Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol Review

Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol
6.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.8 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect with the highest possible efficacy rating. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10, Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol:
 

Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin with a balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a very high humectancy of 9.7 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈6.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.0 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈4.0%) and Stearic Acid (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want maximum hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy.

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

Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10.

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

  • Retinol (est. ≈1.0%),
     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. ≈0.3%),
     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, Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol also contains contains Beta-Glucan and Ascorbyl 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.
 

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈6.0%) and Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈6.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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: Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol 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 Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Makeup Artist's Choice Bellevolve 1% Retinol to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Perfect for moisturizing normal skin
  • Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
  • Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the highest possible rating of 10 out of 10 thanks to Retinol and Niacinamide
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1.1
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
Est. %
Althaea Rosea Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Emulsifying Wax
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Function:
Origin:
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.7
6
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
8.1
4.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.7 10
9.7
6
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 8.1 20
4.0
4.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.7 10
9.7
All humectants
9.7
6
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 8.1 20
4.0
All occlusives
8.1
4.0
2.0
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
10 /10 0.4 1 10
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 1.3 -
n/a
- 1.1 -
Total
10
Retinol
10
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
1
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Beta-Glucan
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.1
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
4
1.3
1.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 13.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
13.9
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
6
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
4
Beta-Glucan
1.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
1.1
Niacinamide
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
0.3
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
1.3
0.3
All soothing 7.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
7.6
6
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Althaea Rosea Flower Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Althaea Rosea Flower Water
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Est. %4
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.
Emulsifying Wax
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Emulsifying Wax
Stearic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Beta-Glucan
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %1.1
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.
Retinol
Est. %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.

Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
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.

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.

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) OilA fatty oil expressed from the fleshy part of an avocado, used in skincare for its excellent emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Avocado oil contains fatty acids, notably oleic acid (up to 80%), squalene, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran OilExtracted from the outer layer of rice grains, this oil is rich in occlusive moisturizing and emollient omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and a potent antioxidant γ-oryzanol. It may have beneficial effects on dry or sun-damaged skin, as well as eczema.
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.

Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pelargonium Graveolens OilA fragrant essential oil with a rose-like scent obtained from the leaves of rose geranium. It is sometimes added to a more expensive rose oil in order to produce larger volumes.
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed OilThis name can imply two different ingredients: a fatty emollient and occlusive carrot seed oil, or a fragrant and antimicrobial essential carrot seed oil.
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Fruit OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from the little hard seeds inside of the red, fleshy rosehip. It contains mainly emollient fatty acids and a very high amount of antioxidant carotenoids, which give the oil its light orange color.
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.
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.