Retinol Serum
Retinol Serum
Product Description
An entry-level, oil-based retinol serum from British brand Revolution Beauty. This lightweight blend pairs pure retinol (Vitamin A) with nourishing coconut, grapeseed and sweet almond oils to help smooth fine lines, even tone and refine texture โ a wallet-friendly first step into the world of retinoids. With just 9 ingredients, it keeps things simple, fragrance-free and 100% vegan.
โจ Texture & Feel
Pure Retinol
A true Vitamin A retinoid โ the most researched non-prescription anti-aging active for fine lines, tone and texture.
Oil-Based & Nourishing
Suspended in coconut, grapeseed and sweet almond oils that buffer the retinol and help reduce dryness during use.
Budget-Friendly Starter
One of the most affordable ways to begin a retinol routine, typically priced under $12 for 30 ml.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free
No animal-derived ingredients, PETA-recognised cruelty-free, fragrance-free and reef-safe.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains retinol, a retinoid. Dermatologists advise avoiding all topical retinoids during pregnancy and nursing. Speak to your doctor.
Coconut, grapeseed, sweet almond, Olus oils and Polysorbate 20 can feed Malassezia yeast. Avoid if prone to fungal acne.
Coconut oil rates 4/5 for clogging pores. Acne-prone and very oily skin should patch test and monitor closely.
Retinol makes skin more reactive to UV. Use only at night and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning.
Start 1โ2 nights per week and build up. Patch test first; retinol can cause dryness, flaking or stinging early on.
Avoid pairing in the same routine with AHA/BHA, benzoyl peroxide or Vitamin C. Alternate on separate nights instead.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งฌ Retinol Starter level Proven
The hero active and a gold-standard form of Vitamin A. It speeds skin-cell turnover, boosts collagen and fades pigmentation. As a starter serum, the retinol here sits at a low concentration ideal for beginners building tolerance.
- Source: Retinol is the most studied over-the-counter anti-aging active, with decades of peer-reviewed research on wrinkles, tone and acne.
- Mechanism: Converts to retinoic acid in skin, increasing cell renewal and stimulating collagen production.
๐ง Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Base Proven
A lightweight, coconut-derived emollient and solvent that forms the silky base of the serum. It softens skin, helps prevent moisture loss and improves how easily the formula spreads.
- Source: Made by combining glycerin with coconut oil; very stable and resistant to oxidation, giving a long shelf life.
- Note: Despite its coconut origin, there is no solid research showing it clogs pores on its own.
๐ Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil Emollient Promising
A light, antioxidant-rich oil from grape seeds. It delivers Vitamin E, polyphenols and proanthocyanidins, helping to soften skin, support an even tone and buffer some of retinol's drying effect.
- Source: Research shows it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties plus potent free-radical-fighting antioxidants.
๐ฅฅ Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil Conditioning Promising
A rich, plant-derived oil that moisturises and helps relieve dry, tight skin. Its dominant lauric acid penetrates easily and has been shown to soothe and support the skin barrier in studies.
- Source: A double-blind study found virgin coconut oil as effective as mineral oil for very dry skin.
๐ก๏ธ BHT & BHA (Antioxidant Preservatives) Trace Proven
Two synthetic antioxidants that protect the oil base from going rancid and keep the retinol stable. Used at very low concentrations, they extend the formula's shelf life and prevent oxidation.
- Source: Both are permitted in cosmetics; concentrations used in skincare are low and do not meaningfully penetrate skin.
9 ingredients
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Olus Oil (Vegetable Oil), Retinol, Polysorbate 20, BHT, BHA.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use at night only, after cleansing and toning. As an oil serum it works well as the last treatment step before (or instead of) a moisturizer. Always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF the next morning.
๐ How to Use
Patch Test First
Apply a small amount to your inner arm or jaw for 2โ3 nights to check tolerance before full-face use.
Cleanse & Dry
In the evening, wash your face and pat completely dry โ applying retinol to damp skin can increase irritation.
Apply 2โ3 Drops
Warm a few drops between fingertips and gently press over the face, avoiding the eye area, nostrils and lips.
Start Slow
Use 1โ2 nights per week at first, building up gradually as your skin adjusts to avoid flaking and redness.
Protect by Day
Retinol raises sun sensitivity. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, even on cloudy days.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You're new to retinol and want a gentle, low-cost starting point
- You have normal-to-dry skin that tolerates facial oils well
- You want fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free skincare
- Your main goals are fine lines, dullness and uneven texture
- You prefer a simple, short ingredient list
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (avoid all retinoids)
- You're prone to fungal acne (Malassezia)
- You have very oily or congestion-prone skin (coconut oil 4/5)
- You want a precisely labelled, high-strength retinol %
- You have very reactive or rosacea-prone skin
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
The oil-rich base cushions retinol and helps offset the dryness retinoids can cause.
