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Regenacalm 2% Retinol and Vitamin C Serum S1

Regenacalm 2% Retinol and Vitamin C Serum S1

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

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.

2% Retinol Ester Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Hyaluronic Acid Vegan & Cruelty-Free Leaping Bunny Certified Paraben-Free Silicone-Free No Mineral Oils AHA + BHA Included
Pregnancy
No
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
30ml / 1.0 fl oz
Type
Serum
Targets
Anti-Ageing, Scars
Formula
Vegan
Key Active
Retinyl Palmitate 2%
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Collagen Regeneration

2% stabilised retinol ester (retinyl palmitate) promotes collagen renewal for firmer, smoother skin with less irritation than pure retinol.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight serum
Scent
Mild herbal (unfragranced)
Absorption
Fast, under 30 seconds
Finish
Natural, non-greasy

Collagen 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.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Not Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Safe

Contains retinyl palmitate (a retinoid) and salicylic acid. The brand explicitly warns: do not use if pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains polyglyceryl-4 oleate (oleic acid ester) and glyceryl caprylate, which can feed malassezia yeast and trigger fungal acne flare-ups.

Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

Oil-free, silicone-free formula with no heavy pore-clogging ingredients. Unlikely to cause breakouts for most skin types.

Increased Sun Sensitivity

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.

Clean Formulation

Free from parabens, silicones, PEGs, SLS, SLES, mineral oils, artificial fragrances, and artificial colours. Leaping Bunny and PETA certified cruelty-free.

Patch Test Recommended

Contains retinoid and exfoliating acids (lactic acid, salicylic acid). Some users may experience initial irritation. Patch test first, especially on sensitive skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Retinyl 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
Retinyl palmitate is a milder form of vitamin A. If you want stronger results, look for serums with pure retinol or retinal (retinaldehyde). Not suitable during pregnancy.

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

FREE FROM: Parabens, Silicones, PEGs, SLS, SLES, Mineral Oils, Artificial Fragrance, Artificial Colours, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Alcohol (Ethanol), Phenoxyethanol
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Regenacalm S1
4
Moisturiser
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Best 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.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse 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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect 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)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight, oil-free formula absorbs quickly without adding shine. Contains salicylic acid (BHA) to help control excess sebum and refine pores.

Dry Skin
Good

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid provide hydration, but you will need a richer moisturiser on top. Retinol may initially cause dryness or flaking.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances well across different face zones. Light enough for the T-zone while providing hydration to drier cheeks. Great all-rounder.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Retinyl palmitate is gentler than pure retinol, and liquorice root calms inflammation. Still recommended to patch test and introduce gradually.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Low comedogenic rating (1/5) and contains BHA + AHA for mild exfoliation. Not fungal acne safe due to oleic acid esters in the formula.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 3+
Week 1–2

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 radiance
Week 3–4

Reduced 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 redness
Week 6–8

Faded 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 spots
Month 3+

Visible 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 reduction
09

Ratings by platform

3K+ REVIEWS
Amazon UK
4.2
Rating
850+
Reviews
Main complaint: Unpleasant natural scent of the unfragranced formula
Amazon US
4.0
Rating
300+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small 30ml bottle size feels pricey at ~$25 USD
Influenster
4.7
Rating
19+
Reviews
Main complaint: Results take time — some expected faster improvement
Brand Website
4.6
Rating
2,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users wish for a higher concentration of pure retinol
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • 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
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
65% Match
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
$6.80
Budget Pick

Uses 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.

80% Match
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
$19.99
Similar Price

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.

70% Match
Retinol Serum
$8.00
Budget Pick

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.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Retinoid Type Pure Retinol 0.5%
Vitamin C No
Ferulic Acid No
AHA + BHA No
Size 30ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Pregnancy Safe No
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Retinoid Type Encapsulated Retinol
Vitamin C No
Ferulic Acid No
AHA + BHA No
Size 30ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Pregnancy Safe No
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Face Moisturizer
Retinoid Type Accelerated Retinol SA
Vitamin C Yes
Ferulic Acid No
AHA + BHA No
Size 30ml
Fragrance Contains Fragrance
Pregnancy Safe No
13

Storage & shelf life

6 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

6 months after opening

Storage

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.

Packaging

Amber glass dropper bottle — protects light-sensitive retinol and vitamin C from UV degradation

Travel Friendly

Yes, 30ml is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Glass bottle — pack carefully to avoid breakage.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

No. 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.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.0 / 5 ★★★★☆

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

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 6 ingredient(s):
Retinyl Palmitate Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Tocopherol Lactic Acid Ferulic Acid Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 6 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Retinyl Palmitate Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Lactic Acid Salicylic Acid Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Retinyl Palmitate Tocopherol Sodium Hyaluronate Citric Acid
ache Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
Retinyl Palmitate Salicylic Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
3 1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1 1 1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
56% 8% 4% 30%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 23 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
Emulsifying
9 Unknown
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
ache Ache-fighting
anti-aging Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS