Retinol, without the week of peeling
Most people who give up on retinol give up in the first fortnight. The skin flakes, tightens, goes red around the nose, and the bottle ends up at the back of a drawer. That is not the retinol failing. It is the formula around it doing nothing to keep the skin barrier comfortable while the retinol gets to work.
Nutradite Retinol Face Serum pairs retinol with niacinamide for exactly that reason. Retinol renews the surface and refines the look of texture and fine lines. Niacinamide calms and supports the barrier at the same time, so the skin can tolerate the active long enough to see the point of it. Alpha Arbutin, Squalene and Dexpanthenol round it out with tone, moisture and comfort.
What is inside, and why
Five actives, each with a job. This is a 30 ml evening serum.
The renewal active
RetinolA vitamin A derivative and the most studied ingredient in skincare for the appearance of ageing. It speeds up how quickly surface skin cells turn over, which is what softens the look of fine lines and refines uneven texture over time.
The reason it stays comfortable
NiacinamideVitamin B3. It supports the skin barrier and calms the skin while the retinol is working, which is the difference between a retinol you can use twice a week and one you actually keep using. It also evens the look of tone and refines the appearance of pores.
Tone
Alpha ArbutinA gentle brightening active that works on the look of dark spots and patchy tone. Useful alongside retinol, since sun damage tends to show up as both texture and pigment at the same time.
Moisture
SqualeneA lightweight emollient that sits close to what skin produces naturally. It replaces some of the moisture retinol can cost you, without the heaviness of an oil.
The soothing element
DexpanthenolPro-vitamin B5. Softens rough patches and keeps skin feeling calm, which matters most in the first few weeks while your skin is adjusting.
How to use it
Evening only. Apply two to four drops to clean, dry skin, and massage in gently with upward strokes. Follow with your moisturiser.
Start slowly. Two or three nights a week for the first two weeks, then build up as your skin adjusts. Going straight to nightly is the most common mistake, and it is why most people conclude retinol does not suit them.
Sunscreen the next morning, every time. Retinol makes skin more sensitive to sun, and sun exposure undoes the work faster than the serum can do it. This is not optional advice.
Keep it away from the eye area, and do not apply it to broken or irritated skin.
What to expect, week by week
Retinol is slow, and the first stretch is the least rewarding part. Knowing that in advance is what gets people through it.
Weeks 1 to 2
The adjustmentSome dryness or light flaking is normal, particularly around the nose and mouth. Skin may look no different yet. Stay on two or three nights a week and moisturise well. If it stings or stays red, drop to once a week.
Weeks 4 to 6
Texture starts to smoothSkin feels smoother to the touch and looks more even. Makeup tends to sit better. Most people can move to nightly use around here if their skin has settled.
Weeks 8 to 12
Fine lines softenThe look of fine lines and uneven tone shows the clearest change. This is the point where consistency has done more than any single application could.
Being straight with you
This is a cosmetic serum. It works on the appearance of fine lines, texture and tone, not on the structure of the skin. How much difference you see depends on how deep the lines are, how consistently you use it, and how well you protect your skin from the sun. Individual results vary.
Who it is for, and who should wait
Suited to normal, oily, combination and mildly dry skin that is starting to show fine lines, rough texture or dullness. If your skin is reactive, start once a week and build very slowly.
Do not use this serum if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives are not recommended during pregnancy. Our Bright Skin Serum is the better choice in that case, and it targets tone rather than texture.
If you are using prescription retinoids, acids or benzoyl peroxide, speak to your doctor before adding this. Patch test on your inner arm for 24 hours the first time.
The details
- Size
- 30 ml / 1.0 fl oz
- Key actives
- Retinol, Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Squalene, Dexpanthenol
- Full ingredients
- Aqua, Retinol, Dimethicone, Dexpanthenol, Niacinamide, Alpha Arbutin, Squalene, Propylene Glycol, Glycerine, Preservatives
- Skin types
- Normal, oily, combination and mildly dry
- Use
- Evening only, after cleansing, before moisturiser
- Free from
- Parabens, sulfates, mercury
- Not for
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Made in
- A GMP-certified facility
Common questions
Can I use it with my Vitamin C or Bright Skin Serum?
Yes, but not in the same routine. Vitamin C or Bright Skin Serum in the morning, retinol in the evening. Stacking several actives at once is where irritation almost always starts.
My skin is flaking in week two. Is that normal?
Mild dryness and light flaking in the first two weeks is a common adjustment. Cut back to once or twice a week, moisturise more heavily, and build up again once it settles. If your skin stings, burns or stays red, stop and let it recover fully before trying again at a lower frequency.
Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Our Bright Skin Serum is a suitable alternative and works on tone rather than texture. Check with your doctor if you are unsure.
Do I really need sunscreen with it?
Yes. Retinol makes skin more sensitive to UV, and sun exposure is the main cause of the fine lines and pigment you are treating. Skipping SPF will cost you more than the serum gains you.
How long will one bottle last?
A 30 ml bottle lasts roughly three months at nightly use, and longer while you are still building up frequency.
How do I pay, and how long does delivery take?
Orders arrive within four to seven days. You can pay Cash on Delivery, so there is no need to enter card details anywhere, and bank or account transfer is available if you prefer. Ordering from outside the country? Get in touch and we will arrange it directly.