There's this fake idea that Kbeauty lacks in Retinol products, the fact is that some Korean skincare brands started to focus on retinol way ahead of time. The product I've started to use lately will probably surprise you even more. HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream is a Kbeauty retinal based on Kolmar's Liposome technology. Why Kolmar's Liposome technology is a great choice for your skin and what's the difference between retinol and retinal?
What's the difference between Retinol, Retinal and Retinyl esters?
HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream is based on Retinal, but is it different from retinol? Yes! In general, this topic is easier to understand when we see graphics. There are different forms of retinoids in skincare. Some are available for everyone, and some are available only if you have a prescription.
Retinyl esters like Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate and Retinyl Propionate are the weakest forms of Vitamin A, and at the same time they take more time to see the results, but the good thing is that they are very delicate for the skin. It takes them more time to work since they need to do a 3-step journey to work - this group converts to retinol then retinaldehyde, and then retinoic acid.
Retinol is a bit stronger than esters, but it can be more irritating for the skin. It works a bit faster since it only needs to convert to retinaldehyde and retinoic acid. Retinal used in HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream is stronger than retinol since it's one step away from retinoic acid. It works faster and can be more irritating to the skin. The strongest substance is retinoic acid which is a prescription-only substance, it works fast but it's more irritating than products you can find at stores. Still, all the products related to Vitamin A need special care.
There's also a substance called bio-retinol or phyto retinol, and its name is Bakuchiol. It's not related to retinoids at all. It's derived from the seed and leaves of Psoralea Corylifolia also known as Babchi. Bakuchiol is usually compared to retinol due to its properties - it helps with acne, and aging (wrinkles and fine lines), but it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Bakuchiol is suitable for sensitive skin, and it doesn't need a slow introduction to your routine, but it's quite a new ingredient and our knowledge of this ingredient is limited. Still, some companies use it or even mix it with retinol.
Lots of websites I read introduced Bakuchiol as a product that is suitable for people who like to sunbathe - I would still recommend using sunscreen while using Bakuchiol since sunscreen protects the skin from UV radiation and side effects related to it like free radical damage.
How to start using Retinol or retinal?
Introducing retinol or retinal to your skincare should be slow. First of all, choose the right product. I used retinol before (I used Innisfree Retinol Cica Moisture Recovery Serum/Ampoule - depends where you live, concentration of this retinol serum is 500IU - around 0.015%) in smaller amounts so my skin was prepared for a change. I recommend starting with smaller amounts and weaker forms - start with retinol in 0,3% or 0,5% concentration. It's good to introduce retinol to your routine slowly like using it once a week and then more often. We need to build so-called "skin tolerance" to this ingredient. So key points are low concentration and a slow introduction.
The next thing we need to remember is sunscreen! When you use retinol, retinal or products based on retinoic acid - sunscreen is a must. These substances make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. I know that many people think that you can't use retinoids during summer - you can, but you have to remember about sunscreen reapplication, and it's good to wear glasses, a hat or an umbrella. But sunscreen is not all - your skincare has to be focused on moisturizing and calming since retinoids can be irritating to the skin. Some people introduce these products to their skincare routines slowly and use the "sandwich method".
I use retinol and my skin started to get worse
Retinoids are active ingredients and usually using active ingredients equals purging. This process usually takes about 28 days - as long as the skin cell turnover cycle. That's a natural part of the process.
What age is right for retinol?
I have no idea why people think that retinol or retinoids in general are only for adults. Many prescription-only products based on retinoids are recommended for teens like Differin - it's based on adapalene and even I as a teenager got it from my derm. The only bad thing about it was the fact that back then no one told me about sunscreen and its slow introduction.
Can I use retinoids during pregnancy?
Retinol and retinoids in general are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Retinoids have teratogenic effects on embryos, they might cause birth defects. There is even a term for these defects in babies, it's called Fetal Retinoid Syndrome. If you plan pregnancy it's good to remove retinoids from your skincare earlier and switch to other ingredients. There is information that Bakuchiol is safe during pregnancy since it's a plant-derived ingredient, but I would be careful since we still lack research on this topic.
In Poland, when your dermatologist prescribes you accutane (here it's sold under the name isotretinoin) which is an oral retinoid used to treat acne, you have to sign a paper that you won't get pregnant and take contraceptive pills. I'm not sure if this has changed, but I believe it probably didn't.
Can I use retinol on sensitive skin?
Yes, retinol can be used on sensitive skin, but you have to build tolerance and introduce it slowly to your routine.
Can I combine retinol with other ingredients?
