Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum

Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum
6.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.9Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle

Review

Results you may expect from using Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum:

  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.9 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Highly moisturizing: Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum has a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a high humectancy of 7.6 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.5 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Squalane (est. ≈4.0%) and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈3.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.9 out of 10.

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

  • Retinol (est. ≈0.1%),
     the most effective non-prescription ingredient with well-proven efficacy to reduce wrinkles.
  • Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
Among others, Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum also contains contains Retinyl Linoleate and Centella Asiatica Extract, 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.
 
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
Glycerin
4
Squalane
3
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
2
Cetearyl Alcohol
1.5
Glyceryl Stearate SE
1.3
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
1
Propanediol
0.3
Sorbitan Stearate
0.3
Sclerotium Gum
0.3
Retinyl Linoleate
0.1
Retinol
0.3
Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Bisabolol
0.3
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
0.3
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
0.3
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
0.3
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
0.3
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Phytic Acid
0.3
Synthetic Beeswax
0.3
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
0.3
Maltodextrin
0.3
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
0.3
1,2-Hexanediol
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
0.3
Potassium Sorbate
0.3
Levulinic Acid
0.3
Sodium Levulinate
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Linoleate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Phytic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Levulinic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Levulinate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.6
6
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
11.0
4.0
3.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.6 10
7.6
6
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 11.0 20
5.5
4.0
3.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.6 10
7.6
All humectants
7.6
6
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 11.0 20
5.5
All occlusives
11.0
4.0
3.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.9
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Linoleate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.1 3 No
All antioxidants
2.1
Niacinamide
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Squalane
Est. %4
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA 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.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2
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.
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Stearate SEAn emulsifier, where the SE stands for self-emulsifying. Emulsions containing glyceryl stearate SE often impart a smooth, velvety feel upon the skin.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Propanediol
Est. %1
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.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Retinyl Linoleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl LinoleateDescription is coming soon
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.

Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran ExtractDescription is coming soon
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
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.
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.

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.
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Canina Fruit OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from the little hard seeds inside of the red, fleshy rosehip. It contains mainly emollient fatty acids and a very high amount of antioxidant carotenoids, which give the oil its light orange color.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) OilA fatty oil expressed from the fleshy part of an avocado, used in skincare for its excellent emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Avocado oil contains fatty acids, notably oleic acid (up to 80%), squalene, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
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.

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed OilA fatty oil extracted from the seeds of the castor bean plant with very unique fatty acid composition. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Castor OilA processed, butter-like castor oil. It is solely comprised of occlusive moisturizing and emollient saturated fatty acids and is best suited for dry skin. It can also act as a thickener and emulsifier.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilAn 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.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

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.

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.

Phytic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytic AcidPhytic acid is found in rice and is seen as a cousin of alpha-hydroxy acids. As a chelator, it can bind to certain metals that may cause discoloration in products or reduce the efficacy of other ingredients.
Synthetic Beeswax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Synthetic BeeswaxA synthetic blend of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and other ingredients that are combined to mimic natural beeswax.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) WaxObtained from the leaves of Carnauba wax palm, this occlusive, emollient, and film-forming wax is commonly used in lip products. It is comprised mainly of various wax esters and is one of the hardest and most resistant plant waxes.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylhydroxamic AcidA chelating agent used alongside preservatives in order to boost their antimicrobial activity.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
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.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA 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.
Levulinic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Levulinic AcidLevulinic acid can be found in both natural and processed foods, such as Chinese quince, papaya, rice, sake, and wheaten bread. It is manufactured from starch by chemical processes and is used as a masking ingredient. It is also claimed by the manufacturer to have a good bactericidal efficacy.
Sodium Levulinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium LevulinateA sodium salt of levulinic acid that is used as an antimicrobial and preservative agent, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in a product.
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.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

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