La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles
5.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
4.7Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.
  • Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles has an anti-wrinkle rating of 4.7 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer ideal for oily skin and a humectant boost for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles 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 1.3 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

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.

Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 4.7 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • 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).
  • Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%),
     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).
Among others, La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles also contains 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. Therefore, these ingredients do 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 anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum for Fine Lines & Wrinkles is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (est. ≈1.0%), Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cyclohexasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Polysilicone-11
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.1
6
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.6
1.3
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.1 10
10.0
6
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.6 20
1.3
1.3
1.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.1 10
10
All humectants
10.1
6
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.3
1
0.3
All occlusives 2.6 20
1.3
All occlusives
2.6
1.3
1.0
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
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
4.7
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
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
4.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.1
Niacinamide
1.5
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
1
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
All soothing 1.5 5 No
All soothing
1.5
1.5
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Cyclohexasiloxane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
CyclohexasiloxaneA clear silicone fluid with very low viscosity that is commonly used as a solvent and emollient. It has excellent spreadability, rubs in quickly, and leaves a silky smooth after-feel on the skin.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %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.

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %2
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.

Niacinamide
Est. %1.5
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.

Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
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.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %1
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.
PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30
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.

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.

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.
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.
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.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateA chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.
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.
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.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
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.

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.
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.