Dermalogica

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum.

Retinoids

About this product

A serum combining HPR and retinol with essential oils, designed to deliver retinoid benefits for skin renewal.

Full ingredients

Water/Aqua/Eau, Squalane, Glycerin, Hexyldecanol, Propanediol, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Aniba Rosodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Abies Sibirica Oil, Tocopherol, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, BHT, Ceramide NP, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Palmitate, 1,2- Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 60, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Hydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Laureth-23, Trideceth-6 Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid

Guru Score

64%

Mixed

Early verdict · Few reviews so far

What they liked

Effective on sebaceous filaments and texture
Potent retinol formulation

What they flagged

Not as gentle as marketed
Expensive for the results

What the gurus are saying

The blend of HPR and retinol draws mixed responses. One concern flagged by reviewers is the formula's essential oil content alongside retinoids, which may not suit those with sensitive skin. The price point also gives some pause, gurus suggest exploring other retinol options or discussing prescription-strength alternatives with a dermatologist first, especially if budget matters to you.

Synthesized from 2 expert reviews · most recent take March 2024

Best for

Mature skin

Type

RetinoidsDrops & dropper

Key actives

RetinoidVitamin ECeramidesSqualane

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

Sephora → Ulta → Amazon → Google →

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What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

AliceintheRabbitHole

59k subs

~Nay

"The Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum uses a blend of HPR, which is supposedly one of the newer generation retinoids. I didn't love it, I didn't love HPR, and I feel like more research would be nice. This product also has retinol and a lot of essential oils, so heads up to my fellow sensitive skin types."

Cassandra Bankson

2.46M subs

~Mixed

"I would rather spend that money on a different retinol or even get a prescription one. [...] I actually tested this on my chest where I get some sebaceous filaments, these amber-looking goobers that jump out of my skin. [...] This did wonders for my chest and my sebaceous filaments, but I wouldn't say it was as gentle as they say it is. Like, this is some potent stuff. Even look at the color, do you see how it is this bright yellow?"

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Retinoids

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

Ceramides

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

Humectants and emollients

Ingredients like these draw water into the surface layers and slow how fast it leaves. The evidence is for comfort, softness and hydration rather than for changing the structure of the skin.

Source: DermNet

Frequently asked.

What is Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum?

A serum combining HPR and retinol with essential oils, designed to deliver retinoid benefits for skin renewal.

Is Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum worth it?

The gurus mostly approve it, but with enough reservations to keep it in the middle at a Guru Score of 64%.

What is Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum's Guru Score?

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum holds a Guru Score of 64%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 2 expert reviewers we have collected.