Starter Retinol 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 moisturiser of choice. Always use SPF in your AM routine.

INKEY Tip

If you’re new to retinol or have sensitive skin, try the moisture sandwich method: a thin layer of moisturiser → a pea-sized amount of Starter Retinol Serum → a thin layer of moisturiser.

For extra barrier care and maximum hydration, choose Bio-Active Moisturiser.

Heads up

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

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.

Clinically proven to smooth fine lines from 7 days, without irritation*

95% experienced zero irritation or redness**

Over 80% saw revived, firmed and more even skin in 2 weeks*** 

2x more effective that standard retinol***

90% saw significant clinical improvement in wrinkles in only 4 weeks***

86% agreed their skin tone looked more even***

92% said their skin felt noticeably smoother***

* 4-week Clinical study on 30 participants

** Based on a 4-week In Vitro study  

*** 12-week consumer study of 130 participants

• 1% Granactive Pro+: Combines a next-gen retinoid with encapsulation technology to help smooth fine lines and refine skin texture whilst being gentle on skin. 
• 0.01% Retinal: A high-performance retinoid for an extra efficacy boost without added irritation.
• 0.5% Amisol Trio: This lipid complex keeps your skin hydrated and your barrier strong. It helps nourish and moisturize to counteract any dryness that can be caused by retinoids.
• 0.2% Symrelief: A calming ingredient to soothe skin and support the barrier. It helps reduce redness and discomfort, especially if your skin is feeling sensitive.

Water (Aqua / Eau), Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Propanediol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclodextrin, Glyceryl Behenate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Phospholipids, Xanthan Gum, Bisabolol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Glucosylrutin, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycolipids, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polysorbate 80, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Retinal, Sucrose Laurate, Tocopherol, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate.

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.

Find out more about which Retinol product is right for you.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY RETINOL SERUM? 

In the PM after cleansing and before moisturising.  

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE IT? 

Start with alternating days and work up to every night, as preferred. 

CAN I USE IT EVERY NIGHT? 

Yes this is fine, if your skin tolerates it well. 

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 IM GOING OUT IN THE SUN? 

It is safe if you're using it in the evening and applying SPF 50 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 recommend you follow with moisturiser. We suggest BioActive Moisturiser.

CAN I USE AROUND MY EYE AREA? 

Yes but avoid direct contact with eyes. Use our Retinol Eye Cream that is specifically formulated for delicate under eye areas 

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID LAYERING WITH? 

Exfoliating acids, other retinoids. Learn more about what not to mix with Retinol

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 smoother looking skin after 1 week, with a significant improvement after 4 weeks, optimal results should be seen after 12 weeks. 

WHAT IF IM EXPERIENCING IRRITATION? 

Stop use, wait for your skin to settle and slowly introduce back in if you feel comfortable doing so. 

IS PURGING NORMAL? 

Purging can happen on occasion as the product speeds up skin cell turnover, however is unlikely and would be temporary. Learn more about purging here.

WHEN SHOULD I START USING STARTER RETINOL? 

We advise it would be useful to introduce from 25 onwards. 

DOES THIS REPLACE THE ORIGINAL INKEY RETINOL? 

Yes, the original INKEY Retinol has been discontinued. We believe this formula will give elevated performance whilst still being perfect for beginners to Retinoids. 

WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF RETINOL? 

1% Granactive Retinoid Pro Plus, alongside 0.01% Retinal. 

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.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE 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)

IS IT SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? 

Yes it is suitable for sensitive skin but we always advise completing a patch test before use. 

IS IT SUITABLE FOR ROSACEA-PRONE SKIN? 

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

CAN IT HELP WITH POST BLEMISH MARKS? 

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

CAN IT HELP WITH HYPERPIGMENTATION? 

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

CAN I USE IT IF I HAVE BLEMISH PRONE SKIN? 

Yes, but we always advise completing a patch test before 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? 

This Starter Retinol is unlikely to give a temporary yellow tint to skin, but if this does happen it will be temporary and short lived. 

WILL THE COLOUR TRANSFER ONTO MY BEDDING, PILLOWS AND PYJAMAS? 

This is unlikely, but we advise applying moisturiser after use and waiting until the product has absorbed before going to bed to remove any risk. 

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

Silicone-free

Non-comodogenic