ProductsTreatment › COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

Treatment · $28

The Retinol 0.5 Oil

COSRX

The Retinol 0.5 Oil is middling — some recognized actives, but dosing or disclosure holds it back.

C
63/100
Efficacy grade · how?

Actives pyramid

What's actually in it, ranked by how well it's dosed.

Hero actives (dosed to work)
Retinol 0.5%

What it does

Evidenced benefit intensity, derived from dosed actives.

Anti-aging
70
Brightening
70
Exfoliation
70
Clarifying
70

The receipt

Every point of this grade, traced to the active, its dose, and the evidence.

Retinol at 0.5% — strong dose

Above the ~0.5% where topical retinoids increase collagen synthesis and cell turnover across numerous controlled trials.

Pros & cons

The honest tradeoffs.

  • Retinol at a strong, research-backed dose (0.5%)

Best for

Who and when this fits.

Most skin types Fine Lines Texture Acne Hyperpigmentation PM only Wear SPF

Dupes & alternatives

Cheaper products in the same category that grade equal or higher.

C The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
Shares Retinol
$8
save 71%

Where to buy

You can't pay to move a grade. This opens an Amazon search — we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Find on Amazon · $28 Price last seen: $28

Grade your whole routine

Add this product and the rest of your shelf, see your overall Skin Score, and find every cheaper dupe at once.

Get the app

Is this your brand?

Get Visage Verified to respond to this grade, add a clinical study, or correct the ingredient list.

Get Visage Verified

Based on published concentration thresholds and formulation science. Our algorithm predicts likely efficacy — it does not test the product. Individual results vary. Not evaluated by the FDA. You can't pay to move a grade — Visage Theory is paid only for optional audits and seal licenses, never to change a letter.