The INKEY List Retinol Fine Lines and Wrinkles Serum, Size: 1 Oz, None
Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
The INKEY List Retinol Serum contains beneficial ingredients like retinol, which is known for its anti-aging properties, and squalane, a hydrating agent. However, the presence of synthetic preservatives and potential irritants slightly lowers its score. The product is moderately processed, with a mix of natural and synthetic components, which impacts its overall rating.
Key ingredients 31
SqualaneVery Good
Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It mimics the skin's natural oils, providing deep hydration without clogging pores.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and antioxidant protection.
Hydroxypinacolone RetinoateVery Good
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate is a derivative of retinoic acid, known for its anti-aging benefits. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Risks
May cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in new users.
Benefits
Reduces signs of aging and improves skin texture.
RetinolVery Good
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover and collagen production. It is highly effective in reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture.
Risks
Can cause irritation and sensitivity, especially when first introduced.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and reduces wrinkles.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Very Good
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide that helps reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production. It is effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Reduces inflammation and supports collagen production.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Very Good
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a peptide that mimics the skin's natural regeneration process. It helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and enhances the skin's natural barrier function.
Risks
Rarely, glycerin can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and barrier function.
PhospholipidsGood
Phospholipids are natural components of cell membranes and help to hydrate and repair the skin barrier. They enhance the delivery of active ingredients.
Risks
Generally safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and barrier function.
Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesGood
These are emollients derived from coconut oil and glycerin, providing moisturizing properties. They help to soften and smooth the skin.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Moisturizes and softens the skin.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) ExtractGood
Soybean extract is rich in antioxidants and helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It also has moisturizing properties.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to soy.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and moisturization.
Sodium AscorbateGood
Sodium Ascorbate is a form of Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties. It helps brighten the skin and reduce signs of aging.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Brightens skin and provides antioxidant protection.
TocopherolGood
Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It also has moisturizing properties.
Risks
Generally safe, but may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Protects against free radicals and moisturizes the skin.
Tocopheryl AcetateGood
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable form of Vitamin E, providing antioxidant benefits. It helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Offers antioxidant protection and skin conditioning.
GlycolipidsGood
Glycolipids are natural lipids that help to maintain the skin's barrier function. They provide moisturizing and protective benefits.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Supports skin barrier and provides moisture.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) SterolsGood
Soybean Sterols help to strengthen the skin barrier and provide moisturizing benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and support skin health.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to soy.
Benefits
Strengthens skin barrier and provides moisture.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment FiltrateGood
This ferment filtrate acts as a natural preservative and has moisturizing properties. It helps to maintain the product's stability and skin health.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Acts as a natural preservative and provides moisture.
Hyaluronic AcidGood
Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It helps to plump and hydrate the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin.
Water (Aqua/Eau)Neutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Provides a medium for other ingredients to be delivered to the skin.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is used as a solvent and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and spreadability of products.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and application.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is a glycol that acts as a solvent and humectant in skincare products. It is considered safe and effective for improving product texture.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides moisture.
Dicaprylyl CarbonateNeutral
Dicaprylyl Carbonate is an emollient that helps improve the spreadability of products. It leaves a non-greasy feel on the skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances product spreadability and skin feel.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerNeutral
This copolymer is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps stabilize emulsions and improve product consistency.
Risks
Generally considered safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes product formulations and improves texture.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a skin conditioning agent and preservative. It helps improve the shelf life of products.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances skin conditioning and product preservation.
Dimethyl IsosorbideNeutral
Dimethyl Isosorbide is used as a solvent to enhance the delivery of active ingredients. It helps improve the efficacy of formulations.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances delivery and efficacy of active ingredients.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps create a smooth and consistent formulation.
Risks
Generally considered safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Stabilizes and thickens product formulations.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is used in very small amounts to ensure product stability.
Risks
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but typically safe in cosmetic use.
Benefits
Ensures product stability by adjusting pH.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilNeutral
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an emulsifier and surfactant used to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It helps improve product texture.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
Polysorbate 20Neutral
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients. It stabilizes formulations and improves texture.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Stabilizes emulsions and improves product texture.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin due to occlusive properties.
Benefits
Improves skin texture and provides a smooth application.
Polysorbate 60Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Stabilizes emulsions and improves product texture.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and extends shelf life.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
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