ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum Review

ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum
4.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
9.6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 9.6 out of 10, ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 5.9 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.3 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is suitable for people with oily and combination skin who want essential hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum has a very high anti-wrinkle rating of 9.6 out of 10.

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

  • Retinal (est. ≈0.05%),
     also known as retinaldehyde, is a potent retinoid with anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 125 participants (Creidi et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.05% retinal reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 18 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without retinal).
  • 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).
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
Among others, ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum also contains contains Bakuchiol and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. 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 ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense 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.

Pros & Cons of ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Intense Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Suitable for moisturizing combination and oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • Can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of a skincare routine for normal skin
  • Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.05
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:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Dibutyl Adipate
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Isoamyl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Ethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:
4-t-Butylcyclohexanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Melatonin
Function:
Origin:
Retinal
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
t-Butyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Function:
Origin:
Tin Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Chrysin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.9
3
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.6
6.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.9 10
5.9
3
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.6 20
3.3
6.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.9 10
5.9
All humectants
5.9
3
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 6.6 20
3.3
All occlusives
6.6
6.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
5 /10 0.05 0.05 5
6 /10 4 3 4.5
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
9.6
Retinal
5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
5 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.05
Niacinamide
4.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
3
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
9.6
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
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Melatonin
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.9 5 No
All soothing
3.9
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Dibutyl Adipate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Dibutyl Adipate
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.

Isoamyl Laurate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Isoamyl LaurateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced ester (simple oil) and is often used as a silicone alternative. It is has a light feeling and improves the spreadability of products while making skin feel soft and non-sticky.
Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Propanediol
Est. %1
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.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %0.3
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.

Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA 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.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
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.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

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.

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.
Ethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylcellulose
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateAn antioxidant that protects vulnerable ingredients from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can also lead to the generation of damaging free radical species.
4-t-Butylcyclohexanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
4-t-ButylcyclohexanolA powerful bioactive compound designed to soothe irritated, burning, and itchy skin. The effectiveness of its soothing properties has been proven by clinical trials and it is often combined with other soothing ingredients.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn 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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6A polymeric ingredient that works best in water-based formulas to create gel textures. It helps to stabilize emulsions and control viscosity.
Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract
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.

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.
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.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA 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.
Melatonin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melatonin
Retinal
Est. %0.05
Function
Origin
Retinal

A potent ingredient of the retinoid group with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.

Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
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.
Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Synthetic FluorphlogopiteAlso known as synthetic mica, this ingredient’s best property is its ability to form thin, sheet-like crystals. This gives products (mostly makeup) great slip.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

t-Butyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
t-Butyl Alcohol
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic peptide that mimics the activity of immunoglobulin G and signals to the skin to stop the inflammation. It has been shown in studies to reduce wrinkles and enhance collagen content.

Tin Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tin OxideA multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.
Chrysin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChrysinChrysin is thought to help promote blood circulation in blends with other ingredients and allegedly can help to reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles. However, no official studies have been done to confirm this.