COSMEDIX Clarity Serum Review

COSMEDIX Clarity Serum
2.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
4.7Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

COSMEDIX Clarity Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Alcohol Denat., Water, Alcohol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Acetylsalicylic Acid, Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Galactoarabinan, Hydroxyproline, Saccharide Isomerate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Collinsonia Canadensis Extract, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate
Review

Does COSMEDIX Clarity Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what COSMEDIX Clarity Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.3 out of 10.
✅ Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: COSMEDIX Clarity Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 4.7 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.
✅ Soothing: COSMEDIX Clarity Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of COSMEDIX Clarity Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using COSMEDIX Clarity Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, COSMEDIX Clarity Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 4.4 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

💧  A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

🟣🟣 Considerable Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, COSMEDIX Clarity Serum has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 4.7 out of 10.

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

1️⃣ 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).
 
2️⃣ 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).
 
Among others, COSMEDIX Clarity Serum also contains Retinyl Acetate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Retinyl Acetate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Retinyl Acetate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
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 additional 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 COSMEDIX Clarity Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%), Galactoarabinan (est. ≈0.3%), Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem 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.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, COSMEDIX Clarity Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water (est. ≈75.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: COSMEDIX Clarity Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding COSMEDIX Clarity Serum 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.

Pros & Cons of COSMEDIX Clarity Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of COSMEDIX Clarity Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Provides considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to Retinol and Niacinamide
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
   

Summary: COSMEDIX Clarity Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that COSMEDIX Clarity Serum
, when used alone, provides lightweight, moderate humectant moisturizing, making it suitable for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it offers a subtle humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
COSMEDIX Clarity Serum contains ingredients with solid, robust evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy, in concentrations that may deliver a noticeable anti-wrinkle effect.
 
Rich in antioxidants, COSMEDIX Clarity Serum helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about COSMEDIX Clarity Serum worth noting.
 
This product contains retinol, the most powerful and well-researched non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. However, retinol can make your skin more prone to sun damage and increase sensitivity, so it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Acetylsalicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Galactoarabinan
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyproline
Function:
Origin:
Saccharide Isomerate
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Collinsonia Canadensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.4 10
4.4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.4 10
4.4
All humectants
4.4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
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 1.5 2.2
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
4.7
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Retinyl Acetate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
4.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.3
Niacinamide
1.5
Galactoarabinan
0.3
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
0.3
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
0.3
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
75
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 79 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
79
75
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterA fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Water
Est. %4
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.
Alcohol
Est. %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.
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.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Acetylsalicylic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Acetylsalicylic Acid
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.

Retinyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl AcetateAn esterified vitamin A that has improved stability. It is not yet known if it gets converted into retinoic acid in the skin or if has the same anti-aging properties as retinol.
Galactoarabinan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GalactoarabinanA plant polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing properties that is most commonly obtained from Larch trees. It consists of two simple sugars: galactose and arabinose.
Hydroxyproline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyprolineAn amino acid that may promote collagen synthesis.
Saccharide Isomerate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharide IsomerateA naturally-derived humectant that provides moisturization at low levels and is less sticky than other humectants like glycerin.
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.
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem ExtractAn extract from a plant known in North America as Fireweed and in Europe as Willowherb. It is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine. Due to its abundant content of tannins and flavonoids, it has great astringent and antioxidant properties.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf OilA fragrant and antioxidant essential tea tree oil praised for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil helps to treat acne, inflamed skin, and small wounds. It might, however, cause allergies and skin irritations.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseA natural viscosity controlling agent that is commonly used in skin cleansing products to thicken the consistency. It also functions as an emulsion stabilizing agent and binding agent.
Collinsonia Canadensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Collinsonia Canadensis Extract
Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Serenoa Serrulata Fruit ExtractA sebum-controlling extract derived from the fruits of saw palmetto. It is rich in astringent flavonoids and tannins and is suitable for oily skin.
Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ruscus Aculeatus Root ExtractAn extract derived from the Butcher's broom root. It is a toning ingredient that can help to increase microcirculation.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderExtracted from dried aloe vera leaves, it has the same effects as fresh aloe vera juice – it is humectant moisturizing, refreshing, and soothing. This powder can also serve as a gelling agent when mixed with water.
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from pomelo peels - sometimes mislabeled as grapefruit. The high limonene content is responsible for its citrusy scent. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf OilAn essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Eucalyptus globulus, a tall, evergreen, Australian tree with waxy leaves. It mostly consists of cineole – which has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf OilAn essential oil distilled from the leaves of rosemary. It is used as a fragrance in skincare and has a spicy, earthy, camphoraceous scent. It also has antioxidant properties according to some research.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
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.
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.