Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum Review

Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
7.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 7.2 out of 10, Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

Key Benefits of Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Biosaccharide Gum-1 (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 7.2 out of 10.

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

  • Retinal (est. ≈0.05%),
     also known as retinaldehyde, is a potent retinoid with anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 125 participants (Creidi et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.05% retinal reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 18 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without retinal).
  • 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).

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

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Biosaccharide Gum-1 (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

Pros & Cons of Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Dr. Pong Retinal-X Timeless Anti-Aging Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Delivers signficant anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.05
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:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Guar
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Glutathione Isomerized Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
sh-Pentapeptide-5
Function:
Origin:
Retinal
Function:
Origin:
Xanthophylls
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Silanediol Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Glycyrrhizinate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Trideceth-6
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.4
6
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.4 10
10.0
6
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 12.4 10
10
All humectants
12.4
6
4
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
5 /10 0.05 0.05 5
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
Total
7.2
Retinal
5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
5 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.05
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Anti-wrinkle rating
7.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Niacinamide
1.5
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
All soothing 6.1 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.1
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Hydroxypropyl Guar
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl Guar
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.

Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Potassium Glutathione Isomerized Linoleate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Potassium Glutathione Isomerized Linoleate
sh-Pentapeptide-5
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Pentapeptide-5
Retinal
Est. %0.05
Function
Origin
Retinal

A potent ingredient of the retinoid group with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.

Xanthophylls
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthophylls
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed ExtractAn antioxidant, soothing, and wound healing extract derived from soybeans. Soybeans are a famous source of phytoestrogens - plant compounds that have a similar effect to steroid hormones.
Silanediol Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Silanediol Salicylate
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.
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Potassium Glycyrrhizinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Glycyrrhizinate
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.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6A polymeric ingredient that works best in water-based formulas to create gel textures. It helps to stabilize emulsions and control viscosity.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl StearateA palm-derived emollient ester with good lubricity that leaves a smooth after-feel on the skin.
Trideceth-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trideceth-6
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.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.