True Botanicals

True Botanicals Phyto Retinol Advanced Anti-Aging Clinical Cream

Name: True Botanicals - Phyto Retinol Advanced Anti-Aging Clinical Cream
Brand: True Botanicals

Efficacy62/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol + 15 more

Works

What the product description says

“A luxurious, hydrating, & non-sensitizing retinol alternative soft cream for plump and radiant skin.”

Source: Credo Beauty

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, caprylyl 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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, cocos nucifera oil.

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~4.2–6.3%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~4.2–6.3%

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~3.8–5.7%

Shorea stenoptera seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~2.7–4.1%

Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~2.1–3.1%

Rosa rubiginosa seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighPlant oil that due to the high content of linoleic acid can support skin's barrier function and reduce moisture loss~1.6–2.4%

Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~0.4–0.9%

Salvia hispanica seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighChia seed oil. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might be helpful in repairing skin barrier~0.4–0.9%

Mauritia flexuosa fruit oilKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.6%

Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oilKey activeEffect: MediumA plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritating~0.15–0.7%

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan 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~23–34%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1.1–1.6%

Moringa oleifera seed oil· EmollientEffect: LowA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid~0.2–0.7%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.15–0.65%

Rosa damascena flower oilEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.1–0.4%

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~0.15–0.55%

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.15–0.6%

Anti-aging

Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Tocopherol

Not delivered

What the product description says

“Phyto Retinol Advanced Anti-Aging Clinical Cream”

Source: Credo Beauty

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - camellia sinensis leaf extract - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

This ingredient camellia sinensis leaf extract might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil + 6 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan 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~23–34%

Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oilEffect: LowA plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritating~0.15–0.7%

Eclipta prostrata extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It can be irritating~0.1–0.4%

Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extractEffect: LowA berry extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~0.1–0.4%

Daucus carota sativa root extractEffect: LowCarrot extract. Might have anti-oxidant properties and be used to add orange color~0.1–0.4%

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.1–0.45%

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin~0.1–0.4%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.15–0.55%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

11 strong irritants: Rosa rubiginosa seed oil, Citrus limon leaf oil + 9 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 28 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Rosa rubiginosa seed oilPlant oil that due to the high content of linoleic acid can support skin's barrier function and reduce moisture lossHigh~1.6–2.4%est.

Phenethyl alcoholA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.3–0.7%est.

Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oilA plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.7%est.

Coriandrum sativum seed oilUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.2–0.7%est.

Eclipta prostrata extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Citrus limon leaf oil—High~0.1–0.35%est.

Lavandula hybrida oilPlant extract that can be irritating and is a known allergenHigh~0.15–0.5%est.

Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extractA berry extract. Might have some anti-oxidant propertiesHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Melia azadirachta leaf extractA plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.45%est.

Camphor—High~0.1–0.4%est.

CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.3%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%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~3.8–5.7%est.

Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 estersHelp oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.2–1.8%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.6–1.35%est.

Sodium stearoyl lactylateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.45–1.05%est.

Tapioca starchUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.2–0.7%est.

Mauritia flexuosa fruit oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.15–0.6%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.15–0.6%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Moringa oleifera seed oilA plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acidMedium~0.2–0.7%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.65%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

Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.4–0.9%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~4.2–6.3%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~23–34%

Key active

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

Cetearyl alcohol~4.2–6.3%

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

Glycerin~4.2–6.3%

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

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.8–5.7%

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

Shorea stenoptera seed butter~2.7–4.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Shorea stenoptera seed butter

Coco-caprylate/caprate~2.1–3.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate

Rosa rubiginosa seed oil~1.6–2.4%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Plant oil that due to the high content of linoleic acid can support skin's barrier function and reduce moisture loss

More about Rosa rubiginosa seed oil

Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters~1.2–1.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Help oil and water mix together

More about Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters

Glyceryl stearate~1.1–1.6%

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

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.6–1.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Sodium stearoyl lactylate~0.45–1.05%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl lactylate

Cocos nucifera oil~0.4–0.9%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil

Salvia hispanica seed oil~0.4–0.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Chia seed oil. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and might be helpful in repairing skin barrier

More about Salvia hispanica seed oil

Phenethyl alcohol~0.3–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Phenethyl alcohol

Tapioca starch~0.2–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Tapioca starch

Sclerotium gum~0.2–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum

Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil~0.15–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that might somewhat help to neutralize free radicals. It could be irritating

More about Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil

Mauritia flexuosa fruit oil~0.15–0.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Mauritia flexuosa fruit oil

Coriandrum sativum seed oil~0.2–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance

More about Coriandrum sativum seed oil

Populus tremuloides bark extract~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Populus tremuloides bark extract

Coriandrum sativum fruit/leaf extract~0.1–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Coriandrum sativum fruit/leaf extract

Amaranthus caudatus seed extract~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Amaranthus caudatus seed extract

Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.15–0.6%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil

Sodium phytate~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate

Eclipta prostrata extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. It can be irritating

More about Eclipta prostrata extract

Citric acid~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Amyris balsamifera bark oil~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Amyris balsamifera bark oil

Canarium luzonicum gum oil~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Canarium luzonicum gum oil

Citrus limon leaf oil~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus limon leaf oil

Lavandula hybrida oil~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Plant extract that can be irritating and is a known allergen

More about Lavandula hybrida oil

Rosa damascena flower oil~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil

Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A berry extract. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract

Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

AntibacterialAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating

More about Melia azadirachta leaf extract

Daucus carota sativa root extract~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Carrot extract. Might have anti-oxidant properties and be used to add orange color

More about Daucus carota sativa root extract

Moringa oleifera seed oil~0.2–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A plant oil that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Is unlikely to be helpful in restoring skin barrier function due to the low content of linoleic acid

More about Moringa oleifera seed oil

Tocopherol~0.15–0.55%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishAntibacterialAnti-oxidation

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Water~0.15–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Camphor~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Camphor

Citral~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral

Geraniol~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Geranyl acetate~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Geranyl acetate

Limonene~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene

Linalool~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ingredient list view

Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Cetearyl alcohol, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Shorea stenoptera seed butter, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Rosa rubiginosa seed oil, Candelilla/jojoba/rice bran polyglyceryl-3 esters, Glyceryl stearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Cocos nucifera oil, Salvia hispanica seed oil, Phenethyl alcohol, Tapioca starch, Sclerotium gum, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil, Mauritia flexuosa fruit oil, Coriandrum sativum seed oil, Populus tremuloides bark extract, Coriandrum sativum fruit/leaf extract, Amaranthus caudatus seed extract, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Sodium phytate, Eclipta prostrata extract, Citric acid, Amyris balsamifera bark oil, Canarium luzonicum gum oil, Citrus limon leaf oil, Lavandula hybrida oil, Rosa damascena flower oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Daucus carota sativa root extract, Moringa oleifera seed oil, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Water, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Camphor, Citral, Geraniol, Geranyl acetate, Limonene, Linalool

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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
	True BotanicalsPhyto Retinol Advanced Anti-Aging Clinical CreamYOUR PRODUCT	YUNIActive Calm Firming Facial Moisturiser	QMS MedicosmeticsAntioxidant Day and Night Cream	MoshPM Moisturiser
Match	—	38%	37%	37%
Price	$88.00	$28.30−$59.70	$207.95+$119.95	$28.06−$59.94
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 10	3 of 10	3 of 10
Key difference	—	Panthenol	Vitamin C	Retinol
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	Contains drying alcohol	—
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