Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum Review

Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum
3.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.6 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈6.0%).

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

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

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: Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract and Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, two ingredients often 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.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate 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 anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Pros & Cons of Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Earth Harbor Anchor Bio-Retinol Vitality Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Isoamyl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Powder
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract
Function:
Origin:
Astaxanthin
Function:
Origin:
Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ursolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Unsaponifiables
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose Gum
Function:
Origin:
Pullulan
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Amino Esters-1
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.6 10
6.6
All humectants
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.6
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.4
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract
2
Astaxanthin
1
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Unsaponifiables
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.6 5 No
All soothing
1.6
1
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.
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.
Isoamyl Laurate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Isoamyl LaurateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced ester (simple oil) and is often used as a silicone alternative. It is has a light feeling and improves the spreadability of products while making skin feel soft and non-sticky.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Powder
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Powder
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract

An extract from the stems of the sweet orange tree. The manufacturer claims that it is able to improve skin tissue structure, increase the synthesis of collagen, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Astaxanthin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
AstaxanthinA red natural pigment from the family of antioxidant carotenoids that occurs in many natural sources such as lobster and algae. It is mainly used as a colorant and soothing ingredient.
Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Rosa Canina Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Seed OilRosehip oil derived from the seeds of the dog rose shrubs. It contains mainly linoleic and linolenic emollient fatty acids (and other polyunsaturated fatty acids), as well as a very high amount of antioxidant carotenoids.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hippophae Rhamnoides ExtractAn extract from sea buckthorn fruits. It contains various antioxidant and astringent compounds and significantly improved skin elasticity in a small clinical study.
Ursolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ursolic Acid
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.

Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Unsaponifiables
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Unsaponifiables
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from the skin.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.

Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
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.
Cellulose Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cellulose GumA polymer that is derived from its namesake, cellulose, which is plant-based. It has many formula-helper benefits, including thickening and product stabilization.
Pullulan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pullulan
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

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.
Amino Esters-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amino Esters-1
Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dehydroacetic AcidA globally approved preservative ingredient. It is a powerful fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it a broad-spectrum preservative. Because it is mildly effective against bacteria, it is often paired with stronger bactericides.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coccinia Indica Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from the cucumber-like fruits of ivy gourd. It contains a large amount of soothing mucilage as well as some antioxidant carotenoids. It has also been shown that the extract may have some anti-allergy properties.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.