NaturiumRetinol Complex Serum, Microencapsulated Retinols plus Bakuchiol, Refining & Smoothing Facial Serum, 1 oz

I first became familiar with this brand of serums when I purchased and used the niacinamide serum, and I still love it and use it every morning. However, I have dry skin, and I mean really, really dry, as dry as the Sahara. This wasn't too bad when I was a teen because I never suffered from one acne blemish. Ever. But I'm older now, and dry skin does me no favors. When I noticed a few very fine lines around my chin, I immediately purchased this retinol serum, and I have to say, I love it!So many serums and moisturizers just seem to lay on top of my skin, ignoring the fact that my skin is so dry and thirsty. But this serum is quickly absorbed, and it makes my skin feel as smooth and silky as glass. I actually have a hard time keeping my hands off my face. The retinol (and the niacinamide) contract the pores so it appears as though I have poreless skin, though of course I have as many pores on my face as anyone else. You just can't see them now. And, with my first application, those pesky fine lines around my chin began to disappear. Now, I do have to add, I use a 1.5 mm derma needler once a month and a 0.25 mm needler the other three weeks of the month. I am convinced that the 1.5 mm needler (which you shouldn't use more often than once a month) is promoting collagen production, and I'm equally convinced that this retinol serum is speeding the process of collagen production along. (The 0.25 mm roller won't induce collagen production, but it will help your product absorption.) Together, the serum and the roller are synergistic, and I couldn't be happier about the effects. (If you do suffer from acne scars, retinol should help fade them.)I don't have sensitive skin, so I use this serum every night under my nighttime sleeping mask (wait till the serum is absorbed before applying the mask), but if you do have sensitive skin, you probably should start using it one or two nights each week and work your way up to every night, letting your skin be your guide. You might not want to use it every night if you find it's causing excessive dryness, but I've found any dryness can be counteracted with a good moisturizer and a sleeping mask. In fact, since using this serum, my face has never been more moist and dewy.Although retinol serum can be used during the day, I use my retinol serum at night because retinols can make you more sensitive to sunlight. This sensitivity will linger even after you've washed them off, so be sure to apply a good sunscreen during the day. There are many good sunscreen to be found here on Amazon.This serum also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which are both very good for the skin, help alleviate dryness, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.It can take about three months to see increased collagen production from both derma rollers and retinol serum. This doesn't mean it will take you three months to see results, only that it can take that long to reach optimal results. I noticed a definite improvement in my skin after only one use. It was really unbelievable! I've tried very, very expensive luxury serums and creams, including one $400 cream, that didn't do what this serum does.I can't recommend this serum highly enough or the whole Naturium line. It's wonderful to finally find a product that delivers on its promises. And, as an added bonus, the ingredients are "clean," having been derived entirely from plants. Very important, especially to me, is the fact that Naturium products are cruelty free and never tested on animals, so we animal lovers can have our cake and eat it, too!If you've been on the fence about this serum or any Naturium product, all I can say is, "Go for it!" I think you'll love them as much as I do.

I have aging, sensitive skin that if not moisturized I would describe as dry.I regularly use IT cosmetics because they work for my dry sensitive skin. I layer my skincare products and it works effectively for my skin. I was looking for one of the new generation of retinol products to add to my routine and found this one after trying Tata Harper retinoic oil but I could not tolerate their scent. This product has no discernable scent and I find it lightweight and effective. I have had no problems with sensitivity using it a few times a week. I described my skin type to Naturium and they suggested that prior to this retinol product that I may want to use their Niacinamide Serum 12% Plus Zinc 2% for increased effectiveness and tolerance of the retinol.I used both together as they suggested and I love the results.My skin in even more soft and even in tone and texture than usual. I feel I see a difference after adding them both to my layering routine. They meet my needs for affordable cost, effectiveness and no scents.

Wow right away it made a visible difference the morning after! Especially my forehead, the texture has improved and my skin look radiant! Has also really made a difference with the fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes. I put it under my eyes and it doesn’t burn I always add moisturizer after as well. So glad I found this and it doesn’t make me peel. In my early 30’s and will continue to use this product 🤍

Like the product

Gentle, non-irritating. The consistency is thin and light weight. It spreads easily across my skin and absorbs in less than 5 minutes.I started using this product 2x a week and was quickly able to transition to nightly/5x a week.I had a slight purging period. You'll know it's purging vs breaking you out because you will get the breakouts where you normally get them (if you get them on your chin and cheeks normally, this is where you'll get them, not on your forehead or nose) and they will go away more quickly than normal breakouts. Normally mine would last a week and these were going away after a day or two. Definitely just purging and this only lasted for a week or two when I first started.I do think it is helping to keep my skin clear. I can't speak to fine lines or hyperpigmentation yet as I haven't been using it long enough to see those results. I can't say I see a huge difference, but I'm willing to give it more time.Over all I like the product and would recommend it to someone in their 20's looking to get into a retinol regimen. If you're in your +30's you could still start here with a gentle introduction but I might consider a more effective product.