Yes! After the introduction of retinol or retinal to your skincare you can experiment and mix other ingredients with it. I heard so many times that retinol can't be used with Vitamin C, but actually, even estheticians use treatments like Retix C which is a combination of 4% retinol and 8% vitamin C. If you're experienced with retinol then using Vitamin C during the morning and retinol during the evening might be a good choice for you.
If you're new then mix retinol with ceramides or hyaluronic acid to provide the skin with the moisture it needs. You can try using antioxidants as well.
If it comes to acid, remember that acids and retinoids help you lift dead skin cells. I wouldn't test on sensitive skin or beginner skin using acid + retinol, but if your skin is experienced then combining both can give you even better effects. Still, it's something I would not recommend for beginners or even advanced retinol users if you don't know retinoids and acids well. Sometimes a long and slow run is better than running fast. Too many actives can be too much for the skin.
What about skin cycling?
Skin cycling is a trend which I haven't tried, and the majority of my esthetician friends haven't heard of it before it became a TikTok trend. Skin cycling is a trend based on a 4-day cycle. It's a way of using retinol which is supposed to keep your skin barrier healthy. On the first night, you focus on exfoliation, 2nd night is for retinol, and the last two nights are for repairing the skin barrier. I haven't tried this method and I'm not sure if I would try it.
What about the sandwich method?
The sandwich method is the method I used to introduce HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream to my routine. Imagine that you have two slices of bread - in this case your bread is a moisturizer, and you want to put cheese inside. Instead of cheese, we put retinol into these two slices of moisturizer.
What's the perfect skincare routine with retinol?
The perfect routine is one in which you use sunscreen in the morning routine and reapply it in the evening. It's also important to use lots of hydrating & repairing ingredients like ceramides, cholesterol, and Centella. It's also good to choose delicate formulas with no scent ingredients - at least my skin can be very sensitive to scent ingredients in skincare products when I use retinoids.
HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream
HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream contains 0.05% Retinal, 2% Niacinamide, 0.75% Panthenol, 0.1% Allantoin, 0.1% Squalane, 0.5% Alpha-Bisabolol, 0.04% Adenosine, 0.1% Hyaluronic Acid, 0.3% Ceramide, 0.1% Cholesterol and 0.1% Fatty Acid. HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream is based on Kolmar's Liposome technology. If you don't know Kolmar is a popular Korean ODM company (Original Design Manufacturer). Kolmar stands behind many Korean sunscreen formulas.
What's liposome?
HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream is based on Kolmar's Liposome technology. What's a liposome? Liposomes are globe-shaped particles, that carry active ingredients. These active substances are usually stuck between layers of lipids. Not every molecule can get through the surface of the skin, not to mention deeper layers of the skin, that's why liposomes are considered to help with the delivery of active ingredients into deeper layers of the skin.
About HSGN
HSGN is a Kbeauty brand curated by Bemused Korea. HSGN's motto is "skincare about life, skincare about science". This brand is more focused on research & technology than following the trends, and HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream is the best example of that. This brand sells only 7 products so far.
HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream - Packaging
HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream comes in a white paper box with red details. The tube might look weird to you since if the retinal is sensitive to light why can't the brand use a container with an airless pump? According to HSGN, this is a 7-layer tube with an inner airless lock for stability and potency. The tube contains 20ml of the product. The PAO date of this product is 12 months (after opening).
HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream - Texture & Scent
The texture of the HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream is like a yellow cream. It's not super oily even if it contains liposomes that at least for me remind me of lipids. The scent is neutral.
HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream - Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl Ether, Betaine, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-bisabolol, Ceramide NP, Squalane, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Stearyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cholesterol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Beta-glucan, Retinal (500ppm), Xanthan Gum, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Sucrose Distearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Tripeptide-1, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-9, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol
Water hides in cosmetic products under names such as Aqua or Eau. It's a solvent, but it's not your regular drinking water. Water in skin care needs to fit some standards. It should be clean and free from minerals, microorganisms or other substances. Usually, water makes up the majority of the content of the product. Glycerin or Glycerol is a humectant. Its origin can be natural or synthetic - depending on the product. It protects TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and naturally occurs in the skin. It's one of the NMFs - natural moisturizing factors. It's practical in hair care. Glycerin won't clog your skin or irritate it just the opposite - it protects your skin from irritation. Cyclohexasiloxane is a volatile silicone and emollient. It makes the product easier to spread on the skin, and it protects the moisture in your skin by creating a gentle, non-greasy film on the surface of your epidermis. Cyclohexasilocane quickly evaporates from your skin. Propanediol is also known as natural glycol - an alternative to propylene glycol. Propanediol is a solvent with additional moisturizing properties. It makes the product smooth to the touch. It can even improve the effectiveness of active ingredients. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic solvent and preservative - it protects products from microorganisms by boosting other preservatives. At the same time, it can moisturize the skin, and it has no unpleasant effects on your epidermis. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 - a vitamin soluble in water. It helps with problems like wrinkles, acne, skin texture, and enlarged pores and promotes collagen synthesis. Niacinamide makes the skin barrier stronger. It might be handy in cellulite treatments. Do you want to fight pigmentation or uneven skin? Try to mix niacinamide with Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Vitamin C, Tranexamic Acid or Retinol. Dicaprylyl Ether is a dry emollient, it prevents skin from TEWL (transepidermal water loss). It also works as a solvent. Betaine is an amino acid. In skincare products, we use it for its moisturizing properties. Betaine keeps the water balance of the skin. It makes wrinkles appear less visible, and it soothes irritated skin. In hair care, betaine doesn't only moisturize the hair. It makes hair soft and shiny. Betaine in cosmetics usually comes from sweet beetroots. It naturally occurs in the skin and hair. Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate is an emollient. It leaves an airy film on the skin. Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin) is an emollient. Cetyl Alcohol might sound scary, but it's a positive for the skin fatty alcohol. It helps with moisture, and it's a marvellous emollient. It leaves a film on the skin to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. In the beauty industry, it's an emollient. Many people associate alcohol with something awful for the epidermis, but not every alcohol is nasty. Cetearyl alcohol leaves a moisturizing film on the skin to prevent your skin from transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We use Cetearyl alcohol to create an emulsion. Olivem 1000 is a combination of Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate. It's a natural emulsifier, and beauty companies use it to create an oil-in-water emulsion. Worth mentioning it's a biodegradable formula. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a combination of coconut oil and glycerin. It's a notable emollient, quite common in skincare. It leaves a protective film on the surface of the epidermis to save your cutis from dehydration. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride has a significant role in skin care products - it makes the application process effortless. Some people might experience pore-clogging after using Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, but pore-clogging and skin reactions to ingredients are individual. What works for you might not work for someone else.
Panthenol is a humectant. It prevents skin from TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Panthenol is also known as vitamin B5, and it helps with inflammation. Panthenol can soothe the skin irritated by preservatives, scent ingredients, and chemical sunscreens - it might have a meaning for lipids in our skin and skin barrier. It speeds up the healing process. It's good to use it after sunbathing. In hair care, Panthenol has moisturizing properties. If you have problems detangling your hair or hair growth go for Panthenol. It is good to mix it with niacinamide and zinc oxide. You can see it in products for atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Hydrogenated Lecithin is a version of lecithin. It works as an emollient in the formulas. Sodium Hyaluronate or sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It's a form of hyaluronic acid and naturally occurs in the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate has strong water-binding properties. Sodium hyaluronate combined with elastin and collagen is like a scaffolding for the skin. It has hydrating properties and leaves a hydrating film on the skin, but sodium hyaluronate prevents skincare products from drying. Alpha-Bisabolol is a substance derived from Chamomile. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and it speeds up the wound-healing process. It's a great ingredient to calm sensitive skin. The good news is that even if you're allergic to chamomile, you can still use bisabolol. Ceramides naturally occur in the skin - it's like cement in the skin. Ceramide NP strengthens the skin barrier to prevent dehydration. Squalane is an ingredient very similar to our sebum. Squalane and squalene sound similar, but there's a difference. Squalane has no double bonds while squalene has double bonds. What does it mean? Squalane is a more stable version of squalene. What I love about this ingredient is how well it works with all skin types, and how our skin needs it. Believe me, if your skin is irritated - go for squalane! This ingredient is usually derived from sugarcane or olives. It acts like an emollient and you need it in your life. Allantoin is an ingredient that naturally occurs in our bodies, but brands usually go for the synthetic form of this substance. It comes from comfrey or soybean roots. It's a humectant with soothing and wound-healing properties. Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate is a smaller version of sodium hyaluronate. ULMW Hyaluronic Acid (ultra-low molecular weight HA) penetrates skin easier than Hyaluronic Acid. It's a good moisturizer that prevents skin from dehydration. It works in deeper layers of the skin. Laminaria Japonica Extract is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial antioxidant. It's a source of fucoidan and laminarin. It has moisturizing properties. Eclipta Prostrata (False Daisy) Leaf Extract is a source of vitamin C, flavonoids, triterpenes or phytosterol. False Daisy is a typical herb for Ayurveda. In skin care, this ingredient has anti-aging properties and it's an antioxidant. In hair care, it helps with hair growth and regeneration. Centella Asiatica Extract is probably the most popular extract in skincare. It comes under a few names - Asiatic pennywort, tiger grass or Gotu kola. Centella Asiatica's roots are in Ayurveda. This extract is successful because it's a source of triterpene saponins - madecassoside and asiaticoside. Centella Asiatica Extract has anti-inflammatory properties. It speeds up the wound-healing process. You can use it to treat acne since it has soothing and antibacterial properties. It boosts fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin or even helps with hyaluronic acid synthesis. Centella is recommended for rosacea and cellulitis since it helps with blood microcirculation. In hair care, Centella can help with hair growth.
Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract is a source of vitamins C, B1, B2 and B6. It's an antioxidant and it's supposed to support collagen synthesis. Fig contains substances that might make your skin sensitive to sunlight so always remember to use sunscreen when you use Fig Fruit Extract. Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate is a non-ionic surfactant and oily emollient. It's mostly used as an oil-in-water emulsifier. Behenyl Alcohol might sound scary, but it's a fatty alcohol. This type of alcohol is positive for the skin since it works as an emollient. It helps with the texture of the product. Glyceryl Stearate is an emollient with emulsifying properties. Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an oil-in-water emulsifier. Usually, when we see any alcohol, we suspect the worst. You shouldn't be scared of Stearyl Alcohol - it's an oily emollient. It leaves a protective film on your skin, It works as an emulsifier too. Pentaerythrityl Distearate is an emollient that prevents skin from dehydration. It works as an emulsifier. Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer and emulsifier. Glyceryl Stearate SE is an emollient. SE in the name stands for self-emulsifying. Cholesterol is a lipid with a crucial role in our skin. This ingredient makes sure that our skin barriers are healthy. It can also work as a stabilizer. C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient with antimicrobial properties. Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide. It can come from yeast, seaweed or fungi. It's one of the best humectants with soothing properties. It might help with reducing wrinkle visibility on the epidermis. Some sources say it might be an antioxidant. It's good to mix it with niacinamide and retinoids or use it after skincare treatments to heal the skin quicker. Beta-glucan leaves a film on the skin to prevent TEWL and lock the moisture inside the skin. Retinal (500ppm) or Retinaldehyde is a form of Vitamin A. Retinol turns straight into retinoic acid which makes it stronger than retinol. It helps with fine lines and wrinkles, acne and blemishes or even skin elasticity. It speeds up the keratinization process which is a process of creating new skin cells. It stimmulates collagen and elastin synthesis. It should be used during pregnancy. It's more powerful than retinol and just like retinol, retinal needs a slow introduction to your skincare routine. Xanthan Gum is a polysaccharide that works as a thickener. Adenosine naturally occurs in the skin. One of the adenosine's roles in our bodies is being a neurotransmitter. In skin care, we use adenosine for its anti-wrinkle properties. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory ingredient. It can boost collagen production. At the same time, it speeds up the healing process. Adenosine can have positive effects on reducing redness. In hair care, adenosine can help with hair loss. Fructooligosaccharides are prebiotics. They nourish the skin and help the microbiome. Disodium EDTA neutralizes metal ions in the formula to keep products fresh. Butylene Glycol is a common ingredient in products. It's not only a solvent. We use butylene glycol because it helps with the penetration of active ingredients, protects products from drying and moisturizes skin and hair. This ingredient can prevent hair loss and make your hair stronger. Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a low-weight humectant. We have to remember that not every molecule can get through the skin surface and lower molecule HA can penetrate the skin deeper and bring moisture inside the skin. It's a natural polymer that binds water in the skin to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide is a combination of ascorbic acid and proteins. It's an antioxidant. Sucrose Distearate is an emulsifier. Dipropylene Glycol is a solvent with moisturizing properties.
