Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol)

Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol)
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Results you may expect from using Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol):

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol):

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.1 out of 10, Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 5.5 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Hyaluronic Acid (est. ≈2.5%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈2.4%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.6 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Squalane (est. ≈9.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.1 out of 10.

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

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈2.4%),
     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.
Among others, Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) also contains contains Centella Asiatica Extract and Bakuchiol, two ingredients 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.
 

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

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Soul Apothecary Perfection Retinol Complex Light Cream (0.1% Retinol + 0.3% Bakuchiol) is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Hyaluronic Acid (est. ≈2.5%), Niacinamide (est. ≈2.4%) and Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈2.3%).

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
75
Water
9
Squalane
2.5
Hyaluronic Acid
2.4
Niacinamide
2.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
2.2
Butane
2
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
0.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
0.3
Glyceryl Stearate
0.3
Isononyl Isononanoate
0.3
Caprylic Acid
0.3
Dimethicone
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Ceramide NP
0.1
Retinol
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Polydiethylsiloxane
0.3
Fructan
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butane
Function:
Origin:
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Isononyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Polydiethylsiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Fructan
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.5
2.5
2.4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.3
9.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.5 10
5.5
2.5
2.4
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.3 20
4.6
9.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2.5
2.4
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.5 10
5.5
All humectants
5.5
2.5
2.4
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
0.3
All occlusives 9.3 20
4.6
All occlusives
9.3
9.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 2.4 3.6
10 /10 0.4 0.1 2.5
n/a
- 2.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
6.1
Niacinamide
3.6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
2.4
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
2.3
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
6.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2.5
2.4
2.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.8
Hyaluronic Acid
2.5
Niacinamide
2.4
Centella Asiatica Extract
2.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2.4
2.3
All soothing 4.7 5 No
All soothing
4.7
2.4
2.3
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.
Squalane
Est. %9
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn 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.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Niacinamide
Est. %2.4
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.

Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %2.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Butane
Est. %2.2
Function
Origin
ButaneDescription is coming soon
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
Est. %2
Function
Origin
C12-20 Alkyl GlucosideDescription is coming soon
Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl EsterA dipeptide-based ingredient claimed to stimulate elastin production and reduce the appearacne of wrinkles and sagging skin.
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.
Isononyl Isononanoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isononyl IsononanoateAn ester of a branched fatty acid with a branched fatty alcohol. It is an easily spreadable emollient that has a silky, dry, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Caprylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic AcidDescription is coming soon
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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
Polydiethylsiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolydiethylsiloxaneDescription is coming soon
Fructan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FructanDescription is coming soon
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.
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.