Riversol

Riversol [Subscription tests] Retinol Treatment

Name: Riversol - [Subscription tests] Retinol Treatment
Brand: Riversol

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Evens skin tone

Retinol, Hydrolyzed yeast extract + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“5% pure retinol, and the highest concentration of Beta-T ever formulated Reducing the look of dark spots Visually reducing fine lines Evening skin texture Boosting radiance 30mL Tube”

Source: Riversol

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.

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~2.4–3%

Hydrolyzed yeast extractEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties~0.55–0.85%

Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphateUnder-dosedA more stable but less potent derivative of vitamin C. It can help neautralize free radicals and even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentration (required levels are likely to be much higher than for pure vitamin C, and solid studies are lacking at the moment)~0.15–0.25%

Anti-aging

Retinol, Tocopherol + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“5% pure retinol, and the highest concentration of Beta-T ever formulated Reducing the look of dark spots Visually reducing fine lines Evening skin texture Boosting radiance 30mL Tube”

Source: Riversol

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.

TocopherolEffect: LowPure 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~3.3–4%

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA 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~1.5–1.8%

Anti-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · Retinol

Works 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.

Exfoliation

Not advertised by the brand · Retinol

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: retinol.

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~2.4–3%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Tocopherol, Retinol + 5 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (retinol, tocopherol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

TocopherolKey activeEffect: HighPure 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~3.3–4%

Hydrolyzed yeast extractEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties~0.55–0.85%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.15–0.3%

Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphatesUnder-dosedA form of Vitamin E. In concentrations 1-3%, it can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support photodamage repair~0.25–0.45%

Moisturizing

Not advertised by the brand · Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetearyl alcohol + 14 more

Works

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: hydrolyzed yeast extract, 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, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~6.4–7.8%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.1–2.6%

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~1.5–1.8%

CyclopentasiloxaneKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin~1–1.2%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA 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~0.75–1.1%

Hydrolyzed yeast extractKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties~0.55–0.85%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.3–0.55%

TocopherolEffect: LowPure 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~3.3–4%

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~1.2–1.4%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.45–0.65%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.35–0.65%

Palmitic acid· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~0.35–0.6%

Behenyl alcohol· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: LowNon-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient~0.35–0.65%

Myristyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating~0.3–0.55%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.7%

Stearic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.45–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Retinol

Medium risk

We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

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~2.4–3%est.

Myristyl alcoholHelps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.55%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~6.4–7.8%est.

Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.7–2.1%est.

Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–0.7%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Sorbic acidA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.6%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.4%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~0.15–0.3%est.

Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphateA more stable but less potent derivative of vitamin C. It can help neautralize free radicals and even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentration (required levels are likely to be much higher than for pure vitamin C, and solid studies are lacking at the moment)Medium~0.15–0.25%est.

Tetrasodium edtaHelps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

2 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

Butyrospermum parkii butterA 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 radicals3/5~1.5–1.8%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.1–2.6%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Peter Thomas Roth Goodbye Acne Treatment Gel

Cheaper71% match

$44.00

The Purest Solutions Youth Radiant Renewal Retinol Serum

Cheaper71% match

$6.63

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

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~6.4–7.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

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 triglyceride

Sodium ascorbate~4.5–5.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Sodium ascorbate

Tocopherol~3.3–4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

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 Tocopherol

Retinol~2.4–3%

Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

ExfoliationAnti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidationMattifying

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

Cetearyl alcohol~2.1–2.6%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Polysorbate 60~1.7–2.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60

Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.5–1.8%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

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 butter

Butylene glycol~1.2–1.4%

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

Cyclopentasiloxane~1–1.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane

Dimethicone~0.75–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

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 Dimethicone

Hydrolyzed yeast extract~0.55–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have some anti-oxidant and skin lightening properties

More about Hydrolyzed yeast extract

Cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose~0.55–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize formulations

More about Cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose

Polyglucuronic acid~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Often used to support the moisturization effect of polysaccharides (contained, for example, in yeast extract)

More about Polyglucuronic acid

Lecithin~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin

Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil~0.5–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil

Phenoxyethanol~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Caprylyl glycol~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Sorbic acid~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sorbic acid

Polysorbate 80~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80

Glyceryl stearate~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Behenyl alcohol~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient

More about Behenyl alcohol

Palmitic acid~0.35–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid

Stearic acid~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid

Lauryl alcohol~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Lauryl alcohol

Myristyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating

More about Myristyl alcohol

Cetyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Hinokitiol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hinokitiol

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

Sodium hydroxide~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Tocopheryl acetate~0.15–0.3%

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

Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate~0.15–0.25%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin tone

A more stable but less potent derivative of vitamin C. It can help neautralize free radicals and even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentration (required levels are likely to be much higher than for pure vitamin C, and solid studies are lacking at the moment)

More about Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate

Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates~0.25–0.45%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingAnti-oxidation

A form of Vitamin E. In concentrations 1-3%, it can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support photodamage repair

More about Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates

Tetrasodium edta~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium edta

Citric acid~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Sodium ascorbate, Tocopherol, Retinol, Cetearyl alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Butylene glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed yeast extract, Cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyglucuronic acid, Lecithin, Peg-40 hydrogenated castor oil, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Sorbic acid, Polysorbate 80, Glyceryl stearate, Behenyl alcohol, Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Lauryl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Hinokitiol, Xanthan gum, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Sodium hydroxide, Tocopheryl acetate, Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, Disodium lauriminodipropionate tocopheryl phosphates, Tetrasodium edta, Citric acid

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Riversol

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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
	Riversol[Subscription tests] Retinol TreatmentYOUR PRODUCT	IOPERetinol Expert 0.1%	Peter Thomas RothGoodbye Acne Treatment Gel	The Purest SolutionsYouth Radiant Renewal Retinol Serum
Match	—	73%	71%	71%
Price	$68.00	$80.00+$12.00	$44.00−$24.00	$6.63−$61.37
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 8	4 of 8	4 of 8
Key difference	—	Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11	Salicylic Acid	Niacinamide
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	Contains drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Riversol - [Subscription tests] Retinol Treatment" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Anti-blemish, Anti-aging and Exfoliation

This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

this product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 2.40% - 3.00%. 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.
Humectants (hydrolyzed yeast extract 0.55% - 0.85%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.