Tira Loves
5 K-beauty picks that you buy for the packaging, but keep for the results
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We’ve all heard it. Retinol is one of the most potent skincare ingredients out there. But for all its praise, it can also be one of the trickiest to incorporate into your routine. Its potency is unmatched when it comes to fighting fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Nonetheless, it can also irritate, dry out or break out the wrong skin type, leaving many wondering if it’s worth the hype. And with so many formulations on the market, zeroing in on the wrong one is an easy feat.
But whether you’re fighting acne, navigating the dryness of mature skin or dealing with more reactive skin, the right product does exist. Here’s how to decode what might work for your skin type.
Sensitive skin—or skin that reacts easily to a new formulation—demands a gentle touch, particularly when being introduced to a potent active like retinol. The goal here is to incorporate formulas that provide all the anti-ageing benefits without triggering irritation, redness or discomfort. Fortunately, there are a few that strike this balance.
With a skin-calming formula, this serum is ideal for those who want the power of retinol without the typical inflammation or dryness. The 0.1 percent retinol concentration and 0.5 percent granactive retinoid concentration is deliberately mild, making it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone with skin that reacts easily. The addition of oil-control ingredient like niacinamide and acne-fighting ingredient like glycerin not only support the retinol’s function but also accelerate skin renewal without stripping moisture.
This Innisfree ampoule marries two powerhouse ingredients in this formula: retinol and centella asiatica (cica). Cica is a known skin healer and when paired with retinol, it works to reduce irritation, prevent inflammation and calm redness—all of which can be troublesome for sensitive skin. The addition of hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin, making it a perfect nighttime treatment.
For sensitive skin types that are also prone to dryness, an oil-based product like PIXI’s Overnight Retinol Oil can be a gamechanger. The lightweight, non-comedogenic oil provides the right balance of nourishment and renewal, with the retinol offering a slow-release mechanism to prevent over-exfoliation. With ceramides and peptides infused in the formula, this product also restores moisture levels and firms skin, while still gently tackling fine lines and uneven texture.
Oily and acne-prone skin requires a retinol formula that can effectively target clogged pores and inflammation without exacerbating oil production. The key here is non-comedogenic formulations that manage excess sebum while still promoting cell turnover and treating acne.
The 0.5% concentration of retinol in The Ordinary’s squalane-based serum is a well-balanced option for those dealing with both acne and signs of ageing. The squalane helps to hydrate without clogging pores, so you can combat acne without the added dryness often associated with stronger retinol formulations. This oil-free formula absorbs quickly and leaves the skin matte, making it a great option for those who want to see improvement in acne scars, even texture and reduced fine lines.
COSRX is known for its minimalist products—and their retinol oil is no exception. With a 0.5 percent retinol concentration, it works steadily to target acne while smoothing out texture. Unlike many oils, this doesn’t clog pores; instead, it softens and hydrates. It’s an ideal solution for those who’ve built some level of tolerance for retinol and need a treatment that won’t increase their risk of breakouts.
Unlike some stronger retinol products, this one is designed to be gentler, helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars and prevent new breakouts without causing excessive dryness or irritation. The formula also includes added hydration from ingredients like glycerin, which counterbalance retinol’s exfoliating effects. It’s an ideal option for those who want the benefits of retinol without the intensity of higher concentrations. Incorporate it into your routine without risking getting acne and facing excessive irritation.
For dry and mature skin, the challenge lies in finding a retinol formula that offers both intensive anti-ageing benefits and sufficient hydration. Here, retinol needs to work in harmony with moisturising and barrier-repair ingredients to replenish lost moisture while promoting skin renewal.
This serum is perfectly suited for those who have dry skin and need a gentle retinol experience. The 0.3 percent concentration is low enough to avoid irritation, while still offering results. One thing to note, however: the formulation pairs retinol with vitamin C. Hence, if your skin is reactive, refrain from using the duo together. But if you have experience using both, this may work wonders and offer brightening effects, too.
This unique serum blends 0.2 percent retinol with peptides, making it a great choice for those looking to combat the signs of ageing with an added boost of collagen production. Peptides support the skin's natural repair process, while retinol accelerates cell turnover, smoothing fine lines and evening out skin texture. This formulation is deeply hydrating, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture levels, while also targeting the underlying causes of skin ageing. It’s the ideal pick for those with dry skin that craves both anti-ageing benefits and nourishment.
For those with dry and mature skin, this one may be an ideal pick. The 0.3 percent concentration is mild but effective; and the inclusion of Coenzyme Q10 adds an antioxidant boost to protect against environmental damage. The formula also features bakuchiol and squalane, which help boost skin elasticity and lock in moisture. This serum addresses both fine lines and dehydration, helping to restore a glow while ensuring the skin stays plump and nourished.
Sensitive skin—or skin that reacts easily to a new formulation—demands a gentle touch, particularly when being introduced to a potent active like retinol. The goal here is to incorporate formulas that provide all the anti-ageing benefits without triggering irritation, redness or discomfort. Fortunately, there are a few that strike this balance.
With a skin-calming formula, this serum is ideal for those who want the power of retinol without the typical inflammation or dryness. The 0.1 percent retinol concentration and 0.5 percent granactive retinoid concentration is deliberately mild, making it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone with skin that reacts easily. The addition of oil-control ingredient like niacinamide and acne-fighting ingredient like glycerin not only support the retinol’s function but also accelerate skin renewal without stripping moisture.
This Innisfree ampoule marries two powerhouse ingredients in this formula: retinol and centella asiatica (cica). Cica is a known skin healer and when paired with retinol, it works to reduce irritation, prevent inflammation and calm redness—all of which can be troublesome for sensitive skin. The addition of hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin, making it a perfect nighttime treatment.
For sensitive skin types that are also prone to dryness, an oil-based product like PIXI’s Overnight Retinol Oil can be a gamechanger. The lightweight, non-comedogenic oil provides the right balance of nourishment and renewal, with the retinol offering a slow-release mechanism to prevent over-exfoliation. With ceramides and peptides infused in the formula, this product also restores moisture levels and firms skin, while still gently tackling fine lines and uneven texture.
Oily and acne-prone skin requires a retinol formula that can effectively target clogged pores and inflammation without exacerbating oil production. The key here is non-comedogenic formulations that manage excess sebum while still promoting cell turnover and treating acne.
The 0.5% concentration of retinol in The Ordinary’s squalane-based serum is a well-balanced option for those dealing with both acne and signs of ageing. The squalane helps to hydrate without clogging pores, so you can combat acne without the added dryness often associated with stronger retinol formulations. This oil-free formula absorbs quickly and leaves the skin matte, making it a great option for those who want to see improvement in acne scars, even texture and reduced fine lines.
COSRX is known for its minimalist products—and their retinol oil is no exception. With a 0.5 percent retinol concentration, it works steadily to target acne while smoothing out texture. Unlike many oils, this doesn’t clog pores; instead, it softens and hydrates. It’s an ideal solution for those who’ve built some level of tolerance for retinol and need a treatment that won’t increase their risk of breakouts.
Unlike some stronger retinol products, this one is designed to be gentler, helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars and prevent new breakouts without causing excessive dryness or irritation. The formula also includes added hydration from ingredients like glycerin, which counterbalance retinol’s exfoliating effects. It’s an ideal option for those who want the benefits of retinol without the intensity of higher concentrations. Incorporate it into your routine without risking getting acne and facing excessive irritation.
For dry and mature skin, the challenge lies in finding a retinol formula that offers both intensive anti-ageing benefits and sufficient hydration. Here, retinol needs to work in harmony with moisturising and barrier-repair ingredients to replenish lost moisture while promoting skin renewal.
This serum is perfectly suited for those who have dry skin and need a gentle retinol experience. The 0.3 percent concentration is low enough to avoid irritation, while still offering results. One thing to note, however: the formulation pairs retinol with vitamin C. Hence, if your skin is reactive, refrain from using the duo together. But if you have experience using both, this may work wonders and offer brightening effects, too.
This unique serum blends 0.2 percent retinol with peptides, making it a great choice for those looking to combat the signs of ageing with an added boost of collagen production. Peptides support the skin's natural repair process, while retinol accelerates cell turnover, smoothing fine lines and evening out skin texture. This formulation is deeply hydrating, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture levels, while also targeting the underlying causes of skin ageing. It’s the ideal pick for those with dry skin that craves both anti-ageing benefits and nourishment.
