Overview
Retinol Cream comes to us from BENEV, a company that primarily focuses on immunology and anti-aging products. These products are available through physician's offices and clinics only, so you will need to talk to your doctor to see if Retinol Cream is right for you. The company does have a comprehensive website that breaks down the products into three distinct categories; pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Retinol Cream can be found on the cosmeceuticals page under corrective products. At the time of this review, we were unable to find any information on the company website regarding price or a money back guarantee. You would probably need to get prices from your doctor's office, keeping in mind that insurance companies are not usually likely to cover the cost of cosmetic products.
The company website did not appear to provide much information in regards to ingredient lists, research or instructions for use. There were a few customer testimonials on the site that covered all of the products that BENEV offers. While it is a concern when a consumer can't find a complete ingredient list for a product, we recognize that obtaining the item from your doctor should reduce the chances of an allergic reaction or skin irritation. Still, it would be nice if the company would provide more information in terms of ingredients and pricing, so consumers would have a better idea about the product before going to the trouble of contacting their doctor.
Product Details
The primary ingredient in the Retinol Cream is retinol, in a concentration of .50%. The company states that antioxidants have been added to the formula to stabilize the retinol, and "an anti-irritant agent" is used to reduce the risk of irritation from the retinol. The company does not give any further information about what that agent is. The last ingredient listed for the Retinol Cream is rose hip oil, which is used as a skin hydrator with a high level of absorption.
Retinol is used in numerous skin care products, for anything from treating acne to reducing wrinkles. While there is some evidence to suggest that this substance can diminish the appearance of fine lines, it can also be very irritating to the skin. Because it increases sun sensitivity, it is imperative to wear sunscreen at all times while you are using this product (or any retinol-based skin treatment.)
The Good
- Retinol has been shown to reduce the look of fine lines.
The Bad
- Other proven ingredients like matrixyl and argireline are not found in the formula.
- There is no money-back guarantee listed for the product.
- We were unable to find a complete ingredient list.
The Bottom Line
Retinol can do many things for the skin, but it can also be irritating and contribute to sun damage. There are over the counter products that can be much more effective in reducing wrinkles without the risk of irritation. Your best bet is to talk to your doctor about whether Retinol Cream is right for you and your skin.