PHYTO-RETINOL SLEEP SERUM
$ 90
INGREDIENTS
camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract*, aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, glycerin, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated jojoba oil, hydrogenated lecithin, phenethyl alcohol, hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil*, coriandrum sativum (coriander) seed oil, mauritia flexuosa fruit oil*, rosa rubiginosa seed oil*, salvia hispanica seed oil*, sclerotium gum, avena sativa (oat) bran extract, algin, water, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium phytate, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel extract, citric acid, amyris balsamifera bark oil, canarium luzonicum gum oil, citrus limon (lemon) leaf oil, lavandula hybrida oil, rosa damascena flower oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, tocopherol, vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) fruit extract, astaxanthin*, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, primula veris flower extract, citraᵻ, citronellol, geraniol, limonene, linalool.
PROS
- Strong antioxidant network with green tea, astaxanthin, and sea buckthorn.
- Rich in nourishing oils that promote elasticity and repair.
- Free from PEGs, silicones, and synthetic fragrance.
- Suitable as an occasional night treatment for resilient skin types.
CONS
- High essential oil load (rose, lavender, citrus, coriander, rosemary).
- Increased risk of sensitization with daily or long-term use.
- Not barrier-safe or ideal for reactive or rosacea-prone skin.
- Expensive for a formula with high fragrance content.
BEST FOR SKIN TYPE
Resilient, normal, or dry skin that tolerates essential oils.
Not suitable for sensitive, reactive, or mature skin with thinning barriers.
FINAL VERDICT
The True Botanicals Phyto-Retinol Sleep Serum represents a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-forward formulation designed to mimic retinol benefits without irritation. While effective on paper, the presence of numerous fragrant essential oils compromises its long-term safety and barrier compatibility — particularly under Functional Beauty standards that emphasize cumulative tolerance. It’s an elegant, sensory formula best reserved for occasional use by resilient skin types rather than a nightly treatment.
PRODUCT NAME
PHYTO-RETINOL SLEEP SERUM
BRAND NAME
TRUE BOTANICALS
STAR RATING
QUICK VERDICT:
True Botanicals Phyto-Retinol Sleep Serum delivers antioxidant-rich, retinol-like benefits but relies on fragrant essential oils that compromise long-term barrier safety, making it better suited for occasional use by resilient skin types.
Affiliate disclaimer: When you make a purchase through retailer links on our site, we may earn commission through affiliate programs to support our work. Learn more here
Product Review and discussion.
Subscribe
0 Opinion
Oldest
