grace & stella Serum Review
Our verdict
A gel-formula serum from grace and stella at $9.99 for 15ml, combining retinol, niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E in an unscented, vegan, paraben-free base. Strong ingredient lineup for the price, though the small size and relatively lower rating warrant attention.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Value shoppers who want a multi-active gel serum with retinol and niacinamide in an unscented, clean-label formula.
Skip if
You need a full-size supply for ongoing daily use, or you have skin that is easily sensitized by retinol at an undisclosed concentration.
- Form Gel
- Skin type All
- Key ingredients Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, Vitamin E
- Size 15 Milliliters
- Scent Unscented
- Free of Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
- Priced 55% below the category median ($22.00 across 291 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating3.8/5
3.8 average across 8,100 owner ratings
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Popularity4.8/5
8,100 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
The grace and stella gel serum brings together five well-regarded actives: retinol, niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. At $9.99 for 15 milliliters, it offers a meaningful formulation at a very accessible price. The gel texture is lighter than the brand's cream serum variant, which may suit combination and normal skin types more comfortably.
The formula is unscented and free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. It is also cruelty-free and vegan. These attributes make it a good fit for shoppers who have sensitivities to common additives or who prefer clean-label skincare. The product is listed as suitable for all skin types.
With over 8,100 ratings, this is the most reviewed product in this set of eight, which provides a meaningful signal of buyer opinion. The 3.8-star average is the lowest of the group, sitting right at the typical threshold for continued confidence. That suggests a meaningful minority of buyers have experienced disappointment, possibly related to the retinol concentration, packaging, or expectations around result timelines. The small 15ml size means a single bottle will not last long at daily use.
Pros
- Five active ingredients including retinol, niacinamide, caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E
- Unscented gel formula suits those sensitive to fragrance
- Paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and vegan
- Under $10 price point
- Largest review base in its brand lineup provides real-world signal
Cons
- 3.8-star rating is the lowest of this product group, suggesting mixed results
- Only 15ml per bottle limits how long it lasts
- Retinol concentration is not disclosed
- Small size raises cost-per-day when purchased repeatedly
Specifications
- Form
- Gel
- Skin type
- All
- Key ingredients
- Caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Retinol, Vitamin E
- Size
- 15 Milliliters
- Scent
- Unscented
- Free of
- Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
- Features
- Cruelty Free, Vegan
Performance notes
Retinol is one of the most studied topical ingredients for supporting the appearance of skin texture and fine lines with consistent use. Niacinamide may help with the look of uneven skin tone and enlarged pores. Caffeine in a topical formula is associated with the appearance of reduced puffiness. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin surface, and vitamin E provides antioxidant support. The combination targets multiple visible signs of aging in one step, though individual results depend on the concentration of each active.
What buyers say
At 8,100 ratings, this is a heavily reviewed product, and the 3.8-star average tells a nuanced story. Many buyers are satisfied, but the score implies a notable proportion had a less positive experience. For a retinol-containing serum, this can reflect sensitivity reactions, unmet expectations around speed of results, or variability in experience across skin types. The volume of reviews makes the score more reliable than a product with fewer ratings.
Similar anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices to consider
Frequently asked questions
How does this differ from the grace and stella cream serum (B0D94TJMRT)?
The main differences are texture and formula. This product is a gel with vitamin E, while the other grace and stella serum is a cream that contains squalane instead of vitamin E. The gel texture in this version is generally lighter and may absorb faster, which can suit oilier or combination skin types. Both are unscented and share the same clean-label credentials.
Is a 3.8-star rating a concern?
A 3.8-star average across more than 8,000 ratings is a meaningful signal. It sits at the lower boundary of what most shoppers consider acceptable, which means a significant portion of buyers did not have an ideal experience. For a retinol serum, this sometimes reflects sensitivity or purging reactions rather than product failure. Reading recent reviews in detail can help clarify the most common points of dissatisfaction.
How long will 15ml last with daily use?
Applied once daily, 15 milliliters typically lasts about three to four weeks depending on how much product you use per application. Twice-daily use will shorten that to under two weeks. Since retinol is generally recommended for nighttime use only due to photosensitivity, once-daily application is the more common approach with this type of formula.