Glowbiotics Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment

Glowbiotics Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment
5.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
8.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Glowbiotics Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Glowbiotics Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 8.5 out of 10, Glowbiotics Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Glowbiotics Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.3 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%) and Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Glowbiotics Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment has a very high anti-wrinkle rating of 8.5 out of 10.

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

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription ingredient with well-proven efficacy to reduce wrinkles.
Among others, Glowbiotics Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment also contains some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Bakuchiol, and Beta-Glucan. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Glowbiotics Retinol Anti-Aging + Brightening Treatment is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
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
0.1
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
Est. %
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
14.5
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.7
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 14.5 10
10.0
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.7 20
1.3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 14.5 10
10
All humectants
14.5
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.7 20
1.3
All occlusives
2.7
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 4 6
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
8.5
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
4
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
8.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.3
Niacinamide
4
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
1.5
Hexylresorcinol
0.3
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
0.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
0.3
Beta-Glucan
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 4.9 5 No
All soothing
4.9
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
The 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

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

Niacinamide
Est. %4
Function
Origin

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.

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A relatively new probiotic ingredient. Various patents claim its moisturizing properties and in one study it was shown to improve skin barrier function.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Microscopic droplets of safflower oil surrounded by a membrane. Oleosomes are able to create a very stable emulsion and are better absorbed by the skin. Safflower oil offers occlusive, emollient, and antioxidant properties.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin

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.

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
A powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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).
Glyceryl Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Lauryl Lactate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An emollient derived from lactic acid and lauryl alcohol. It leaves the skin soft and may also be able to enhance the penetration of other ingredients.
Hexylresorcinol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic compound. It is an anti-pigment ingredient that has been shown to be effective in inhibiting tyrosinase activity.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A mixture of various wax esters from jojoba oil. It is used in skincare products as a fantastic emollient, soothing, and occlusive moisturizing agent that won't leave a sticky, oily feeling on the skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Retinol
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin

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.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The newest derivative of vitamin A with improved stability, less irritation, and (allegedly) direct vitamin A action. Studies recommend it for acne treatment and collagen-boosting effects.
Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Extracted from the fruits of the Kakadu plum (which is the richest source of vitamin C among all plants) this ingredient acts as an excellent antioxidant. Besides this, it is also an antimicrobial agent with some humectant properties.
Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

Description is coming soon

Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract derived from peas that contains many proteins with humectant moisturizing properties. Patents have claimed that it is able to stimulate cell renewal and increase melanin production.
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Also known as mimosa wax, this fragrant, emollient, and occlusive (moisturizing) ingredient is rich in antioxidant phytosterols.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A solid wax obtained during the refining of crude sunflower oil. The majority of the wax comes from the shells, or hulls, of the sunflower seeds. It is used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer, helping to prevent water loss from the skin.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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.
Sucrose Dilaurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A very effective yet mild cleansing ingredient derived from coconut oil.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Polyglycerin-3
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Gluconic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Sodium Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A sodium salt that can increase the basicity of a product.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An 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.
Cellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
This 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.