innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream

innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream
6.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Results you may expect from using innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.3 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10, innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Highly moisturizing: innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream has a moisturizing rating of 6.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.6 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈9.0%), Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10.

It contains 3 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
  • Asiaticoside (est. ≈0.3%),
     derived from the plant Centella asiatica, an ingredient with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by one study.
  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription ingredient with well-proven efficacy to reduce wrinkles.
Among others, innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream also contains some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, and Adenosine. 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 innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, innisfree Retinol Cica Barrier Defense Cream is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
9
Butylene Glycol
6
Glycerin
4
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
3
Niacinamide
2.5
Dicaprylyl Ether
2
Methyl Trimethicone
1.5
1,2-Hexanediol
1.3
Panthenol
1
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
0.3
Diphenyl Dimethicone
0.3
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
0.3
Cetearyl Olivate
0.3
Hydrogenated Lecithin
0.3
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
0.3
Sorbitan Olivate
0.3
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
0.3
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
0.3
Allantoin
0.3
Tromethamine
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Cetearyl Alcohol
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
0.3
Glyceryl Caprylate
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Asiaticoside
0.3
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
0.3
Madecassic Acid
0.3
Asiatic Acid
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Adenosine
0.3
Cetearyl Glucoside
0.3
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
0.3
Sorbitan Isostearate
0.1
Retinol
0.3
Propanediol
0.3
Madecassoside
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
0.3
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
0.3
Decapeptide-4
0.3
Sodium Oleate
Est. %
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
Function:
Origin:
Diphenyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Phytosterols
Function:
Origin:
Asiaticoside
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Madecassic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Asiatic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Madecassoside
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
Function:
Origin:
Decapeptide-4
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Oleate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
20.5
9
6
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.2
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 20.5 10
10.0
9
6
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.2 20
2.6
4.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
6
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 20.5 10
10
All humectants
20.5
9
6
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.2 20
2.6
All occlusives
5.2
4.0
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 3 4.5
3 /10 0.1 0.3 3
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
10
Niacinamide
4.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
3
Asiaticoside
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
3 /10
when present at, %
0.1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Madecassic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Asiatic Acid
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.4
Niacinamide
3
Asiaticoside
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
0.3
Madecassoside
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 5.2 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.2
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
Rosa Damascena Flower WaterA fragrant water that is leftover after the steam distillation of Damask rose petals. During this process, the essential oil floats to the surface of the water and is collected. The leftover water has a fresh, rosy scent.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA 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. %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.
Niacinamide
Est. %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.

Dicaprylyl Ether
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl EtherA fast-spreading and very lightweight emollient. It is used to reduce the tack and oiliness of oil-based formulas and gives the skin a dry, silky after-feel. It is also a great solvent.
Methyl Trimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Methyl TrimethiconeA lightweight and volatile silicone known for its excellent solvency. This silicone has a silky, cushiony feel with excellent lubricity and is commonly used as an emollient in silicone-based skincare products.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.5
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.
Panthenol
Est. %1.3
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.
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
Diphenyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Diphenyl Dimethicone
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl PolymethacrylateA synthetic polymer that is typically used as a viscosity modifier. Its benefits include a light after-feel on the skin and soft film, which is why it is frequently used in serums. It can form transparent gels and suspend some oils and particulates.
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

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.

Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneA type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn 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).
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.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
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.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
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.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA 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.
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.

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.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.
Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosterolsA plant-based version of cholesterol that is used for its emollient properties in skincare. The richest sources of phytosterols are corn, rapeseed, and wheat germ oil.
Asiaticoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiaticoside

A Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica derivative with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

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.
Madecassic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Madecassic AcidAn isolated bioactive compound from Gotu Kola. It increases collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and helps to treat wounds, scars, and burns.
Asiatic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiatic AcidA compound isolated from Gotu Kola, a promising anti-wrinkle medicinal plant from Southeast Asia. It is claimed to increase the production of collagen and help with the wound healing process.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
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.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
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.
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.
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.

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.
Madecassoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MadecassosideAn isolated Gotu Kola compound. It helps to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid production in the skin and assists in wound healing.
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)An orange-red plant pigment with powerful antioxidant activity.
Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
Decapeptide-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decapeptide-4
Sodium Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium OleateSodium oleate is a sodium salt of oleic acid. It has the typical properties of soap: it foams in water and emulsifies oil into tiny droplets. It comes in the form of a white powder and is used in skincare products exactly as you would expect – as a cleanser and emulsifier.