SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Review

SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0
4.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0:
 

Lightweight Moisturizer Well-Suited for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.0 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 6.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propanediol (est. ≈6.0%).

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

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

A Humectant Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant enhancement 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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 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).
 
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 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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Well-suited for moisturizing combination and oily skin
  • Also an option for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing enhancement for any skincare routine
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Serrata Gum
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Propyl Gallate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.3
6
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.0
4.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.3 10
6.3
6
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.0 20
2.0
4.0
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
0.3
All humectants 6.3 10
6.3
All humectants
6.3
6
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
All occlusives 4.0 20
2.0
All occlusives
4.0
4.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
BHT
0.3
Propyl Gallate
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. %75
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.
Propanediol
Est. %6
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.
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.
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl EthylhexanoateAn emollient ester that is derived from palm and palm kernel oil and is known for its velvety soft skin feel and excellent spreading properties.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener with gelling properties. The products containing this ingredient frequently feature lightweight and refreshing aesthetics upon application to the skin.
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerA synthetic ingredient that forms a gel when mixed with water. It can thus thicken and stabilize a product.
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.

Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
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.
Isohexadecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
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.
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.
Isopropyl Myristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopropyl MyristateA fast-spreading, cost-effective, non-greasy emollient that is typically used for lubrication, spreadability, or to remove “tackiness” from a product. Isopropyl Myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
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.
Boswellia Serrata Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Boswellia Serrata Gum
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.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Dimethiconol
Est. %0.3
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.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateA chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An 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.

Sorbitan Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OleateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water. Sorbitan oleate serves primarily as an emulsifier that produces water-in-oil emulsions.
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.
Propyl Gallate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propyl GallateA semi-synthetic antioxidant manufactured from plant-based gallic acid. It protects the oils in the formulation from degrading and going rancid.