
About this product
A lightweight retinol serum designed to address fine lines, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, featuring encapsulated retinol paired with ceramides, niacinamide, and licorice root for barrier support.
Full ingredients
Purified Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Polysorbate 20, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Peg-40 Stearate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentylene Glycol, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Niacinamide, Alcohol, Retinol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 Ii, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Ceramide 1
Guru Score
Yay
12 experts · Strong agreementWhat they liked
What they flagged
What the gurus are saying
The encapsulated retinol releases gradually to minimize irritation, making this a standout choice for retinol beginners and those with sensitive skin who want to avoid the peeling and dryness that often derails consistency. Gurus consistently recommend it for first-time retinol users because the barrier-supporting ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid work together to offset irritation and keep skin comfortable enough to use regularly. The licorice root and niacinamide also target dark spots and redness, and at under $25 it delivers anti-aging and texture benefits without the price tag of luxury retinols, though one expert noted it uses retinol rather than the stronger retinaldehyde.
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Independent by design. Every take comes from a creator we have no relationship with. We do not ask anyone to review, and affiliate links never move a score.
Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.
Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.
Retinoids are among the best studied ingredients in dermatology, with solid evidence for acne and for the fine lines and rough texture that come from sun exposure. Dryness and flaking in the first few weeks are common and usually settle.
Source: DermNet
Niacinamide has evidence behind it for redness, uneven tone and supporting the skin barrier, and it is usually well tolerated even by skin that reacts to most things.
Source: DermNet
Ceramides are part of the skin's own barrier, and moisturisers built around them have evidence for holding water in and settling the tightness and flaking that come with a damaged barrier.
Source: DermNet
A lightweight retinol serum designed to address fine lines, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, featuring encapsulated retinol paired with ceramides, niacinamide, and licorice root for barrier support.
Mostly yes. 11 of the 12 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 84%.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum holds a Guru Score of 84%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 12 expert reviewers we have collected. At least one expert has named it a Top Pick in its category.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is generally suited to mature skin.
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