Firm Revival HydroRetinal Firming Serum

A retinal serum built for people who have found retinoids difficult. Retinaldehyde is the most potent retinoid available without a prescription, needing only one conversion step in the skin rather than the two retinol requires, but that potency usually comes with dryness and flaking. This formula is 0.05% retinal held in a multi-phase delivery system that releases it gradually rather than all at once.

Around it sits a 16% blend of glycerin, gromwell root, snow mushroom, bisabolol, allantoin and panthenol, which is an unusually high proportion of the formula given over to hydrating and calming. A 2% algae-derived booster works alongside the retinal, and a licorice root derivative adds antioxidant support.

The texture is a hydrating gel that leaves a silky finish rather than the dryness retinal serums often have. It is fragrance-free and ophthalmologist-tested, so it can be used around the eye area. The yellow colour is the retinaldehyde itself rather than a dye.

Best for

Fine lines, loss of firmness and uneven tone. Suits dry, oily and combination skin, and works for both new retinoid users and people already using one who struggle with dryness.

How to use

At night, apply one to two pumps to clean, dry skin on the face and neck, then follow with moisturiser. Always wear SPF the following day. If you are new to retinoids, start two or three nights a week for a fortnight and build up to nightly use as tolerated. Avoid using alongside chemical exfoliants until skin has adjusted.

Key ingredients

Retinaldehyde at 0.05% works on the look of firmness, fine lines and texture, held in a multi-phase delivery system for controlled release. An algae-derived retinoid booster at 2% works alongside it. A 16% hydrating and calming blend of glycerin, gromwell root, snow mushroom, bisabolol, allantoin and panthenol keeps skin comfortable. Stearyl glycyrrhetinate, a licorice root derivative, adds antioxidant support.