For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid Review

For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid
6.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.5 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.5 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 Propylene Glycol (est. ≈9.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.5%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.0 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and 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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid 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).
 
Among others, For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid also contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to 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.

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 For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of For Skins Sake (FSS) Retinol Cream 0.1% With Polyglutamic Acid to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
  • Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
PEI-10
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
14.9
9
2.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.1
4.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 14.9 10
10.0
9
2.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.1 20
3.0
4.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
2.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 14.9 10
10
All humectants
14.9
9
2.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.1 20
3.0
All occlusives
6.1
4.0
1.5
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
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.7 3 No
All antioxidants
2.7
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
BHT
0.3
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.9 5 No
All soothing
1.9
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Lactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate
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.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl Starch PhosphateA naturally-derived thickening agent that dissolves in water.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Allantoin
Est. %1
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Polyglutamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglutamic AcidA natural polymer with incredible water-binding properties that is prepared from glutamic acid through fermentation.
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.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
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.
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.

Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

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.

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.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateA chemically modified version of hyaluronic acid. It is more stable and less sticky than regular HA, while still providing the same humectant moisturizing properties (according to the manufacturer). There have been no clinical studies to confirm this.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
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.
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate

A clear, pale yellow, oil-like emollient manufactured synthetically from coconut oil and polyethylene glycol. It is also used as an emulsifying agent.

Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
PEI-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEI-10
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Octenylsuccinate
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) StarchA white, very finely powdered starch extracted from corn. It works as an anti-caking and absorbent ingredient in powdered products, as well as as a thickening agent in liquids. It also helps to create a matte finish after application.
Lauryl Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lauryl LaurateLauryl laurate is an ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid. It is used in skincare products as an emollient and also helps to stabilize the emulsions in creams and lotions (which makes them a bit more opaque).
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
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.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from carrots. It is a rich source of the orange-colored beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A). Carrot root extract is often added to skincare products that are aimed at providing a better suntan.
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)An orange-red plant pigment with powerful antioxidant activity.
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.

Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateAn antioxidant that protects vulnerable ingredients from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can also lead to the generation of damaging free radical species.