For those with dry and mature skin, this one may be an ideal pick. The 0.3 percent concentration is mild but effective; and the inclusion of Coenzyme Q10 adds an antioxidant boost to protect against environmental damage. The formula also features bakuchiol and squalane, which help boost skin elasticity and lock in moisture. This serum addresses both fine lines and dehydration, helping to restore a glow while ensuring the skin stays plump and nourished.
Sensitive skin—or skin that reacts easily to a new formulation—demands a gentle touch, particularly when being introduced to a potent active like retinol. The goal here is to incorporate formulas that provide all the anti-ageing benefits without triggering irritation, redness or discomfort. Fortunately, there are a few that strike this balance.
With a skin-calming formula, this serum is ideal for those who want the power of retinol without the typical inflammation or dryness. The 0.1 percent retinol concentration and 0.5 percent granactive retinoid concentration is deliberately mild, making it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone with skin that reacts easily. The addition of oil-control ingredient like niacinamide and acne-fighting ingredient like glycerin not only support the retinol’s function but also accelerate skin renewal without stripping moisture.
This Innisfree ampoule marries two powerhouse ingredients in this formula: retinol and centella asiatica (cica). Cica is a known skin healer and when paired with retinol, it works to reduce irritation, prevent inflammation and calm redness—all of which can be troublesome for sensitive skin. The addition of hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin, making it a perfect nighttime treatment.
For sensitive skin types that are also prone to dryness, an oil-based product like PIXI’s Overnight Retinol Oil can be a gamechanger. The lightweight, non-comedogenic oil provides the right balance of nourishment and renewal, with the retinol offering a slow-release mechanism to prevent over-exfoliation. With ceramides and peptides infused in the formula, this product also restores moisture levels and firms skin, while still gently tackling fine lines and uneven texture.
Oily and acne-prone skin requires a retinol formula that can effectively target clogged pores and inflammation without exacerbating oil production. The key here is non-comedogenic formulations that manage excess sebum while still promoting cell turnover and treating acne.
The 0.5% concentration of retinol in The Ordinary’s squalane-based serum is a well-balanced option for those dealing with both acne and signs of ageing. The squalane helps to hydrate without clogging pores, so you can combat acne without the added dryness often associated with stronger retinol formulations. This oil-free formula absorbs quickly and leaves the skin matte, making it a great option for those who want to see improvement in acne scars, even texture and reduced fine lines.
COSRX is known for its minimalist products—and their retinol oil is no exception. With a 0.5 percent retinol concentration, it works steadily to target acne while smoothing out texture. Unlike many oils, this doesn’t clog pores; instead, it softens and hydrates. It’s an ideal solution for those who’ve built some level of tolerance for retinol and need a treatment that won’t increase their risk of breakouts.
Unlike some stronger retinol products, this one is designed to be gentler, helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars and prevent new breakouts without causing excessive dryness or irritation. The formula also includes added hydration from ingredients like glycerin, which counterbalance retinol’s exfoliating effects. It’s an ideal option for those who want the benefits of retinol without the intensity of higher concentrations. Incorporate it into your routine without risking getting acne and facing excessive irritation.
For dry and mature skin, the challenge lies in finding a retinol formula that offers both intensive anti-ageing benefits and sufficient hydration. Here, retinol needs to work in harmony with moisturising and barrier-repair ingredients to replenish lost moisture while promoting skin renewal.
This serum is perfectly suited for those who have dry skin and need a gentle retinol experience. The 0.3 percent concentration is low enough to avoid irritation, while still offering results. One thing to note, however: the formulation pairs retinol with vitamin C. Hence, if your skin is reactive, refrain from using the duo together. But if you have experience using both, this may work wonders and offer brightening effects, too.
This unique serum blends 0.2 percent retinol with peptides, making it a great choice for those looking to combat the signs of ageing with an added boost of collagen production. Peptides support the skin's natural repair process, while retinol accelerates cell turnover, smoothing fine lines and evening out skin texture. This formulation is deeply hydrating, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture levels, while also targeting the underlying causes of skin ageing. It’s the ideal pick for those with dry skin that craves both anti-ageing benefits and nourishment.
For those with dry and mature skin, this one may be an ideal pick. The 0.3 percent concentration is mild but effective; and the inclusion of Coenzyme Q10 adds an antioxidant boost to protect against environmental damage. The formula also features bakuchiol and squalane, which help boost skin elasticity and lock in moisture. This serum addresses both fine lines and dehydration, helping to restore a glow while ensuring the skin stays plump and nourished.
