Product claims breakdown
Anti-agingHYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE at ~0.01–0.1% + 1 more curated activeStrong evidence
HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE at ~0.01–0.1% + 1 more curated active
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 RETINOATERole: HeroA 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.~0.01–0.1%
TOCOPHEROLRole: Key activePure 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~0.9–1.35%
Vitis vinifera seed oilRole: Key activeA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~30–44%
Persea gratissima oilRole: Key activeAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~3.6–5.3%
Helianthus annuus seed oilRole: Key activeA 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~2.9–4.3%
Rosa canina fruit oilRole: Key activeA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~2.1–3.2%
Solanum lycopersicum seed oilRole: Key activeA 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~1.4–2%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideRole: Key activeA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.3–1.9%
Spilanthes acmella flower extractRole: Key activePlant extract that might hep calm down inflammation in skin~0.45–1%
Evens skin toneHYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE at ~0.01–0.1% delivers this without it being on the labelQuiet bonus
HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE at ~0.01–0.1% delivers this without it being on the label
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 RETINOATERole: HeroA 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.~0.01–0.1%
Vitis vinifera seed oilRole: Key activeA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~30–44%
Persea gratissima oilRole: Key activeAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~3.6–5.3%
Helianthus annuus seed oilRole: Key activeA 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~2.9–4.3%
Rosa canina fruit oilRole: Key activeA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~2.1–3.2%
Solanum lycopersicum seed oilRole: Key activeA 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~1.4–2%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideRole: Key activeA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.3–1.9%
TocopherolRole: Key activePure 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~0.9–1.35%
Spilanthes acmella flower extractRole: Key activePlant extract that might hep calm down inflammation in skin~0.45–1%
Anti-blemishHYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE at ~0.01–0.1% delivers this without it being on the labelQuiet bonus
HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE at ~0.01–0.1% delivers this without it being on the label
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: hydroxypinacolone retinoate. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATERole: HeroA 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.~0.01–0.1%
Vitis vinifera seed oilRole: Key activeA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~30–44%
Persea gratissima oilRole: Key activeAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier function~3.6–5.3%
Helianthus annuus seed oilRole: Key activeA 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~2.9–4.3%
Rosa canina fruit oilRole: Key activeA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~2.1–3.2%
Solanum lycopersicum seed oilRole: Key activeA 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~1.4–2%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideRole: Key activeA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.3–1.9%
TocopherolRole: Key activePure 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~0.9–1.35%
Spilanthes acmella flower extractRole: Key activePlant extract that might hep calm down inflammation in skin~0.45–1%
Irritancy13 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
13 flagged ingredients — patch-test recommended
We flagged 13 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~0.01–0.1%est.
Spilanthes acmella flower extractPlant extract that might hep calm down inflammation in skinHigh~0.45–1%est.
Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.01–0.1%est.
Persea gratissima oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin and could be helpful in repairing its barrier functionLow~3.6–5.3%est.
Rosa canina fruit oilA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritatingLow~2.1–3.2%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 glycerinLow~1.3–1.9%est.
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsLow risk
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Vitis vinifera seed oil~30–44%
Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~4.6–6.9%
Persea gratissima oil~3.6–5.3%
Helianthus annuus seed oil~2.9–4.3%
Rosa canina fruit oil~2.1–3.2%
Fusanus spicatus kernel oil~1.6–2.5%
Solanum lycopersicum seed oil~1.4–2%
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.3–1.9%
Tocopherol~0.9–1.35%
Hydroxypinacolone retinoate~0.01–0.1%
Spilanthes acmella flower extract~0.45–1%
Calendula officinalis flower extract~0.35–0.8%
Dimethyl isosorbide~0.3–0.7%
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.15–0.6%
Linalool~0.1–0.4%
Citronellol~0.05–0.3%
Geraniol~0.05–0.15%
Benzyl benzoate~0.01–0.1%
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