Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum

Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
7.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
7.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Does Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.5 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 7.5 out of 10, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum is effective in minimizing wrinkles.

Perfect moisturizer for normal to dry skin with a relatively lightweight texture

According to CreamScan analysis, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Isopentyldiol (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.0 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%) and Trioctyldodecyl Citrate (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

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

Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 7.5 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).
  • 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).
Among others, Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum also contains Ubiquinone, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ubiquinone provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.05
0.3
0.3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Isopentyldiol
Function:
Origin:
Trioctyldodecyl Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Triolein
Function:
Origin:
Retinal
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Dioleate
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Ferulate
Function:
Origin:
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Inulin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Fructose
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.7
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
10.0
4.0
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.7 10
10.0
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 10.0 20
5.0
4.0
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.7 10
10
All humectants
11.7
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 10.0 20
5.0
All occlusives
10.0
4.0
2.0
1.5
1.0
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
5 /10 0.05 0.05 5
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
7.5
Retinal
5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
5 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.05
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
7.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
0.3
Dunaliella Salina Extract
0.3
Ethyl Ferulate
0.3
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.5 5 No
All soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
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.
Isopentyldiol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Isopentyldiol

An alcohol that improves moisturization by drawing in water.

Trioctyldodecyl Citrate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Trioctyldodecyl Citrate
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed OilA fatty oil derived from watermelon seeds that contains a good amount of occlusive moisturizing and emollient linoleic acid, followed by oleic and palmitic acids.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.3
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.
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing fatty oil expressed from raspberry seeds. It is a rich source of linoleic, α-linolenic, and palmitic fatty acids.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
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.
Triolein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triolein
Retinal
Est. %0.05
Function
Origin
Retinal

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

Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
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.

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.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
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.

Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
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.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxObtained from the leaves of Carnauba wax palm, this occlusive, emollient, and film-forming wax is commonly used in lip products. It is comprised mainly of various wax esters and is one of the hardest and most resistant plant waxes.
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil
Glyceryl Dioleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Dioleate
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

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.
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dunaliella Salina ExtractDerived from a species of bright red algae, this extract contains the potent antioxidant beta-carotene, as well as a humectant moisturizing glycerol.
Ethyl Ferulate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Ferulate
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) ExtractAn extract from hops flowers. Hops have been used traditionally to treat skin inflammation. The extract is rich in antioxidants and has antifungal and antimicrobial activity.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
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.
Inulin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
InulinA naturally occurring polysaccharide that works as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium CocoamphodiacetateA naturally-derived mild cleansing agent. It provides foam but does not leave skin feeling stripped or dry when properly incorporated.
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.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
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.
Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CelluloseA natural ingredient that can create water-based gels, absorb oils, and exfoliate the skin. One of the main functions of cellulose is as a bulking and viscosity controlling agent. Cellulose can also modify the slip aesthetics and act as an opacifying agent.
Fructose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FructoseA natural sugar that moisturizes the skin by drawing water to the surface.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
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.
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.