Regenacalm 2% Retinol and Vitamin C Serum S1
Regenacalm 2% Retinol and Vitamin C Serum S1
Product Description
Product overview
A bestselling anti-ageing serum combining 2% stabilised retinol ester (retinyl palmitate), vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, and botanical extracts of dill and liquorice to target fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation while shielding skin from environmental damage.
Collagen Regeneration
2% stabilised retinol ester (retinyl palmitate) promotes collagen renewal for firmer, smoother skin with less irritation than pure retinol.
Texture & feel
SENSORYCollagen Regeneration
2% stabilised retinol ester (retinyl palmitate) promotes collagen renewal for firmer, smoother skin with less irritation than pure retinol.
Antioxidant Triple Shield
Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate), vitamin E (tocopherol), and ferulic acid work synergistically to neutralise free radicals and protect against environmental damage.
Botanical Calming Complex
Dill extract helps regenerate elastin for improved skin resilience, while liquorice root soothes redness, calms inflammation, and helps brighten uneven skin tone.
Multi-Level Hydration
Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate), glycerin, and aloe vera juice attract and lock in moisture at multiple skin layers for a plumped, dewy complexion.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains retinyl palmitate (a retinoid) and salicylic acid. The brand explicitly warns: do not use if pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Contains polyglyceryl-4 oleate (oleic acid ester) and glyceryl caprylate, which can feed malassezia yeast and trigger fungal acne flare-ups.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with no heavy pore-clogging ingredients. Unlikely to cause breakouts for most skin types.
Retinol and AHA/BHA acids increase photosensitivity. Always use SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day while using this product, and for a week after stopping.
Free from parabens, silicones, PEGs, SLS, SLES, mineral oils, artificial fragrances, and artificial colours. Leaping Bunny and PETA certified cruelty-free.
Contains retinoid and exfoliating acids (lactic acid, salicylic acid). Some users may experience initial irritation. Patch test first, especially on sensitive skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRetinyl Palmitate 2%Promising
A stabilised ester form of retinol (vitamin A combined with palmitic acid). Gentler than pure retinol but requires three metabolic conversion steps to become active retinoic acid in the skin, making it less potent but also less irritating.
- Type: Retinol ester — three steps removed from active retinoic acid (tretinoin)
- Benefit: Promotes collagen synthesis and cell turnover to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation
- Stability: More stable than pure retinol, making it suitable for serums without encapsulation
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) ActiveProven
A stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C that is gentler than L-ascorbic acid. Provides antioxidant protection, helps brighten skin, and supports collagen production. Also shown to have antibacterial properties beneficial for acne-prone skin.
- Stability: More stable than L-ascorbic acid when exposed to light and oxygen
- Benefit: Blocks melanin production to reduce dark spots and brighten overall skin tone
- Synergy: Works with vitamin E and ferulic acid to enhance antioxidant protection
Ferulic Acid ActiveProven
A potent plant-derived antioxidant (from rice bran) that stabilises and enhances the effectiveness of vitamins C and E. Approved as a sunscreen ingredient in Japan at concentrations up to 10%.
- Synergy: Doubles the photoprotection of vitamins C and E when used together (SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic study)
- Benefit: Neutralises free radicals and helps even skin tone
- Source: Derived from rice bran — a natural antioxidant powerhouse
Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) 0.1–0.3%Proven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water. Smaller molecular weight than hyaluronic acid allows deeper penetration into the skin for plumping hydration.
- Hydration: Attracts and binds moisture to the upper layers of the skin
- Tip: Apply to damp skin and follow with a moisturiser to seal in hydration
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Liquorice Root) Extract ActivePromising
A soothing botanical extract with skin-lightening and anti-inflammatory properties. Contains glabridin, which inhibits tyrosinase to reduce melanin production. Excellent for calming redness and rosacea-prone skin.
- Brightening: Inhibits melanin production to help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- Soothing: Anti-inflammatory action calms irritated and redness-prone skin
Anethum Graveolens (Dill) Herb Extract ActivePromising
A botanical extract that promotes elastin regeneration to enhance skin resilience and firmness. Helps combat signs of ageing by supporting the skin's structural proteins beyond just collagen.
