Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream Review

Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream
5.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
9.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream has to offer:
 
  • Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10, impaired by the lack of humectants.
  • Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 5.0 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.

Key Benefits of Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream:
 

Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 2.3 out of 10 and a very high Occlusivity of 9.5 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%), Mineral Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Squalane (est. ≈2.5%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver a substantial level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry skin. The occlusive profile of Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

Considerable Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 5.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinal (est. ≈0.05%), 
 also known as retinaldehyde, is a potent retinoid with anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 125 participants (Creidi et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.05% retinal reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 18 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without retinal).
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With high occlusivity, this product is optimal for dry skin but may be too thick for combination and especially oily skin. Even on normal skin, it can feel too rich depending on the quantity applied, the environment, and individual preferences.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Avene RetrinAL 0.05 Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry skin
  • Rich texture well-suited for dry skin
  • Provides considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to Retinal

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.05
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Wax
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Oleoyl Dipeptide-15
Function:
Origin:
Oleoyl Tetrapeptide-31
Function:
Origin:
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Function:
Origin:
Retinal
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.3
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
19.0
9.0
6.0
2.5
1.5
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.3 10
2.3
2
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 19.0 20
9.5
9.0
6.0
2.5
1.5
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
0.3
All humectants 2.3 10
2.3
All humectants
2.3
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
6
2.5
1.5
All occlusives 19.0 20
9.5
All occlusives
19.0
9.0
6.0
2.5
1.5
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
5 /10 0.05 0.05 5
Total
5
Retinal
5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
5 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.05
Anti-wrinkle rating
5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
BHT
0.3
Oleoyl Tetrapeptide-31
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Mineral Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Mineral OilAlso known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Squalane
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Microcrystalline Wax
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Microcrystalline WaxA white, highly purified, solid substance consisting of petroleum hydrocarbons. It is used in skincare as a strong occlusive and emollient similar to Petrolatum, and also as a formula helper that thickens and stabilizes the product.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
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.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Oleoyl Dipeptide-15
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleoyl Dipeptide-15
Oleoyl Tetrapeptide-31
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleoyl Tetrapeptide-31
Red 33 (CI 17200)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 33 (CI 17200)Also known as D&C Red 33 or Acid Red 33, this ingredient is a synthetic azo used to color skincare products. It produces a cool red hue, with undertones of blue that lead to a hint of purple.
Retinal
Est. %0.05
Function
Origin
Retinal

A potent ingredient of the retinoid group with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.

Tocopheryl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Glucoside
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.