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Retinal for All Renewing Serum

Retinal for All Renewing Serum

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Peach & Lily Retinal for All Renewing Serum is a 3-in-1 anti-aging treatment that pairs 0.1% encapsulated retinal — the most potent over-the-counter retinoid — with 0.3% ectoin, ceramides, and Korean botanicals. Engineered to deliver clinical anti-wrinkle, brightening, and texture-smoothing results with virtually no irritation, even on sensitive skin.

0.1% Encapsulated Retinal 0.3% Ectoin Fragrance-Free Alcohol-Free Vegan Cruelty-Free Dermatologist-Approved Sensitive-Skin Safe Gluten-Free
Pregnancy
No
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Active
0.1% Retinal
Size
30 ml / 1.01 fl oz
Use Time
PM Only
Shelf Life
12M PAO
Targets
Aging · Texture
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Encapsulated Retinal Technology

Patent-pending stabilizing delivery system protects retinal from oxidation for consistent potency across the bottle.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight cream-serum
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Fast (30–60 sec)
Finish
Soft satin

Encapsulated Retinal Technology

Patent-pending stabilizing delivery system protects retinal from oxidation for consistent potency across the bottle.

R-IQ™ Anti-Irritation

Ectoin reduces retinoid-induced IL-4R expression by 82.6%, neutralizing irritation at its biological source.

Up to 20× Stronger Than Retinol

Retinal is one conversion step away from active retinoic acid — significantly faster-acting than traditional retinol.

Korean Botanical Soothers

Heartleaf, perilla leaf, honeysuckle, and bisabolol calm reactive skin while ceramide complex rebuilds the barrier.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Not Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Safe

Contains retinal (a vitamin A derivative). The brand explicitly advises against use during pregnancy, nursing, or when planning to conceive.

Fungal Acne — Caution

Contains caprylic/capric triglyceride, fatty acids, and several esters that may feed Malassezia. Patch-test on the jawline if you are FA-prone.

Reef-Safe & Vegan

No animal-derived ingredients, no chemical sunscreen filters, cruelty-free certification.

Sensitive-Skin Approved

Independent 4-week clinical study showed near-zero TEWL (transepidermal water loss), indicating no barrier disruption.

Increases Sun Sensitivity

Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is required. Use the serum in the evening only and avoid the eye area.

Layering Compatibility

Avoid mixing with vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, or benzoyl peroxide in the same routine. Alternate on different evenings to prevent irritation.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Encapsulated Retinal (Retinaldehyde) 0.1%Proven

The hero active. Retinal sits one conversion step from active retinoic acid, making it dramatically faster-acting than retinol while remaining available without prescription. Encapsulation in cyclodextrin protects against light and air degradation.

  • Source: A 2021 study inPharmaceutics (Kang et al.) details the genetically guided anti-irritant strategy behind this formula.
  • Mechanism: Stimulates collagen synthesis, accelerates cell turnover, and fades hyperpigmentation.
  • Brand claim: Up to 20× more effective than retinol; works 11× faster in clinical testing.
Retinal turns the formula bright yellow — this is normal and indicates active vitamin A. May leave a temporary yellow cast on lighter skin tones or pillowcases.

Ectoin ~0.3%Proven

An extremolyte molecule that protects extremophile microorganisms from harsh conditions. In skincare, it shields cells from oxidative and inflammatory stress — making it a perfect partner for retinoids.

  • Clinical data: A 23-person trial showed 1% ectoin let participants tolerate 0.5–1% retinol with significantly reduced irritation.
  • Hydration: A 5-person study found ectoin increased hydration up to 200% versus placebo, with effects lingering 7 days after stopping use.
  • Brand claim: Reduces retinoid-induced IL-4R receptor expression by 82.6%.

Ceramide Complex (NP, AP, EOP + Phytosphingosine + Cholesterol) ~1.5%Proven

A four-ceramide blend mirroring the skin's natural lipid matrix. Locks in moisture, reinforces the barrier, and counters the drying side effects retinoids can cause.

  • Estimated levels: Ceramide NP 0.40–0.60%, Ceramide AP 0.30–0.55%, Ceramide EOP 0.25–0.50%, Phytosphingosine 0.35–0.60%.
  • Clinical claim: 67.62% improvement in skin barrier function over 12 weeks (Tewameter measurement).

Sodium Hyaluronate & Glycerin ~3%Proven

Two of the most reliable humectants in skincare. They draw water into the upper layers of the epidermis and counter any potential dryness from retinal.

  • Estimated levels: Sodium hyaluronate 0.55–0.80%, glycerin 2.40–3.00%.

Heartleaf & Korean Botanicals Multi-extract blendPromising

A signature K-beauty soothing system: houttuynia cordata (heartleaf), perilla leaf, honeysuckle, neem leaf, and gardenia. Calm reactive skin and add antioxidant defense.

  • Heartleaf: Time-tested Korean botanical traditionally used to brighten and calm inflammation.
  • Bisabolol: Active component of chamomile with documented anti-inflammatory effects on irritated skin.

