Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer Review

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
4.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
3.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.6Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.6 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Question icon The Humectancy (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of humectants in the formula and indicates how well the product can attract moisture to the skin. Humectants are effective moisturizers that work well for all skin types. The Occlusivity (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of occlusives in the formula and indicates how effective the product is at sealing moisture into the skin. Occlusive moisturizers are ideal for those with dry skin. Question icon The Humectancy (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of humectants in the formula and indicates how well the product can attract moisture to the skin. Humectants are effective moisturizers that work well for all skin types. The Occlusivity (from 0 to 10) is based on the amount of occlusives in the formula and indicates how effective the product is at sealing moisture into the skin. Occlusive moisturizers are ideal for those with dry skin. This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 5.2 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 3.3 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (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.

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.6 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 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, Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer also contains Adenosine, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Adenosine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Adenosine may reduce wrinkles, its 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, this ingredient does not contribute to 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 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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer 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 Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for combination and oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
   

Summary: Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
, when used alone, delivers  lightweight, moderate humectant moisturizing, suitable for combination and oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a subtle humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer 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 Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer worth noting.
 
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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1
1
1
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
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. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cocoglycerides
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Esters
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Tridecyl Neopentanoate
Function:
Origin:
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Physalis Angulata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Volcanic Soil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Amylopectin
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Arachidyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
t-Butyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.2
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
6.6
6.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.2 10
5.2
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 6.6 20
3.3
6.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.2 10
5.2
All humectants
5.2
4
0.3
0.3
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
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.6
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
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
2.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol DiheptanoateAn emollient ester with an exceptionally lightweight feel. It absorbs quickly and produces a silky feel with excellent spreadability. It also serves as an excellent solvent and is commonly used to suspend sunscreen actives.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %6
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.
Propanediol
Est. %4
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.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %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.
Cocoglycerides
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
CocoglyceridesA naturally-derived emollient with medium spreadability. It is oil-like and makes skin feel soft and not sticky.
Cetyl Esters
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetyl EstersA naturally-derived (coconut-based) or synthetically produced wax that provides body and soft smooth feel in a product.
Fragrance
Est. %1
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.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1
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.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
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.
Tridecyl Neopentanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tridecyl Neopentanoate
PPG-26-Buteth-26
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-26-Buteth-26A water-loving surfactant, which means it can act as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and cleansing agent. As an emulsifier, it helps to create oil-in-water emulsions.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
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.

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.

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.

Panthenol
Est. %0.3
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.
Physalis Angulata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Physalis Angulata Extract
Volcanic Soil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Volcanic Soil
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.

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.

Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

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.
Amylopectin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amylopectin
PEG-40 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 StearateThis PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is excellent at emulsifying water and oil together to form oil-in-water emulsions. Due to its water-loving nature, PEG-40 stearate can also act as a cleansing agent.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
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.
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.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Ceteareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-20A fatty alcohol emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water together, best for oil-in-water emulsions. It is also a cleansing agent. When combined with cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20 forms a mix that, according to acne.org, can be comedogenic.
Polysilicone-11
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysilicone-11A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
Arachidyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arachidyl AlcoholA non-drying fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity controlling agent. It also produces a mattifying effect when applied in a skincare product onto the skin.
t-Butyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
t-Butyl Alcohol
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
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.
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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.