Skin Generics Anti-Aging Anti-Aging Serum Retinol 20% Active Complex
Works for
Anti-agingRetinol, Algae extract + 1 moreWorks well
“A Anti-Wrinkle, Firming and Moisturising serum with 20% of anti-aging properties with optimal results after daily use.”
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.
Evens skin toneRetinolWorks well
“Vit. C firms and brightens the skin.”
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.
MoisturizingDimethicone, Ethylhexyl cocoate + 7 moreWorks
“A Anti-Wrinkle, Firming and Moisturising serum with 20% of anti-aging properties with optimal results after daily use.”
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:
algae 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: dimethicone, dimethiconol.
ExfoliationSide benefit · RetinolWorks 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.
Anti-oxidationSide benefit · Dimethylmethoxy chromanol, Retinol + 2 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (dimethylmethoxy chromanol, 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).
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol, RetinolMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Propanediol~4.6–6.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolButylene glycol~3.5–5.2%
- 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 glycolAscorbyl methylsilanol pectinate~2.7–4.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A stable derivative of pectin and vitamin C. It might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but evidence of effectiveness is lacking. Helps create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the product formulation
More about Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinateDimethicone~2.2–3.3%
- 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 DimethiconePhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCellulose gum~1.5–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
More about Cellulose gumMethylpropanediol~1.3–2%
Vitis vinifera vine extract~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexyl cocoate~0.95–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Ethylhexyl cocoateAlcohol~0.55–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholDimethiconol~0.5–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time
More about DimethiconolPolysorbate 80~0.45–1.05%
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.4–0.95%
- 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 crosspolymerAlgae extract~0.4–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Plant extract that helps the skin to attract water and make it more smooth for touch. Also shows promise of anti-aging properties, but research is not extensive yet
More about Algae extractDisodium edta~0.35–0.85%
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.8%
Lecithin~0.3–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinTocopherol~0.15–0.6%
- 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 TocopherolGlycine soja oil~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.
More about Glycine soja oilSodium hydroxide~0.1–0.45%
Chlorphenesin~0.05–0.3%
Propylene glycol~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolRetinol~0.05–0.25%
- 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 RetinolSoy isoflavones~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Dimethylmethoxy chromanol~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can help neutralize free radicals in skin
More about Dimethylmethoxy chromanolSodium dehydroacetate~0.05–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Water, Propanediol, Butylene glycol, Ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Cellulose gum, Methylpropanediol, Vitis vinifera vine extract, Ethylhexyl cocoate, Alcohol, Dimethiconol, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Algae extract, Disodium edta, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Glycine soja oil, Sodium hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Propylene glycol, Retinol, Soy isoflavones, Dimethylmethoxy chromanol, Sodium dehydroacetate
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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.
| Skin GenericsAnti-Aging Anti-Aging Serum Retinol 20% Active ComplexYOUR PRODUCT | LANEIGEPerfect Renew Signature Serum | Kate Somerville+Retinol Vita C Power Serum Firming + Brightening Treatment | Beauty PieSuper Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 88% | 87% | 87% |
| Price | — | $39.00 | $107.10 | $55.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 | Vitamin C | Lactic Acid |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | High | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate SensitiveIOPE Retinol Expert 0.1%
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 3
- 4Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
- 6Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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