Retinol Serum | The INKEY List

• Only use Retinol Serum in your PM skincare routine.
• After cleansing and hydrating with your chosen hydrator, apply a pea-sized amount of Retinol Serum and massage into to the face and neck.
• For the fragile skin around the eyes, we recommend using Retinol Eye Cream
• Follow with preferred moisturizer. We suggest Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturizer for those wanting to tackle first signs of aging and support barrier function.
• Start off using it 1-2 times per week and increase gradually if your skin can tolerate more frequent use.
• Apply SPF as the last step in your AM skincare routine. 
• INKEY Tip:
  • When layering treatments, we suggest working from the thinnest to thickest consistency. Waiting a minute or so between applying each treatment will also help to avoid pilling.
  • If you have more sensitive skin, use Niacinamide before Retinol Serum to help decrease irritation.
  • Avoid using at the same time as AHAs (Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Apple Cider Vinegar or Mandelic Acid), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid or C-50 Blemish Treatment), or PHA Toner. Use on alternate nights
  • If you have marks in the form of post-acne scars, dark discoloration or deep wrinkles which give the appearance of uneven texture and tone, we suggest trying Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution with 1% Retinol.

When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here.

To keep your product working at its best, we recommend storing in a dry, cool place (ideally between 59-77 °F) and keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid direct contact with eyes. External use only. Keep out of reach of children.

How to recycle your INKEY List products.

*6-week independent consumer trial of 61 people.

• 1% RETINYL ACETATE: A stable slow-release retinol to gently resurface skin and enhance surface skin cell turnover. Improves appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
• 0.5% GRANACTIVE RETINOID: An additional slow-release retinol that helps to renew the appearance of skin and target first signs of aging, leaving it feeling plumper and more elastic.
• 0.5% Squalane for hydration and soothing.

Aqua (water), Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Tocopherol, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan isostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Phospholipids, Glycine soja (soybean) oil, Glycolipids, Glycine soja (soybean) sterols, Retinyl acetate, Dimethicone, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Hyaluronic acid, Dimethyl isosorbide, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Sodium lactate, Tocopheryl acetate, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Sodium hydroxide, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY RETINOL SERUM IN MY ROUTINE? Retinol Serum is your PM ‘Treat’ step. Layer Retinol Serum as your last treatment and follow up with a moisturizer.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE IT? Start of with 1-2 times per week and increase gradually if your skin can tolerate more frequent use.

CAN RETINOL SERUM BE USED LONG TERM?  If used appropriately, Retinol Serum is suitable for long term use.

WHY CAN'T I USE RETINOL SERUM IN THE MORNING? As Retinol speeds up skin renewal, newer skin reaches the surface quicker. This can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. That's why we recommended only using Retinol Serum in the PM and always using a broad spectrum sunscreen during the day.

SHOULD I FOLLOW WITH A MOISTURIZER? Yes, it is important to still use the moisturizer. This is due the fact Retinol Serum can have drying effects on our skin. If you’re only just starting out and your skin is on a sensitive side, you could apply Retinol on top of moisturizer to minimise the risk of dehydration.

WHEN USING WITH OTHER ACTIVE INGREDIENTS We do not recommend using Retinol Serum and Vitamin C at the same time. It is best to use Retinol in the PM. So, if using a Vitamin C, we would recommend using this in the morning. If you are also using AHAs (Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid or Apple Cider Vinegar), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid, C-50 Blemish Treatment) or PHA Toner in your evening routine, and want to add Retinol Serum, we suggest using these on alternate evenings and ensuring you start off slowly to ensure you do not sensitise the skin. What products should I not layer together? >

WHY DO I NEED TO WEAR SUNSCREEN WHEN USING RETINOL SERUM? Due to the exfoliating properties of Retinol Serum, and the fact it increases skin renewal, means the top layer of skin is newer and potentially more sensitive to sunlight. So we always recommend using in the PM and wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen during the day.

IS IT SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? If your skin is on the sensitive side we would not recommend Retinol Serum. We recommend patch testing before just to be on the safe side in case any irritation occurs. To patch test, apply a small amount of product to your inner arm and wait 24/48 hours to see if any irritation occurs. However, if you have very sensitive skin, or are pregnant or breast feeding, we suggest you try our Bakuchiol Moisturizer. A natural alternative to Retinol Serum. It also helps target signs of ageing and is suitable for all.

I AM EXPERIENCING SOME IRRITATION WHILE USING THIS RETINOL SERUM, DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS? Start off using it 1-2 times per week and increase gradually if your skin can tolerate more frequent use. If you have more sensitive skin, use Niacinamide before Retinol Serum to help decrease irritation. 

WHEN SHOULD I START USING RETINOL SERUM? We recommend starting at age 25, when skin cell turnover starts to slow.

I HAVE ACNE CAN I STILL USE THIS? Our Retinol Serum is more geared towards anti-aging than to acne or breakouts, so we suggest using over 25 when skin cell turnover starts to slow. If you're looking for a retinol to help with acne we'd suggest checking in with a doctor or dermatologist who'll be able to advise and offer a wide range of treatment options suitable for you.

CAN RETINOL SERUM HELP WITH ACNE SCARS? With properties of increasing cell turnover, and improving texture, Retinol can help to reduce discolouration left from acne. It’s important to understand what type of scarring you have before treating with Retinol so we would recommend to visit your doctor/ dermatologist. We would suggest trying Mandelic Acid if you are wanting to reduce the appearance of dark spots or have slight discolouration. Alternatively, if you have marks in the form of post-acne scars or dark discoloration we recommend trying Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution with 1% Retinol.

I’M NOTICING MY SKIN IN PURGING WHEN I STARTED USING RETINOL SERUM, HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? Purging can take up to 4- 6 weeks. During this period it is important to maintain consistent usage and keep the skin hydrated. It’s important to ensure you are using the right cleanser and moisturizer to keep your skin balanced. Using serums like Niacinamide can also help to restore and balance your skin. If your purge lasts longer than six weeks, discontinue use and seek medical advice. Learn more about purging >

MY RETINOL SERUM HAS CHANGED COLOUR, WHY? The colour is due the nature of the natural materials used in the formulation and are therefore prone to oxidation - we can however confirm that this does not negate the efficacy, nor the safety of the product. 

WHAT IS THE PH LEVEL OF THIS PRODUCT? PH LEVEL: 5.53

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS? Retinol Serum can take up to six weeks to show results. This is due to the time it takes for your skin cells to be replaced. Consistency is key, so continue with you routine even if you’re not seeing the effects straight away. It can be very tempting to increase use of some products to try and see quicker results, don't overdo it though. More is not always better change for future. Overuse can cause irritation and sensitivity.

IS IT PREGNANCY SAFE? We do not recommend this product if pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use. Your guide to pregnancy safe skincare

IS THIS PRODUCT VEGAN? Yes! Retinol Serum contains no animal derivatives and is now certified by The Vegan Society.