Describe the brand in three words.
CVS OWN LABEL!
Who is it for?
Anyone interested in a retinol.
What’s in it?
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ribose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Bisabolol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Squalane, Retinol, Caffeine, Methyl Methacrylate/ Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Sodium Hydroxide, Propyl Gallate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin
What are the key selling ingredients?
Retinol, hyaluronic acid
What skins are they best for?
Older (30+ in skincare land)
How strong do they feel on the skin?
Not too strong but they have oomph.
What's not in it?
Parabens
Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
Not really. It's pretty chemical-laden, so if you're a green freak they not be up your alley. And I say 'freak' with love.
Suitable for pregnancy?
They will say not, but 0.15% in a hyaluronic base, on a wipe, you're fine.
Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
Man-made
Tested on animals in home country/EU/sold in territories that require testing?
I doubt it. But they don't say.
How does it smell?
It doesn't really.
How do you use it?
Apply at the acid stage, similar to a Dennis Gross pad..
Can it be taken around the eyes?
Orbital bone yes, no higher.
Best for winter or summer?
Either
How long did I test it for?
I bought them earlier this year.
How much is it?/Size/Approximate cost per usage?
$14.99 for 20 (currently buy one get one half price)
Works well with?
Anything. A good anti-ageing serum to follow would work.
What’s the website like?
Basic. Chemist/pharmacy.
How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?
CVS are the biggest pharmacy in the USA with approximately 9600 doors in 2016. Also on CVS.com.
What’s good about it?
These are great retinol wipes, containing hyaluronic acid to soften any potential for dryness from the retinol. They are advised to be used a few times a week, in the evening. I would use in place of an acid. They are mild enough to be used in conjunction with a serum-retinol afterwards and strong enough to be used as an introduction to vitamin A for a newbie.
What’s not so good about it?
They aren't overly sophisticated, but they work, and they're affordable. Perfectly fine.
Would I purchase/repurchase?
Yes
Do you need it?
Yes, probably.
Similar products?
Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Pads
Skin+Pharmacy Advanced Anti-Aging Therapy Restoring Retinol Treatment Wipes are $14.99 and available from CVS.com.