Kate SomervillemoisturizerTreat step

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

This moisturizer combines retinol and vitamin C to address multiple signs of aging and improve skin texture. It's designed to smooth, hydrate, and brighten, making it a good option for those looking for a multi-tasking treatment.

Sephora price

$119.00

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.1 / 5

About 208 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

VeganRetinol: Helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin texture and firmness.100% Vitamin C: Helps brighten and even skin tone.Wild Gooseberry Extract: Helps defend skin against free radicals that can cause premature aging.PoresDrynessand Uneven Skin Tone

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.1 / 5 overall fit

A solid choice for targeting fine lines, uneven tone, and dryness, but requires careful introduction due to retinol.

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

View Sephora

What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A retinol and vitamin-C-infused moisturizer that visibly smooths, hydrates, and brightens for radiant, refreshed skin.

NormalDryPoresDrynessand Uneven Skin Tone

Use once a day, PM only.

Apply a thin, even layer to face and neck.

Reduce the frequency of use if sensitivity occurs.

While using this product, also use a daily sunscreen.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

This is a treatment moisturizer that aims to deliver both anti-aging and brightening benefits. Its effectiveness hinges on consistent use and proper introduction to avoid irritation, especially from the retinol.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

  • Dry or normal skin
  • Those targeting fine lines and wrinkles
  • People seeking brighter, more even skin tone

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

  • You have very sensitive skin and are new to retinol
  • You are looking for a simple, basic moisturizer without active ingredients
  • You are already using multiple strong actives in your routine

Routine fit

Where this fits in your routine

Apply this moisturizer in the evening after cleansing and any treatment serums. Because it contains retinol, it's crucial to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning to protect your skin. If you're new to retinol, start by using this product only 2-3 times a week and gradually increase frequency as tolerated.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

  • Dual-action retinol and vitamin C
  • Addresses multiple concerns (lines, tone, dryness)
  • Hydrating formula

Where it starts to feel redundant

  • Retinol can cause irritation if not introduced slowly
  • Higher price point
  • Requires daily sunscreen use

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Evening routine

This product is intended for nighttime use only due to the inclusion of retinol. Applying it in the evening allows your skin to benefit from the active ingredients as you sleep, and it avoids potential photosensitivity issues.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.1/ 5 overall

A solid choice for targeting fine lines, uneven tone, and dryness, but requires careful introduction due to retinol.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Aqua/Water/Eau

Badness

0.0 / 10

The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations, dissolving other ingredients.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate

Badness

0.0 / 10

An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin

Watch for

None

Emollient

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Badness

0.0 / 10

A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It's an excellent emollient and can help to replenish the skin's surface.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Propanediol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Cetearyl Alcohol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier. It is not drying like some other alcohols.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Cocoglycerides

Badness

0.0 / 10

Emollients derived from coconut oil that help to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin

Watch for

None

Emollient

Cetyl Esters

Badness

0.0 / 10

Emollients that help to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin

Watch for

None

Fragrance

Parfum/Fragrance

Badness

3.0 / 10

Adds scent to the product. Fragrance can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.

Usually helps with

Those who enjoy fragranced products

Watch for

Skin sensitivity or irritation

Emollient

Stearyl Alcohol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener. It is not drying.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Glyceryl Stearate

Badness

0.0 / 10

An emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water, and also acts as an emollient.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Dimethicone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, providing a smooth feel and helping to prevent moisture loss. Generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can feel heavy on very oily skin

Emollient

Tridecyl Neopentanoate

Badness

0.0 / 10

An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.

Usually helps with

Dry skin

Watch for

None

Surfactant

Ppg-26-Buteth-26

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emulsifier and surfactant. While generally considered safe, some sources flag it for potential irritation.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive individuals

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A powerful humectant that attracts water to the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone

Badness

1.0 / 10

A silicone-based emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps with skin conditioning.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can feel heavy on very oily skin

Active

Retinol

Badness

4.0 / 10

A form of vitamin A that is highly effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture, and promoting cell turnover. Can cause irritation, redness, and peeling, especially when first introduced.

Usually helps with

Aging skin, acne-prone skin, texture concerns

Watch for

Redness, peeling, dryness, increased sun sensitivity. Start slowly and use sunscreen.

Active

Ascorbic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

A pure form of Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, and supports collagen production. Can be unstable and may cause mild stinging in some individuals.

Usually helps with

Dull skin, uneven tone, dark spots, anti-aging

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation or stinging. Best used in the morning.