Cloudberry Seed Oil & Tocopherol TracePromising

Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) is rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, and omega fatty acids. Tocopherol stabilizes the formula and contributes additional antioxidant protection.

  • Cloudberry: Naturally rich in ellagitannins for free-radical defense.
  • Tocopherol: Pure vitamin E; shields skin from oxidative damage and helps stabilize retinal.

54 ingredients

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cyclodextrin, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Water, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Rubus Chamaemorus Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ectoin, Behenic Acid, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Bisabolol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Rhynchosia Nulubilis Seed Extract, Retinal, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Dextrin, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ceramide EOP, Polyacrylate-13, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methylpropanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Sucrose Cocoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopherol, Sodium Levulinate, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Propanediol.

FREE FROM: Fragrance · Essential Oils · Drying Alcohols · Parabens · Phthalates · Sulfates (SLS/SLES) · Mineral Oil · Silicones · Synthetic Dyes · Formaldehyde Releasers · Gluten · Animal-Derived Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Essence
4
Retinal Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sleep · SPF AM

Apply at night after cleansing on dry skin. Always seal with moisturizer and follow with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ in the morning.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Start Slow

Begin with one PM application per week. Increase to twice weekly after 2 weeks if no irritation appears, then to every other night, and finally nightly if tolerated.

2

Apply on Dry Skin

Cleanse and pat skin completely dry. Damp skin increases retinoid absorption and irritation risk for new users.

3

Pea-Sized Amount Only

Dispense one pea-sized dose for the entire face and neck. More product won't speed up results — it only increases irritation risk.

4

Avoid the Eye Area

Stay clear of upper eyelids, lower lash line, and the corners of the mouth. Use a dedicated retinoid eye cream instead.

5

Always Seal with Moisturizer

Lock in the serum with a barrier cream containing ceramides or peptides. The brand recommends pairing with their Overnight Star Cream.

6

Wear Daily SPF 30+

Non-negotiable. Retinoids increase photosensitivity and undermine results without UV protection.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want anti-aging results without prescription tretinoin irritation
  • You have sensitive skin and have failed previous retinols
  • You are 25+ and want to start preventative anti-aging
  • You struggle with fine lines, dullness, or uneven texture
  • You prefer fragrance-free, vegan formulas
  • You want a faster-acting alternative to retinol

Consider alternatives if:

  • You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
  • You have severe rosacea or active eczema flare-ups
  • You are extremely fungal-acne reactive (FA/Malassezia)
  • You can't commit to daily SPF
  • You already use prescription tretinoin
  • The yellow tint on skin/pillowcase is a deal-breaker
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight cream-serum absorbs quickly. Retinal helps regulate sebum and refine pores over time.

Dry Skin
Good

Ceramides and HA cushion the active. Layer a richer occlusive cream on top to prevent any retinoid dryness.

Combination
Excellent

Balances brightening on the T-zone with hydrating cushion on drier cheeks. Universally well-tolerated texture.

Sensitive
Excellent

Specifically engineered for reactive skin — ectoin neutralizes retinoid inflammation and fragrance-free formula avoids common triggers.

Acne-Prone
Good

Retinal regulates cell turnover and reduces post-acne marks, but esters/triglycerides may not suit Malassezia-driven breakouts.

Mature Skin
Excellent

Targets fine lines, deep wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of firmness. The 0.1% retinal dose is ideal for visible anti-aging without burnout.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 12+
Week 1–2

Adjustment Phase

Skin begins to acclimate to retinoid activity. Most users experience zero irritation thanks to ectoin; a small minority report mild flaking or tightness that resolves quickly.

Smoother feel reported by ~40%
Week 3–4

Visible Brightening

Skin appears more radiant and even-toned. Independent 4-week clinical study shows near-zero water loss, confirming barrier integrity is preserved.

~65% noticed brighter complexion
Week 6–8

Texture & Fine Lines Refined

Cell-turnover effects become visible. Pores look smaller and surface texture is noticeably softer. Shallow lines start to soften.

~75% reported smoother skin
Week 12+

Full Anti-Aging Results

Brand-cited 12-week clinical data shows 67.62% improvement in skin barrier and visible reduction of deep wrinkles, dark spots, and firmness loss.

~85% saw youthful glow
09

Ratings by platform

3K+ REVIEWS
Ulta Beauty
4.7
Rating
660+
Reviews
Main complaint: Yellow tint can transfer to pillowcases on lighter skin tones.
Amazon
4.4
Rating
1,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Bottle is small (30ml) for the $55 price point.
Peach & Lily Website
4.8
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pump can dispense more than the recommended pea-size if pressed too hard.
YesStyle
4.5
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: International shipping times can be slow.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Visible anti-aging results without flaking or peeling
  • Truly tolerable for sensitive skin and retinoid newbies
  • Highest non-prescription retinal concentration (0.1%)
  • Lightweight texture suits all skin types
  • Fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free formulation
  • Strong ceramide complex protects the barrier
  • Ectoin science is genuinely well-researched

Criticized

  • Bright yellow color can stain pillowcases temporarily
  • Premium price ($55 for 30ml)
  • Not pregnancy/breastfeeding safe
  • Caprylic/capric triglyceride is fungal-acne risky
  • Cetearyl alcohol may not suit very oily skin
  • Requires strict daily SPF use
  • 30ml runs out faster than larger competitors
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
1% Retinol Serum
$19.99
Budget Pick

Same 0.1% retinal concentration with squalane and matrixyl. Lacks ectoin's anti-irritation power and ceramide complex, but unbeatable on price.

