Product Reviews Rated 3.73 out of 5 stars
162 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Urban Skin Rx Refreshed I like the texture and the feel of rhe cream on my skin , nice and cool , soothing too. This Rapid Dark Spot Retinal Treatment is easy to do , just apply the cream 2-3 timws a week and watch the dark sports fade way over time . It's quite remarkable . The Retinal / Vitamin A, exfoliates the dead skin ,and speed up turn over rate . The Niacinamide, reduces the inflammation in the skin cause by sun exposure, acnes, and other irrations of the that lead to inflammatory hyper pigmentation , ( scars . It's has such great ingredients like this one too Kojic Acid Reduces excess melanin production ( dark circles which is my worst enemy , it has improved them and am sure as I continue to use this treatment it will get so much better you want even notice . Urban Skin Dark Spot Retinal Treatment is remarkable you see results in just a after a few days of use,less roughness , less dark circles more if a even tone with a nice mellow glow . Definitely improves skin to look smoother , even and brighter . This rhe go to product for it . I love it . It's the best I ever used and i have tried a few but my dark circles just stayed there they didn't even get lighter like it did with just a few treatments with awesome Urban Skin Dark Spot Retinal Treatment it's the best
Most Helpful Critical Review Zero stars I received a large sample, enough for a week, of this in an order but I only needed one use to form an opinion. This is not at all for those with sensitive skin. The retinol % is high but I dislike this is that it contains peppermint oil, a fragrant essential oil that is highly irritating and should never be in skincare products.
Adding that type of ingredient to a high level retinol is a disaster waiting to happen. Irritation and sensitivity are common retinol side effects and adding another irritant on top makes the "retinol uglies" so much worse. This ingredient is the reason so many experience burning upon application.
Adding peppermint essential oil to a high dose retinol is extremely irresponsible. Dermatologists all say to avoid additional irritants such as chemical and physical exfoliants, added fragrance and even foaming cleansers when using retinol, in the beginning at least, as retinol doesn't need any help irritating the skin. Cream cleansers, basic fragrance free moisturizers and sunscreen are skin's best friends during the initial retinization stages.
Do not buy this, even if you don't have sensitive skin as you don't need to pile irritants on top of each other.
**Skin peeling, especially with high dose retinol, is so common it's to be expected so that's most likely what people are experiencing when using this.
Reviewed by 162 customers Too strong 1
Nicky from Las Vegas
It seems like the retinol in this product is too strong. I wanted to like urban skin rx's products, but it's clear their active ingredients are stronger than what they make it seem like. I started using this just once a week and each time I hard a horrible break out. Skin would be itchy the next morning with small red bumps all over for at least 2-3 days. I could never work up to the 3 times a week that is recommended. I also developed dark spots due to the skin reaction from this product.
Never got used to it but... 4
Lauren from Chicago
I did everything you're supposed to do with retinol- worked my way up to it, started with once a week, gave it time for my skin to get used to it. Ultimately I never got used to how intense this retinol cream was. I don't have sensitive skin but it would burn and crack in certain areas. I couldn't wear makeup because my whole face would peel off. I looked into it and found a study that shows 1% is the threshold for most people and that anything above it can start to cause excessive irritation. I think it's still worth a shot for anyone to see whether it works for them. Now, I just use it on my forehead, chin, and neck and it works really well in those areas. I switch to a lower dose of retinol for the rest of my face. Just be careful there is no product overlap because retinol on retinol is a no no!
im not sure just yet 3
bre from vegas
I'm going to give it 3 stars right now. i bought this because I was tired of my dark marks. I used for a week like the beauty consultant advised. after the use i saw my skin starting to peel like dead skin. didn't think anything of it, so I just exfoliated. I noticed today that I have these two dark spots, (not acne scars) but dark spots on the side of my face and I have no idea where they came from. I have a dry spot on my checks. and guys I just dont know. im hoping these dark spots go away because they look terrible.
upside I do see the acne scars starting to fade a little bit. new update in another week
Amazing! Must use with proper skincare regimen 5
Dom from Georgia
I am overcoming severe hyper pigmentation from years of cystic acne and improper care of my skin.I have used many products but nothing compares to this. My skin looks amazing glowing fresh. Less lines and pores marks from acne scars are smoother. I began seeing results within two weeks. Before using this product make sure you have an SPF of 30 and above to go with this product. I wouldn't recommend using any other lightning skin care products with this such as vitamin C.If you have sensitive skin start off small (every other day)I would recommend only using this product at night.The moisturizer with SPF from this brand is amazing to pair with this.Make sure you are applying moisture to give your skin Nutrients and Glow(Hyaluronic acid)PLEASE WEAR SPF! And protect your beautiful skin
What the heck? 3
Georgia Girl from Midwest
I thought this brand was awesome because the acne serum is amazing but this stuff is horrible. There's barely any product in the bottle. You have to pump the dispenser a million times to get anything out and loads of air comes out with it. It's a different color every time it comes out, like it's an old product that seperated. It does sting a little but didn't burn, my skin can tolerate anything. And now breakouts. Totally awful.
