Dr. Denese 809146 Serum Review
Our verdict
The Dr. Denese 809146 is a premium retinol oil serum carrying a 4.7-star rating across 772 reviews, which is one of the higher satisfaction scores in this category. At $110 for 120ml with an aloe scent and coverage for all skin tones and most skin types, it targets buyers who want a high-end retinol experience and are willing to pay for it.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Buyers ready to invest in a premium retinol-based serum who want broad skin type compatibility and a large 120ml bottle.
Skip if
You are new to retinol, have a tight budget, or prefer fragrance-free formulas since this carries an aloe scent.
- Form Oil
- Skin type Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily
- Key ingredients Retinol
- Benefits Hydrating
- Targets Hydrating,Moisturizing,Wrinkles
- Size 120 Milliliters
- Priced 400% above the category median ($22.00 across 291 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 772 owner ratings
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Popularity3.3/5
772 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
["Dr. Denese's 809146 is an oil-form serum with retinol as its listed key ingredient, priced at $110. Retinol is one of the most studied topical ingredients associated with the appearance of smoother, more youthful-looking skin over time. The oil delivery system can complement retinol by adding a layer of skin barrier support alongside the active.", 'At 120ml, this is a notably large bottle for a premium serum, which brings the per-milliliter cost more in line with mid-range options even at the $110 price tag. It is listed for combination, dry, normal, and oily skin types, covers all skin tones, and targets wrinkles, hydration, and moisturizing benefits.', 'The 4.7-star average from 772 reviewers is strong and meaningful at that review count. Buyers across different skin types appear to respond well to the formula, which suggests the retinol concentration and oil base work together in a way that minimizes the irritation commonly associated with retinol introductions.']
Pros
- 4.7-star rating from 772 reviews is among the highest satisfaction scores in this category
- Retinol is a well-supported ingredient for targeting the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- 120ml bottle is large for a premium serum and improves cost per ml
- Suitable for combination, dry, normal, and oily skin types
- All skin tones listed, which is rarely specified on many competitors
Cons
- $110 price is a significant investment
- Aloe scent may not suit fragrance-sensitive users
- Oil form may feel heavy for those who prefer lightweight serum textures
- Retinol can cause initial dryness or flaking as skin adjusts, especially for new users
Specifications
- Form
- Oil
- Skin type
- Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily
- Key ingredients
- Retinol
- Benefits
- Hydrating
- Targets
- Hydrating,Moisturizing,Wrinkles
- Size
- 120 Milliliters
- Scent
- Aloe
- Skin tone
- All
Performance notes
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is among the most studied skincare ingredients for the appearance of aging skin. It may support skin cell turnover and is commonly associated with the look of improved skin texture and reduced visibility of fine lines over consistent use. The oil format is relevant: oils can slow absorption compared to water-based serums, which may reduce the incidence of irritation while still delivering the retinol to skin. The aloe scent component is worth noting for anyone sensitive to fragrance. At $110, buyers are paying for a premium brand formulation and a larger-than-average bottle rather than a novel ingredient combination.
What buyers say
A 4.7-star average from 772 reviewers is a high bar and reflects genuine satisfaction rather than novelty effect. At this review count, the rating is statistically reliable. The product has been on the market long enough to accumulate honest repeat-buyer feedback, and the score suggests retinol-experienced buyers, who would notice if a formula was too irritating or underperforming, are predominantly positive.
Similar anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is this serum suitable for someone new to retinol?
New retinol users often experience dryness, flaking, or mild redness during the adjustment period, which can last several weeks. The oil format of this serum may soften that initial response compared to water-based retinol formulas. Starting with every-other-night use and pairing with a good moisturizer is a practical approach for beginners, regardless of the specific retinol product.
How does the 120ml size affect the value compared to smaller retinol serums?
A 120ml bottle is considerably larger than the standard 30ml size common in this price tier. At $110, that works out to roughly $0.92 per ml, which is competitive with many 30ml retinol serums priced around $30 to $40. If you already know retinol works for your skin, a larger bottle is often a better value than repeatedly buying smaller sizes.
Can I use this serum every day?
Daily retinol use is possible for experienced users whose skin has adjusted to the ingredient. For most people, starting at two to three times per week and building up gradually is a more manageable approach. Using SPF every morning is important when using retinol, as skin can become more sensitive to sun exposure.