Retinol + retinyl propionate + niacinamide in a night-cream base. Mass-market retinol done well — gentler than a dedicated serum because the emulsion softens delivery. Good stepping stone from a niacinamide-only routine into retinol territory.
What this is good for
✓ Great forAgingRough TextureDark Spots
⚠ Skip ifPregnancyBreastfeedingSensitive skinDamaged barrier
Ingredient stack
Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.
Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on.
position-estimated %1% regulatory line
What's actually doing the work
Retinol
Vitamin A (OTC) / All-Trans Retinol
Retinoid
The most evidence-backed OTC anti-aging ingredient. Converts in skin to retinaldehyde then retinoic acid, which binds nuclear RAR receptors to regulate gene expression: driving cell turnover, collagen I and III synthesis, MMP downregulation, and acne normalisation. Decades of controlled trials confirm efficacy for wrinkles, texture, pigmentation and acne.
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 / Nicotinamide
Vitamin
The most versatile and universally tolerated skincare active. Inhibits melanin transfer (fading dark spots), reduces sebum by up to 68%, strengthens the skin barrier via ceramide synthesis, calms inflammatory pathways to reduce redness, and visibly minimises pores over 4–8 weeks. Works at any pH and pairs with virtually every other active.
Routine placement
Evening only
Similar on the shelf
Put this in context
Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.