A comfortable, easy introduction to retinol with minimal fuss for balanced skin.
Works on drier zones but may feel heavy on the oilier T-zone; apply sparingly.
Coconut oil (4/5 comedogenic) and the oil base can clog pores โ a fluid or squalane-based retinol is a safer pick.
Fragrance-free and buffered by oils, but retinol itself can still irritate โ patch test and go slow.
๐ Results Timeline
Adjustment Phase
Skin acclimatises to retinol. Some users notice mild dryness, tightness or light flaking โ normal "retinisation".
~60% report some adjustmentSmoother Texture
Skin starts to feel softer and look more even as cell turnover increases. Early brightening becomes visible.
~55% notice smoother skinVisible Improvement
With consistent use, fine lines soften and tone looks more even. Retinol benefits build over months of use.
~50% see refined toneโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Excellent value for an entry-level retinol
- Gentle, buffered oil base good for dry skin
- Fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free
- Simple, short 9-ingredient formula
- Easy first step into retinoids
โ Criticized
- Exact retinol % not always clearly labelled
- Coconut oil base can clog acne-prone skin
- Not fungal-acne safe
- Small 30 ml bottle
- Can feel too oily for combination/oily types
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also an oil-style retinol but suspended in squalane instead of coconut oil โ far lighter and fungal-acne friendly. Clearly labelled 0.5% strength.
A lightweight emulsion with slow-release retinol plus moisturising support. Less oily finish and better suited to combination skin.
Encapsulated retinol with ceramides and niacinamide, aimed at post-acne marks. Gel-cream texture is non-comedogenic and acne-friendly.
Another oil-based retinol with rosehip, closest in feel to this serum. Richer texture, also best for dry rather than oily skin.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Revolution Beauty Retinol Serum (Featured)
~$10The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
~$8.50The INKEY List Retinol Serum
~$11.99RoC Retinol Correxion Night Serum
~$25๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
6 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight to protect the retinol from degrading
Glass bottle with dropper applicator
Yes โ 30 ml is well under the 100 ml carry-on limit
โ Frequently Asked Questions
No. This serum contains retinol, a retinoid form of Vitamin A. Dermatologists generally advise avoiding all topical retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The brand itself states it should not be used by pregnant women. Always consult your doctor before continuing.
No. It contains coconut oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, Olus oil and Polysorbate 20 โ all of which provide fatty acids or esters that can feed Malassezia yeast. If you struggle with fungal acne, choose a fungal-acne-safe retinol such as one suspended in squalane.
It's best not to layer them in the same routine. Combining retinol with Vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs or benzoyl peroxide raises the risk of irritation and can reduce effectiveness. Alternate them on separate nights โ for example, retinol one evening and an acid or Vitamin C on another.
It suits normal-to-dry skin best, thanks to its nourishing oil base. Beginners wanting a gentle, affordable introduction to retinol will get the most from it. Oily and acne-prone skin should be cautious, as coconut oil is rated 4/5 comedogenic.
Retinol works gradually. Expect an adjustment phase in the first 1โ2 weeks, smoother texture and early brightening around weeks 4โ6, and more visible improvements in fine lines and tone after 8โ12 weeks of consistent use. Patience and regular use are key.
Use it at night only. Cleanse, tone, then apply a few drops to dry skin. Because it's an oil serum, it sits near the end of your routine before or instead of a moisturizer. Always follow with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ the next morning.
It has a higher comedogenic potential because coconut oil rates 4/5 and sweet almond oil 3/5 for clogging pores. While retinol itself can help keep pores clear, the oil base may not suit congestion-prone skin. Patch test and monitor if you're acne-prone.
Around 6 months once opened. Retinol is sensitive to light and air, so keep the bottle tightly closed and stored in a cool, dark place to preserve potency for as long as possible.
Verdict: Revolution Beauty's Retinol Serum is one of the most affordable, no-frills ways to begin a retinol routine. Its short, fragrance-free, vegan formula and nourishing oil base make it a comfortable choice for dry skin and first-time retinol users. The trade-offs are real, though: the coconut-oil base pushes the comedogenic rating to 4/5, it is not fungal-acne safe, and the exact retinol percentage isn't clearly stated. If you have oily, congested or fungal-acne-prone skin, a squalane-based retinol like The Ordinary will serve you better โ but for dry-skinned beginners on a budget, this is a solid, gentle starting point.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 0 |
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Olus Oil
Emollient
|
|