SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
7Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 7.0 out of 10, SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 3.9 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.6 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈4.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 7.0 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription ingredient with well-proven efficacy to reduce wrinkles.

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
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
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Ratings

All humectants
3.9
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
13.2
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 13.2 20
6.6
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 3.9 10
3.9
All humectants
3.9
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 13.2 20
6.6
All occlusives
13.2
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 3 4.5
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
Total
7
Niacinamide
4.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
3
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Anti-wrinkle rating
7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 10.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
10.8
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
6
Niacinamide
3
Dunaliella Salina Extract
0.3
Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Squalene
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
All soothing 3.3 5 No
All soothing
3.3
3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
The 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.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
A clear, pale yellow liquid, that functions as an emollient and a solvent, meaning that it is useful for dissolving oil-soluble ingredients.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
An occlusive moisturizing oil expressed from soybeans. It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its low content of saturated fatty acids. Glycine soja oil contains emollient fatty acids and a significant amount of antioxidants.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
A 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.
Niacinamide
Est. %3
Function
Origin

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.

Polyacrylate-13
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
A synthetic, film-forming ingredient that creates a network around other ingredients in the formula and protects them from being easily washed away.
Squalane
Est. %2
Function
Origin
An 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. %0.1
Function
Origin

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.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

Description is coming soon

Dunaliella Salina Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Derived from a species of bright red algae, this extract contains the potent antioxidant beta-carotene, as well as a humectant moisturizing glycerol.
Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

Tocotrienols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Also 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.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.
Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A plant-based version of cholesterol that is used for its emollient properties in skincare. The richest sources of phytosterols are corn, rapeseed, and wheat germ oil.
Squalene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
One of the main ingredients in the skin’s sebum. It helps to rebuild the natural oily film on the skin’s surface and to prevent transdermal water loss. Squalene is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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.

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A solid, strongly emollient, and occlusive moisturizing wax obtained from rice bran oil. It is also used as a formula helper.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

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

Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.
Cetyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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-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
Description is coming soon
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Dicaprylyl Ether
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fast-spreading and very lightweight emollient. It is used to reduce the tack and oiliness of oil-based formulas and gives the skin a dry, silky after-feel. It is also a great solvent.
Lauryl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Polyisobutene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A highly viscous liquid that is used in lip gloss formulations to prolong wear time and add shimmer. Polyisobutene dramatically increases the thickness of skincare products it is added to.
Dextran
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A naturally derived sucrose metabolite that thickens water and bulks emulsions.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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
A 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.