Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol Review

Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol
1.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.0 out of 10.
✅ Potent anti-wrinkle effect with the highest possible efficacy rating. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10.0 out of 10, Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 1.5 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

🟣🟣🟣 Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol 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, Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Retinyl Sunflowerseedate, Micrococcus Lysate, and Retinyl Palmitate. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, 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.

📌 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: Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% 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.

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the highest possible rating of 10 out of 10 thanks to Retinol
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol
 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 relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.

That said, there are some things about Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol worth noting.
 
If you use Photozyme GFS Plus Night Serum with 0.5% Retinol as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
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:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-23
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-4
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Sunflowerseedate
Function:
Origin:
Lysophosphatidic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Plankton Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Micrococcus Lysate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Trideceth-6
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.3
1.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.5 10
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.3 20
0.6
1.3
Moisturizing rating
1.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.5 10
1.5
All humectants
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.3
All occlusives 1.3 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.3
1.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.5 10
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
10
Retinol
10
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.5
Retinyl Sunflowerseedate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Micrococcus Lysate
-
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
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Ascorbyl Linoleate
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. %70
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.
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.
PEG-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PEG-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone CrosspolymerA group of ingredients that are typically added to skincare products to adjust the formula. Dimethicone Crosspolymers stabilize a formula, regulate its thickness and consistency and give the product a velvety feel.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Dimethiconol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
DimethiconolA synthetic dimethicone with rich, non-tacky emolliency. It features the typical sensorial profile of silicones, with high spreadability and a luxurious, oil-free after-feel. Dimethiconol can also serve as an antifoaming agent.
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.
Laureth-23
Est. %1
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.
Laureth-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-4A surfactant that can suspend oil droplets in a large water phase. The oils are typically fragrances or other oils added in small amounts. Laureth-4 is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
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.

Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.

Retinyl Sunflowerseedate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl Sunflowerseedate
Lysophosphatidic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lysophosphatidic Acid
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateA multifunctional ingredient that produces foamy cleansers and allows oil and water to mix.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
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.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
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.
Plankton Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Plankton ExtractAn extract from a mixture of various tiny marine animals, algae, seaweeds, and microscopic organisms jointly called plankton. One patent refers to it as a moisturizing humectant ingredient.
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.
Micrococcus Lysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Micrococcus LysateA mixture created by breaking down Micrococcus bacteria. It has been claimed to have DNA repairing abilities when packed into liposomes.
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.

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.
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.

Ascorbyl Linoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Linoleate
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearateA natural ingredient that produces oil and water mixtures with soft skin feel.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Hydroxypropylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropylcellulose
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.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Trideceth-6
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trideceth-6
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-18/18 DimethiconeA silicone-based emulsifier that has the ability to create non-sticky and non-greasy formulas.
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.
Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyaminopropyl BiguanideAn antimicrobial agent.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.