NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream Review

NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream
4.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.9 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Retinyl Palmitate, Polysorbate 60, Squalane, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Dimethicone, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laureth-7, Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Cetyl Palmitate, Laureth-23, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Triethanolamine, Ceramide AP, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Review

Does NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.
✅ Potent anti-wrinkle effect with the highest possible efficacy rating. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10, NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 0.9 out of 10 and a high Occlusivity of 7.9 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈9.0%) and Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide a significant level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for normal to dry skin.

The occlusive profile of NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

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

🟣🟣🟣 Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.5%),
 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, NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream also contains Retinyl Palmitate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Retinyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Retinyl Palmitate 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.
 

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (est. ≈9.0%).

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.

📌 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: NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol 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.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream contains a low level of humectants.

People with normal to dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal to dry skin
Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the highest possible rating of 10 out of 10 thanks to Retinol
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream
 is highly effective in treating wrinkles, featuring ingredients with solid, robust evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy, in concentrations that may deliver a significant anti-wrinkle effect.
 

As a moisturizer, it provides an adequate level of occlusivity for normal to dry skin, delivered in a rich yet not overly thick formula.

With its high antioxidant content, NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains only a small amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing NourishMax Encapsulated 0.5% Retinol Cream with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
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
1.9
1.5
0.5
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylamide
Function:
Origin:
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-7
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-23
Function:
Origin:
Trideceth-6 Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
15.7
9.0
4.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 15.7 20
7.9
9.0
4.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 0.9 10
0.9
All humectants
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 15.7 20
7.9
All occlusives
15.7
9.0
4.0
1.5
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 0.5 10
n/a
- 2 -
Total
10
Retinol
10
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.5
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
9
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 9.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
9.6
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
9
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
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.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %6
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %4
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.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %2
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.

Polysorbate 60
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Squalane
Est. %1.5
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.
Retinol
Est. %0.5
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.

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.

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.

Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
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.
Polyacrylamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyacrylamideA synthetic ingredient that can thicken products instantly while still keeping them light and often gel-like.
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C13-14 IsoparaffinA lightweight petroleum derivative. It is a very thin liquid that functions as an emollient and a solvent for other liquids (such as thicker oils or silicones).
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
Laureth-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-7A mild but effective functional ingredient. It can emulsify (efficiently mix water and oil) without needing too much in a formula.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Cetyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl PalmitateA moisturizing occlusive and emollient wax ester that consists of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. In nature, cetyl palmitate is found, and was first identified, in spermaceti, a waxy substance from inside the skull of the sperm whale.
Laureth-23
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-23Laureth-23 is a strong emulsifier that is perfect for bringing oils into water-based products. It can be used to mix fragrance or to add to shampoos. It plays nicely with other emulsifiers and ingredients, and can show synergy when used with other emulsifiers of the same type like Laureth-7.
Trideceth-6 Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trideceth-6 Phosphate
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.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
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.