What it is: A gentle, barrier-supporting beginner retinol serum that visibly smooths fine lines, evens tone, and refines texture, without irritation.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, and Combination
Skincare Concerns: Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Uneven Texture, and Uneven Skin Tone
Formulation: Serum
Highlighted Ingredients: - Dual-Retinoid Complex (1% Granactive Retinoid Pro+ and 0.01% Retinal): Visibly smooths fine lines without irritation. - 0.2% SymRelief 100: Soothes and supports your skin barrier.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan and cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: Formulated for first-time retinol users and sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, this lightweight serum combines encapsulated Granactive Retinoid Pro+ with 0.01% retinal to support cell turnover and visibly smooth fine lines, while 0.2% SymRelief 100 soothes skin and supports the skin barrier without redness.
Clinical Results: In a 4-week clinical study on 30 participants, results showed: - Clinically proven to smooth fine lines from 7 days, without irritation
In a 12-week consumer study of 130 participants: - 95% experienced zero irritation or redness - Over 80% saw revived, firmer, and more even skin in 2 weeks
In a 4-week In-Vitro study, results showed: - The INKEY List’s encapsulated retinol is 2x more effective than standard retinol
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 have used this product in my evening routine every couple of days. I really like the creamy yet not too thick texture, it creates a thin breathable layer on the skin. It does not irritate my skin, which I kind of was afraid it will, but it is very gentle. My skin feels radiant, healthy and hydrated after use. The packaging is easy to travel with and cute. I like it. Props for the clean formula and affordable price!
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Patipitts1
Combination skin
Incentivized
1w ago
Recommended
Does what it says
I have been using retinol two to three times a week for a while now, so merging this product into my routine was seamless. I feel the term serum may have been a little inaccurate, as the consistency seems thicker than my expectation of a serum. I needed to use slightly more than suggested, as I put it on my face and my neck. There’s a scent to it, not a bad one, but I can’t quite figure out what it is. Whatever the scent is, I have it in my spice cabinet. The box was also a little confusing because it’s supposed to go between the hydrating and moisturizing steps; aren’t those the same? I’d repurchase. I’m happy with it, but it’s not groundbreaking.
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olliethelittle
Normal skin
Incentivized
1w ago
Recommended
Love it!
I’m very impressed so far with this starter Retinol serum. It feels lightweight, absorbs quickly, all without leaving my skin greasy or sticky. I was a little nervous about irritation since I’m fairly new to retinol but my skin has handled this product really well so far. I would recommend!
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rhiannabare
Oily skin
Incentivized
1w ago
Recommended
Great
I’ve been wanting to add retinol into my routine without starting with something too strong, and this was the perfect introduction. The texture is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. I’ve been using it a few nights a week, and so far my skin feels smoother and looks a little more refined. I also appreciate that it hasn’t caused any major irritation, which is always my biggest concern with retinol. If you’re new to retinol and want something gentle to ease into, this is definitely worth trying.
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syahida
Combination skin
Incentivized
1w ago
Recommended
effective yet gentle enough for everyday use
I use the retinol serum and I am really impressed! It is extremely gentle on the skin, does not cause irritation or dryness, and makes it noticeably smoother and more even. Perfect choice if you are just starting to use retinol. And be sure to use SPF protection
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korniychuchka
Oily skin
Incentivized
1w ago
Recommended
The Inkey list starter retinol is perfect for a beginner like me. I use this 2-3x a week. I always follow with a gentle moisturizer and SPF in the morning. This product is easy to use and I only need two pea size to cover my entire face. I noticed a bit of dryness in the beginning but overall it’s a gentle product.
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mcmorix3
Dry skin
Incentivized
1w ago
Recommended
This retinol serum has a gentle formula, making it ideal for people who just started to use retinol. I only used a small amount and applied a thin layer, it didn't irritate my skin, but I recommend applying a moisturizer afterwards if this is something new.
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lelae
Incentivized
1w ago
Recommended
super gentle retinol! im still pretty new to retinol, this is my first year and im so glad i got to try this starter retinol serum! no purging and non irritating. i use a pea size once a week and my skin has been glowing!
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koukyonmabuchi
Oily skin
Incentivized
1w ago
Recommended
love it
I've been using this retinol consistently, and I'm genuinely impressed with the results. My skin feels smoother, looks brighter, and my overall texture has improved noticeably. After a few weeks, I started seeing a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and post-acne marks, and my complexion looks more even. The formula absorbs well without feeling greasy, and it layers nicely with the rest of my skincare routine. I made sure to start slowly and use it a few nights a week, followed by a good moisturizer, which helped minimize any irritation. If you're new to retinol, I definitely recommend easing into it and wearing sunscreen daily. Overall, this has been a great addition to my skincare routine, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to improve skin texture, tone, and overall radiance.
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Belfanm
Oily skin
Incentivized
1w ago
Recommended
I love this starter retinol and it is so perfect for someone new to retinol. I also love how it’s affordable and perfect for sensitive skin. If you are interested in trying or starting retinol I would definitely start with this product. I received this in exchange for this post.
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cmackerbeauty
Combination skin
Incentivized
What it is: A gentle, barrier-supporting beginner retinol serum that visibly smooths fine lines, evens tone, and refines texture, without irritation.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, and Combination
Skincare Concerns: Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Uneven Texture, and Uneven Skin Tone
Formulation: Serum
Highlighted Ingredients: - Dual-Retinoid Complex (1% Granactive Retinoid Pro+ and 0.01% Retinal): Visibly smooths fine lines without irritation. - 0.2% SymRelief 100: Soothes and supports your skin barrier.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan and cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: Formulated for first-time retinol users and sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, this lightweight serum combines encapsulated Granactive Retinoid Pro+ with 0.01% retinal to support cell turnover and visibly smooth fine lines, while 0.2% SymRelief 100 soothes skin and supports the skin barrier without redness.
Clinical Results: In a 4-week clinical study on 30 participants, results showed: - Clinically proven to smooth fine lines from 7 days, without irritation
In a 12-week consumer study of 130 participants: - 95% experienced zero irritation or redness - Over 80% saw revived, firmer, and more even skin in 2 weeks
In a 4-week In-Vitro study, results showed: - The INKEY List’s encapsulated retinol is 2x more effective than standard retinol
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.
-Dual-Retinoid Complex (1% Granactive Retinoid Pro+ and 0.01% Retinal): Visibly smooths fine lines without irritation. -0.2% SymRelief 100: Soothes and supports your skin barrier.
The list of ingredients is subject to change. Please consult the packaging of the product purchased.
Suggested Usage: -Use in the evening only, two to three nights a week to start. Increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. -Always follow with moisturizer and use SPF the next morning.
Summary
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4
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4.8★
326 Reviews*
99%
Recommended
*Some reviewers received something in exchange for a review (free product, payment, sweeps entry).