SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum
5.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Results you may expect from using SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.5 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum has a moisturizing rating of 5.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.0 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Lactic Acid (est. ≈6.0%), Sodium Lactate (est. ≈4.0%) and Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
 
Among others, SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum also contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 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, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
Water
6
Lactic Acid
4
Sodium Lactate
3
Pentylene Glycol
2
Ethylhexyl Olivate
1.5
Sorbitan Stearate
1.3
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
1
PPG-3 Isostearyl Methyl Ether
0.3
Glycerin
0.3
Dimethyl Isosorbide
0.3
Glyceryl Stearate
0.3
PEG-100 Stearate
0.3
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
0.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Zinc PCA
0.3
Steareth-2
0.3
Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate
0.3
Salicylic Acid
0.3
Oligopeptide-10
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Decylene Glycol
0.3
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Bisabolol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Laminaria Digitata Extract
0.3
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
0.3
Boswellia Serrata Extract
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Honey Extract
0.3
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
0.3
Cetearyl Alcohol
0.3
Butylene Glycol
0.3
Xanthan Gum
0.3
Lecithin
0.3
Sclerotium Gum
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Pullulan
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Silica
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lactate
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
PPG-3 Isostearyl Methyl Ether
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Zinc PCA
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-2
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Oligopeptide-10
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Decylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Honey Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Pullulan
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
16.0
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.0
2.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 16.0 10
10.0
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.0 20
1.0
2.0
Moisturizing rating
5.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 16.0 10
10
All humectants
16.0
6
4
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
All occlusives 2.0 20
1.0
All occlusives
2.0
2.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Niacinamide
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Laminaria Digitata Extract
0.3
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.7 5 No
All soothing
2.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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.
Lactic Acid
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Sodium Lactate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Sodium LactateA sodium salt of lactic acid. Its main function is as a humectant but it can also serve as a pH adjuster. Additionally, sodium lactate can also be used as a chemical exfoliant due to its close chemical relation to lactic acid.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %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.

Ethylhexyl Olivate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl OlivateDescription is coming soon
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Neopentyl Glycol DiethylhexanoateNeopentyl glycol diethylhexanoate is a blend of neopentyl glycol, an organic chemical compound used in production of lubricants, and hexanoic fatty acid. The ingredient has similar properties to its brother - Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate. It also serves as an emollient or a formula thickness adjuster.
PPG-3 Isostearyl Methyl Ether
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PPG-3 Isostearyl Methyl EtherDescription is coming soon
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Aluminum SilicateA naturally occurring clay that is hygroscopic, which means that it easily absorbs water. This ingredient is thus commonly used as an absorbent and emulsion stabilizer. It also modifies slip by improving the spreadability of the products it is used in.
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.

Zinc PCA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc PCAA two-part ingredient: Zinc helps to control sebum and bacteria in acne-prone skin, while skin-identical PCA is a moisturizing humectant. Zinc PCA may even boost collagen production and so is researched as a potential anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Steareth-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-2A waxy, naturally derived or synthetic emulsifier that can handle extreme formula conditions such as a low pH. It offers emulsifying properties to a formula by helping oils and water to mix.
Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Lactyl RetinoateDescription is coming soon
Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Oligopeptide-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oligopeptide-10

Description is coming soon

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.

Decylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decylene GlycolDescription is coming soon
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Artemisia Vulgaris ExtractAn extract derived from common mugwort. The plant contains an essential oil that gives the extract its strong, pine-like, cooling aroma. It also boasts antioxidant and astringent flavonoids and terpenes.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BisabololAn anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.
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.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractAn antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laminaria Digitata ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from an edible brown seaweed called oarweed. It contains many humectant and gelling polysaccharides, as well as beneficial minerals.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf ExtractDescription is coming soon
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boswellia Serrata ExtractAn extract of Indian frankincense with a pleasant, earthy scent. It contains anti-inflammatory boswellic acids that assist in treating skin diseases such as eczema (although the research is still ongoing).
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Honey Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Honey ExtractAn extract obtained from honey that is comprised of proteins, minerals, and various bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing humectant, and soothing properties.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran ExtractAn extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It contains emollient fatty acids and antioxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and γ-oryzanol.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA 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.
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.
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.
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Pullulan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PullulanDescription is coming soon
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.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
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.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.