PRODUCT REVIEW
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Serum
Buy from Amazon US $45.50
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Price as of 1/10/2025 4:28 GMT.
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Product summary
What can the product work for?
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
5% microencapsulated retinol is time released to help effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and textural irregularities overnight.
glycolic acid
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
retinol
0.3% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
adenosine
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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)
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Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Serum
glycolic acid
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
retinol
0.3% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
ascorbic acid
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
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Exfoliation
What does the product description say?
A nightly resurfacing serum with a high-potency 15% glycolic acid complex and 1.
glycolic acid
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
retinol
0.3% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
allantoin
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
A blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and collagen instantly hydrate the skin to promote long-lasting moisture, while allantoin and adenosine encourage a more even-looking complexion.
cucurbita pepo seed oil
0.4% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
sodium hyaluronate
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
ceramide np
0.25% -
0.5%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: HIGH
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
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Anti-blemish
retinol
0.3% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
glycolic acid
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
MEDIUM
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
niacinamide
0.5% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
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
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Anti-oxidation
retinol
0.3% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness: 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
adenosine
0.3% -
0.55%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Effectiveness:
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)
ascorbic acid
0.25% -
0.45%
Irritation risk:
Concentration: Insufficient!
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
Show more
Honesty check
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Anti-aging | |
| Exfoliation | |
| Moisturizing | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score:
100/100.
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Can it cause trouble?
- Overall product irritation risk
- Acne & comedogenic risk ingredients: 1
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Anti-blemish
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
retinol
0.3% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Evens skin tone,
Mattifying,
Exfoliation,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging
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
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
zea mays starch
0.8% -
1.15%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Mattifying
Used to thicken the product's consistency
User reviews (0)
Similar products & dupes
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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Ingredients & concentrations
All ingredients
Key Actives
niacinamide
0.5% -
0.8%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Evens skin tone,
Anti-blemish,
Anti-aging,
Moisturizing,
Reduces irritation,
Reduces redness,
Anti-inflammatory,
Antibacterial
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
retinol
0.3% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Evens skin tone,
Mattifying,
Exfoliation,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging
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
Show more
Potential irritants
glycolic acid
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Anti-blemish
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
retinol
0.3% -
0.6%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Anti-blemish,
Evens skin tone,
Mattifying,
Exfoliation,
Anti-oxidation,
Anti-aging
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
Show more
Comodogenic ingredients
zea mays starch
0.8% -
1.15%
Irritation risk: Comedogenicity: High
Works for:
Mattifying
Used to thicken the product's consistency
All ingredients
glycolic acid
4.7% -
5.7%
Irritation risk:
Works for:
Exfoliation,
Evens skin tone,
Anti-aging,
Anti-blemish
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
propanediol
3.9% -
4.8%
Irritation risk:
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
Show more
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycolic acid, Propanediol, Sodium hydroxide, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Ethylhexyl olivate, Polyglyceryl-2 distearate, C9-12 alkane, Arachidyl alcohol, Zea mays starch, Glyceryl stearate, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Adansonia digitata seed oil, Cucurbita pepo seed oil, Retinol, Collagen, Adenosine, Squalane, Allantoin, Ascorbic acid, Panthenol, Lecithin, Ceramide np, Volcanic soil, Pullulan, Sodium phytate, Arachidyl glucoside, Amylopectin, Polysorbate 20, 1,2-hexanediol, Silica, Sodium hyaluronate, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Potassium sorbate, Sclerotium gum, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Sodium benzoate, Xanthan gum, Lysolecithin, Pentylene glycol, Potassium phosphate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Behenyl alcohol, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Mica
Sources
- Photoprotective and antiinflammatory effects of topical glycolic acid
- Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review
- Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin
- Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology
- Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x
- Vitamin E in dermatology
- Vitamin E and Skin Health
- Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety
- Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)
- A comparative study of the effects of retinol and retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human skin
- Evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy of adenosine-containing products using the FOITS technique
- Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoin
- Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations
- Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics
- Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systems
- Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skin
- The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediols
- Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging
- Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin care