After more than 20 years of clinical dermatology, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jason Rivers created Riversol to offer an anti-aging solution for his patients with sensitive skin.
The Riversol skin care products are formulated to restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier, and all of the product formulations contain a unique ingredient called Beta-Thujaplicin (Beta-T).
OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS
| Rank | Brand | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrot & Stick | Review | |||||
| 2 | Formulyst | Review | |||||
| 3 | Skinceuticals | Review | |||||
| - | Riversol |
You’re probably aware that numerous skin care products already exist that are claimed to be a solution for sensitive skin, so how do you know that the Riversol skin care products are really worth trying out?
To help with your decision, we’ll review the brand’s 10 best products below. We’ll cover the formulation details, including the key ingredients in Riversol skin care products and the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care.
We’ll also share some Riversol reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of these products.
Is Riversol Skincare Worth The Money?
A common question about this brand is if the products are worth the cost. Riversol products are expensive, for example, the Anti-aging Trio with Eye Repair Treatment is $143.
In our opinion, Riversol products aren’t worth the money, simply because there are other skincare brands that offer similar products that are less expensive.
One brand is Carrot & Stick, a clean skincare brand that perfectly balances the gentle nurturing of plants with the powerful results of innovative science.
Carrot & Stick intro bundles deliver great value for money because you can bundle 3 full-size products worth up to $240 for $88.
What’s Inside Riversol Skin Care?
Riversol focuses on using evidence-based ingredients in their products, such as Vitamin C, retinol, and peptides. These ingredients should all be part of your skincare routine. Here’s why:
Vitamin C
We’ve been hearing for years that Vitamin C is the best anti-aging ingredient. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
Vitamin C also helps fade dark spots, evens out skin tone, and increases radiance. As if that wasn’t enough, research suggests that when vitamin C is applied to the skin, it significantly reverses aging-related structural changes by influencing collagen and elastin synthesis.
Riversol Daily Moisturizing Cream features a form of vitamin C called aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, which is 10 times more photostable than pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
But our favorite Vitamin C serum is Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum. It contains 3 distinct types of Vitamin C that work together to help fight free radical damage. We recommend using it every morning.
Peptides
As you age, your body’s production of collagen and elastin slows down. These two proteins are responsible for your skin’s structural support. As a result, the skin loses its natural plumpness and smoothness.
While collagen is necessary for maintaining youthful-looking skin, the collagen protein is too large to absorb into the skin topically. That’s why applying skin care products that contain collagen won’t provide the anti-aging benefits you’re looking for.
This is where peptides come into action. Peptides are the building blocks of protein, and they are easily absorbed into the deeper layers of skin due to their smaller size.
Riversol Eye Repair Treatment contains Matrixyl 3000. In case you aren’t familiar with this ingredient, it’s the trademarked peptide that’s made up of two matrikines (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7).
Matrikines are peptides that regulate cell activities through cell signaling. The two matrikines in Matrixyl 3000 work synergistically to restore and maintain the skin’s youthful appearance by signaling to cells to produce more collagen.
If you’re looking for a peptide serum, we recommend Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 plant-based peptides to promote plumper and smoother-looking skin.
Retinol
Retinol is the go-to anti-aging ingredient recommended by dermatologists and skin experts. It’s clinically proven to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, restore skin firmness, and shrink the appearance of enlarged pores.
The only downside? Retinol can often lead to side effects like skin dryness, peeling, and irritation.
Made for sensitive skin, the Riversol Retinol Treatment combines 0.5% pure retinol with Beta-T, a hydration peptide, and vitamins C and E. T
Use retinoids at night. We recommend this retinoid oil serum. It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides similar benefits with less irritation.
Everything Else
Beta-Thujaplicin
There’s also a unique ingredient that’s used in all Riversol skin care products, and that’s Beta-Thujaplicin — aka Beta-T.
Beta-T is found in the extract of the Pacific red cedar tree, and it has been shown in peer-reviewed dermatological literature to have a rejuvenating effect on the skin. It has antioxidant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. It may also inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the formation of melanin (pigment).
Studies have shown Beta-T to reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots, as well as visibly even skin tone and reduce the signs of sun damage. It has both preventative and corrective properties to this end.
What Are The Top 10 Best Riversol Skin Care Products?
Riversol offers everything you need to create a complete skin care routine, with everything from cleansers to serums to sunscreens and more. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 best Riversol skin care products.
Riversol The Corrector
Dr. Rivers created the Corrector to address visible hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun damage, with the ultimate goal of providing a brighter, radiant complexion for all skin types. To achieve this goal, the Corrector combines four powerful skin-brightening ingredients: tranexamic acid, tetrapeptide-30, niacinamide, and Beta-T.
Tranexamic acid has been shown in numerous peer-reviewed studies to lighten the appearance of dark spots and visibly even skin tone across a variety of skin types. It works by inhibiting plasmin, which means that it helps to break down proteins in the skin that contribute to melanin production.
Tetrapeptide-30 is a synthetic molecule that has been engineered to prevent future pigmentation. While Tetrapeptide-30 has the ability to visibly reduce hyperpigmentation on its own, it’s primary function in the Corrector is to inhibit the mechanism that causes new dark spots from appearing.
We love that the formula includes niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) because this ingredient not only helps to improve hyperpigmentation, it also provides many other benefits to the skin. For example, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, excess oil, and wrinkling. Pretty impressive, right?
The final key ingredient in Riversol The Corrector is Beta-Thujaplicin (Beta-T). Beta-T is Dr. Rivers signature ingredient that’s used in all Riversol skin care products. We’ll give you all the details on Beta-T in the Key Ingredients section below.
Bottom Line: Riversol The Corrector helps to correct hyperpigmentation and promote a brighter, more radiant complexion thanks to four powerful skin-brightening ingredients: tranexamic acid, tetrapeptide-30, niacinamide, and Beta-T.
Riversol Exfoliating Glycolic Peel
This 4% glycolic acid peel stimulates the exfoliation of dead surface cells while restoring and brightening the underlying skin. It’s recommended to be used twice weekly, and with continued use, this peel ensures that dull, dry patches are removed and replaced with brighter, healthy looking skin.
As an AHA, glycolic acid has the ability to exfoliate the skin, stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process, and help the skin to retain moisture. It exfoliates the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, more radiant skin.
Bottom Line: An at-home facial peel with 4% glycolic acid, a type of AHA that exfoliates and promotes smoother, more radiant skin.
Riversol Eye Repair Treatment
This eye cream has a silky texture that smooths onto the skin easily, instantly helping to hydrate and soften the delicate skin around the eyes.
It tackles lines and wrinkles with a powerful anti-aging ingredient — Matrixyl 3000. In case you aren’t familiar with this ingredient, it’s the trademarked peptide that’s made up of two matrikines (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7).
Matrikines are peptides that regulate cell activities through cell signaling. The two matrikines in Matrixyl 3000 work synergistically to restore and maintain the skin’s youthful appearance by signaling to cells to produce more collagen.
The formula also includes Haloxyl, an innovative complex that reinforces firmness and tone in the eye area while also helping to reduce the appearance of under eye dark circles.
Bottom Line: Riversol Eye Repair Treatment helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dark circles with anti-aging ingredients like Matrixyl 3000 and Haloxyl.
Riversol Moisturizing Concentrate
You’ll notice that the Moisturizing Concentrate has a rich texture that absorbs into the skin quickly without feeling heavy or greasy. That’s because the formula combines skin-softening emollients like shea butter and caprylic/capric triglyceride with moisture magnets like sea kelp and sodium hyaluronate.
Sea kelp is a mineral and nutrient dense antioxidant for the skin. Kelp is also a moisturizer as its high mineral content can reduce the impact of temperature changes and exposure to nature’s elements.
Sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, improves skin hydration while promoting a more plump complexion with fewer lines and wrinkles.
Bottom Line: This Riversol moisturizer contains nourishing emollients and hydrating ingredients like sea kelp and sodium hyaluronate, creating a moisturizer that softens skin while preventing moisture loss.
Riversol Daily Moisturizing Cream
Enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and Beta thujaplicin, this nourishing cream prevents moisture loss throughout the day and protects the skin from environmental free radicals. The form of vitamin C used in this cream is called aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, which is 10 times more photostable than pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
As an antioxidant, vitamin C donates electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as the superoxide ion and peroxide that are generated when the skin is exposed to UV light.
This is important because the harmful effects of ROS occur as direct chemical alterations of the cellular DNA, the cell membrane, and cellular proteins, including collagen. Damaged collagen manifests as signs of premature skin aging, including wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin. Since vitamin C can protect collagen, the Riversol Daily Moisturizing Cream can help prevent signs of aging.
Vitamin C is also known to stimulate collagen synthesis, as well as reduce the appearance of dark spots and promote a more even skin tone by inhibiting melanin synthesis.
Bottom Line: A nourishing face cream with antioxidants like Beta-T, vitamin E, and vitamin C, which together help to promote a brighter, more youthful complexion.
Riversol Cream Cleanser
Riversol Cream Cleanser is formulated to remove impurities and clean the skin while also replenishing the skin’s moisture barrier, making this cleanser best for those with normal, dry, and very dry skin. Leaving the face at its natural pH (pH 5.0), it instantly soothes sensitive skin, leaving a clear and clean feeling.
The cleanser also includes allantoin, a botanical extract derived from the comfrey plant or sugar beets, which soothes the skin. Allantoin is also a keratolytic, which means it has the ability to smooth skin through exfoliation of the top layer of dead skin cells. It can help to increase skin smoothness and promote cell proliferation and longevity.
Bottom Line: Riversol Cream Cleanser is a gentle cleanser that removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin, while also soothing sensitive skin with allantoin.
Riversol Anti-Redness Serum
There’s myriad reasons you may develop redness on your face, from acne to rosacea to allergic reactions and more. Riversol Anti-Redness Serum promises to calm facial redness and flushing to restore a natural radiance to the skin with Beta-T and vitamins C and E.
The formula also includes a high concentration of the chemical sunscreen ingredient Benzophenone 4, also known as sulisobenzone. It’s strange that the brand chose to include this ingredient since it’s known to cause skin irritation, according to the EWG. Also, mineral sunscreen ingredients are generally better tolerated by those with skin redness.
Bottom Line: This Riversol serum includes Beta-T, vitamin C, and vitamin E to protect the skin from free radical damage, but the inclusion of benzophenone 4 may cause skin irritation and redness.
Riversol Anti-Aging Serum
The Riversol Anti-Aging serum contains many of the same key ingredients as other products in the collection, such as Beta-T, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These ingredients protect the skin from free radical damage, thereby helping to combat the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
In our opinion, the brand could have included more anti-aging ingredients in this serum, such as peptides or at least hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. We think there are better serums on the market, such as Formulyst Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum, The Ordinary Buffet, and Carrot & Stick Defense Serum.
Bottom Line: An anti-aging serum with antioxidants like Beta-T, vitamin C, and vitamin E that should help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.
Riversol Retinol Treatment
If you’re trying to prevent or reduce signs of skin aging, then you’ve probably heard that it’s a good idea to add a retinol serum into your nightly routine. It’s well-known that retinol is one of the best anti-aging ingredients that can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, restore skin firmness, and shrink the appearance of enlarged pores.
Made for sensitive skin, the Riversol Retinol Treatment combines 0.5% pure retinol with Beta-T, a hydration peptide, and vitamins C and E. The result? A concentrated anti-aging treatment that achieves maximum results on fine lines and hyperpigmentation without excess irritation.
Bottom Line: An anti-aging treatment with 0.5% pure retinol, as well as a peptide and vitamins C and E, to reduce signs of aging without excess irritation.
Riversol SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Finding a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave you looking as pale as a ghost can be challenging, although not impossible. In order to avoid this issue, it’s best to use a tinted mineral sunscreen, such as the Riversol Sunscreen.
The mineral sunscreens zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide broad spectrum SPF 30 protection, and the combination of three natural iron oxide pigments provide lightweight, sheer coverage to prevent white chalky residue.
Similar to other Riversol skin care products, this formula includes three antioxidants — Beta-T, vitamin C, and vitamin E — to help protect the skin against environmental free radical damage.
Bottom Line: A tinted mineral sunscreen that creates lightweight, sheer coverage while providing broad spectrum SPF 30 protection.
How Much Do Riversol Skin Care Products Cost?
Riversol skin care products are mid-range in terms of cost; they aren’t cheap but they are ridiculously expensive. For example, Riversol The Corrector costs $68 USD for 1 ounce, while the Riversol Cream Cleanser costs $23 USD.
Where to Buy Riversol Skin Care Products?
Riversol Skin Care products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as in pharmacies throughout the United States and Canada.
What is The Riversol Return Policy?
The Riversol return policy states, “We offer a full, money back guarantee on all of our products. If you are not satisfied with any part of your Riversol experience within 60 days of purchasing, please give us a call or send us an email. We will arrange a full refund of your purchase value.”
Is Riversol Cruelty Free?
Yes, Riversol is cruelty free and the products are officially Leaping Bunny Certified. Leaping Bunny Certification means Riversol skin care products are free of animal testing at every stage of product development.
Is Riversol Vegan?
Yes. All Riversol products are vegan.
Riversol Reviews
Riversol reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive. We noticed that the Riversol Redness Control Trio — consisting of the Cream Cleanser, Anti-Redness Serum, and Daily Moisturizing Cream — has received over 6,600 customer reviews!
The positive Riversol reviews for the Redness Control Trio mention how well it works to reduce redness while at the same time reducing signs of aging.
For example, one review says, “I really like these products. Leaves my skin soft and supple . Has cleared up a lot of redness so far and issues caused by the stress of grief and moving. And there is no disgusting perfume associated with them! I highly recommend all 3 of the products I purchased.”
And another 5-star review says, “Easy to follow routine. Saw improvements soon and continue to see improved skin – minimized lines, more even skin tone, not dry.”
There are even reviews from customers with rosacea who saw improvements after using the Redness Control Trio, for example, “Rosacea be gone! I can go without makeup for the first time ever. I’m 53 and my skin is soft, smooth and not red.”
However, there are a handful of negative reviews for the Redness Control Trio, mostly from customers who saw no improvements after using these products.
For example, one review says, “My skin is the same as before using the products. Some redness, itchy skin, wrinkles still the same, even very small lines.”
And another 1-star review says, “I’ve been using this for almost 2 months and I’ve literally never looked worse. I tried the sample package for sensitive skin and liked it but my skin has never looked as bad as it does now. I’m going back to my old stuff.”
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Riversol skin care products are formulated well with evidence based ingredients.
Pros
- Products include evidence-based ingredients (AHAs, vitamins C and E, niacinamide, etc.)
- Products are fragrance free
- Many positive Riversol reviews
- Riversol is cruelty free
Cons
- Some Riversol reviews mention that the products made skin look worse
What Are Some Alternatives to Riversol Skin Care Products?
If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin. We recommend The Repair Serum, followed by The Moisturizer.
References:
J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010 Feb; 3(2): 22–41
EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Databse “Benzophenone 4”ewg
Teresa Robson Original review: May 01, 2023.
my skin looks great. soft and smooth. HOWEVER, need retinol ? with these products,and what is sequence in using it? Thank you for your help. The sample pack was awesome!