SLMD Retinol Serum

SLMD Retinol Serum
3.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Does SLMD Retinol Serum work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using SLMD Retinol Serum:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.7 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: SLMD Retinol Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

Lightweight moisturizer well-suited for oily skin and a humectant enhancement for any skincare routine

According to CreamScan analysis, SLMD Retinol Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.7 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.2 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. It can also be a good option for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

Such a humectant engancement 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.

Some anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, SLMD Retinol Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 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).
 
Among others, SLMD Retinol Serum also contains contains Retinyl Sunflowerseedate and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do 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, 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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dimethiconol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-23
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-4
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Sunflowerseedate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3
Function:
Origin:
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Function:
Origin:
Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-13
Function:
Origin:
Lysophosphatidic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Formate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.2
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.2 10
7.2
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.2 10
7.2
All humectants
7.2
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Retinyl Sunflowerseedate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Ascorbyl Linoleate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
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.
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
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.

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %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.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

PEG-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
PEG-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %1.3
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
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. %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.
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.
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.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Carboxymethyl Cocoyl Glycine
Retinyl Sunflowerseedate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl Sunflowerseedate
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.
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.

Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3

Description is coming soon

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-13
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-13
Lysophosphatidic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lysophosphatidic Acid
Ascorbyl Linoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl Linoleate
Ethyl Linoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Linoleate
Ethyl Formate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Formate
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.

Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
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.