine lines.”
Source: Neutriherbs SA

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.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo 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~0.3–0.6%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.4–0.6%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.45–0.65%
Evens skin tone
Retinol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Works well
What the product description says
“It improves skin texture and tone for a smoother, softer, and more radiant look.”
Source: Neutriherbs SA

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.

In addition, this product contains hydroxyethyl urea. 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.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo 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~0.3–0.6%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.4–0.6%
Anti-aging
Retinol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Works well
What the product description says
“It unclogs and shrinks pores while simultaneously minimising the appearance of fine lines.”
Source: Neutriherbs SA

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.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo 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~0.3–0.6%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.4–0.6%
Exfoliation
Not advertised by the brand · Hydroxyethyl urea, Retinol + 1 more
Works 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: hydroxyethyl urea, retinol.

Hydroxyethyl ureaKey activeEffect: HighA derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients~1.7–2.1%
RetinolKey activeEffect: HighTwo 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~0.3–0.6%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.45–0.65%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Retinol + 3 more
Works 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).

The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.4–0.6%
RetinolKey activeEffect: HighTwo 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~0.3–0.6%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: LowA 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.~0.95–1.15%
Portulaca oleracea extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%
Punica granatum fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that is used to add a fragrance to the product. It might have some antioxidant properties~0.3–0.55%
Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · Glycerin, Trehalose + 11 more
Works

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea.

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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

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~3.9–4.8%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~3.1–3.8%
Hydroxyethyl ureaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients~1.7–2.1%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~1.2–1.4%
Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl etherKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss~0.65–0.95%
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~0.35–0.65%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~5.3–6.4%
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~2.1–2.5%
Portulaca oleracea extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.4–0.6%
Hydrolyzed corn starch· HumectantEffect: LowHelps improve the product texture~0.25–0.5%
Lauryl laurateEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.45–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
3 strong irritants: Rosa rugosa flower water, Retinol + 1 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~5.3–6.4%est.
Rosa rugosa flower water—High~2.2–2.7%est.
RetinolTwo 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 irritatingHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
Punica granatum fruit extractA fruit extract that is used to add a fragrance to the product. It might have some antioxidant propertiesHigh~0.3–0.55%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.95–1.15%est.
Portulaca oleracea extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.55–0.8%est.
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.55–0.8%est.
Caprylhydroxamic acidA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.45–0.7%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~0.35–0.65%est.
Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
BhaHelps preserve the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Lauryl laurateHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 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
Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistency3/5~0.3–0.5%est.
Alternatives
The closest match we found
Vitamin C Brightening Serum
SKIN&LAB Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Closest match92% match
$13.89
View all alternatives

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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
Propylene glycol~5.3–6.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Glycerin~3.9–4.8%
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
Trehalose~3.1–3.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Rosa rugosa flower water~2.2–2.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Rosa rugosa flower water
Butylene glycol~2.1–2.5%
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
Hydroxyethyl urea~1.7–2.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
ExfoliationMoisturizing

A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients

More about Hydroxyethyl urea
Propanediol~1.4–1.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol
Sodium hyaluronate~1.2–1.4%
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
Tocopheryl acetate~0.95–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

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 acetate
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.75–1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether~0.65–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. It also forms a protective on its surface to reduce water loss

More about Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether
Portulaca oleracea extract~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Portulaca oleracea extract
Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil
Caprylhydroxamic acid~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Caprylhydroxamic acid
Allantoin~0.45–0.65%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Disodium edta~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Mannan~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Mannan
Retinol~0.3–0.6%
Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-agingAnti-oxidationExfoliationMattifyingEvens skin tone

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 Retinol
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.4–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Olea europaea fruit oil~0.35–0.65%
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
Peg-90m~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Peg-90m
Punica granatum fruit extract~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that is used to add a fragrance to the product. It might have some antioxidant properties

More about Punica granatum fruit extract
Adansonia digitata fruit extract~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Adansonia digitata fruit extract
Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate
Polysorbate 20~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Zea mays starch~0.3–0.5%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Mattifying

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Zea mays starch
Hydrolyzed corn starch~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps improve the product texture

More about Hydrolyzed corn starch
Silica~0.4–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Bht~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Bha~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps preserve the product formulation

More about Bha
Lauryl laurate~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lauryl laurate
Hydrolyzed corn starch octenylsuccinate~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a uniform product consistency

More about Hydrolyzed corn starch octenylsuccinate
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Chlorphenesin~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Parfum~0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Propylene glycol, Glycerin, Trehalose, Rosa rugosa flower water, Butylene glycol, Hydroxyethyl urea, Propanediol, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopheryl acetate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Peg/ppg-14/7 dimethyl ether, Portulaca oleracea extract, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Allantoin, Disodium edta, Mannan, Retinol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Olea europaea fruit oil, Peg-90m, Punica granatum fruit extract, Adansonia digitata fruit extract, Ppg-3 benzyl ether myristate, Polysorbate 20, Zea mays starch, Hydrolyzed corn starch, Silica, Bht, Bha, Lauryl laurate, Hydrolyzed corn starch octenylsuccinate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum

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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
NeutrihebsRetinol Serum For FaceYOUR PRODUCTSKIN&LABVitamin C Brightening SerumDr Dennis GrossHyaluronic Marine™ Hydration Booster Serum | Dr. Dennis GrossIOPERetinol Expert 0.1%
Match—92%91%91%
Price—$13.89$20.00$80.00
Shared key ingredients—5 of 74 of 75 of 7
Key difference—NiacinamideLactic AcidAcetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. 4
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Safety Assessment of Hydroxyethyl Urea As Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  6. 6
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Neutrihebs Retinol Serum For Face
NeutrihebsRetinol Serum For Face
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