CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe

Resurfacing Retinol Serum

face serum

Added Last edited

Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
59%
Combination (dry)
59%
Balanced
89%
Combination (oily)
81%
Oily
81%

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33
Ingredients
6
Benefits
5
Actives
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Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum helps smooth your skin's texture by reducing the appearance of post-acne marks, minimizing the look of pores and improving your skin’s surface. Our formula contains encapsulated retinol to help resurface your skin, plus licorice root extract to help brighten your skin’s appearance. In addition, it's formulated with 3 essential ceramides that work together to lock in skins moisture and help restore your skin’s protective barrier, along with soothing niacinamide. MVE technology encapsulates ceramides to ensure efficient delivery within the skin’s barrier and slow release over time. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, our resurfacing serum helps restore your even skin tone and promote a healthy-looking complexion.

Key Insights

Benefits

6
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Dark Spot Fading
Hydration
Pore Minimizer
Soothing

Active Ingredients

5
AHA Ceramides Hyaluronic acid Retinoids Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

Risks

4
Alcohol
Pregnancy Unsafe
Silicone
Synthetic polymer

About Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Overview

Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a lightweight serum from CeraVe, a brand based in USA. The formula is built mainly around hydration and soothing. The ingredient list runs to 33 ingredients, each broken down in full below.

Texture and finish

By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate and Ethylhexylglycerin, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.

What the formula does

Hydration: Very high. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin and Water.

Soothing: High. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and Sodium Hyaluronate.

Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP and Ceramide AP.

Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Niacinamide and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate.

Who it suits

On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.

What it does not target

The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.

What is not in it

Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, paraben-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain drying alcohol, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.

Where it fits in a routine

It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • Several soothing ingredients
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • Contains drying alcohol high in the list
  • 2 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Contains ingredients usually flagged for review during pregnancy

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin
  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive skin

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 19 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 8 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 3 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Pore Minimizer 2 ingredients

    Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Dark Spot Fading 1 ingredient

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

Does not target

Blackhead Reducing Evens Skin Tone Oil Control Smooths Bumpy Skin

None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.

Key ingredients

The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Dimethicone

Hydration

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, C16-18-alkyl esters

Hydration
Niacinamide Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**

Soothing Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

.alpha.-d-Glucopyranosiduronic acid, (3.beta.,20.beta.)-20-carboxy-11-oxo-30-norolean-12-en-3-yl 2-O-.beta.-d-glucopyranuronosyl-, dipotassium salt

Soothing Dark Spot Fading

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Lecithins, hydrogenated

Hydration
Ceramide NP Ceramides

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine

Hydration Anti-Aging
Ceramide AP Ceramides

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-(2-Hydroxy) Stearamide

Hydration Anti-Aging
Ceramide EOP Ceramides

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Ceramide EOP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Stearoyloxyheptacosamide,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine

Hydration Anti-Aging

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Alcohols, C16-18

Hydration

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulphate

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration Very high

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support Moderate

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control Moderate

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Moderate

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing High

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (7)

Supporting ingredients (26)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Propanediol Dimethicone Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Hydrogenated Lecithin Potassium Phosphate Carbomer Cetearyl Alcohol Behentrimonium Methosulfate Dimethiconol Lecithin Sodium Citrate Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Cholesterol Phenoxyethanol Alcohol Isopropyl Myristate Caprylyl Glycol Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Pentylene Glycol Phytosphingosine Xanthan Gum Polysorbate 20 Ethylhexylglycerin

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Drying alcohol

    Alcohol

  • Silicones

    Dimethicone, Dimethiconol

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Azelaic acid

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Treat" step.

  • Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer.
  • Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contains Retinol, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Isopropyl Myristate, Polysorbate 20. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive skin
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Recorded ingredient risks
Alcohol, Pregnancy Unsafe, Silicone, Synthetic polymer

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 33 ingredients on the label.

8
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

8
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

8
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

7
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

4
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

3
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

3
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

3
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

2
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

1
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.

Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
2 Propanediol Texture agent
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

1,3-dihydroxypropane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • PubChem Compound Summary, April 2021, ePublication
  • SpecialChem, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2018, pages 1-73
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, May 2013, pages 81-86
3 Dimethicone Emollient
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Occlusive

3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Dimethicone

Hydration Silicone
7 scientific references
  • FDA Code of Federal Regulations, April 2020, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2014, pages 65S-115S
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, May 2014, pages 36-44
  • Dermatologic Therapy, May 2012, pages 229-233
  • Clinics in Dermatology, May-June 2012, pages 345-348
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, January 2008, pages 19-33
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2000, pages 77-80
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, C16-18-alkyl esters

Hydration
5 Niacinamide Active
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**

Soothing Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer
15 scientific references
  • International Journal of Dermatology, February 2021, pages 166-173
  • Biomolecules & Therapeutics, July 2019, pages 562-569
  • Experimental Dermatology, February 2019, pages 15-22
  • Dermatologic Therapy, September 2017, ePublication
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May 2017, page S116
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2017, pages 158-162
  • Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, May 2016, pages 145-152
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, July 2015, pages 405-412
  • Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2014, pages 311-315
  • International Journal of Pharmacy, January 2013, pages 192-201
  • Dermatoendrocrinology, July 2012, pages 308-319
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2005, pages 1-31
  • Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages 860-865
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2004, pages 231-238
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2004, pages 88-93
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

1-Propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]-, monoammonium salt, homopolymer

Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

.alpha.-d-Glucopyranosiduronic acid, (3.beta.,20.beta.)-20-carboxy-11-oxo-30-norolean-12-en-3-yl 2-O-.beta.-d-glucopyranuronosyl-, dipotassium salt

Soothing Dark Spot Fading
8 scientific references
  • How to Care for Red, Sensitive Skin
  • 7 Best Products for Sensitive Skin
  • Skincare Tips for Calming Redness
  • Skin-Soothing Ingredients
  • How the Paula’s Choice CALM Collection Works
  • The Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
  • The Best Ways to Treat Acne and Sensitive Skin
  • Skin Care for Extremely Dry, Sensitive Skin
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Lecithins, hydrogenated

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 5S-25S
  • Nanocosmetics, June 2019, pages 95–140
  • Current Drug Delivery, 2016, pages 111–120
  • Pharmaceutical Research, February 2013, pages 538–55
9 Potassium Phosphate pH adjuster
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Potassium dihydrogenorthophosphate

10 Ceramide NP Active
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine

Hydration Anti-Aging
11 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2020, pages 5S-25S
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, August 2019, pages 1-15
  • Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2016, pages 135-147
  • Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, October 2014, pages 2473-2483
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 2014, pages 177-184
  • Journal of Lipid Research, July 2008, pages 1, 466-1, 476
  • Journal of Lipid Research, September 2007, pages 1936-1943
  • American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, pages 107-129
  • Contact Dermatitis, June 2002, pages 331-338
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1, 126-1, 136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, September-October 2001, pages 261-271
11 Ceramide AP Active
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-(2-Hydroxy) Stearamide

Hydration Anti-Aging
10 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology,  2020, pages 5S-25S
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, August 2019, pages 1-15
  • Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, October 2014, pages 2473-2483
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 2014, pages 177-184
  • Pharmaceutical Research, November 2012, pages 538-551
  • Journal of Lipid Research,  July 2008, pages 1, 466-1, 476
  • Journal of Lipid Research,  September 2007, pages 1936-1943
  • American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, pages 107-129
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology,  November 2001, pages 1, 126-1, 136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, September-October 2001, pages 261-271
12 Ceramide EOP Active
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Ceramide EOP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Stearoyloxyheptacosamide,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine

Hydration Anti-Aging
9 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology,  2020, pages 5S-25S
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, August 2019, pages 1-15
  • Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, October 2014, pages 2473-2483
  • Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 2014, pages 177-184
  • Journal of Lipid Research,  July 2008, pages 1, 466-1, 476
  • Journal of Lipid Research,  September 2007, pages 1936-1943
  • American Journal of Clinical Dermatology,  2003, pages 107-129
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology,  November 2001, pages 1, 126-1, 136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, September-October 2001, pages 261-271
13 Carbomer Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether

Synthetic polymer
14 Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Alcohols, C16-18

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed March 2021, ePublication
  • FDA Cosmetic Labeling Claims, August 2020, ePublication
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea, June 2009, pages 103-110
  • Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1988, pages 359-413
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulphate

Hydration
16 Dimethiconol Humectant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Emollient

16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Poly[oxy(dimethylsilylane)], .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed September 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November 2017, pages 31S-50S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2005, page 139
17 Lecithin Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Lecithins. The complex combination of diglycerides of fatty acids linked to the choline ester of phosphoric acid

