Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum Review

Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum
6.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Coconut Alkanes, Oleyl Lactate, Octyldodecyl PCA, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Isosorbide Disunflowerseedate, Squalane, Isostearyl Lactate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Powder, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Oleate, Quercus Suber Bark Extract, Glyceryl Palmitate, Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Linolenate, Glyceryl Stearate, Oak Root Extract, Lecithin, Palmitic Acid, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Quercetin, Water, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Review

Does Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 3.3 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Isosorbide Disunflowerseedate (est. ≈3.0%), and a maximum occlusivity of 10 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈40.0%) and Squalane (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈40.0%).

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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ 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 Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with dry 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.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline and Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, 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.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 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 anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Pros & Cons of Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum
, as a moisturizer, provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
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 Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 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
40
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
Est. %
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Coconut Alkanes
Function:
Origin:
Oleyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl PCA
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Isosorbide Disunflowerseedate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Isostearyl Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Powder
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Quercus Suber Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Linolenate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Oak Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Function:
Origin:
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Quercetin
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.3
3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
44.4
40.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.3 10
3.3
3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 44.4 20
10.0
40.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
All humectants 3.3 10
3.3
All humectants
3.3
3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
40
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 44.4 20
10.0
All occlusives
44.4
40.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
40
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 42.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
42.4
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
40
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Dunaliella Salina Extract
0.3
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
0.3
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
0.3
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
0.3
Quercetin
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Est. %40
Function
Origin
Argania Spinosa Kernel OilA fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.
Coconut Alkanes
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Coconut AlkanesAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient mixture that is similar to paraffin. It is produced from coconut oil and can allegedly form a soft, non-greasy film on the skin’s surface. It can be used as an alternative to silicones.
Oleyl Lactate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Oleyl Lactate
Octyldodecyl PCA
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl PCA
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA 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.
Isosorbide Disunflowerseedate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Isosorbide Disunflowerseedate
Squalane
Est. %2
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.
Isostearyl Lactate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Isostearyl Lactate
Glyceryl Linoleate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glyceryl LinoleateAn ester that has superior emollient benefits in softening skin. It is a similar chemical to Vitamin F but with glycerin that can help alleviate dry-skin feeling.
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Powder
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.
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eclipta Prostrata ExtractA soothing extract of false daisy that contains a variety of active anti-inflammatory phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenes, phytosterols, and special compounds called thiopenes.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) OilA famous occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil. It is derived from coconuts and may give a product a lovely coconut scent. Coconut oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Glyceryl Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl OleateA nonionic surfactant that can be used as an emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, and thickener in both skin cleansers and leave-on skincare products.
Quercus Suber Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Quercus Suber Bark Extract
Glyceryl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Palmitate
Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Vegetable OilA solid, butter-like substance that is a highly occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It is a mixture of various plant oils (such as soy, olive, corn, canola, peanut, and many others) which has been refined.
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipalmitoyl HydroxyprolineAn amino acid derivative. It helps with skin moisturization and may have wrinkle-reducing effects.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Glyceryl Linolenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Linolenate
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Oak Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oak Root Extract
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dunaliella Salina ExtractDerived from a species of bright red algae, this extract contains the potent antioxidant beta-carotene, as well as a humectant moisturizing glycerol.
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Crithmum Maritimum ExtractDerived from sea fennel, this extract contains antioxidant flavonoids and organic acids and has a spicy, herbaceous aroma.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Moringa Oleifera Seed OilAn oil obtained from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, a fast-growing bush native to Northern India and the sub-Himalayan regions. It contains mainly oleic acid, as well as many additional anti-inflammatory compounds and high levels of vitamin E.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Quercetin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Quercetin
Water
Est. %0.3
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.
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.

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.