naturium Retinol Complex Cream Review

naturium Retinol Complex Cream
9.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
9.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients

naturium Retinol Complex Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Retinol, Squalane, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Bakuchiol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Behenate, Linoleic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Hexylene Glycol, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Polysorbate 20, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Stearic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triolein, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Ferulate
Review

Does naturium Retinol Complex Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what naturium Retinol Complex Cream has to offer:
 
✅ Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 9.8 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: naturium Retinol Complex Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of naturium Retinol Complex Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using naturium Retinol Complex Cream:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, naturium Retinol Complex Cream is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 9.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%), and a very high occlusivity of 9.7 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (est. ≈6.0%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for dry skin.

The occlusive profile of naturium Retinol Complex Cream suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, naturium Retinol Complex Cream has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient 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).
 
Among others, naturium Retinol Complex Cream also contains Bakuchiol, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Bakuchiol provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Bakuchiol 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: naturium Retinol Complex Cream

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding naturium Retinol Complex Cream 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.

⚠️ Best for Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With high occlusivity, this product is optimal for dry skin but may be too thick for combination and especially oily skin. Even on normal skin, it can feel too rich depending on the quantity applied, the environment, and individual preferences.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Pros & Cons of naturium Retinol Complex Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of naturium Retinol Complex Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ Rich moisturizer perfect for dry skin: highly occlusive and humectant-rich
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
   

Summary: naturium Retinol Complex Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that naturium Retinol Complex Cream
 is an ideal moisturizer for dry skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients in a rich, thick texture.
 
naturium Retinol Complex Cream 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 naturium Retinol Complex Cream worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, naturium Retinol Complex Cream is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
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. 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
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Function:
Origin:
Bidens Pilosa Extract
Function:
Origin:
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Linoleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Oleic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Palmitic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Triolein
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Ferulate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.5
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
19.4
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.5
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
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
9.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.5 10
10.0
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 19.4 20
9.7
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.5
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
Moisturizing rating
9.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.5 10
10
All humectants
10.5
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
4
3
2.5
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
All occlusives 19.4 20
9.7
All occlusives
19.4
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.5
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
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Bakuchiol
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Ethyl Ferulate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
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.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %3
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.
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed ButterA butter-like, occlusive moisturizing, and emollient fatty oil extracted from the seeds of Murumuru palm. It consists mainly of lauric and myristic acid, as well as smaller amounts of oleic acid.
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.

Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed OilDerived from the seeds of the cotton plant, this emollient and occlusive fatty oil is mainly comprised of linoleic and palmitic acids. It also contains large amounts of phospholipids - key components of all cell membranes.
Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl GlutamateAn emollient ingredient that is similar to ceramides in its structure. It provides a smooth and soft feeling to the skin.
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylates CopolymerA synthetic polymer that can come in various forms and is often used to create light gel-like textures. Some versions can also create a light film on the skin.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
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.
Bidens Pilosa Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bidens Pilosa Extract
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) ExtractAn extract from hops flowers. Hops have been used traditionally to treat skin inflammation. The extract is rich in antioxidants and has antifungal and antimicrobial activity.
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.

Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl PolyacrylateA synthetic thickening polymer that can be used in a variety of product types. This polymer can feel lightweight but can also stand up to heavier ingredients in products like body butters.
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive fatty oil pressed from flax seeds. It is the richest source of linolenic fatty acid (it contains up to 50% of it) among vegetable oils.
Glyceryl Behenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl BehenateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced emollient that can help create oil gels. It provides a soft feeling to the skin, improving product spread and reducing tackiness.
Linoleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linoleic AcidA fatty acid isolated from various plant oils (notably evening primrose, safflower, grape seed, and sunflower oil). It is an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that doesn't leave an oily, sticky residue and is especially suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides
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.
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.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxObtained from the leaves of Carnauba wax palm, this occlusive, emollient, and film-forming wax is commonly used in lip products. It is comprised mainly of various wax esters and is one of the hardest and most resistant plant waxes.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Oleic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleic AcidAn omega-9 fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils. It is occlusive moisturizing, emollient and emulsifying.
Palmitic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitic AcidA saturated fatty acid used in skincare as a strongly occlusive moisturizer and barrier repairing, emollient ingredient. It is a waxy-looking, white solid. Palmitic acid can be commonly found in animal and vegetable fats, notably palm oil.
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.
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.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
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.
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.

Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
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.
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.

Triolein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triolein
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.
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium CocoamphodiacetateA naturally-derived mild cleansing agent. It provides foam but does not leave skin feeling stripped or dry when properly incorporated.
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.
Ethyl Ferulate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Ferulate