CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
5.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.9Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Does CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.9 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

Lightweight moisturizer well-suited for oily to normal skin

According to CreamScan analysis, CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a high humectancy of 7.8 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.3 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%) and Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with oily skin who want significant hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances moderate moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

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

Some anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.9 out of 10.

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

  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
  • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
     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).
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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
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
0.1
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Isoceteth-10
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Function:
Origin:
Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.8
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.6
4.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.8 10
7.8
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.6 20
3.3
4.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.8 10
7.8
All humectants
7.8
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
2
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.6 20
3.3
All occlusives
6.6
4.0
2.0
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
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
Total
2.9
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Niacinamide
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
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.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Palm GlyceridesAn occlusive ingredient that can be used as a replacement for petrolatum/petroleum jelly. This locks in moisture and prevents TEWL.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %1.5
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.
PEG-40 Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 StearateThis PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is excellent at emulsifying water and oil together to form oil-in-water emulsions. Due to its water-loving nature, PEG-40 stearate can also act as a cleansing agent.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %1
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Potassium Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium PhosphateA salt of phosphoric acid that normally acts as a weak base.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

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.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
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.

Isoceteth-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isoceteth-10
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
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.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root ExtractAn extract derived from chicory roots. It contains a large amount of humectant moisturizing polysaccharides and oligosaccharides.
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.
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.

Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateA multifunctional ingredient that produces foamy cleansers and allows oil and water to mix.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
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.

Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
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.
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.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
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.

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.
Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
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.
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.