innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum Review

innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum
5.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect with the highest possible efficacy rating. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10, innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to 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.

Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum 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. 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).
  • Asiaticoside (est. ≈0.3%),
     derived from the plant Centella asiatica, an ingredient with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 27 participants (Lee et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.1% asiaticoside reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 12 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without asiaticoside).
  • 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, innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum also contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Adenosine, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum 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.

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.

Things to Be Aware Of: innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery 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.

Pros & Cons of innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the highest possible rating of 10 out of 10 thanks to ingredients like Niacinamide and Asiaticoside, among others
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
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
0.3
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
Est. %
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Dibutyl Adipate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Asiaticoside
Function:
Origin:
Madecassic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Asiatic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Mannitol
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
15.1
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 15.1 10
10.0
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.4 20
1.2
1.5
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
0.3
0.3
All humectants 15.1 10
10
All humectants
15.1
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.4 20
1.2
All occlusives
2.4
1.5
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 -
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
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
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
Beta-Glucan
-
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
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6
Niacinamide
3
Asiaticoside
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Mannitol
0.3
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Beta-Carotene (CI 40800)
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 4.8 5 No
All soothing
4.8
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Est. %75
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
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.

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.

Dibutyl Adipate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dibutyl Adipate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %1.5
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.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin