Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum | The INKEY List

Use PM only, 2-3 nights a week to start. Increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. After cleansing and applying your hydrator, smooth a pea-sized amount into face and neck. Follow with your preferred moisturiser. Always use SPF in your AM routine.  

INKEY Tip

Hydration is key before using any retinoids. Supercharge results by applying Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex before Advanced Retinal Serum - this glow-boosting hydration step helps optimize retinal performance, and used together, the duo is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines by 82% in 8 days*.

New to using retinoids? Try our Starter Retinol.

Heads up

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

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place (15–25°C). Keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid eyes. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

*Clinical study of 26 participants over 8 days.

• Clinically proven to visibly reduce deep wrinkles in just 1 week*
• Over 80% saw visibly rejuvenated, radiant and more even skin in 2 weeks**
• Retinal works 11x faster than standard retinol***
• 85% saw firmer, more lifted skin in 4 weeks**
• 80% saw visible improvement in skin radiance**

*8-week clinical study of 26 participants

** 8-week consumer trial of 105 participants

*** G. Siegenthaler et al., Retinol and retinal metabolism, Biochemical Journal, 1990, 268, pp 371-378

• 0.2% Retinal: A powerful form of vitamin A that works up to 11x faster than standard retinol to speed up cell turnover, smooth fine lines, refine texture and even skin tone. 
• 2% Sirtalice™: A marine ferment extract that energizes skin cells to improve firmness, with visible lifting and smoothing effects in as little as 30 minutes.
• SymSitive® 1609*: A fast-acting soothing active that calms skin within minutes, strengthens the barrier and reduces sensitivity over time.

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Isohexadecane, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Glyceryl Stearate, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Retinal, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Tocophersolan, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Bacillus Ferment, Lactic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STARTER RETINOL SERUM VS ADVANCED RETINAL? 

Starter Retinol is formulated with gentle retinoids, perfect for beginners, whereas Advanced Retinal contains a potent level of Retinal (0.2%) so is best for those who are confident with Retinoid use. 

WHICH IS STRONGER: RETINOL OR RETINAL? 

Retinal. It needs less conversion in the skin to get to the active stage (Retinoic Acid)

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RETINOL & RETINAL?

Retinol and Retinal are both types of Retinoid.

Retinol is a gentler form of Vitamin A, making it well suited to beginners and those with sensitive skin. Once applied, retinol needs to convert twice in the skin — first into retinal and then into retinoic acid, the active form the skin can use. Because of this two-step conversion process, results appear more gradually, typically within 8–12 weeks. While effective, retinol is less potent than retinal and carries a minimal risk of irritation, which makes it a reliable and approachable entry point into vitamin A skincare.

Retinal, on the other hand, is a more potent derivative of Vitamin A and sits just one step away from retinoic acid. It only needs to convert once in the skin, allowing it to work more efficiently and deliver faster visible results, often within 4–8 weeks. Due to its higher potency, retinal can work up to 11 times faster than retinol and is best suited to experienced retinol users. While the irritation risk is moderate, this is typically balanced with barrier-supporting ingredients to help maintain skin comfort.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY RETINAL SERUM?  

In the PM after cleansing and before moisturising.  

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE IT?  

We’d recommend starting 2 to 3 times a week, if you feel like you can build up to more frequently then the product can be used every evening. 

CAN I USE IT EVERY NIGHT?  

Yes with consistent use and gradual build up. 

CAN I USE IT LONG TERM?  

Yes, you can continue to use this product ongoing. 

WHY NOT IN THE MORNING?  

Retinoids can leave skin sensitive to the sun, so they should not be used in the AM. Also, always use SPF in your AM routine! 

IS IT SAFE TO USE WHEN I'M GOING OUT IN THE SUN?  

It is safe if you're using it in the evening and applying SPF well before going out in the AM.

WHY DO I NEED SPF WITH RETINOL?  

Retinol causes skin cell turn over which can leave your skin sensitive to sunlight. 

DO I NEED MOISTURISER AFTER?  

Yes we would recommend applying moisturiser after use. We suggest BioActive Moisturiser 

CAN I USE AROUND MY EYE AREA? 

We would advise avoiding the sensitive eye area. Use our Retinol Eye Cream that is specifically formulated for delicate under eye areas 

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID LAYERING WITH?  

Other retinoids or exfoliating acids 

HOW DO I USE IT ALONGSIDE VITAMIN C?  

While you can use Retinol and Vitamin C together, it's better to use vitamin C in the day time for antioxidant protection and Retinol in the evening. Vitamin C and Retinoids can occasionally cause sensitivity if paired together. 

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?  

You should start to see results within one week, however by four weeks you should start to see a real difference, for maximum results use for 3 months. 

WHAT IF IM EXPERIENCING IRRITATION?  

We would advise you stop using the product and contact us if you have any concerns, you may want to reintroduce the product slowly into your regime. 

IS PURGING NORMAL?  

There is a potential for purging, however any purging should be short lived. Purging can happen when using Retinoids and Exfoliating Acids. Learn more about purging here 

WHAT DOES ENCAPSULATED MEAN?

Our retinoid encapsulated systems use protective carriers to protect them within the formula, support even absorption, and allow them to release gradually on skin. This supports product stability and delivers consistent results with a gentler feel and less risk of irritation.

WHEN SHOULD I START USING ADVANCED RETINAL?  

We advise from 35 upwards. 

DOES THIS REPLACE THE INKEY 1% RETINOL?  

We have discontinued the SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum, this product is a good alternative as it's also suitable for those who are experienced with Retinoids. This Advanced Retinal product contains 0.2% Retinal as opposed to 1% Retinol. 

WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF RETINAL?  

0.2% Retinal 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE VS BEGINNER RETINOL?  

Starter Retinol is formulated with gentle retinoids, perfect for beginners, whereas Advanced Retinal contains a potent level of Retinal (0.2%) so is best for those who are confident with Retinoid use. 

WHICH IS STRONGER: RETINOL OR RETINAL?  

Retinal is a more potent retinoid. It needs less conversion steps in the skin to get to the active stage. 

IS IT SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?  

This product hasn't been tested on sensitive skin. 

IS IT SUITABLE FOR ROSACEA-PRONE SKIN?  

This product hasn't been tested on rosacea prone skin. 

CAN I USE IT IF I HAVE BLEMISH PRONE SKIN?  

Yes, but we always advise completing a patch test before use. 

CAN IT HELP WITH BLEMISH SCARS?  

This product will help reduce the appearance of post blemish marks, with consistent use.  

CAN IT HELP WITH HYPERPGIMENTATION?  

This product will help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, with consistent use.  

WHY IS IT YELLOW?  

Retinoids are yellow because of how their molecules interact with light. This is completely normal and expected for Retinoids. 

WILL IT MAKE MY SKIN YELLOW?  

The strong yellow nature of Retinal may cause a temporary yellow tint on some skin tones, but if this does happen it will be temporary and short lived. 

WILL THE COLOUR TRANSFER ON MY BEDDING, PILLOWS & PYJAMAS?  

There is a potential for transfer due to the yellow nature of Retinal, so we advise letting the product sink in fully before allowing contact with textiles. We also advise applying a moisturiser after use. 

WHY HAS MY RETINOL CHANGED COLOUR?  

Retinoids can oxidise over time, any minor changes to colour will not impact on the performance of the product. 

IS IT VEGAN?  

Yes 

IS IT SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?  

We advise that you do not use any retinol/ retinal/ vitamin A products without consulting your doctor first when pregnant. 

IS IT SAFE TO USE WHILST BREASTFEEDING?  

We advise that you do not use any retinol/ retinal/ vitamin A products without consulting your doctor first when breastfeeding. 

Skincare can be confusing.

So we cut the BS, and get straight to the point. We simplify the INCI list - commonly known as the ingredients list, that every skincare product has. That’s also where we get our name from. We’re The INKEY List - here to help you get better skin with real knowledge and formulas that deliver. No BS. No hype. Just effective, science-backed skincare that does what it says it will. We show you what your skin needs, not what’s trending. Whether you’re new to skincare or have a solid routine, we’ve always got your back with innovation, education and clinically-proven results.

All at a price that makes sense.

INKEY. No BS, just better skin.

This product is;

Dermatologically tested

Clinically tested

Fragrance-free

Vegan + Cruelty-free

Gluten-free

Sulphur-free

Sulphate-free

Silicone-free

Soya-free