COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream with Super Vitamin E + Pathenol

COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream with Super Vitamin E + Pathenol
8.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream with Super Vitamin E + Pathenol:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream with Super Vitamin E + Pathenol:

  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.5 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream with Super Vitamin E + Pathenol has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.6 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Intensely moisturizing: COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream with Super Vitamin E + Pathenol has a moisturizing rating of 8.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈6.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%), and a high occlusivity of 7.0 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream with Super Vitamin E + Pathenol has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.6 out of 10.

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

  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription ingredient with well-proven efficacy to reduce wrinkles.
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
Among others, COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream with Super Vitamin E + Pathenol also contains contains Adenosine and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, two ingredients 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.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream with Super Vitamin E + Pathenol is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
Water
9
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
6
Propanediol
4
Glycerin
3
Tocopheryl Acetate
2.5
Cetearyl Alcohol
2
Trehalose
1.5
Panthenol
1.3
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
1
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
0.3
Dimethicone
0.3
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
0.3
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
0.3
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
0.3
Hydrogenated Lecithin
0.3
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
0.3
Carbomer
0.3
Tromethamine
0.3
Glyceryl Stearate
0.3
Polysilicone-11
0.3
Sodium Sulfite
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
0.3
Allantoin
0.3
Glyceryl Caprylate
0.3
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
0.3
Tocotrienols
0.3
Stearic Acid
0.3
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
0.3
Palmitic Acid
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Adenosine
0.3
Sorbitan Isostearate
0.3
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
0.3
BHT
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
Myristic Acid
0.3
Lauric Acid
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
1,2-Hexanediol
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
0.1
Retinol
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Sulfite
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Function:
Origin:
Tocotrienols
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Function:
Origin:
Myristic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Lauric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glutathione
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
15.6
6
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
14.0
9.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 15.6 10
10.0
6
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 14.0 20
7.0
9.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 15.6 10
10
All humectants
15.6
6
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 14.0 20
7.0
All occlusives
14.0
9.0
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
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 0.1 2.5
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.6
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
1
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Sodium Sulfite
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
0.3
BHT
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Glutathione
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
All soothing 1.8 5 No
All soothing
1.8
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Propanediol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %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.

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2.5
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.
Trehalose
Est. %2
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.
Panthenol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %1.3
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.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %1
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.
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.
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.
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl PolymethacrylateA synthetic polymer that is typically used as a viscosity modifier. Its benefits include a light after-feel on the skin and soft film, which is why it is frequently used in serums. It can form transparent gels and suspend some oils and particulates.
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.
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 StearateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced mild emulsifier.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
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.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
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.
Polysilicone-11
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysilicone-11A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
Sodium Sulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium SulfiteAn inorganic salt that defends against oxidation.
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.

Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from carrots. It is a rich source of the orange-colored beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A). Carrot root extract is often added to skincare products that are aimed at providing a better suntan.
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.
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran WaxA solid, strongly emollient, and occlusive moisturizing wax obtained from rice bran oil. It is also used as a formula helper.
Tocotrienols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TocotrienolsDescription is coming soon
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearateA natural ingredient that produces oil and water mixtures with soft skin feel.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
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.
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.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) OilA fatty oil expressed from the pulp of the oil palm fruits. It is mostly composed of occlusive and emollient saturated fatty acids. The unrefined oil has a large amount of antioxidant carotenoids.
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.
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)An orange-red plant pigment with powerful antioxidant activity.
Myristic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristic AcidA common fatty acid found in various vegetable oils, most notably palm and coconut oil. It is a strongly occlusive moisturizing, emollient, and emulsifying ingredient.
Lauric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauric AcidA fatty acid derived from various vegetable oils such as palm or coconut oil. It helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin and is also used as a cleansing or emulsifying agent. Lauric acid is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
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.

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from the seeds of meadowfoam. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
Glutathione
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlutathioneA naturally occurring tripeptide that combats free radicals and acts as a reducing agent.
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.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
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.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate CrosspolymerA modified version of regular hyaluronic acid. It attracts large volumes of water, thereby making it an effective humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA chemically modified version of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable and less sticky than regular HA, while still providing the same humectant moisturizing properties (according to the manufacturer). There have been no clinical studies to confirm this.
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.