PCA SKIN Retinol Renewal with RestorAtive Complex
Works for
Anti-agingRetinol, Tocotrienols + 1 moreWorks well
“Dead cells on the surface of the skin are removed for a smoother texture and cellular renewal is increased, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
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: tocotrienols.
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.
ExfoliationRetinolWorks well
“Dead cells on the surface of the skin are removed for a smoother texture and cellular renewal is increased, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
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
“Added Hyaluronic Acid plumps for firmer looking skin, while Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract clears the complexion to create an even 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.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · RetinolWorks well
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-oxidationSide benefit · Retinol, Tocotrienols + 2 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (retinol, superoxide dismutase, tocotrienols) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
MoisturizingSide benefit · Panthenol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane + 10 moreWorks well
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, sodium hyaluronate.
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: squalane, phytosterols.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: RetinolMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~4.4–6.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneGlycerin~3.4–5.1%
- 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 GlycerinPolyacrylate-13~2.7–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the product formulation
More about Polyacrylate-13Retinol~2–3%
- 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 RetinolVigna aconitifolia seed extract~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sodium hyaluronate~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateTocopherol~1.2–1.8%
- 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 TocopherolTocotrienols~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of vitamin E that is more powerful in neutralizing free radicals compared to its other forms
More about TocotrienolsSodium ascorbate~0.8–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Squalane~0.55–1.25%
- 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 SqualaneSuperoxide dismutase~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An antioxidant enzyme that is naturally present in skin. It can help support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin. It is used in topical medications for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. There are three types of natural Superoxide Dismutase in human skin. The compound used in topical treatments and cosmetics are mimics of typically one of these natural variants
More about Superoxide dismutasePanthenol~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolOryza sativa bran wax~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Phytosterols~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Lipids that work as an emollient and can be helpful in repairing skin barrier function
More about PhytosterolsLecithin~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinSodium citrate~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products
More about Sodium citrateCaprylic/capric triglyceride~0.15–0.65%
- 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 triglyceridePolysorbate 20~0.15–0.5%
Polyisobutene~0.1–0.45%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.3%
Butylene glycol~0.05–0.25%
- 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 glycolHexylene glycol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps create a more spreadable product texture
More about Hexylene glycolCaprylyl glycol~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolDisodium edta~0.01–0.05%
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glycerin, Polyacrylate-13, Retinol, Vigna aconitifolia seed extract, Sodium hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Tocotrienols, Sodium ascorbate, Squalane, Superoxide dismutase, Panthenol, Oryza sativa bran wax, Phytosterols, Lecithin, Sodium citrate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene glycol, Hexylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Disodium edta, Phenoxyethanol
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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.
| PCA SKINRetinol Renewal with RestorAtive ComplexYOUR PRODUCT | IOPERetinol Expert 0.1% | ilsoER Firming Serum | Formula 10.0.6In The Deep Vitamin A Nourishing Retinol Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 86% | 86% | 85% |
| Price | — | $80.00 | $24.13 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 6 of 11 | 7 of 11 | 5 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 | Niacinamide | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: SKIN&LAB retinol repair serumDr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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