Antioxidant

Tocopheryl Acetate

Badness

1.0 / 10

A stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage and can aid in moisturization.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Panthenol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A provitamin of B5, it acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. Also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dry or irritated skin

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Physalis Angulata Extract

Badness

0.0 / 10

An extract from a plant known for its antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from free radical damage.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Exfoliant

Volcanic Soil

Badness

2.0 / 10

Often used in skincare for its purifying and exfoliating properties, it can help to absorb excess oil and impurities.

Usually helps with

Oily or congested skin

Watch for

Can be drying if overused or for very dry skin types

Antioxidant

Tocopherol

Badness

1.0 / 10

Pure Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Skin-Conditioning Agent

Adenosine

Badness

0.0 / 10

A soothing and skin-restoring ingredient that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Humectant

Hyaluronic Acid

Badness

0.0 / 10

A powerful humectant that can hold many times its weight in water, providing intense hydration and plumping the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types, especially dehydrated or dry skin

Watch for

None

Preservative

Ethylhexylglycerin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A preservative and skin-conditioning agent that also has antimicrobial properties. Generally well-tolerated.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Thickener

Amylopectin

Badness

0.0 / 10

A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Peg-40 Stearate

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emulsifier and surfactant. Some concerns exist regarding potential skin irritation and contamination.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Emulsifier

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emulsifier and surfactant derived from castor oil. Similar concerns to PEG-40 Stearate regarding potential irritation.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Humectant

1,2-Hexanediol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A humectant and preservative booster that also helps improve the texture of formulations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Thickener

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Badness

0.0 / 10

A synthetic polymer used as a thickening agent to improve product texture and stability.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emulsifier

Polysorbate 20

Badness

2.0 / 10

A surfactant and emulsifier. Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin types.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation

Emulsifier

Ceteareth-20

Badness

2.0 / 10

An emulsifier and surfactant. Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin types.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for mild irritation

Emollient

Polysilicone-11

Badness

1.0 / 10

A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help to create a barrier on the skin.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

Can feel heavy on very oily skin

Preservative

Caprylhydroxamic Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. Generally considered gentle.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Arachidyl Alcohol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and emulsifier. Not drying.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Solvent

T-Butyl Alcohol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A solvent used in formulations. Generally considered safe in small concentrations.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Exfoliant

Bha

Badness

1.0 / 10

Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid). Exfoliates inside the pores, helping to clear congestion and improve skin texture. Can cause dryness or irritation.

Usually helps with

Oily, acne-prone, congested skin

Watch for

Dryness, peeling, increased sun sensitivity. Start slowly.

Exfoliant

Citric Acid

Badness

1.0 / 10

An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation. Can increase sun sensitivity.

Usually helps with

Most skin types, especially for exfoliation

Watch for

Increased sun sensitivity. Use sunscreen.

Chelating Agent

Disodium Edta

Badness

1.0 / 10

A chelating agent that enhances the stability of the product by binding to metal ions. Generally considered safe.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Emollient

Cetyl Alcohol

Badness

0.0 / 10

A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier. It is not drying.

Usually helps with

All skin types

Watch for

None

Antioxidant

Bht

Badness

2.0 / 10

Butylated Hydroxytoluene. A synthetic antioxidant used to prevent oxidation. Some debate exists regarding its safety, with potential for irritation or endocrine disruption in high doses.

Usually helps with

Most skin types

Watch for

Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals

Fragrance Ingredient

Linalool

Badness

3.0 / 10

A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in many plants. Can be a potential allergen and irritant for some individuals.

Usually helps with

Those who enjoy fragranced products

Watch for

Skin sensitivity or allergic reactions

Fragrance Ingredient

Limonene

Badness

3.0 / 10

A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in citrus peels. Can be a potential allergen and irritant for some individuals.

Usually helps with

Those who enjoy fragranced products

Watch for

Skin sensitivity or allergic reactions

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Can I use this moisturizer every night?

It's recommended to start using this moisturizer a few times a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin tolerates it. Using it every night from the start might lead to irritation due to the retinol content. Always use sunscreen during the day.

What skin types is this moisturizer best for?

This moisturizer is best suited for normal to dry skin types that are looking to address signs of aging, uneven skin tone, and dryness. Those with very oily skin might find it too rich, and those with very sensitive skin should introduce it cautiously.

Does this moisturizer contain fragrance?

Yes, this product contains 'Parfum/Fragrance', 'Linalool', and 'Limonene', which contribute to its scent. Individuals sensitive to fragrance should be aware of this.

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer Review and Routine Fit | Glass