Tripeptide-1 is a biomimetic tripeptide that boosts the firmness of the skin and wound-healing properties by increasing the synthesis of collagen and elastin. It helps with post-acne scars. Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate is a big molecule related to hyaluronic acid. It leaves a moisturizing film on the surface of the skin. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a synthetic peptide (sometimes called neuropeptide or biomimetic peptide). Lots of brands and media did a great job marketing this substance. That's why you can spot it with names such as Botox-like peptides or treatments. It won't give you the same effects as botox, but there are some similarities. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 can help with wrinkles by decreasing the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines created by repetitive movements of muscles. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 inhibits SNARE complex and catecholamine release. It can stimulate collagen synthesis, and it has powerful, water-binding properties. That's why acetyl hexapeptide-8 might increase the moisture of the skin. It's better to use this peptide near the eye area to prevent fine lines in the eye area. Unless you have drooping eyelids, then the use of acetyl hexapeptide-8 is not recommended for you. If you have muscle problems, it's better to consult with your doctor or PT first, before adding acetyl hexapeptide-8 to your routine. Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 can hide under the name Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3. Copper Tripeptide-1 is a peptide created with three amino acids: glycine, histidine and lysine + copper. It boosts collagen and elastin production. It's super useful in wound healing - especially for acne-prone skin. Copper Tripeptide-1 is an antioxidant that stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 also known as Matrixyl. It contains five amino acids. It improves skin condition and helps with wrinkles and skin elasticity. Hexapeptide-9 stimulates the synthesis of collagen types I and III. It helps with wrinkles. Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is related to sodium hyaluronate. It boosts moisture in the skin and elasticity. It helps prevent skin from TEWL (transepidermal water loss). Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is related to sodium hyaluronate. It's a good moisturizer. Potassium Hyaluronate is a hydrophilic ingredient that prevents TEWL (transepidermal water loss). It's a synthetic humectant. Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient loved by everyone! Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin. It's a glycosaminoglycan or GAG. What does that mean? It's a long polysaccharide - nothing else than sugar, and we all know what sugars do in the skin. It's not different from Hyaluronic Acid - it acts like a humectant. One HA molecule is supposed to hold up to 1000x heavier molecules than this one single HA molecule. Hyaluronic acid can have different molecular weights - smaller molecules are usually more hydrating than bigger ones. Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient loved by everyone! Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the skin. It's a glycosaminoglycan or GAG. What does that mean? It's a long polysaccharide - nothing else than sugar, and we all know what sugars do in the skin. It's not different from Hyaluronic Acid - it acts like a humectant. One HA molecule is supposed to hold up to 1000x heavier molecules than this one single HA molecule. Hyaluronic acid can have different molecular weights - smaller molecules are usually more hydrating than bigger ones. Phytosterol/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate is an emollient. Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant that is supposed to help preservatives in the formula. Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative with subtle moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Caprylyl Glycol is an oily emollient and humectant. It leaves a moisturizing film on the surface of the skin.
How does HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream work?
Let's start with some stuff you need to know before you decide to buy HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream. HSGN went for Retinal - a more effective ingredient than Retinol, but also more expensive. Retinal has a shorter conversion path than retinol. HSGN decided to use liposome technology to prevent the degradation of the retinal. It's an ingredient sensitive to light and air that's why the brand decided to focus on technology. Kolmar's Liposome technology makes retinal delivery to deeper layers of the skin safe, quicker and what's most the most - possible. This technology makes the product more stable.
The brand recommends starting slow with a retinal amount like a sesame or rice grain. If your skin is not sensitive then two grains of sesame or grain is fine. After 6 months you can change to using a bigger amount like the size of a pea. I started with pea size because your esthie-bestie is like "I study so much so I know how to introduce retinal". It turns out that I do know! I'm not a beginner and before I used Innisfree Retinol Serum which is very weak. I wouldn't recommend switching to it right away - just use something stronger like Kiehl's 0.3% formula and then go for HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream.
This is not my last word about this cream since I'll prepare to follow up. I've been using HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream for a month. I went for a chemical peel before using it - the peel didn't work at all because my university sucks at keeping their products fresh, that's why I've decided to go for it. Am I going to have problems using HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream at university? Yes, because no one can test microneedling on me, so if you want to start using retinoids - remember that many treatments won't be available for you and some procedures = 6 months of a break after using retinoids.
I have to deal with purging and yes, that's a normal thing. I was expecting bigger problems with redness and at first, I saw it more since it also contains niacinamide which my skin is not a fan of, but 2% of niacinamide is not that bad. After my skin got used to the formula, I started to notice that it gets better. I started to introduce HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream with sandwich method then I switched to using it every 2nd day and I stick to that so far. I might think about using it daily. My skin didn't peel at all, if I felt like it might get irritated then I gave myself one additional day of a break.
Honestly, I'm surprised with this formula since it's more delicate than some retinol products. I still have some time to go through so I'll keep you updated but so far I have positive feelings about HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream.
Where to buy HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream?
HSGN is a brand curated by Bemused Korea. HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream* costs $22 for 20ml. Right now it's sold out since it was on a 40% off offer but once it's back you can use my code MINA15 to save 15% on your order.
Overall, HSGN Retinally Liposomal Retinal Cream is a retinal product which I wouldn't expect Kbeauty could hide from us.
Have you ever tried retinol before?
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*** This post was made in a collaboration with Bemused Korea**, even though it still shows my personal opinion on the topic and product. This post contains affiliate links, all affiliate links are marked with (*) sign. ***
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