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CVS Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum (2016 formulation)
EWG scientists reviewed the CVS Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum (2016 formulation) product label collected on July 02, 2016 for safety according to the methodology outlined in our Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. We assess the ingredients listed on the labels of personal care products based on data in toxicity and regulatory databases, government and health agency assessments and the open scientific literature. EWG's rating for CVS Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum (2016 formulation) is 8.
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Data last updated: July 2016
Ingredient Concerns
Cancer 
Cancer: Ingredients linked to cancer in government, industry or academic studies or assessments.
Developmental & Reproductive Toxicity
Developmental and reproductive toxicity: Ingredients linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity, a broad class of health effects that range from infertility and reproductive organ cancers to birth defects and developmental delays in children.
Allergies & Immunotoxicity
Allergies and immunotoxicity: Ingredients linked to harm to the immune system, a class of health problems that manifest as allergic reactions or an impaired capacity to fight disease and repair damaged tissue in the body.
Use Restrictions
Use restrictions: Ingredients restricted or prohibited for use in cosmetics, according to industry safety guidelines, government requirements or guidance from the U.S., EU, Japan or Canada.
Other Ingredient Concerns
HIGH
- Endocrine disruption
- Contamination concerns
- Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
- Miscellaneous
- Persistence and bioaccumulation
- Use restrictions
MODERATE
- Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
LOW
- Enhanced skin absorption
- Ecotoxicology
- Neurotoxicity
Ingredient Concerns
| Score | Data Availability | Ingredient | Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Fair
|
• Cancer (moderate) |
|
 |
Fair
|
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (high) |
|
 |
Fair
|
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity (low) |
|
 |
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
|
|
Fair
|
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate) |
|
|
Limited
|
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (moderate) |
|
 |
Limited
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
|
|
Fair
|
• Cancer (low) |
|
|
Limited
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
|
|
Limited
|
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low) |
|
|
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (low) |
|
|
Limited
|
• Contamination concerns (ETHYLENE OXIDE and 1,4-DIOXANE) |
|
|
Fair
|
• Non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low) |
|
|
Limited
|
• Use restrictions (low) |
|
|
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
|
 |
Good
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
|
|
Limited
|
• Persistence and bioaccumulation (moderate) |
|
|
Good
|
• Use restrictions (moderate) |
|
 |
Robust
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Limited
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
Limited
|
• Use restrictions (low) |
|
|
Limited
|
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
|
Fair
|
• Cancer (low) |
|
|
Limited
|
|
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
|
Limited
|
|
|
|
Limited
|
|
|
|
Limited
|
• Allergies/immunotoxicity (low) |
|
|
Limited
|
• Enhanced skin absorption |
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
|
Fair
|
• Enhanced skin absorption |
|
|
Limited
|
• Use restrictions (low) |
|
|
Fair
|
|
|
|
Limited
|
|
|
|
Robust
|
|
|
|
Fair
|
• Use restrictions (low) |
Product's Animal Testing Policies
Some cosmetics companies have taken People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Leaping Bunny animal-testing pledges. For consumers who are concerned about companies’ policies on animal testing, Skin Deep reports this information.
Unknown
Leading international certifiers PETA and Leaping Bunny have no information concerning this company’s use of animal testing.
Product's Label Information
Ingredients from packaging:
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Dimethicone, Polyacrylamide, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Nylon-12, Retinol, Copper Gluconate, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Ascorbate, Laureth-23, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Laureth-4, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Bisabolol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Ethylparaben, Allantoin, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polysorbate 20, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Laureth-7, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Yellow 5, May Also Contain: Citric Acid.
Directions from packaging:
Gently smooth over face and neck in the morning and/or at night. Use alone or under another moisturizer. Allow serum to dry before using your morning or nighttime moisturizer. You may feel a tightening or tingling, that is normal. If using an additional moisturizer, use one without retinol or alpha-hydroxy.
Warnings from packaging:
Sunburn Alert: This product contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse with water if contact occurs. If irritation occurs and continues, discontinue use and consult a doctor. If swallowed, seek medical attention or call a Poison Control immediately. May stain fabrics.
ABOUT THE SKIN DEEP® RATINGS
EWG provides information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature, to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government. The ratings below indicate the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in this product - not the product itself - compared to other product formulations. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors which determine actual health risks, if any. Learn more | Legal Disclaimer
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Beyond providing Skin Deep® as an educational tool for consumers, EWG offers its EWG VERIFIED™ mark as a quick and easily identifiable way of conveying personal care products that meet EWG's strict health criteria. Before a company can use EWG VERIFIED™ on such products, the company must show that it fully discloses the products' ingredients on their labels or packaging, they do not contain EWG ingredients of concern, and are made with good manufacturing practices, among other criteria. Note that EWG receives licensing fees from all EWG VERIFIED™ member companies that help to support the important work we do. Learn more | Legal Disclaimer