BEWARE 1
Lynn from Wagram, nc
I used this product for a couple of days and it burned my skin. I am now in pain and my skin turned darker. Please listen to the reviews do not use this product.
My new holy grail 4
Lovehair from Florida
My skin tolerates all products well including this one. Ladies this actually does what it is supposed to. If you have sensitive skin use 1a week over serum and moisturizer. This is one of the few products that caused my skin to peel mildly in a beneficial way. Definitely would not recommend for sensitive skin
Maybe........ 3
Preppy Granny from New Jersey
I've only used it twice but it seems to be working. The real problem is the horrible odor when it dries !! The first time I used it, I had just gotten out of the shower and I couldn't imagine why I smelled so awful. It smells like a damp, moldy towel. If you can get past the odor, it's worth giving it a try but don't say you weren't warned.
Made my skin worse 1
Cici from San Diego
I have been using this products for a weeks and i'm actually frustrated. it added more dark marks and my face is dry and leathery im not sure when its suppose to work but its been three weeks
READ THE REVIEWS 2
Miriam from Wisconsin
So as I sit here with my face peeling and burning after two uses, I am reading the reviews and seeing that it has a high % of retinol and should be used VERY INFREQUENTLY to work your skin into it. I have no problem with that and will continue to try the product slowly. My only issue is that the INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PACKAGING tell you to apply it every day, 3-4 days a week if you have sensitive skin. I did that for a few days and now my normally never dry skin is peeling very badly. The company should provide a warning or update instructions.
Really Solid Retinol Product 5
Hannah from New York
OK. So I see a lot of comments saying that peoples faces got burney or red from this product, but the majority of them were not using it properly! I am a skincare consultant, and I absolutely love this retinol serum. The thing is, I had to WORK MY WAY UP TO IT. My first retinol was the lowest concentration from the ordinary in squalane, which I used at the END of my nightime skincare routine. When I began using this, I used it at the end of my night routine too (as in AFTER moisturizing), a small pump once every 10 days! Over 3 or 4 months I slowly worked it into the middle of my routine, and (about 2 pumps) once a week. Now, I used 2-3 pumps about once every five days, on a clean dry face (or with an essence underneath it) and I moisturize after. I dont use any other actives that night or the night after. Retinol is a powerful ingredient! As the packaging says, you MUST use spf the next day or few. Many people dont know- but if you dont use spf after it will make your scarring, pigmentation, wrinkles, everything WORSE! If your skin is ready for this product, and you use it right, it is a miracle worker. The difference I have noticed in my skin is subsiding of my acne scarring, smoother skin, smaller pores, and slow elimination of wrinkles. I really love this treatment, and will definitely repurchase, and recommend it to my clients who need this type of product.
Used for almost 2 weeks. Haven't noticed any difference yet 3
Trace from Ky
I've used as directed for almost two weeks. Haven't noticed any difference yet
Burnt my skin 1
Gthorn12! from Indiana
I was brought upon this product through an associate at the store. She said it worked for her skin so I thought I'd try it. About a hour after putting it on, my skin started getting really warm and was super red. I immediately tried to rinse the product off and apply aloe Vera gel to the effected area. I am dissatisfied with this product since it was spoke so highly of. I will be returning it.
Misery! I would not buy this product again! 1
Michelle from San Diego, CA
I used this product two times (every other day) and my skin burned with red spots, extreme peeling and extremely dry. I am now using bio oil to heal the burns and try to aid in re-moisturizing while still peeling. I appear to be peeling several layers of skin, as soon as one layer comes off, another layer starts to peel. I wish I would have read reviews before purchasing.
FABULOUS 5
Mandy from Peoria AZ
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS!!! I absolutely love this product my dark spots on my neck are gone
The Best Retinol Around 5
CJ from Northern Virginia
This is the best retinol I've ever used. my pores are noticeably less visible and my hyperpigmentation is fading slightly. No irritation. I have acne prone, sensitive skin.
My go to 5
Emkay from Brick, NJ
I have been using this for awhile now. I have hyperpigmentation in my cheek area on one sideand somewhat big pores on both of my under eye areas. I noticed a difference after several uses ( night and day). My skin did initially react to it. It started peeling everywhere, when the peeling stopped I had a whole new face. ( still had my hyperpigmentation, and some problem areas) but still a whole new face. After constant use, my skin is familiar with this product and I no longer peel. My hyperpigmentation has improved significantly through out the months. I just started the cleansing bar from this same brand and I'm obsessed with the results. My skin has honestly never looked so better.
