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
NEOGEN
Dermalogy Real Retinol Serum
face serum
NEOGEN
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testConcentrations
| RETINYL PALMITATE | 2.36% |
| RETINOL | 0.0475% |
This anti-aging retinol serum harnesses the power of retinol with its gentle yet potent formulation. Its high concentration of Retinyl Palmitate Retinol promises improved skin texture and elasticity, enhancing skin tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines while caring for the skin barrier.
Dermalogy Real Retinol Serum is a lightweight serum from NEOGEN. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 41 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. It contains both silicones and oils, a combination that usually finishes smooth and slightly satin and sits well under makeup. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Propanediol and Butylene Glycol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: Very high. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol and Ethylhexylglycerin.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Centella Asiatica Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Adenosine and Tocopherol.
On richness alone it suits Balanced 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.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support 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.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
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.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
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.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
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.
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
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris[.omega.-hydroxy-
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Retinol, hexadecanoate
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., Compositae
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt
17th 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)
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Retinol; vitamin A
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Diphenyl Dimethicone
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 41 ingredients on the label.
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Forms a film that slows water loss
Dissolves and carries everything else
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Calms visible redness and irritation
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
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
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris[.omega.-hydroxy-
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Retinol, hexadecanoate
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., Compositae
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Silicones and siloxanes, dimethyl, diphenyl
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(2-octyldodecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (16 mol EO average molar ratio)
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-carboxymethyl-.omega.-hydroxy-, C12-14-isoalkyl ethers, sodium salts (7 mol EO average molar ratio)
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the fruits of the Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhmanoides L, Elagnaceae
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
C10-30 alkyl propenoate, polymer with propenoic acid, butenoic acidand/or alkyl propenoates, product with propenyl sucrose ether or propenyl 2,2-dihydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol
17th 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)
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
19th 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.
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Retinol; vitamin A
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, isooctadecanoate
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Malva Sylvestris Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Mallow, Malva sylvestris L., Malvaceae
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Coptis Japonica Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Coptis japonica, Ranunculaceae
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Centella Asiatica Extract is the extract of the whole plant Hydrocotyl, Centella asiatica L., Apiaceae
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Ethylhexyl olivate
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer is the sodium salt of a polymer consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or one of their simple esters
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract is an extract of the roots of the Japanese Knotweed, Polygonum cuspidatum, Polygonaceae
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is an extract of the roots of the Scutellaria baicalensis, Lamiaceae
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, (Z)-, 9-octadecenoate
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of the Licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Leguminosae
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lamiaceae
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract is an extract of the flowerheads of the matricaria, Chamomilla recutita (L.), Compositae
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate is a lysate of the fermentation product of Lactococcus
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ascorbic acid
41st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Collagen Extract is an oil-soluble extract of Collagen
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Medicube
Shares 9 key ingredients with Dermalogy Real Retinol Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
Numbuzin
Shares 9 key ingredients with Dermalogy Real Retinol Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
Isntree
Shares 9 key ingredients with Dermalogy Real Retinol Serum: Water, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol
Eqqualberry
Shares 9 key ingredients with Dermalogy Real Retinol Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
NEOGEN
Shares 9 key ingredients with Dermalogy Real Retinol Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Adenosine
VT Cosmetics
Shares 9 key ingredients with Dermalogy Real Retinol Serum: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glycereth-26
WATER, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERETH-26, RETINYL PALMITATE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, DIPHENYL DIMETHICONE, OCTYLDODECETH-16, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, SODIUM C12-14 SEC-PARETH-8 CARBOXYLATE, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES OIL, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, TROMETHAMINE, POLYSORBATE 20, RETINOL, ADENOSINE, TOCOPHEROL, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, MALVA SYLVESTRIS FLOWER EXTRACT, COPTIS JAPONICA ROOT EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, ETHYLHEXYL OLIVATE, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, BHT, SODIUM ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, POLYGONUM CUSPIDATUM ROOT EXTRACT, SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS ROOT EXTRACT, POLYGLYCERYL-4 OLEATE, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA ROOT EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, BHA, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA FLOWER EXTRACT, LACTOCOCCUS FERMENT LYSATE, ASCORBIC ACID, COLLAGEN EXTRACT.
RETINYL PALMITATE, RETINOL, ASCORBIC ACID.
After cleansing your face at night, use a toner to smooth the skin and dispense an appropriate amount of the serum onto troubled areas. Gently apply and tap for absorption.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) 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.
6 ingredients could feed malassezia: Retinyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
It contains Retinyl Palmitate, Retinol, BHA, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
No — it contains Diphenyl Dimethicone.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Signal peptides. Take more care combining it with AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Azelaic acid — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 41 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.
NEOGEN.
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