Encapsulated Retinol + B5 Serum

Yes, but “beginner-friendly” does not mean weak or irritation-proof.

The formula uses actual Retinol in an encapsulated delivery system, with 5% Panthenol, Niacinamide and Squalane built around it for hydration and barrier support. That makes it a sensible first retinol for many people, but you should still introduce it gradually rather than jumping straight to nightly use.

It can, but not everyone will purge.

Retinoids can temporarily bring existing microcomedones to the surface more quickly, so you may notice an increase in breakouts in the areas where you normally get acne.

To reduce the chance of both purging and irritation, start around twice a week, moisturise properly and avoid introducing several strong actives at the same time.

Persistent burning, significant redness or heavy peeling is more suggestive of irritation than something you should simply “push through.”

Yes — that is one of the main reasons this formula exists.

Retinol can help with breakouts, clogged pores and uneven texture, while continued use can also improve the post-acne marks and roughness left behind. That makes this serum especially useful if you're still acne-prone but are also starting to think about fine lines and preventative ageing.

If stubborn active acne is your main concern, you can also use it alongside our 1.5% Salicylic Acid Serum — just don’t introduce both aggressively at once.

A simple routine could be:

Night 1: Encapsulated Retinol + B5
Night 2: Recovery / moisturiser only
Night 3: 1.5% Salicylic Acid Serum
Night 4: Recovery / moisturiser only

Build tolerance to each product individually first, then increase frequency if your skin is comfortable. For most people, alternating them is preferable to layering both in the same routine.

Yes, particularly flat post-acne marks and the uneven texture that can remain after breakouts.

Retinol supports skin renewal, while Niacinamide and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid provide additional tone-supporting benefits.

It will not remove indented or raised acne scars, which involve structural changes deeper in the skin.

You don't need to wait until you already have visible wrinkles.

Your mid-20s — around 25 onward — is a perfectly reasonable time to start preventative ageing care, even if you cannot see fine lines yet. There isn't a magical birthday when skin suddenly starts ageing, but collagen production and skin renewal gradually slow over time, so prevention can start before the changes become obvious.

Retinol is especially useful because it can support collagen, texture, tone and skin renewal long-term, while also helping acne and post-acne marks if those are still part of the picture.

So if you're 25+ and thinking:

“I don't really have wrinkles yet — do I still need Retinol?”

The answer is: you can absolutely start before you have something visible to correct.

With this particular formula, peeling is not something most users should expect — and it has not emerged as a common complaint in our customer feedback.

This isn't a bare-bones Retinol formula. The Retinol is delivered in a supportive emulsion with 5% Panthenol, Niacinamide and Squalane to help maintain hydration and barrier comfort while your skin adjusts.

That said, Retinol can still cause dryness or irritation if you start too frequently, use too much or combine it with too many strong actives at once.

Start slowly, moisturise properly and increase frequency only when your skin is comfortable.

And importantly: peeling is not proof that Retinol is working. The goal is consistent use, not visible irritation.

Yes, but introduce it very gradually.

Start around 1–2 nights per week, and if needed apply moisturiser before the serum or use the moisturiser sandwich method:

Moisturiser → Retinol Serum → Moisturiser

Only increase frequency once your skin is consistently comfortable.

If your skin is currently burning, heavily peeling or barrier-damaged, allow it to recover before starting Retinol.

Yes, but beginners should alternate them rather than layering them together.

For example, use your Retinol on one night and your Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid treatment on another. Once you're experienced with both and know your skin's tolerance, your routine can be adjusted — but there is rarely a reason to start by stacking multiple irritating actives.

Texture and breakouts may begin improving within roughly 4–8 weeks, while marks and more visible acne changes usually need 8–12 weeks or longer. Fine-line and collagen-related benefits are much more long-term.

Retinol is one of those ingredients where months of consistent use matter far more than trying to use the strongest possible routine for a few weeks.

No. We do not recommend retinoids during pregnancy.

If you're pregnant and looking for help with acne, marks or texture, choose a pregnancy-compatible non-retinoid treatment instead depending on your skin concerns.