Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum

Most Helpful Critical Review

Elegant Concept, but Incompatible with Sensitive S

I appreciate the individual capsule format, which feels both hygienic and practical. The fact that they are fully biodegradable is a major plus for me—it's a thoughtful touch that aligns with more sustainable beauty practices. However, the formulation raises some concerns. The inclusion of potentia...l irritants like Cyclopentasiloxane and perfumed ingredients such as Farnesol is discouraging, especially for those of us with rosacea-prone or reactive skin. Unfortunately, these components triggered discomfort in my case. Another issue is the capsule size. It consistently provides more product than I need. I believe halving the amount per capsule and allowing users to layer or combine them as needed would be more versatile and less wasteful. I tend to use the leftover product across my face, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands, which feels inefficient for something marketed as a precision skincare item. As for the texture, it's beautifully silky on application and leaves a soft-focus finish that resembles a photo filter. However, it doesn't seem to fully absorb; rather, it creates a physical barrier that sits on the skin. This might be desirable for some, but for me, it led to issues. I initially tolerated very small amounts well, but within a few uses, I began experiencing persistent itching. Adjusting the thickness of the application didn't help—in every case, it aggravated my rosacea, causing redness, bumps, and inflammation. Unfortunately, I did not observe any positive changes in skin luminosity or fine lines—just episodes of inflammation followed by recovery, with no lasting benefit.