Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster Review

Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster
2.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.5 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect with the highest possible efficacy rating. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10, Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster:
 

Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 4.1 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate 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, Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈1.0%), 
 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).
 
Among others, Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster 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.
 

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopherol (est. ≈1.2%), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour (est. ≈1.1%), Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (est. ≈0.3%), 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.

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: Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster to your skincare routine:
 

May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with retinol may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used at night, as it is sensitive to sunlight and can lose its potency when exposed to UV rays.

Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the retinol-containing products, either on their website or product label.

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

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 Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster contains a low level of humectants.

People with normal 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 Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Colibri Skincare 1% Retinol Booster to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
  • Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
  • Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the highest possible rating of 10 out of 10 thanks to Retinol
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1.2
1.1
1
1
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Propylheptyl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Isostearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Isosorbide Dicaprylate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Function:
Origin:
Vegetable Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-76
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NS
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
8.2
6.0
1.2
1.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 8.2 20
4.1
6.0
1.2
1.0
Moisturizing rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
1.2
1
All occlusives 8.2 20
4.1
All occlusives
8.2
6.0
1.2
1.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 1 10
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
10
Retinol
10
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
1
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.2
1.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.2
Tocopherol
1.2
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
1.1
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
0.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.1
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.7 5 No
All soothing
1.7
1.1
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.
Propylheptyl Caprylate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Propylheptyl Caprylate
Isostearyl Alcohol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Isostearyl Alcohol
Isosorbide Dicaprylate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Isosorbide Dicaprylate
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol Cocoate
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Tocopherol
Est. %1.2
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.

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Est. %1.1
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel FlourA mild abrasive, finely milled oat kernel flour that is also used as a formula helper.
Vegetable Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Vegetable OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient fatty oil obtained from various plant sources. It consists mainly of triglycerides and saturated or unsaturated fatty acids.
Phospholipids
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Retinol
Est. %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.

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-76
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-76
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.
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate
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.
Sodium Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Glutamate
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.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Ceramide NS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NSA wax-like lipid natural to the skin’s lipid matrix. It is less frequently used but, in combination with other ceramides, can help to restore balance in the skin’s lipid barrier.
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.
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.
Ethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylcellulose
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) GumAlso known as carob gum, this ingredient is a plant-based formula helper extracted from carob tree seeds. It consists of film- and gel-forming polysaccharides called galactomannans.
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.