Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs Review

Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs
0.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
1.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients

Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Diethylhexyl Succinate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycolic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Retinol, Lactic Acid, Urea, Squalane, Glycerin, Phospholipids, Ubiquinone, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyacrylamide, Laureth-7, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA
Review

Does Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 0.8 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 0.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 1.2 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs 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).
 
Among others, Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs also contains contains Ubiquinone and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, 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.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, 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 additional 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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol and Glycolic Acid

This product contains both retinol and glycolic acid, two potent skincare ingredients with complementary benefits. Retinol offers powerful anti-wrinkle properties by boosting cell turnover, while glycolic acid, a popular AHA, exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells. Together, they reveal new, more delicate skin that is brighter and smoother but also more vulnerable to sun damage.

Using products with both retinol and glycolic acid may increase the skin’s sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect your skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily throughout the use of these ingredients and avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be applied 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 products containing retinol and glycolic acid, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol and glycolic acid
⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
That said, there are some things about Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs worth noting.
 
If you use Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
This product contains both retinol and glycolic acid, two powerful skincare ingredients with complementary benefits. However, using products with both retinol and glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive, increasing the risk of sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. It’s recommended to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily and avoid direct sun exposure while using these ingredients.
 
📌 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
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Diethylhexyl Succinate
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Urea
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Phospholipids
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylamide
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-7
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
0.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 1.2 10
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
0.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 1.2 10
1.2
All humectants
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
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
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
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
Ubiquinone
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
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. %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.
Diethylhexyl Succinate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Diethylhexyl Succinate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

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.
Potassium Hydroxide
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Potassium HydroxideA very alkaline ingredient, meaning that it has a high pH. Potassium hydroxide is therefore useful in bringing a low pH in a cosmetic product up to a more neutral, skin-safe level.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.3
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
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.

Lactic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UreaUrea can be found in urine, skin, and other tissues as a degradation product of proteins. In concentrations below 5%, urea is humectant moisturizing. At concentrations above 10% it is keratolytic, that helps to break away old, flaking, and cracked skin.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
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.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Phospholipids
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhospholipidsA large group of lipids that are an essential component of every single cell membrane in the body. They have excellent emollient properties. Phospholipids are also utilized in the manufacturing of ‘fancy’ formulations such as liposomes.
Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

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.

C13-14 Isoparaffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C13-14 IsoparaffinA lightweight petroleum derivative. It is a very thin liquid that functions as an emollient and a solvent for other liquids (such as thicker oils or silicones).
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
Polyacrylamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PolyacrylamideA synthetic ingredient that can thicken products instantly while still keeping them light and often gel-like.
Laureth-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-7A mild but effective functional ingredient. It can emulsify (efficiently mix water and oil) without needing too much in a formula.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.