Korean Retinol Serum

A liquid retinol treatment for your evening routine. Retinol is the most studied ingredient in skincare for the look of fine lines and uneven texture, and this fluid formula is easy to buffer with a moisturizer, which matters a great deal when you are starting out.

What retinol does

Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover. Over weeks, that shows up as a smoother-looking surface, a more even texture and softer-looking fine lines. It is not an overnight ingredient: the first visible changes typically take eight to twelve weeks of consistent use.

What it does

• Targets the look of fine lines and uneven skin texture
• A fluid, layerable texture that mixes easily with moisturizer
• Fits as the treatment step of an evening routine
• Available in 1, 2 and 3-piece sets

How to start, without wrecking your barrier

1. Two to three evenings a week to begin with, building up over roughly two months. Not every night.
2. A pea-sized amount for the whole face. More product means more irritation, not faster results.
3. On completely dry skin. Damp skin absorbs more and reacts harder.
4. Buffer it with a moisturizer applied before, or mixed into, the retinol.
5. Sunscreen every morning, without exception. Retinol increases UV sensitivity.

What to expect in the first weeks

Some skin breaks out two to three weeks in. This is usually purging: congestion that was already forming surfacing sooner than it would have. It generally settles within four to six weeks. Redness, burning or persistent flaking is a different matter and means you should stop. We cover how to tell the two apart in retinol purging: what it is and how long it lasts.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I use it?

Two to three nights a week for the first month, then build up gradually if your skin is comfortable. Many people never need more than four nights a week.

Can I use it with vitamin C or exfoliating acids?

Not on the same night. Alternate them, and on your off nights use something purely hydrating such as an overnight mask.

How long before I see results?

Eight to twelve weeks for texture, longer for fine lines. Consistency matters more than strength.

Can I use it around my eyes?

Avoid the immediate eye contour, which is thinner and reacts more strongly.

Can I use retinol while pregnant?

No. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor about alternatives.

Do I really need sunscreen with it?

Yes, daily. Skipping it undoes the work and leaves more sensitive skin exposed. See daily SPF 50+.

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Contains vitamin A. Consider your daily vitamin A intake before use. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Avoid contact with eyes. For external use only. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

See the how-to-use section in the product description.

United States: flat-rate standard shipping, shown in US dollars at checkout and free on orders over $45. We ship to the United States only.

Delivery times: most items ship from our overseas partner warehouses, with an estimated delivery of 10 to 20 business days. A small number of items ship from within the US and arrive in 3 to 8 business days. Your order's estimate is shown at checkout. A tracking link is emailed as soon as your order ships; please allow a few days after dispatch for tracking to start updating.

Returns: 90 days. Contact us to start a return.