Versed Skin

Versed Skin Smooth Landing Advanced Retinol Eye Balm

Name: Versed Skin - Smooth Landing Advanced Retinol Eye Balm
Brand: Versed Skin

Efficacy87/100IrritancyMedium·

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Butyrospermum parkii butter

Works well

What the product description says

“93% of people agreed the product softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes in just six weeks.”

Source: Cultbeauty

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains hydroxypinacolone retinoate.

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.

Hydroxypinacolone retinoateHeroEffect: HighA 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.~0.05–0.15%

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~23–34%

Moisturizing

Butyrospermum parkii butter, Helianthus annuus hybrid oil + 9 more

Works

What the product description says

“...the Smooth Landing Advanced Retinol Eye Balm, a rich balm that literally melts into the delicate skin around your eyes to flood it with hydration and a whole host of smoothing, strengthening ingredients.”

Source: Cultbeauty

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, polyglycerin-3.

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: butyrospermum parkii butter, helianthus annuus hybrid oil.

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~23–34%

Helianthus annuus hybrid oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~4.9–7.3%

TricaprylinKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Can increase penetration of other ingredients~4.2–6.4%

C10-18 triglyceridesKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture~3.3–5%

Hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglyceridesKey active· EmollientEffect: Medium~2.4–3.7%

Stearyl behenateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.6–2.5%

Helianthus annuus seed waxKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency~1.4–2.1%

Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~1.2–1.8%

Ribes nigrum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.~0.95–1.4%

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~0.4–0.9%

Polyglycerin-3Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.7%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · Hydroxypinacolone retinoate

Works well

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?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Hydroxypinacolone retinoate

Medium risk

We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Hydroxypinacolone retinoateA 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.High~0.05–0.15%est.

Acacia decurrens flower waxUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.95%est.

Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~1.7–2.6%est.

Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~1.2–1.8%est.

Ribes nigrum seed oilAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.Medium~0.95–1.4%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~0.55–1.3%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Phytic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmeticsMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 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

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~23–34%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Hickap Bedtime Magic Repairing Night Cream

Higher efficacy · 100/10066% match

SKINCITY skincare 24H Light Emulsion

CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10065% match

$2.72

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

0%·yes

0 of 1 community members would buy it again.

0% would100% wouldn't

Ranita· Aug 2024Doesn't recommend
I like it as a retinoid for around my eyes but I have broken out from it in the past. I still use it once in a while but overall I think there are other retinoids available that do the same thing and don't break me out.
Texture
Heavy
Clogging pores
Definitely clogs pores
Smell
No smell

What reviewers noticed

Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyrospermum parkii butter~23–34%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Helianthus annuus hybrid oil~4.9–7.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Helianthus annuus hybrid oil

Tricaprylin~4.2–6.4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Can increase penetration of other ingredients

More about Tricaprylin

C10-18 triglycerides~3.3–5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the skin and attract water to its upper layer. Helps create nice product texture

More about C10-18 triglycerides

Hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides~2.4–3.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides

Polyhydroxystearic acid~1.7–2.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid

Stearyl behenate~1.6–2.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Stearyl behenate

Helianthus annuus seed wax~1.4–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function while creating a thicker product consistency

More about Helianthus annuus seed wax

Jojoba esters~1.2–1.8%

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

Water~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Ribes nigrum seed oil~0.95–1.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.

More about Ribes nigrum seed oil

Tocopheryl acetate~0.55–1.3%

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

Hydroxypinacolone retinoate~0.05–0.15%

Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin toneIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliation

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 retinoate

Dimethyl isosorbide~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to dissolve other ingredients in a product and can enhance their ability to penetrate the skin

More about Dimethyl isosorbide

Silica silylate~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Silica silylate

Glycerin~0.4–0.9%

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

Acacia decurrens flower wax~0.4–0.95%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Acacia decurrens flower wax

Polyglycerin-3~0.3–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglycerin-3

Sodium citrate~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate

Lentinus edodes extract~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Lentinus edodes extract

Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Phytic acid~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics

More about Phytic acid

Citric acid~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Ingredient list view

Butyrospermum parkii butter, Helianthus annuus hybrid oil, Tricaprylin, C10-18 triglycerides, Hydroxystearic/linolenic/oleic polyglycerides, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Stearyl behenate, Helianthus annuus seed wax, Jojoba esters, Water, Ribes nigrum seed oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Dimethyl isosorbide, Silica silylate, Glycerin, Acacia decurrens flower wax, Polyglycerin-3, Sodium citrate, Lentinus edodes extract, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Phytic acid, Citric acid

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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
	Versed SkinSmooth Landing Advanced Retinol Eye BalmYOUR PRODUCT	this worksday night eye care	HickapBedtime Magic Repairing Night Cream	SKINCITY skincare24H Light Emulsion
Match	—	66%	66%	65%
Price	—	$64.31	—	$2.72
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 8	3 of 8	3 of 8
Key difference	—	Ascorbyl Glucoside	Bakuchiol	Gluconolactone
Irritancy	Medium	High	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop