Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm Review

Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm
8.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
8.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm has to offer:
 
  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.6 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm:
 

Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 8.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a very high humectancy of 8.3 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%), and a very high occlusivity of 8.8 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%) and Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for dry skin.

The occlusive profile of Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm 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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 3.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm also contains Bakuchiol, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Bakuchiol 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, 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈4.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

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 Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm 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.

Pros & Cons of Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Avene RetrinAL Ceramide Lipid-Replenishing Balm to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Rich moisturizer perfect for dry skin: highly occlusive and humectant-rich
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NG
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Diutan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Linolenate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phytosterols
Function:
Origin:
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.3
6
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
17.5
9.0
4.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.3 10
8.3
6
2
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 17.5 20
8.8
9.0
4.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2
0.3
All humectants 8.3 10
8.3
All humectants
8.3
6
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 17.5 20
8.8
All occlusives
17.5
9.0
4.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 2 3
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3
Niacinamide
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
2
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.5
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
4
Niacinamide
2
Bakuchiol
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
All soothing 2 5 No
All soothing
2
2
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Niacinamide
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Arachidyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl AlcoholA non-drying fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity controlling agent. It also produces a mattifying effect when applied in a skincare product onto the skin.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1
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.
Glyceryl Linoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl LinoleateAn ester that has superior emollient benefits in softening skin. It is a similar chemical to Vitamin F but with glycerin that can help alleviate dry-skin feeling.
Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Arachidyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl GlucosideA mild cleanser and emulsifier that helps oil and water to mix and form emulsions.
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.
Ceramide NG
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NGA lipid that is mainly found on scalp skin and that helps with the barrier repair. It is one of the less popular ceramides and is usually used in combination with other ceramides for better barrier repair properties.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
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.
Diutan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diutan Gum
Glyceryl Linolenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Linolenate
Glyceryl Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl OleateA nonionic surfactant that can be used as an emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, and thickener in both skin cleansers and leave-on skincare products.
Glyceryl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Palmitate
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
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.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosterolsA plant-based version of cholesterol that is used for its emollient properties in skincare. The richest sources of phytosterols are corn, rapeseed, and wheat germ oil.
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilA fatty oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant with very unique fatty acid composition. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
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.