- Elastin: Helps regenerate elastin fibres for improved skin bounce and firmness
- Anti-ageing: Complements retinol's collagen-boosting effects for comprehensive skin renewal
23 ingredients
Aqua, Propanediol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Tocopherol, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Anethum Graveolens Herb Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lactic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Ferulic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEBest used in the PM routine. Apply to clean, damp skin before moisturiser. Always follow with SPF 30+ during the day. Go easy on AHAs and BHAs while using this retinol serum.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. Pat skin until slightly damp — the serum absorbs better on damp skin.
Apply a Few Drops
Dispense 3–4 drops onto your fingertips and gently press into the skin, concentrating on areas with blemishes, fine lines, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Avoid the eye area.
Follow With Moisturiser
Allow the serum to absorb for 1–2 minutes, then layer your favourite moisturiser on top to seal in hydration and actives.
Start Slowly & Build Up
If you are new to retinol, begin with 2–3 times per week and gradually increase to nightly use as your skin builds tolerance. Always apply SPF 30+ in the morning.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want to start with a gentle retinoid that is less irritating than pure retinol
- You have fine lines, early signs of ageing, or sun damage
- You struggle with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or uneven skin tone
- You want a multi-tasking serum with antioxidants (vitamins C, E, ferulic acid)
- You have blemish-prone or acne-scarred skin
- You prefer clean, vegan, cruelty-free formulations
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) — this formula is not FA-safe
- You need a high-potency retinol (pure retinol or retinal) for deep wrinkles
- You are under 18 years old
- You are very sensitive to any form of vitamin A
- You want a fragrance-free formula with zero natural scent (this has a mild herbal smell)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight, oil-free formula absorbs quickly without adding shine. Contains salicylic acid (BHA) to help control excess sebum and refine pores.
Glycerin and hyaluronic acid provide hydration, but you will need a richer moisturiser on top. Retinol may initially cause dryness or flaking.
Balances well across different face zones. Light enough for the T-zone while providing hydration to drier cheeks. Great all-rounder.
Retinyl palmitate is gentler than pure retinol, and liquorice root calms inflammation. Still recommended to patch test and introduce gradually.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and contains BHA + AHA for mild exfoliation. Not fungal acne safe due to oleic acid esters in the formula.
Results timeline
MONTH 3+Brighter, Smoother Complexion
Skin appears instantly brighter after the first few uses due to vitamin C and gentle AHA/BHA exfoliation. Some users report a visible glow within days. Mild tingling or slight flaking may occur as skin adjusts to retinol.
70% noticed improved radianceReduced Redness & Calmer Skin
Liquorice root and aloe vera begin to visibly reduce redness and inflammation. Skin texture starts to refine as cell turnover increases. Initial retinol adjustment period usually resolves.
60% noticed reduced rednessFaded Dark Spots & Smoother Lines
Retinyl palmitate and vitamin C work together to lighten hyperpigmentation and soften fine lines. Acne scars begin to fade. Skin feels firmer and more resilient thanks to collagen and elastin support.
55% noticed reduced dark spotsVisible Anti-Ageing Results
With consistent nightly use, fine lines appear softer, skin tone is more even, and overall texture is significantly refined. Full benefits of retinoid and antioxidant actives become apparent with continued use.
65% reported noticeable wrinkle reductionRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Clean, vegan, cruelty-free formula with 23 purposeful ingredients
- Fast-absorbing, lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Visible brightening and glow within the first week of use
- Gentle enough for retinol beginners — less irritation than pure retinol
- Multi-tasking: antioxidants, AHA, BHA, hydration in one serum
- Excellent value for a UK-made, science-backed formulation
- Noticeable improvement in skin texture and fine lines over 4–8 weeks
- Free from parabens, silicones, PEGs, SLS, SLES, and mineral oils
Criticized
- Unpleasant natural herbal smell (no added fragrance, but the raw ingredients have a strong odour)
- Retinyl palmitate is a weaker form of retinoid — experienced users may want pure retinol
- 30ml bottle runs out quickly if used daily on face and neck
- Not pregnancy or breastfeeding safe
- Not suitable for fungal acne (malassezia)
- Initial adjustment period may cause mild flaking or sensitivity
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESUses pure retinol (more potent than retinyl palmitate) in a squalane oil base. Simpler formula with only 8 ingredients — no vitamin C, no AHA/BHA, no botanical extracts. Better for experienced retinol users on a strict budget.
