L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum Review

L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum
3.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Alcohol Denat., Dipropylene Glycol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, PPG-3 Myristyl Ether, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Adenosine, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Acetyl Trifluoromethylphenyl Valylglycine, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, t-Butyl Alcohol, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Salicylic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Methylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Linalool, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Amyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citronellol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Fragrance
Review

Does L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.1 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

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

It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement 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.

📌 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: L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Adenosine and Retinyl Palmitate, 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 L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing that is well-suited for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing Serum worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering L'Oreal Revitalift Pro Retinol Hydrating Smoothing 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
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PPG-3 Myristyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Trifluoromethylphenyl Valylglycine
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
t-Butyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Function:
Origin:
Amyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.0
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.0 10
6.0
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.0 10
6
All humectants
6.0
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
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
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
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
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
All soothing 3.3 5 No
All soothing
3.3
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.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %6
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.

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Bifida Ferment Lysate

A mixture of probiotic bacteria. According to the patent holder, it contains enzymes that are able to repair damaged DNA in skin cells. A single clinical study only confirms that it is able to slightly reduce skin sensitivity.

Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl SilaneA silicone with the unusual trait of being able to disperse in water. It moisturizes the skin as a humectant and leaves a soft and smooth after-feel. This ingredient also has foam-boosting properties.
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic AcidA pH buffer that secures the pH around 7.5.
PPG-3 Myristyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-3 Myristyl Ether
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateAn absorbent that takes in oils from the skin to reduce the oily sheen. It can also absorb oils from the skincare product itself, resulting in a softer, less greasy product, normally with better spreadability and less tack.
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.

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener with gelling properties. The products containing this ingredient frequently feature lightweight and refreshing aesthetics upon application to the skin.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinA mixture of proteins obtained from soybeans. It can have many different functions depending on the manufacturer, although it is most commonly used in skincare products as a humectant moisturizing ingredient.
Acetyl Trifluoromethylphenyl Valylglycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Trifluoromethylphenyl Valylglycine
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.
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.

t-Butyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
t-Butyl Alcohol
Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit ExtractA humectant and emollient extract derived from fig fruits. It contains a variety of good phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins.
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.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl Palmitate

An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but lacks clinical proves of its anti-aging and acne-reducing efficacy.

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.

Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeA fragrance ingredient that is supplied as a pale, yellow liquid. The scent it emits is very clean and features notes of violet and orris. Alpha-isomethyl is also used as a flavoring agent in lip care products and even in some foods and drinks.
Amyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amyl Cinnamal

A naturally-occuring and synthetically produced component of some fragrances. It smells of jasmine and slightly spicy. It is a known fragrance allergen, but not expected to be irritating when used below recommended limits.

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.

Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Butylphenyl Methylpropional

A synthetic fragrance ingredient used to recreate the scent of lilies, this ingredient also features fresh, green, and powdery notes. Butylphenyl Methylpropional was recently labeled as Toxic to Reproduction in the EU and will be banned in 2022.

Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.

Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
Benzyl Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Salicylate

A fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic scent. It is one of the twenty-six fragrances that are considered allergens according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), and so its use is restricted.

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.