Works for
Anti-blemishHydroxypinacolone retinoateWorks well
“Improving hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes and acne.”
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: hydroxypinacolone retinoate. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
MoisturizingAcetyl hexapeptide-8, Cetyl alcohol + 4 moreWorks well
“Formulated with three strengths of hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) – a form of vitamin A that delivers the anti-ageing benefits of retinol with a far lower risk of irritation – as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid and peptides specifically to delay and counteract signs of UV damage, improve hyperpigmentation, fine lines, blemishes and acne, reduce pore size and minimise sebum production – use this ‘ liquid gold ’ to awaken and restore the skin.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate.
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).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl hexapeptide-8
Anti-agingHydroxypinacolone retinoate, Acetyl hexapeptide-8 + 1 moreWorks well
“Improving hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes and acne.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains hydroxypinacolone retinoate.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: acetyl hexapeptide-8.
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.
Evens skin toneHydroxypinacolone retinoateWorks well
“Improving hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes and acne.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: hydroxypinacolone retinoate.
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: Hydroxypinacolone retinoateMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Hyaluronic acid2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
More about Hyaluronic acidWater~40–60%
Dimethyl isosorbide~9.1–13.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin
More about Dimethyl isosorbideAcetyl hexapeptide-810%
- 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 hexapeptide-8Hydroxypinacolone retinoate3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A derivative of the most potent form of vitamin A, retinoic acid. The ingredient can be sold under name Granactive Retinoid. Note that if a skincare brand discloses the concentration of Granactive Retinoid in a product, the concentration refers to a diluted form of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate: 1% of Granactive Retinoid corresponds to 0.1% of Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a unique derivative of retinoic acid because it can directly work in the skin and does not require additional conversion steps. According to studies done by the manufacturer on models of human skin (not real people), this derivative is more effective than other cosmetic versions of retinoids (such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and retinyl palmitate), and, at the same time, causes less irritation. It has been also demonstrated to be more stable than retinol which makes formulating with easier and increases the chances that a product with it will maintain its effectiveness after opening. The packaging should still ideally be air-tight. HPR is available over the counter in the EU, UK, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, but is only with a prescription in Canada.
More about Hydroxypinacolone retinoateCetyl alcohol~4.2–6.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholGlyceryl stearate~3.4–5.1%
- 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 stearatePeg-75 stearate~2.6–3.9%
Ceteth-20~2.2–3.3%
Steareth-20~1.3–2%
Sodium hyaluronate~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateIsostearyl alcohol~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Isostearyl alcoholButylene glycol cocoate~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Butylene glycol cocoateEthylcellulose~0.45–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.35%
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Hyaluronic acid, Water, Dimethyl isosorbide, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Cetyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Peg-75 stearate, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Sodium hyaluronate, Isostearyl alcohol, Butylene glycol cocoate, Ethylcellulose, Unknown, Ethylhexylglycerin, 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.
| sk.inavenge | HPR 3%YOUR PRODUCT | FOREOSUPERCHARGED Triple-Action Firming Serum | CliniqueSmart Wrinkle Correcting Serum All Skin Types | DermExcelRetinol serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 87% | 87% |
| Price | — | $69.90 | $80.00 | $84.05 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 4 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 4 |
| Key difference | — | Adenosine | Ascorbyl Glucoside | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Origins PLANTSCRIPTION Active Wrinkle Correction Serum With RetinoidLancer Skincare Younger Pure Youth Serum with MIMIXYL
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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