The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream Review

The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream
7.5
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Review

Does The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.5 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

Key Benefits of The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream:
 

Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.5 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.0 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want maximum hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy.

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

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 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).
 
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.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream 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.

Pros & Cons of The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Perfect for moisturizing normal skin
  • Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy

Cons: 

  • May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Distearate
Function:
Origin:
Shea Butter Ethyl Esters
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Olivate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycogen
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.5
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.9
9.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.5 10
10.0
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.9 20
5.0
9.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.5 10
10
All humectants
11.5
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 9.9 20
5.0
All occlusives
9.9
9.0
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
Total
2.5
Retinol
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
0.1
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
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %9
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.

Pentaerythrityl Distearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Distearate
Shea Butter Ethyl Esters
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Shea Butter Ethyl Esters
Cetearyl Olivate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetearyl Olivate

A multifunctional ingredient derived from plants that primarily serves as an emulsifier. Supplied as a waxy ivory-colored flake, it can also be used as an emollient and slip modifier that gives a product an overall light, silky finish.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
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.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Sorbitan Olivate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan OlivateAn ester of sorbitol (a type of sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It is used as an emulsifying agent to stabilize oil droplets in water (or vice versa).
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
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.

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.

Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from the skin.
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.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
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.
Glycogen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlycogenGlycogen is a substance that is used in the body to store and release sugar as a form of energy storage. In skincare, however, it is utilized as a humectant moisturizing ingredient due to the thousands of glucose units in its molecule. These glucose chains attract and bind water, leaving the skin moisturized.
Sodium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium GluconateA chelating ingredient that ensures that the harmful metal ions in a formula are unreactive. It also protects other ingredients from degrading.
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.

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.
Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dehydroacetic AcidA globally approved preservative ingredient. It is a powerful fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it a broad-spectrum preservative. Because it is mildly effective against bacteria, it is often paired with stronger bactericides.
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.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium CocoamphodiacetateA naturally-derived mild cleansing agent. It provides foam but does not leave skin feeling stripped or dry when properly incorporated.
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.

Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) ExtractAn extract from hops flowers. Hops have been used traditionally to treat skin inflammation. The extract is rich in antioxidants and has antifungal and antimicrobial activity.