What it is: A dual-retinoid formula that works on two fronts: promoting clear, smooth texture and calms reactive skin, while supporting a balanced barrier.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Pores, Redness, and Acne and Blemishes
Formulation: Serum
Highlighted Ingredients: - Two Advanced Retinoids (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate and Adapinoid): Works in the pores to clear congestion and support root cause. - Astralagus and Holy Basil blend: Adaptogens soothe irritation and stressed skin. - Peptide Complex: Blend of peptides to reduce the look of pores and calm surface redness.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: This serum redefines retinol for blemish-prone skin with advanced retinoids that clear congestion and smooth texture. Adaptogenic botanicals calm reactive skin, while peptides support a healthy skin barrier—for a balanced, resilient, and clearer complexion.
Clean at Sephora Clean at Sephora is our commitment to offering effective products without certain ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oils. Learn more here.
I've been using Sunday Riley's A.I. Adaptive Retinoid Serum For Blemish Prone Skin for about two weeks now. I was using Sunday Riley's A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum and have been using it for years - about five years. I am 52-years-old and I'm still getting acne here and there. I've been using the AI Adaptive Retinoid Serum and found it to be lightweight and absorbs well. It doesn't feel sticky, heavy, or greasy. I have noticed the pores on my nose and the sides of my nose are smaller. Usually by the end of the day I can see those pores, but not with this serum. Also, the overall texture and tone of my skin is even. So my makeup wears smoother. It also helped heal some zits I had on my chin. Another great product from Sunday Riley.
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desertgirl74
Oily skin
3mos ago
Recommended
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] Very good for my chin and forehead acne. Keeps my skin exfoliated and taut. I use with a moisturizer for best result so my skin doesn’t get too dry .
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Koiiv
Normal skin
Incentivized
3mos ago
Absolutely Not
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] Another day, another review that's going to get me pulled off someone's PR list. This was my first time using a Sunday Riley product, and long story short, it won't happen again.
This was the worst retinol I've ever used. It stings, it smells weird and it left my skin tacky. Honestly, all it really has going for it is the pretty packaging.
Did I mention it was $85 freaking dollars?! In this economy? Absolutely not. Don't bother.
Aside from the product, using the term "AI" in a real-life skincare product is wild to me. AI constantly sets such unrealistic expectations beauty standards. To me, it feels tone-deaf to name a serum after something that has caused so much harm to the beauty industry as a whole. Like I mentioned before, this was my first Sunday Riley product. I'm so unimpressed that I'll be avoiding this brand entirely from now on.
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Saxonblues89
Combination skin
Incentivized
4mos ago
Not great … not bad
I got this retinol to help with my acne flare up’s and improve texture and while I notice some minor improvement this product doesn’t deliver as drastic of a change as A+
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paulinasimss
Oily skin
4mos ago
Recommended
Acne prone serum
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] Loving this retiniod serum by Sunday Riley. This product is great for acne prone skin. It helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and also gives benefits of anti-aging.
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kellm24
Normal skin
Incentivized
4mos ago
Recommended
It is really good i recommend
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] got it for my mom, the ingredients are nice and clean. Packaging was beautiful. Texture is light, no scent which is good and effective when it comes to usage
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shukiii
Oily skin
Incentivized
5mos ago
Recommended
Gentle & Effective
I have blemish-prone skin and was nervous about using a retinoid, but this one is surprisingly gentle. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t feel heavy, and has helped smooth my skin and calm breakouts. I’ve noticed clearer-looking skin without major irritation. Definitely a great option if you want results without harsh side effects!
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KAIVMUZE
Sensitive skin
Verified Purchase
5mos ago
Poor quality control
I suspect I received a defective bottle, which is quite disappointing given the price. The formula felt unusually oily/liquid-like (more like a makeup remover than a serum).
I experienced a similar issue with the Sunday Riley Breakout Breakup Cleanser, but in that case the texture became more gel-like after shaking the bottle. Shaking this product did not resolve the issue.
After my first use, I woke up with two new small pimples. I have oily, acne-prone skin that is also quite sensitive, and this product did not perform as expected.
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AshleyLynnMille
Oily skin
6mos ago
Pales in comparison to Caudalie
I usually use Caudalie Vinopure serum but wanted to try something more powerful. After a few months of using this plus the Peace Keeper serum and the Breakout Breakup cleanser, I gave up, noticing no improvements in my skin. Sticking to Caudalie.
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lexica10
Oily skin
6mos ago
Recommended
Extremely good
[I received this product in exchange for my honest review] Extremely good retinoid to begin this journey! It didn’t cause me purging, yes I know it can be normal, but this one is really good even though for sensitive skin! My skin after using it for two weeks every 2 days became shiny and comedones began to reduce. Didn’t cause me any redness because it is very gentle with the skin
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auroraprz
Combination skin
Incentivized
What it is: A dual-retinoid formula that works on two fronts: promoting clear, smooth texture and calms reactive skin, while supporting a balanced barrier.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Pores, Redness, and Acne and Blemishes
Formulation: Serum
Highlighted Ingredients: - Two Advanced Retinoids (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate and Adapinoid): Works in the pores to clear congestion and support root cause. - Astralagus and Holy Basil blend: Adaptogens soothe irritation and stressed skin. - Peptide Complex: Blend of peptides to reduce the look of pores and calm surface redness.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: This serum redefines retinol for blemish-prone skin with advanced retinoids that clear congestion and smooth texture. Adaptogenic botanicals calm reactive skin, while peptides support a healthy skin barrier—for a balanced, resilient, and clearer complexion.
Clean at Sephora Clean at Sephora is our commitment to offering effective products without certain ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oils. Learn more here.
-Two Advanced Retinoids (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate and Adapinoid): Works in the pores to clear congestion and support root cause. -Astralagus and Holy Basil blend: Adaptogens soothe irritation and stressed skin. -Peptide Complex: Blend of peptides to reduce the look of pores and calm surface redness.
The list of ingredients is subject to change. Please consult the packaging of the product purchased.
Suggested Usage: -Apply one to two pumps of A.I. Adaptive Retinoid Serum to clean, dry skin in the evening. -Can be layered with Peacekeeper Salicylic + Azelaic Acid Serum (sold separately) for advanced anti-acne power.
Summary
5
4
3
2
1
4.5★
151 Reviews*
89%
Recommended
*Some reviewers received something in exchange for a review (free product, payment, sweeps entry).