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • Cosmetics, November 2020, pages 1-19
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 5S-25S
  • Molecules, March 2020, pages 1-9
  • Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society, March 2014, pages 1, 093-1, 101
  • Scientia Pharmaceutica, July 2013, pages 1, 151-1, 166
18 Sodium Citrate Chelator
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator, pH adjuster

18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Trisodium citrate

19 Retinol Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active

19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Retinol; vitamin A

Anti-Aging Anti-Acne Pore Minimizer Pregnancy Unsafe
10 scientific references
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2019, pages 918-923; and March 2015, pages 271-280
  • Experimental Dermatology, August 2019, pages 906-913
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, May 2017, pages 275-283
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2017, pages 56-65
  • Dermatology, May 2014, pages 314-325
  • Dermatoendocrinology, July 2012, issue 3, pages 308-319
  • Toxicological Research, March 2010, pages 61-66
  • Archives of Dermatology, May 2007, pages 606-612
  • The Journal of Pathology, January 2007, issue 2, pages 241-251
  • Clinical Interventions in Aging, December 2006, pages 327-348
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23
  • DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium 2-(1-carboxylatoethoxy)-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl laurate

22 Cholesterol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant, Texture agent

22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Cholest-5-en-3-ol (beta)-

Hydration Anti-Aging
4 scientific references
  • Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, August 2015, pages 1-6
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2007, pages 239-242
  • Journal of Structural Biology, June 2007, pages 386-400
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2006, pages 1-89
23 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

24 Alcohol Texture agent
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent, Solvent, Preservative

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Ethanol

Hydration Alcohol
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Texture agent

25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Tetradecanoic acid, isopropyl ester

Hydration
26 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Octane-1,2-diol

27 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Dihydroxypentane

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
  • Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-amino-, (2S, 3S, 4R)-

Anti-Aging Hydration
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Dermatological Science, January 2020, Volume 97, Issue 1, pages 2-8
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, December 2017, Volume 309, Issue 10, pages 795-803
  • Biochimica et Biophysica Acta: Biomembranes, May 2017, Volume 1859, Issue 5, pages 824-834
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, June 2007, Volume 29, Issue 3, pages 181-190
  • Molecular Medicine, January-March 2006, pages 17-24
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, October 2003, issue 5, pages 1135–1137
31 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

32 Polysorbate 20 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sorbitan, monododecanoate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) derivs.

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • PLoS One, October 2016, ePublication
  • Contact Dermatitis, May 2016, pages 281-288
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2013, pages 5S-21S
  • Personal Care, 2008, pages 1-4
  • Cosmetic Science Technology, 2006, pages 1-11

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in Resurfacing Retinol Serum?

WATER, PROPANEDIOL, DIMETHICONE, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, NIACINAMIDE, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, DIMETHICONOL, LECITHIN, SODIUM CITRATE, RETINOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CHOLESTEROL, PHENOXYETHANOL, ALCOHOL, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, POLYSORBATE 20, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN.

What are the active ingredients in Resurfacing Retinol Serum?

NIACINAMIDE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, RETINOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CITRIC ACID.

How do I use Resurfacing Retinol Serum?

Apply evenly to face daily. PM Only. Avoid contact with eyes and lips. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. If discomfort occurs during the first application, space out applications until skin adjusts. Apply a sunscreen while using this product.

What skin types is Resurfacing Retinol Serum good for?

Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.

Is Resurfacing Retinol Serum good for sensitive skin?

No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.

Is Resurfacing Retinol Serum fungal acne safe?

2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Isopropyl Myristate, Polysorbate 20. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.

Can I use Resurfacing Retinol Serum while pregnant?

It contains Retinol, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.

Is Resurfacing Retinol Serum fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does Resurfacing Retinol Serum contain alcohol?

Yes — it contains Alcohol.

Is Resurfacing Retinol Serum silicone free?

No — it contains Dimethicone, Dimethiconol.

Does Resurfacing Retinol Serum contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is Resurfacing Retinol Serum paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with Resurfacing Retinol Serum?

It layers well with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Azelaic acid — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.

When should I apply Resurfacing Retinol Serum?

Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does Resurfacing Retinol Serum have?

It lists 33 ingredients, of which 7 are recorded as actives.

Who makes Resurfacing Retinol Serum?

CeraVe, a brand based in USA.

Brand
CeraVe
Country
USA

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