Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum Review

Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum
1.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Alcohol Denat., Alcohol, Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Gallic Acid, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum
Review

Does Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.5 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
✅ Soothing: Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.

  

Key Benefits of Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.8 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum 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).
 
📌 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 additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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, Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water (est. ≈6.0%).

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

Things to Be Aware Of: Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum 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.

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol and glycolic acid
⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
With a high concentration of soothing ingredients, Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum has the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum worth noting.
 
If you use Glo Skin Beauty Retinol Smoothing Serum as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
This product contains both retinol and glycolic acid, two powerful skincare ingredients with complementary benefits. However, using products with both retinol and glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive, increasing the risk of sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. It’s recommended to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily and avoid direct sun exposure while using these ingredients.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Gallic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.8
1.5
1.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.8 10
2.8
1.5
1.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.5
1.3
All humectants 2.8 10
2.8
All humectants
2.8
1.5
1.3
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
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
0.3
Gallic Acid
0.3
Morus Alba Bark Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
0.3
0.3
All soothing 6.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
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.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterA fragrant, astringent essential water obtained by steeping and distilling the twigs and leaves of the witch hazel plant. It leaves the skin feeling tight and refreshed after application and helps with the healing of small cuts on the skin.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Alcohol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
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.

Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.

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.
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Extract
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit ExtractA soothing, cooling, and emollient extract derived from cucumbers. Cucumber has been used in skincare for centuries and is used to treat skin problems such as eye swelling, sunburn, and itchy and irritated skin.
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit ExtractA bright red extract obtained from tomato fruit. Its main bioactive compound is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It also contains other antioxidants like various phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Gallic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gallic Acid
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Morus Alba Bark ExtractAn extract derived from the bark of the white mulberry tree. It contains various astringent, antioxidant, and soothing phytochemicals (some of which can also show anti-pigment activity).
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed OilThis name can imply two different ingredients: a fatty emollient and occlusive carrot seed oil, or a fragrant and antimicrobial essential carrot seed oil.
Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract
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.