Clearing Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation In just 3 uses! 5
Sadgiiirlsclub from Brooklyn
I'm a brown skin black woman and this has been the only product that claimed to target hyperpigmentation that actually does just that. My skin is looking clearer and more vibrant. I use this three times a week in conjunction with the cleansing bar and dermarolling. My skin has never looked better!
Don't buy it 1
By Lg from 9659 Forest Ln
this product is supposedly for sensitive skin, I applied it only 3 times on my face and on the 3rd the product gave me an allergy on my face the next morning my face was red, it burned, I had it down, it bothers me because it is mine expensive product and not good
Slow but steady! Recommend! 4
onk from Bangladesh
Been using this product for the past 4 weeks, 4-5 days weekly. Ive used prescription retinol before for my hormonal acne and this OTC option comes quite close while comparing its effectiveness in increasing skin turn over. As a standalone product it caused my skin to breakout and burn more during my 1st week, so I combined it with aloe vera gel to soothe the burning sensation. That combination worked much better and I assume it helped increase the product's effectiveness as well.
My breakouts have reduced gradually with a few bumps here and there. The product makes your skin baby smooth! I did notice my scars lighten slightly but since my scarring is pretty intense the results are slow to develop, Im guessing this gives more visible results for mild acne scarring issues.
Retinol users can get very nasty sunburns so make sure to amp up the sunscreen!
Overall, would definitely recommend this product to repeat retinol users who want an OTC alternative or just want to venture into anti-ageing options.
For first time retinol users - maybe start with a lower retinol %, this can surprise you with the intense burn.
Zero stars 3
CaraM80 from NYC
I received a large sample, enough for a week, of this in an order but I only needed one use to form an opinion. This is not at all for those with sensitive skin. The retinol % is high but I dislike this is that it contains peppermint oil, a fragrant essential oil that is highly irritating and should never be in skincare products.
Adding that type of ingredient to a high level retinol is a disaster waiting to happen. Irritation and sensitivity are common retinol side effects and adding another irritant on top makes the "retinol uglies" so much worse. This ingredient is the reason so many experience burning upon application.
Adding peppermint essential oil to a high dose retinol is extremely irresponsible. Dermatologists all say to avoid additional irritants such as chemical and physical exfoliants, added fragrance and even foaming cleansers when using retinol, in the beginning at least, as retinol doesn't need any help irritating the skin. Cream cleansers, basic fragrance free moisturizers and sunscreen are skin's best friends during the initial retinization stages.
Do not buy this, even if you don't have sensitive skin as you don't need to pile irritants on top of each other.
**Skin peeling, especially with high dose retinol, is so common it's to be expected so that's most likely what people are experiencing when using this.
BEWARE WILL BURN YOUR skin 1
Ruthyy from Pittsburgh
I was excited to try this product cause the girl at Ulta told me it's a good product for people with darker skin. So I gave it a try. This product literally burned my skin. Idk if I have a chemical burn but my skin started peeling immediately. Also it burns to put any other skin products on my face and I only used this twice. I'm really disappointed and annoyed I won't be purchasing again
Amazing 5
Sandy from corning, ny
i started using it as part of my skin care morning routine. in as little as 3 weeks, my acne spots faded !
Men love it too! 4
Shak from Terre Haute, IN
I'm not going to lie, when you read the reviews for this products you are probably very hesitant to purchase it. That is completely normal! You should always take reviews and the ingredients of skin care into consideration, BUT you must understand that everyone's skin will react differently to products.
Now with that being said - my experience with this product has been A1. I've suffered with acne since I was 15 and with that came post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks). I'm only 23 now and I can honestly say I've spent over a thousand dollars on various skin care products to help treat both the acne and dark marks. This has been one of the best products to aid in correcting my dark spot issues! I've only been using it for a month now, but have noticed that it has ALMOST cleared my older dark marks and began to fade the newer ones.
HONESTLY: it will burn your skin if you're not careful. Make sure to start using it at least twice a week with a good amount of days in between each usage therefore your skin has enough time to heal itself. Sunscreen is also very important because this product has retinol (one of the strongest skincare ingredients) it will react to direct sunlight! I pair this product with the even skin cleansing bar and the combo has worked wonders! I only apply at night and OVER my moisturizer to ensure it doesn't penetrate too deeply!
Hope this helps those who are iffy!
Dark spots from birth control are lightening 5
emrose from Alabama
Recently my birth control has given me a few dark spots on my nose, I looked up creams and it came down to this or a Neutrogena one. I took a chance on this one and I'm glad I did, I've had this for less than a week and my spots are already lighter. I noticed my skin peeling about two days ago. I was hesitant to buy with the reviews saying how it burns. I haven't had any problems with it but I also don't have sensitive skin. I'm happy I bought this cream
