Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment Review

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment
6.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
8.6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.0 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 8.6 out of 10, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.9 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%), Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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

Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment has a very high anti-wrinkle rating of 8.6 out of 10.

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

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%),
     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).
  • 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).
  • Glycolic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     a highly effective ingredient in peelings but with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy in leave-on skincare products, as supported by a single clinical study. This study, involving 72 participants (Thibault et al.), demonstrated that a lotion with 5% GA reduced the fine wrinkling score by 6% after 34 days of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without GA).
Among others, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Bakuchiol, Adenosine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, and Sodium Ascorbate. 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 Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment to your skincare routine:
 

May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol and Glycolic Acid

This product contains both retinol and glycolic acid, two potent skincare ingredients with complementary benefits. Retinol offers powerful anti-wrinkle properties by boosting cell turnover, while glycolic acid, a popular AHA, exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells. Together, they reveal new, more delicate skin that is brighter and smoother but also more vulnerable to sun damage.

Using products with both retinol and glycolic acid may increase the skin’s sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect your skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily throughout the use of these ingredients and avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be applied 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 products containing retinol and glycolic acid, either on their website or product label.

Pros & Cons of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to ingredients like Niacinamide and Retinol, among others
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Niacinamide

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol and glycolic acid

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
5
4
3
2
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
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:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ferulic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Linolenic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Silybum Marianum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Saccharide Isomerate
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phytic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Mandelic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Oleth-10
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.8
5
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.9
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.8 10
10.0
5
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.9 20
1.9
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 12.8 10
10
All humectants
12.8
5
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.9 20
1.9
All occlusives
3.9
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 5 6
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
1.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
8.6
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Glycolic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Sodium Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
8.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
0.3
0.3