COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil Review

COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈50.0%) and Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (est. ≈33.6%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient 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).
 
📌 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 COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (est. ≈33.6%).

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: COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 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.

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

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 COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil contains no humectants at all.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. 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 COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
With its high antioxidant content, COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 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.
 
That said, there are some things about COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it doesn’t contain any humectants. Regardless of your skin type, humectants are vital for optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, pairing COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, can be highly beneficial for your skincare routine.
 
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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
50
33.6
16.8
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Tocotrienols
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
84.5
50.0
33.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 84.5 20
10.0
50.0
33.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
50
33.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 84.5 20
10.0
All occlusives
84.5
50.0
33.6
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
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
33.6
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 34.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
34.2
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
33.6
BHT
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Squalane
Est. %50
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.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %33.6
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.
Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
Est. %16.8
Function
Origin
Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
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.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Tocotrienols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocotrienols
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.

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.
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone