Retinoids is an umbrella term for all topical treatments containing derivatives of Vitamin A. The most common are retinoic acid, retinol, retinaldehyde (aka retinal) and retinol esters. Retinoids have become increasingly popular as they help provide anti-ageing benefits, improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation and acne by increasing cell turnover, resulting in smoother, firmer, clearer skin.
Difference between RetinAL and RetinOL
The key difference between retinal and retinol is that both need to be converted to retinoic acid to reach clinical skin benefits, however, retinol needs to go through two conversion steps whereas retinal only needs to go through one conversion. This means retinal works 11x faster than retinol but without any additional side effects. In addition, our Advanced Retinal Serum is a natural formula compared to retinol which is usually synthetic.
Our key ingredients:
- Retinal Compound Halobacterium Salinarum – Found in pink salt lakes, bacteriorhodopsin is a retinal protein located in the purple membrane of Halobacterium salinarum. It works 11x faster than retinol, can help reduce fine lines and acne, while improving the overall skin texture.
- Butterfly Lavender Extract - Acts like Sellotape for the epidermis, fixing and relaxing the wrinkle caused by daily muscular contractions, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst also helping to improve skin texture.
- Algae Extract – Sustainably harvested, this organic seaweed extract acts as the base for this waterless, anti-ageing hero. Prior to extraction, the seaweed is washed using upcycled sea water and is entirely waterless in its extraction process, eradicating the need for fresh water throughout the manufacturing cycle, whilst providing hydrating properties for skin.
Our retinal has been trailed and tested with below clinical trials
- 10.2% Improvement in skin hydration
- 17.4 % improvement in wrinkles depth after 24 hours
- 12.7% improvement in skin roughness after 24 hours
- Works 11x faster than retinol
Who should use a Retinal?
This would work best for most skin types, for those with very sensitive skin, pregnant or breastfeeding may prefer to try our Certified Organic Rejuvenating Cacay & Frankincense Facial Oil.
Our formula Advance Retinal Serum has been created to help with the below skin concerns in mind:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Pigmentation
- Blemishes
- Textured skin
- Enlarge pores
- Rosacea
How to apply our Advanced Retinal Serum
New to retinal? Don’t worry we've got you covered! The best way to apply our Advanced Retinal Serum would be in the evening, this is because retinal may cause skin irritation when exposed to sunlight. Our skin expert Bhavini recommends the below retinal evening routine:
- Certified Organic Clarifying Safflower & Geranium Cleansing Oil – This luxurious oil lifts makeup and grime away and is gentle enough to be used across the eyes, removing even heavy and waterproof eye makeup. Massage onto dry skin, including the eye area. Massage in a circular motion to life make-up and dirt. Remove with a warm, damp Muslin or Reusable Cotton Pad.
- Hydrating Blossom & Grapefruit Toner - This ultra-calming waterless wonder contains Mexican Giant Hyssop Extract, upcycled Grapefruit Extract and Niacinamide to help hydrate, reduce inflammation, redness and brighten the complexion. Sweep across cleansed skin using a Reusable Cotton Pad morning and/or evening.
- 1% Hyaluronic Acid Complex - Hyaluronic Acid is a water magnet that draws in moisture to your skin which can help prevent retinal side effects such as irritations and dryness by adding more hydration to the skin. (this step is optional).
- Advanced Retinal Serum (0.05%) - Clinically proven natural ingredients to help reduce the appearance, of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture. Apply a pea-sized amount onto the skin avoiding the eye area.
- Prickly Pear & Algae Collagen Renewal Moisturiser - Contains clinically proven ingredients shown to increase collagen production, improve skin elasticity and increase skin hydration. Allow retinal to absorb to the skin before applying moisturiser.
- Follow with a sunscreen in the morning.
Please avoid any other active ingredient in the same routine as retinal such as AHA/BHA/PHA, vitamin c and any other harsh acids. Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Top tips for new retinal users/sensitive skin
It is normal for some retinoid users to experience skin dryness during the first few days of use as your skin adjusts to the product. Using a hyaluronic acid serum before retinal and a moisturiser after retinal will help minimize these side effects.
Importance of sunscreen when using retinoids
As previously mentioned, retinoids can cause skin sensitivity when exposed to UV light. Although you may have applied your retinoid the night before, you want to ensure in the morning you have cleansed your skin thoroughly, following with your usual morning skincare routine and you MUST apply a good sunscreen to avoid any skin irritations from sunlight. In addition, as retinoids increase cell turnover and therefore reveal new fresh skin which can be more prone to skin damage when exposed to harsh sun rays, you want to protect your skin barrier as much as you can.
What makes our formula more unique to other brands:
Naturally derived retinal
Waterless formulation
92% organically grown ingredients
99% natural origin
Vegan friendly
Cruelty-Free
Fragrance-free
You can purchase our Advance Retinal Serum today
