Skinbetter Science

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Body Overnight Cream

Name: Skinbetter Science - AlphaRet Body Overnight Cream
Brand: Skinbetter Science

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium

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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Anti-aging

5 ingredients credited for this claim

Moderate support

This product contains ethyl lactyl retinoate. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Ethyl lactyl retinoateKey activeEffect: Medium~0.25–0.5%

Magnesium aluminum silicateEffect: LowMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation~0.45–0.7%

NiacinamideUnder-dosedEffect: HighIs 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~0.5–0.75%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.35%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure 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~0.3–0.55%

Moisturizing

15 ingredients credited for this claim

Good support

What the product description says

“Why You'll Love It Formulated to help resurface and improve the appearance of skin texture, this nightly body cream helps hydrate and smooth rough, dry, flaky skin.”

Source: N/A

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, 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: squalane, jojoba esters.

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronateKey activeEffect: HighAttracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%

Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~1.6–1.9%

Persea gratissima oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~3–3.7%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.9–2.3%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn 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.~0.15–0.25%

Ethylhexyl olivateKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~4.3–5.2%

Cetyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability~0.9–1.1%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.4–1.7%

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~0.15–0.25%

Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.2%

Isocetyl stearoyl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.1–1.3%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Ethyl lactyl retinoate

Medium risk

We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Phenethyl alcoholA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Ethyl lactyl retinoate—High~0.25–0.5%est.

Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.2–0.35%est.

PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~3–3.7%est.

Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~1.6–1.9%est.

Sorbitan palmitateHelps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.6–0.95%est.

EthoxydiglycolHelps to improve the product consistencyMedium~0.3–0.55%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~0.35–0.65%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.3%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

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.4–1.7%est.

Sorbitan oleateHelps oil and water mix together2/5~0.15–0.3%est.

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Ingredients

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Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Ammonium lactate~6.9–8.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Ammonium lactate

Ethylhexyl olivate~4.3–5.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Ethylhexyl olivate

Persea gratissima oil~3–3.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function

More about Persea gratissima oil

Polyglyceryl-3 distearate~2.2–2.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Polyglyceryl-3 distearate

Glycerin~1.9–2.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Jojoba esters~1.6–1.9%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters

Cetearyl alcohol~1.4–1.7%

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

Isocetyl stearoyl stearate~1.1–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Isocetyl stearoyl stearate

Cetyl palmitate~0.9–1.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and is used to improve product texture and stability

More about Cetyl palmitate

Sorbitan palmitate~0.6–0.95%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and stabilize the product formulation

More about Sorbitan palmitate

Niacinamide~0.5–0.75%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

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

More about Niacinamide

Argilla~0.65–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Argilla

Magnesium aluminum silicate~0.45–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-aging

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Magnesium aluminum silicate

Ethoxydiglycol~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to improve the product consistency

More about Ethoxydiglycol

Tocopheryl acetate~0.35–0.65%

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

Lecithin~0.4–0.6%

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

Tocopherol~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-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

Sodium hydroxide~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Phenethyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Phenethyl alcohol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Ethyl lactyl retinoate~0.25–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-aging

More about Ethyl lactyl retinoate

Salicylic acid~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid

Sclerotium gum~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum

Pullulan~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Mattifying

Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect

More about Pullulan

Silica~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract

Xanthan gum~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Sorbitan oleate~0.15–0.3%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan oleate

Butylene glycol~0.15–0.25%

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

Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate

Squalane~0.15–0.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Squalane

Glyceryl stearate citrate~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl stearate citrate

Ingredient list view

Water, Ammonium lactate, Ethylhexyl olivate, Persea gratissima oil, Polyglyceryl-3 distearate, Glycerin, Jojoba esters, Cetearyl alcohol, Isocetyl stearoyl stearate, Cetyl palmitate, Sorbitan palmitate, Niacinamide, Argilla, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Ethoxydiglycol, Tocopheryl acetate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Sodium hydroxide, Hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Phenethyl alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethyl lactyl retinoate, Salicylic acid, Sclerotium gum, Pullulan, Silica, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Xanthan gum, Sorbitan oleate, Butylene glycol, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Squalane, Glyceryl stearate citrate

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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
	Skinbetter ScienceAlphaRet Body Overnight CreamYOUR PRODUCT	CeraVeSA Moisturizing Cream For Rough & Bumpy Skin	e.l.f. CosmeticsBlemish Breakthrough Blemish Calming Water Cream	ColorescienceTotal Eye Firm Repair Cream
Match	—	74%	74%	71%
Price	—	$15.86	—	$98.00
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 12	4 of 12	5 of 12
Key difference	—	Mineral Oil	Acetyl Glucosamine	Retinol
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
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 ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Final report on the safety assessment of aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, sodium magnesium silicate, zirconium silicate, attapulgite, bentonite, Fuller's earth, hectorite, kaolin, lithium magnesium silicate, lithium magnesium sodium silicate, montmorillonite, pyrophyllite, and zeolitencbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Extracellular matrix in cutaneous ageing: the effects of 0.1% copper-zinc malonate-containing cream on elastin biosynthesisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
8
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Phenethyl Alcoholsemanticscholar.org
9
Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
11
A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
12
Glycolic Acid Peels Versus Salicylic–Mandelic Acid Peels in Active Acne Vulgaris and Post‐Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: A Comparative Studyonlinelibrary.wiley.com
13
Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Skinbetter ScienceAlphaRet Body Overnight Cream

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