Works for:
based on ingredients and %- Moisturizing
- Anti-oxidation
Doesn't work for:
based on ingredients and %- Anti-aging
- Evens skin tone
Can it cause trouble?
- Irritation risk: high
- Comedogenic risk ingredients: 0
Key actives
Product Summary
"Tula - Retinol Alternative Serum" is effective for: Anti-inflammatory
This product could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.
Ingredient callouts
- Humectants (glycerin 0.30% - 0.55%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Tula" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.
Price
The product retails for 68.00$ in the United States, for 86.00CA$ in Canada and from 58.00£ up to 88.50£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Anti-oxidation
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.
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
A plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties
Consists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect
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.
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.
Moisturizing
What does the product description say?
Working to hydrate the skin, it leaves sensitive skin feeling less stressed over time.
Source: SpaceNK
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, hydrolyzed rice protein.
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: carthamus tinctorius seed oil, vegetable oil.
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
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
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
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
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
Consists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect
Anti-aging
What does the product description say?
What Else You Need to Know Minimize the look of wrinkles and treat premature signs of aging with this powerful serum formulated with a blend of botanical retinol alternatives—bakuchiol, alfalfa sprouts, and stevia.
Source: Sephora CA
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.
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
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.
Evens skin tone
What does the product description say?
Similar Items For You 12 items Tula Sensitive Skin Treatment Drops Calming Vitamin B Serum%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.2 (147)$48.00 Tula Brightening Treatment Drops Triple Vitamin C Serum%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.3 (807)$56.00 Tula Hello Radiance Illuminating Serum%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.6 (227)$68.00 Tula Firm Up Deep Wrinkle Serum%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.6 (396)$84.00 Tula Beauty Sleep Overnight Repair Treatment%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.3 (575)$68.00 Online only Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Power Serum Firming + Brightening Treatment%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.6 (432)$110.00 3 sizes Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.6 (597)$54.00 , $114.00 Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Overnight Serum%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.7 (450)$72.00 Josie Maran Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.6 (155)$66.00 Online only Kiehl's Since 1851 Precision Lifting and Pore Tightening Concentrate%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.2 (50)$68.00 Online only Hey Honey Be Clear Skin Purifying Propolis Drops%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4.6 (14)$59.00 Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum%1 out of 5 stars ; %2 reviews 4 (54)$125.00
Source: Ulta
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low
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
Consists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect
How honest is this product?
| Promise | Can it deliver? |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing | |
| Anti-aging | |
| Evens skin tone |
Total Promises Fulfilled score: 41/100.
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Potential irritants
Comedogenic ingredients
No comedogenic ingredients detected
User reviews (0)
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|---|---|---|---|
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Key Actives
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
Consists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Potential irritants
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
A plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
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.
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
Used to improve stability of the formulation
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
Comedogenic ingredients
We couldn't find any comedogenic ingredients in this product
All ingredients
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
Consists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties
A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
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
A plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking
An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
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.
Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation
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
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters
Used to improve stability of the formulation
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
A fragrance. Potential allergen and can be irritating
Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
Ingredient list view
Water, Disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, Sodium hydroxypropylsulfonate laurylglucoside crosspolymer, Lauryl glucoside, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, Sodium chloride, Disteareth-75 ipdi, Bifida ferment lysate, Hydrolyzed rice protein, Curcuma longa root extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract, Cichorium intybus root extract, Camelina sativa seed oil, Lactose, Lactis proteinum, Milk protein, Yogurt powder, Olus oil, Vegetable oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Ascorbyl palmitate, Panthenol, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Polysorbate 20, Butylene glycol, Inulin, Pentylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Coco-glucoside, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Sorbitan isostearate, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Glutaral, Glycerin, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Sorbic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic acid, Phenethyl alcohol, Parfum, Alpha-isomethyl ionone, Benzyl benzoate, Citronellol, Hexyl cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
- Bifidobacterium longumlysate, a new ingredient forreactive skin
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- Protection Against Free Radicals (UVB Irradiation) of a Water-Soluble Enzymatic Extract from Rice Bran. Study Using Human Keratinocyte Monolayer and Reconstructed Human Epidermis
- Amended final report on the safety assessment of Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran Oil, Oryza Sativa (rice) Germ Oil, Rice Bran Acid,Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran Wax, Hydrogenated Rice Bran Wax, Oryza Sativa (rice)Bran Extract, Oryza Sativa (rice) Extract, Oryza Sativa (rice) Germ Powder, Oryza Sativa (rice) Starch, Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, and Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
- Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), 1243–1264. doi:10.1002/ptr.5640
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