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Votary Intense Eye Oil - Tuberose and Retinoid
Votary

Votary Intense Eye Oil - Tuberose and Retinoid

Efficacy87/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

2 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Anti-aging
3 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong evidence
What the product description says
“Votary Intense Eye Oil is a powerful blend of natural plant extracts and oils boosted by a gentle retinoid to smooth and hydrate, improving the appearance of fine lines while you sleep.”
Source: SpaceNK

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.~0.05–0.2%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin~25–37%
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~0.95–1.4%
Moisturizing
10 ingredients credited for this claim
Good evidence
What the product description says
“Votary Intense Eye Oil is a powerful blend of natural plant extracts and oils boosted by a gentle retinoid to smooth and hydrate, improving the appearance of fine lines while you sleep.”
Source: SpaceNK

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

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~1.5–2.2%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~1.7–2.5%
Persea gratissima oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~3.3–5%
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~4.1–6.1%
Solanum lycopersicum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and, due to the high linoleic acid content, can support the skin's barrier function~1.8–2.7%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~8.2–12.3%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens the skin~25–37%
Punica granatum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.4–3.7%
Rosa damascena flower oilEffect: LowUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.15–0.6%
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~0.95–1.4%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claim
Strong evidence

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.

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.~0.05–0.2%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
9 strong irritants: Polianthes tuberosa callus extract, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate + 7 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Polianthes tuberosa callus extract—High~0.5–1.15%est.
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~0.05–0.2%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.95%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.7%est.
Pelargonium graveolens flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidationHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
EugenolA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~8.2–12.3%est.
Prunus armeniaca kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~4.1–6.1%est.
Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionMedium~3.3–5%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~1.5–2.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
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Cheaper Alternatives
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil~25–37%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

An emollient that softens the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil
Vitis vinifera seed oil~8.2–12.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~4.1–6.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oil
Persea gratissima oil~3.3–5%
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
Punica granatum seed oil~2.4–3.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Punica granatum seed oil
Solanum lycopersicum seed oil~1.8–2.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and, due to the high linoleic acid content, can support the skin's barrier function

More about Solanum lycopersicum seed oil
Helianthus annuus seed oil~1.7–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.5–2.2%
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
Dimethyl isosorbide~1.1–1.6%
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
Tocopherol~0.95–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingMoisturizing

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
Iris pallida leaf cell extract~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Iris pallida leaf cell extract
Polianthes tuberosa callus extract~0.5–1.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Polianthes tuberosa callus extract
Hydroxypinacolone retinoate~0.05–0.2%
Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin toneIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemishExfoliation

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
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Spilanthes acmella extract~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Spilanthes acmella extract
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

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

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
Pelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation

More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oil
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Geraniol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Eugenol~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Eugenol
Citral~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Farnesol~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol
Ingredient list view

Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Persea gratissima oil, Punica granatum seed oil, Solanum lycopersicum seed oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Dimethyl isosorbide, Tocopherol, Iris pallida leaf cell extract, Polianthes tuberosa callus extract, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Rosa damascena flower oil, Spilanthes acmella extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Rosa damascena flower oil, Geraniol, Eugenol, Citral, Farnesol

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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
VotaryIntense Eye Oil - Tuberose and RetinoidYOUR PRODUCTPestle & MortarSuperstar Retinoid Night OilAwake BeautyPower After Hour 2% Retinol Complex Sleep OilREVOLUTION SKINCARESkin Tone Correcting Serum - Granactive Retinoid 2%
Match—76%75%74%
Price$149.50$89.00−$60.50$15.00−$134.50$10.00−$139.50
Shared key ingredients—4 of 96 of 94 of 9
Key difference—Retinyl PalmitateSalvia Hispanica Seed OilCocos Nucifera Oil
Irritancy High High High Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oilsmdpi.com
  2. 2
    Characteristics and composition of tomato seed oilgrasasyaceites.revistas.csic.es
  3. 3
    Physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of tomato seed oils from processing wastesscielo.br
  4. 4
    Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egyptjournals.lww.com
  6. 6
    Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Votary Intense Eye Oil - Tuberose and Retinoid
VotaryIntense Eye Oil - Tuberose and Retinoid
Buy at SpaceNK US$149.50Amazon

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Buy at SpaceNK US$149.50Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.