Contains encapsulated retinol plus niacinamide and ceramides for barrier repair. More hydrating and soothing, but lacks the vitamin C, ferulic acid, and botanical extracts found in Regenacalm. Better for sensitive, dry skin.
Affordable UK-made retinol serum with pure retinol at 0.5%. Contains rosehip seed oil for added nourishment. Lacks the antioxidant triple shield (C+E+Ferulic) and exfoliating acids of Regenacalm.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEFaceTheory Regenacalm S1
Storage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Retinol and vitamin C degrade with light and heat exposure. Consider storing in a drawer or cabinet.
Amber glass dropper bottle — protects light-sensitive retinol and vitamin C from UV degradation
Yes, 30ml is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Glass bottle — pack carefully to avoid breakage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. This product contains retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A/retinoid) and salicylic acid, both of which are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The brand explicitly states: do not use this product if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for pregnancy-safe skincare alternatives.
No. The formula contains polyglyceryl-4 oleate (an oleic acid ester) and glyceryl caprylate, which can feed the malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. If you are prone to fungal acne, look for serums specifically labelled as malassezia-safe or check ingredient lists on tools like SkinSort or Folliculitis Scout.
This serum already contains retinyl palmitate (retinoid), vitamin C, lactic acid (AHA), and salicylic acid (BHA) in carefully balanced concentrations. Layering additional retinol, strong vitamin C (like L-ascorbic acid), or concentrated AHA/BHA products on top may cause irritation, dryness, or over-exfoliation. FaceTheory recommends going easy on additional exfoliating acids while using this serum. If you want to use other actives, alternate them on different nights.
This serum works well for most skin types including oily, combination, dry, and sensitive skin. It is especially well-suited for oily and combination skin due to its lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture. Those with dry skin should pair it with a richer moisturiser. Sensitive skin types should introduce gradually and patch test first, though the retinyl palmitate form is gentler than pure retinol.
Most users notice brighter, smoother skin within the first 1–2 weeks due to the vitamin C and gentle AHA/BHA exfoliation. Improvements in hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and fine lines typically become visible after 6–8 weeks of consistent use. Full anti-ageing benefits (wrinkle reduction, improved firmness) generally require 3+ months of regular application.
Apply after cleansing and toning, but before moisturiser. Use on clean, slightly damp skin for best absorption. This serum is best used in the PM (evening) routine since retinol increases sun sensitivity. Always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen in the morning. You can use it on its own or layer your favourite moisturiser on top.
This serum has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It is oil-free, silicone-free, and does not contain heavy pore-clogging ingredients. The formula includes salicylic acid (BHA) which actually helps unclog pores. Most users report it does not cause breakouts. However, some may experience purging (temporary breakouts) in the first 2–4 weeks as retinol accelerates cell turnover — this is normal and should resolve.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 6 months. Since the formula contains retinol and vitamin C — both of which degrade with exposure to light, air, and heat — store the amber glass bottle in a cool, dark place (such as a drawer or cabinet). If the serum changes colour significantly or develops an off smell beyond its normal mild herbal scent, it may have oxidised and should be replaced.
Verdict: FaceTheory Regenacalm 2% Retinol and Vitamin C Serum S1 is a well-formulated, multi-tasking serum that delivers an impressive combination of anti-ageing, brightening, and skin-soothing actives in a clean, vegan formula. The antioxidant triple shield of vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid adds genuine value over simpler retinol serums. However, the retinyl palmitate form of retinol is less potent than pure retinol — experienced retinol users seeking stronger results may want to upgrade to the Regenacalm Pro (3% encapsulated retinol) or a pure retinol alternative. Best suited for retinol beginners, those with sensitive skin wanting a gentle introduction to vitamin A, and anyone looking for a multi-benefit serum that targets ageing, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes simultaneously.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 9 |
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|





