Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream Review

Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream
6.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.1 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect with the highest possible efficacy rating. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10, Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%), Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with combination and oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - 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.

Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10.

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

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%),
     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).
  • Retinal (est. ≈0.05%),
     also known as retinaldehyde, is a potent retinoid with anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 125 participants (Creidi et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.05% retinal reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 18 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without retinal).
Among others, Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Caffeine, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1. 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 Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%) and Caffeine (est. ≈2.5%).

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, Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈5.0%).

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.

Pros & Cons of Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Minimalist Vitamin K + Retinal 01% Eye Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
  • Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the highest possible rating of 10 out of 10
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
5
4
3
2.5
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
0.05
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phytonadione Epoxide
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Zerumbone
Function:
Origin:
N-Hydroxysuccinimide
Function:
Origin:
Dipeptide-2
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Chrysin
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Retinal
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
18.8
9
5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.3
4.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 18.8 10
10.0
9
5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
4.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 18.8 10
10
All humectants
18.8
9
5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
0.3
All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
All occlusives
4.3
4.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 5 6
5 /10 0.05 0.05 5
n/a
- 2.5 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
10
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
5
Retinal
5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
5 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.05
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2.5
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
5
2.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 8.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
8.4
Niacinamide
5
Caffeine
2.5
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
5
0.3
0.3
All soothing 5.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.6
5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Niacinamide
Est. %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. %4
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.
Propanediol
Est. %3
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.
Caffeine
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Brassica Glycerides
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Brassica Glycerides
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Diisopropyl Sebacate
Maltodextrin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Glyceryl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Glucoside
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Phytonadione Epoxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytonadione Epoxide
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
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.

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateA very small-molecule version of regular sodium hyaluronate. It is a powerful humectant skin-identical ingredient that absorbs into the skin and offers plumping, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects.
Zerumbone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zerumbone
N-Hydroxysuccinimide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
N-HydroxysuccinimideN-Hydroxysuccinimide is thought to reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. However, more research is needed to confirm if this ingredient is truly effective in this manner.
Dipeptide-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipeptide-2
Steareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-20A white to light brown reaction product of a clear gas and stearyl alcohol. Like the other steareth ingredients, steareth-20 is a waxy emulsifier that can help to form a stable emulsion, even in extreme conditions.
Chrysin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChrysinChrysin is thought to help promote blood circulation in blends with other ingredients and allegedly can help to reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles. However, no official studies have been done to confirm this.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

A synthetic peptide that mimics the activity of immunoglobulin G and signals to the skin to stop the inflammation. It has been shown in studies to reduce wrinkles and enhance collagen content.

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.
Retinal
Est. %0.05
Function
Origin
Retinal

A potent ingredient of the retinoid group with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.

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.

Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hesperidin Methyl ChalconeAn antioxidant and soothing flavonoid compound that is found in abundance in citrus fruit peels. It has been chemically modified for better absorption.
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.
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.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

A small peptide consisting of three amino acids with anti-wrinkle effects. Together with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, it is a part of the popular anti-wrinkle complex called Matrixyl™ 3000.

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.
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.