Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum Review

Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.9Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients

Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Squalane, Cetyl Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Propanediol, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Dextrin, Retinol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Niacinamide, Ceramide NS, Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Review

Does Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.9 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum:
 

🔵🔵 Suitable Moisturizer for Normal Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 5.7 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈2.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.0 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈6.0%) and Jojoba Esters (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is suitable for people with normal skin who want essential hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a moderate amount of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.9 out of 10.

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

1️⃣ 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).
 
2️⃣ Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
📌 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.

📌 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: Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with retinol may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used 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 the retinol-containing products, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum contains a rather average amount of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum

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

🟩 Pros:

Suitable for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum
, as a moisturizer, is suitable for normal skin, combining a moderate concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.
 
Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol 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.
 
That said, there are some things about Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains a limited amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Honest Beauty Honestly Pure Retinol Serum with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
This product contains retinol, the most powerful and well-researched non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. However, retinol can make your skin more prone to sun damage and increase sensitivity, so it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment.
 
📌 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
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Esters
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NS
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.7
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.9
6.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.7 10
5.7
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.9 20
5.0
6.0
3.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.7 10
5.7
All humectants
5.7
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 9.9 20
5.0
All occlusives
9.9
6.0
3.0
0.3
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
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
Total
2.9
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.2 3 No
All antioxidants
2.2
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
1.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
All soothing 3.3 5 No
All soothing
3.3
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.
Squalane
Est. %6
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %4
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.
Jojoba Esters
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Jojoba EstersA 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.
Propanediol
Est. %2
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.
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit ExtractAn extract derived from apple fruit that has humectant moisturizing and antioxidant properties, as well as gentle anti-pigment effects. It contains humectant sugars, anti-pigment organic acids, and flavonoids.
Dextrin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
DextrinA partially hydrolyzed potato starch, most commonly used as a viscosity controlling and binding agent. When dispersed into water, it can create textures ranging from a thick paste to a soft gel.
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.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
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.

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.
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl GlutamateAn emollient ingredient that is similar to ceramides in its structure. It provides a smooth and soft feeling to the skin.
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
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.
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.
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateA very small-molecule version of regular sodium hyaluronate. It is a powerful humectant skin-identical ingredient that absorbs into the skin and offers plumping, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateA chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

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.

Ceramide NS
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NSA wax-like lipid natural to the skin’s lipid matrix. It is less frequently used but, in combination with other ceramides, can help to restore balance in the skin’s lipid barrier.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.