Retin-oil Serum 0.2%-1.0% | Best Retinol Serum

No. Retin-oil uses Retinyl Palmitate, a retinoid ester, rather than pure Retinol.

Retinyl Palmitate converts through Retinol → Retinal → Retinoic Acid in the skin. Because it requires an additional conversion step compared with Retinol, its activity is more gradual, which is exactly why it can be a good option for sensitive, dry or retinoid-new skin.

They are calculated Retinol-equivalent strengths based on molecular loading.

Retinyl Palmitate has a different molecular weight from Retinol, so the amount used in each formula is adjusted to provide the corresponding molar equivalent of Retinol.

That does not mean 1% Retin-oil behaves exactly like 1% pure Retinol. Retinyl Palmitate still follows a longer conversion pathway, so it works more slowly and gradually.

Choose based on your retinoid experience and skin tolerance, not simply the highest number.

• 0.2%: Best if you're completely new to retinoids, very sensitive or want the most cautious starting point.
• 0.5%: A good middle option once your skin is comfortable with retinoids.
• 1%: Best for experienced Retin-oil users who already tolerate the lower strengths comfortably.

You do not need to keep moving up if your current strength is working well for you.

It theoretically can happen, but is highly unlikely and not a complaint we’ve ever received. 

Retinyl Palmitate works more gradually than pure Retinol, which is one reason many sensitive or retinoid-new users may find it easier to introduce.

Yes. Sensitive and retinoid-cautious skin is one of the main audiences for this formula.

Start with 0.2% two or three nights per week, moisturise properly and increase frequency only once your skin is completely comfortable.

If your barrier is currently burning, heavily irritated or damaged, allow it to recover before introducing a retinoid.

It can, but the oil format might not be everyone's preference.

The lipid base was deliberately designed to be predominantly acne and fungal-acne friendly, rather than relying on a conventional blend of heavy facial oils. However, if your skin is very oily or your main concern is active acne, post-acne marks and clogged pores, our Encapsulated Retinol + B5 Serum might be the better fit.

Retin-oil is more naturally positioned around gradual age-defence, texture and dry/sensitive skin comfort.

Yes, but alternate them when you're starting.

For example:

Night 1: Retin-oil
Night 2: Moisturiser / recovery
Night 3: Salicylic or Glycolic Acid
Night 4: Moisturiser / recovery

Once your skin is experienced with both products, frequency can be adjusted. There is usually no benefit in making your routine unnecessarily irritating by stacking strong actives from day one.

Think in weeks rather than days.

Improvements in smoothness, dullness and overall texture may start becoming noticeable over roughly 8–12 weeks, while fine-line and longer-term preventative ageing benefits require more consistent use over several months.

Retinoids work best as a long-term habit, not a short treatment course.

Retin-oil is the slower, more gradual retinoid option; Encapsulated Retinol + B5 contains actual Retinol and is more treatment-led.

Choose Retin-oil if you are a beginner or have sensitive skin;want a cushioned, more gradual retinoid pathway, and your main concerns are preventative ageing, dullness and texture support. 

Choose Encapsulated Retinol + B5 if you want actual retinol, more direct treatment of breakouts, marks and texture, acne and early ageing addressed together and a lightweight emulsion with 5% Panthenol for barrier support.

No. We do not recommend retinoids during pregnancy.