Works for
ExfoliationRetinolWorks well
“Exfoliates to reduce fine lines, uneven tone & texture”
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.
Evens skin toneRetinolWorks well
“Exfoliates to reduce fine lines, uneven tone & texture”
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.
MoisturizingPanthenol, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester + 19 moreWorks well
“A moisturising treat for your hands”
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, butylene glycol.
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, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, panthenol, phytosphingosine
Anti-agingRetinol, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester + 3 moreWorks well
“The rich formula slows down the ageing process, reduces the production of melanin and minimises the development of hyperpigmentation.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1.
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.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Retinol, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 2 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).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., RetinolMedium 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~45–55%
Glycerin~4.6–5.6%
- 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 GlycerinDicaprylyl carbonate~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin
More about Dicaprylyl carbonatePpg-15 stearyl ether~3.1–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Help soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Ppg-15 stearyl etherPentaerythrityl distearate~2.2–2.7%
Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
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 butterPolyglyceryl-6 stearate~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Polyglyceryl-6 stearateGlyceryl stearate~1.4–1.7%
- 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 stearateTheobroma cacao seed butter~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect
More about Theobroma cacao seed butterDimethicone~0.95–1.2%
- 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 DimethiconeCetearyl alcohol~0.75–1.1%
- 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 alcoholAlcohol denat.~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Butylene glycol~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolSodium polyacrylate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a gel-like product texture, as well as to stabilize emulsions
More about Sodium polyacrylatePhenoxyethanol~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolPotassium cetyl phosphate~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Potassium cetyl phosphatePanthenol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolCaprylyl glycol~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolBisabolol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.3–0.6%
- 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 triglycerideEthylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Polysorbate 20~0.25–0.5%
Tetrasodium edta~0.2–0.4%
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 acidPolyglyceryl-6 behenate~0.25–0.45%
Sorbitan laurate~0.25–0.45%
Retinol~0.2–0.35%
- 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 RetinolSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateCarbomer~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerInulin lauryl carbamate~0.2–0.4%
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseAcetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl esterSucrose laurate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent
More about Sucrose laurateBehentrimonium chloride~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Bht~0.2–0.35%
Ceramide np~0.2–0.4%
- 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 npPhytosphingosine~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineCeramide ap~0.2–0.4%
- 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 apCholesterol~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolXanthan gum~0.1–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumBenzoic acid~0.15–0.25%
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Ceramide eop~0.1–0.2%
- 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 eopIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Ppg-15 stearyl ether, Pentaerythrityl distearate, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Polyglyceryl-6 stearate, Glyceryl stearate, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Dimethicone, Cetearyl alcohol, Alcohol denat., Butylene glycol, Sodium polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Panthenol, Caprylyl glycol, Bisabolol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium edta, Citric acid, Polyglyceryl-6 behenate, Sorbitan laurate, Retinol, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Carbomer, Inulin lauryl carbamate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Sucrose laurate, Behentrimonium chloride, Bht, Ceramide np, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide ap, Cholesterol, Xanthan gum, Benzoic acid, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Ceramide eop
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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.
| No7Pure Retinol Hand CreamYOUR PRODUCT | RemedyHAND & CUTICLE REPAIRING BUTTER CREAM WITH RETINOL | AHCHydrating Essential Real Eye Cream for Face | CeraVeSkin Renewing Night Cream | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 77% | 69% | 68% |
| Price | — | $17.99 | $21.40 | $15.44 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 17 | 13 of 17 | 9 of 17 |
| Key difference | — | Lactic Acid | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | High | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | Contains drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Mosh PM MoisturiserSanitas Skincare Retinol Peeling Cream
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "No7 - Pure Retinol Hand Cream" works well for moisturizing the skin. 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. Humectants in this product (panthenol, glycerin, butylene glycol and caprylyl glycol) 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). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide eop, ceramide np, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and phytosphingosine) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- this moisturizer contains an effective form of retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.20% - 0.35%. 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 alternative days or when your skin feels dry.
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.20% - 0.40%, ceramide np 0.20% - 0.40%, ceramide eop 0.10% - 0.20% and ceramide ap 0.15% - 0.30%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester 0.20% - 0.40%, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.15% - 0.30% and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.10% - 0.20%). There are many different kind of peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of amino-acids. Some of them work as natural anti-biotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective peptides in skincare are, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
Irritation risk
There are some common irritants in this product, including ingredients that do not have benefits 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.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "No7" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails from 6.98£ up to 14.95£ 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 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 6Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
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