Algenist Green Microalgae Retinol + Regenerating Serum

Algenist Green Microalgae Retinol + Regenerating Serum
4.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using Algenist Green Microalgae Retinol + Regenerating Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Algenist Green Microalgae Retinol + Regenerating Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.9 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Algenist Green Microalgae Retinol + Regenerating Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.6 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Algenist Green Microalgae Retinol + Regenerating Serum has a moisturizing rating of 4.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 9.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%).

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Algenist Green Microalgae Retinol + Regenerating Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.6 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription ingredient with well-proven efficacy to reduce wrinkles.
  • Glycolic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     highly effective in peelings, yet with below-average anti-wrinkle efficacy when used in leave-on skincare products.
Among others, Algenist Green Microalgae Retinol + Regenerating Serum also contains Gluconolactone, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Gluconolactone provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Algenist Green Microalgae Retinol + Regenerating Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Chlorella Vulgaris Extract (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
Water
6
Glycerin
4
Cetyl Esters
3
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
0.1
Retinol
0.3
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
0.3
Salicylic Acid
0.3
Lactic Acid
0.3
Glycolic Acid
0.3
Phytic Acid
0.3
Gluconolactone
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Panthenol
0.3
Sodium PCA
0.3
Allantoin
0.3
Bisabolol
0.3
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
0.3
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
0.3
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
0.3
Lecithin
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Polysorbate 20
0.3
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
0.3
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Ethyl Ferulate
0.3
Sodium Hydroxide
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
1,2-Hexanediol
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Pentylene Glycol
0.3
Tridecane
0.3
Undecane
0.3
Propanediol
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Esters
Function:
Origin:
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phytic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Ferulate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tridecane
Function:
Origin:
Undecane
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.3
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.3 10
9.3
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.3 10
9.3
All humectants
9.3
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
1.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.6
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Glycolic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.2
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
3
Tocopherol
0.3
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
0.3
Ethyl Ferulate
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.5 5 No
All soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Cetyl Esters
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Cetyl EstersA naturally-derived (coconut-based) or synthetically produced wax that provides body and soft smooth feel in a product.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractA dried mass of tiny, single-cell green algae. It is widely used as a food source or dietary supplement since it is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. This dark green extract is used as an antioxidant agent in skincare.
Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Parachlorella Beijerinckii Exopolysaccharides
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Phytic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytic AcidPhytic acid is found in rice and is seen as a cousin of alpha-hydroxy acids. As a chelator, it can bind to certain metals that may cause discoloration in products or reduce the efficacy of other ingredients.
Gluconolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Sodium PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BisabololAn anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) ExtractAn extract from hops flowers. Hops have been used traditionally to treat skin inflammation. The extract is rich in antioxidants and has antifungal and antimicrobial activity.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxObtained from the leaves of Carnauba wax palm, this occlusive, emollient, and film-forming wax is commonly used in lip products. It is comprised mainly of various wax esters and is one of the hardest and most resistant plant waxes.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6A polymeric ingredient that works best in water-based formulas to create gel textures. It helps to stabilize emulsions and control viscosity.
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium CocoamphodiacetateA naturally-derived mild cleansing agent. It provides foam but does not leave skin feeling stripped or dry when properly incorporated.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Ethyl Ferulate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Ferulate
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Tridecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tridecane
Undecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Undecane
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.