Retinol Boost Facial Serum

retinol serum · 30 ml · Skincare

Neutrogena Retinol Boost Facial Serum is free of essential oils, labelled fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, sulfates, parabens and MI / MCI, going by its full 25-ingredient list, with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and retinoids. List checked November 5, 2026.

The catch: it contains fragrance (Parfum) and silicones (Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer).

Contains fragrance
No essential oils
No labelled fragrance allergens
No drying alcohol
Sulfate-free
Contains silicones
Paraben-free
No MI/MCI

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Listed on Amazon in: United Kingdom

Key ingredients in Retinol Boost Facial Serum

Hyaluronic acid
A humectant that pulls water into the top layer of skin.
Glycerin
A classic humectant that keeps skin hydrated.
Retinoids
Vitamin A forms that speed cell turnover for lines, texture and breakouts.
Vitamin C
An antioxidant that brightens and evens tone.
Dimethicone
A skin protectant that forms a breathable barrier.

Full ingredient list, decoded

25 ingredients, in label order (highest amount first; below about 1% the order is free).

1AquaAqua is the INCI name for water, the main base of many creams, lotions and cleansers…
2DimethiconeDimethicone is a silicone, a light, water-resistant oil that forms a smooth, breathable…Silicones
3Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a starch that has been chemically modified and…
4Dimethicone CrosspolymerDimethicone Crosspolymer is a flexible, network-like silicone that gives a soft, smooth…Silicones
5Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
6CelluloseCellulose is the main structural fiber in plant cell walls. In skincare and makeup, it…
7C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA light, fast-absorbing ester made from benzoic acid and C12-15 fatty alcohols. It…
8Ascorbyl Glucoside
9Retinol
10Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract
11Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA light, plant-derived oil made from coconut or palm kernel fatty acids and glycerin.…
12Sodium HyaluronateHyaluronic acid is a sugar-based molecule, naturally found in skin, that holds a lot of…
13EthylhexylglycerinEthylhexylglycerin is a lab-made, skin-friendly ingredient that boosts the power of…
14GlycerinGlycerin is a clear, thick, odorless liquid that pulls water into the skin and helps…
15Caprylyl GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a mild, multi-tasking ingredient that softens skin and helps keep…
16C13-14 Isoparaffin
17Laureth-7Laureth-7 is a mild nonionic emulsifier, made from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide,…
18PolyacrylamidePolyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer, a long chain of repeating units, used to thicken…
19Xanthan GumXanthan Gum is a thickener and stabilizer made by fermenting sugar with a bacterium. It…
20Disodium EDTADisodium EDTA is a salt of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, a chelating agent that…
21Sodium HydroxideSodium hydroxide is a strong alkali, also called caustic soda. In small amounts it…
22BHTBHT is a synthetic antioxidant that slows down oxidation, the process that makes oils…
23Ascorbic AcidAscorbic Acid is a form of vitamin C used as an antioxidant that helps brighten and…
24PhenoxyethanolA synthetic preservative that helps stop bacteria, yeast and mold from growing in…
25ParfumAroma is a label term for a scent blend added to a product to give it a pleasant smell.Fragrance

Source: Neutrogena product page, www.neutrogena.co.uk/skincare/retinol-boost/neutrogena-retinol-boost-s, retrieved November 5, 2026.

Every flag we check

Check	Result	Ingredients found
Fragrance	Contains	Parfum (#25)
Essential oils	None listed	—
Labelled fragrance allergens	None listed	—
Drying alcohol	None listed	—
Sulfates	None listed	—
Silicones	Contains	Dimethicone (#2), Dimethicone Crosspolymer (#4)
Parabens	None listed	—
MI / MCI	None listed	—
Formaldehyde releasers	None listed	—
Mineral oil & petrolatum	None listed	—
Lanolin	None listed	—
Chemical UV filters	None listed	—

Frequently asked questions

Is Neutrogena Retinol Boost Facial Serum fragrance-free?

No. Neutrogena Retinol Boost Facial Serum contains Parfum (ingredient 25 of 25).

Does Neutrogena Retinol Boost Facial Serum contain silicones, sulfates or parabens?

Silicones: yes (Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer). Sulfates: none listed. Parabens: none listed.

What is Neutrogena Retinol Boost Facial Serum good for?

By its ingredient list it fits mi allergy, acne-prone skin, fungal acne (malassezia) and dry skin: it passes every free-from rule we set for those needs. Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Retinoids and Vitamin C.