Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol Serum

Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol Serum
5.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
9.8Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 9.8 out of 10, Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol Serum is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Well-suited moisturizer for normal skin with a relatively lightweight texture

According to CreamScan analysis, Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a high humectancy of 6.8 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.1 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with normal skin. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

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

Potent anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol Serum has a very high anti-wrinkle rating of 9.8 out of 10.

It contains 3 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Retinol (est. ≈0.3%),
     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. ≈1.5%),
     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).
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
Among others, Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol Serum also contains contains Caffeine and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Clinique Smart Night Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Repair Treatment Retinol Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. β‰ˆ1.5%), Algae Extract (est. β‰ˆ0.3%), Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil (est. β‰ˆ0.3%), and others.

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
70
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
0.3
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
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:
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Algae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Urea
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Triacetin
Function:
Origin:
Polyquaternium-51
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Metabisulfite
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.8
2
1.5
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
10.1
6.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.8 10
6.8
2
1.5
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 10.1 20
5.1
6.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.8 10
6.8
All humectants
6.8
2
1.5
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
6
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 10.1 20
5.1
All occlusives
10.1
6.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
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
10 /10 0.4 0.3 7.5
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
9.8
Retinol
7.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
9.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.2
Niacinamide
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Algae Extract
0.3
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
BHT
0.3
Sodium Metabisulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.1 5 No
All soothing
2.1
1.5
0.3
0.3
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. %6
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.
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PPG-15 Stearyl EtherA synthetic ingredient that has a slippery feel and can be combined with many other ingredients acting as a solvent.
C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester
Est. %3
Function
Origin
C12-20 Acid PEG-8 EsterA powerful synthetic emulsifier that is very gentle to the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Niacinamide
Est. %1.5
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.

Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
Algae Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Algae ExtractThe name describes any extract made from any kind of algae. Algae extracts are moisturizing humectants – the gelatin-like polysaccharides bind and retain water, thereby hydrating the skin. Algae is a rich source of emollient and antioxidant compounds.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl UreaHydroxyethyl urea is a synthetic derivative of regular urea (read about it here). This ingredient, similarly to urea, is humectant moisturizing and helps to retain more water to the skin’s surface, leaving it more moisturized. There aren't any studies that analyze the effects of this ingredient in great detail.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
Retinol
Est. %0.3
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.

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sigesbeckia Orientalis ExtractA soothing extract obtained from St Paul's wort that is rich in anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds. The extract is widely used in Asian countries as a traditional remedy for inflammatory skin issues and skin-related diseases.
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed ButterA fat obtained from the kernel of the mango seed. It is a semi-solid, plant-based butter that is used for consumption, and as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer in skincare.
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty oil extracted from green coffee beans. It is the only source of antioxidant diterpene esters - cafestol and kahweol.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UreaUrea can be found in urine, skin, and other tissues as a degradation product of proteins. In concentrations below 5%, urea is humectant moisturizing. At concentrations above 10% it is keratolytic, that helps to break away old, flaking, and cracked skin.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Squalane
Est. %0.3
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.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ ExtractAn emollient extract obtained from the germ part of the wheat grain. It contains proteins, fatty acids, vitamins E and B, as well as various other antioxidants. It has been claimed to have anti-pigment activity.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
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.
Linoleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linoleic AcidA fatty acid isolated from various plant oils (notably evening primrose, safflower, grape seed, and sunflower oil). It is an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that doesn't leave an oily, sticky residue and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
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.
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hordeum Vulgare ExtractA soothing and emollient extract derived from barley, a cereal grain commonly used in the breadmaking and beer fermentation process. It contains a beneficial polysaccharide called beta-glucan, as well as flavonoids and organic acids.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
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.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
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.

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
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.

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.
Triacetin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triacetin
Polyquaternium-51
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyquaternium-51A biocompatible phospholipid copolymer that is designed to mimic the lipid-based cell membrane found in human skin. Its main function is as a humectant moisturizer.
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.
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.
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.
Sodium Metabisulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium MetabisulfiteA preservative that is especially effective at preventing fungus and mold growth. It is normally combined with a strong bactericidal preservative in order to achieve broad-spectrum protection. Sodium metabisulfite is also used as an antioxidant.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
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.