Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% Review

Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3%
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
10.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
7.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Dodecane, Decyl Oleate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate
Review

Does Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% has to offer:
 
✅ Strong occlusive moisturizing. This exceptionally occlusive moisturizer, ideal for dry and very dry skin, has a moderate moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10, impaired by the absence of humectants.
✅ Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 7.5 out of 10, Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3%

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3%:
 

🔵🔵🔵 Exceptionally Rich Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Very Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum Occlusivity of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (est. ≈11.0%), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, can deliver an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin. The occlusive profile of Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

🟣🟣 Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 7.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinol (est. ≈0.3%),
 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, Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% also contains Ascorbyl Palmitate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ascorbyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Ascorbyl Palmitate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (est. ≈11.0%), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil (est. ≈4.0%) and Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3%

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with retinol may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used at night, as it is sensitive to sunlight and can lose its potency when exposed to UV rays.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the retinol-containing products, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ Best for Very Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With exceptional occlusivity, this product is optimal for moisturizing dry and very dry skin but may be too thick for other skin types, including normal, and especially combination and oily skin.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% contains no humectants at all.

People with dry skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3%

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Exceptionally rich moisturizer with the right level of occlusivity to moisturize dry to very dry skin
Delivers signficant anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to Retinol
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
⚠️ May feel too rich and thick on skin types other than dry
⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3%

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3%
 is specifically effective in treating wrinkles, containing ingredients with solid, robust evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy.
 

As a moisturizer, it provides an exceptional level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for dry to very skin, delivered in a rich, thick texture.

With its high antioxidant content, Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% worth noting.
 
With its high occlusivity, Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% is ideal for dry skin but may feel too thick on other skin types. If you have oily, combination, or normal skin, it’s a good idea to try a sample before purchasing.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it doesn’t contain any humectants. Regardless of your skin type, humectants are vital for optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, pairing Superdrug Me+ Retinol Booster 0.3% with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, can be highly beneficial for your skincare routine.
 
This product contains retinol, the most powerful and well-researched non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. However, retinol can make your skin more prone to sun damage and increase sensitivity, so it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Dodecane
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
Function:
Origin:
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
27.8
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 27.8 20
10.0
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
0.3
All occlusives 27.8 20
10.0
All occlusives
27.8
11.0
6.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 0.3 7.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
7.5
Retinol
7.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
7.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
11
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 18.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
18.5
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
11
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
4
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
2
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Ascorbyl Palmitate
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

Dodecane
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Dodecane
Decyl Oleate
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Decyl OleateA vegetable-derived or synthetically produced ester that feels velvety and makes the skin feel soft. It is non-greasy and helps reduce stickiness in formulas and improve spreadability.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
Est. %11
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.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %6
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.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from grape seeds that are leftover after juicing or wine production. It contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, squalene, as well as phytosterols and various antioxidant compounds.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from macadamia nuts. It is clear and pale yellow with a pleasant nutty aroma and contains oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and polyphenols.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Est. %2
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.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Fragrance
Est. %1
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
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.

Retinol
Est. %0.3
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.

Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract

For the most part, shea butter extract has the same composition and uses as the regular shea butter. It is used in skincare products as an emollient ingredient.

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractAn extract derived from the flowers of the pot marigold. Its yellow to bright orange flowers contain carotenoids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. They all have fantastic anti-inflammatory activity and can help to soothe inflamed skin.
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.

Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbyl PalmitateA form of vitamin C derived from ascorbic acid and palmitic acid. It is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, Ascorbyl Palmitate lacks the studies to prove its anti-wrinkle efficacy.