70% Match
Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%
$26.99
Budget Pick

Half the retinal concentration but includes niacinamide and bakuchiol. Gentler entry point for first-time retinoid users; slower visible results.

68% Match
RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
$59.00
Similar Range

French pharmacy classic with 0.1% retinaldehyde and Avène thermal water. Cream texture better for very dry skin; lacks the K-beauty botanical layer.

55% Match
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
$22.99
Budget Pick

Encapsulated retinol (not retinal) with niacinamide and ceramides. Significantly slower results, but very gentle and widely available.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment
Active Ingredient Encapsulated Retinal (% undisclosed)
Anti-Irritant Oat Lipids + Olive Leaf
Size 30 ml
Fragrance Light Floral Scent
Sensitive Skin Good
Origin USA
Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment
Active Ingredient Retinaldehyde + Retinol
Anti-Irritant Peptides + Antioxidants
Size 30 ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Sensitive Skin Good
Origin USA
Crystal Retinal
Active Ingredient 0.06% Retinaldehyde
Anti-Irritant HA + Glycerin
Size 30 ml
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Sensitive Skin Good
Origin UK
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Replace if color shifts to dark amber or brown — that signals retinal oxidation.

Storage

Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is optional but extends potency.

Packaging

Opaque pump bottle with airless dispensing. Protects retinal from light and oxygen for stability throughout the bottle.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 30 ml is well under the TSA 100 ml liquid limit. The pump bottle is also travel-secure.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

No. This serum contains 0.1% retinal (retinaldehyde), a vitamin A derivative. The brand explicitly advises against use during pregnancy, while nursing, or when planning to conceive. Discontinue use before trying for a baby and switch to pregnancy-safe alternatives like bakuchiol, peptides, or vitamin C until after weaning.

Use with caution. The formula contains caprylic/capric triglyceride (high in INCI list), behenic acid, ethylhexyl palmitate, and several polysorbate-style esters that can feed Malassezia yeast. If you're FA-prone, patch-test on the jawline for 7–10 days before applying to the full face. Many users tolerate it fine, but it is not a strictly FA-safe formula.

Don't layer them together. Retinal is already the strongest non-prescription retinoid — adding another retinol is redundant. Vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic, lactic), and BHAs (salicylic) should be alternated on different evenings or used in the AM, never stacked with retinal in the same routine. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides are all safe to combine.

It performs best on combination, sensitive, and mature skin. Oily skin tolerates the lightweight texture well, and acne-prone users benefit from retinal's cell-turnover effect. Dry skin should follow up with a richer moisturizer. The only group that may struggle is severely fungal-acne reactive skin, due to fatty esters in the formula.

Initial brightening typically appears at 3–4 weeks. Texture refinement and pore softening become visible at 6–8 weeks. Full anti-aging results — fine line softening, firmness, dark spot fading — require 12 weeks of consistent use. The brand cites 11× faster results than traditional retinol thanks to retinal's single-step conversion to retinoic acid.

PM only. After cleanser, toner, and any essence. Apply to completely dry skin (damp skin amplifies retinoid absorption and irritation), wait 60 seconds, then seal with a ceramide- or peptide-rich moisturizer. Always follow with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ the next morning.

Comedogenic rating is approximately 1/5. The base of caprylic/capric triglyceride is generally non-comedogenic for most users, and retinal itself actively reduces pore congestion by accelerating cell turnover. Cetearyl alcohol can occasionally trigger breakouts in extremely reactive skin, but the overall formula is considered low-clogging.

12 months after opening (12M PAO). Retinal is light- and air-sensitive, so the airless pump packaging is critical. Watch the color: a fresh formula is bright lemon-yellow. If it darkens to amber or brown, the retinal has oxidized and lost potency — replace the bottle. Store away from heat and sunlight to maximize shelf life.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.6 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: Peach & Lily Retinal for All Renewing Serum delivers on its biggest promise — a clinically meaningful 0.1% encapsulated retinal that genuinely works for sensitive skin. The pairing with ectoin and a four-ceramide complex is one of the smartest anti-irritation systems on the K-beauty market, and the fragrance-free, vegan formulation is well-suited to retinoid newcomers and reactive skin alike. The yellow tint and 30ml size are minor trade-offs against the serum's clinical performance and gentle profile.Best for: sensitive skin starting retinoids, mature skin seeking visible anti-aging, and anyone who has previously failed harsher retinols.

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 5 ingredient(s):
Ectoin Ceramide NP Ceramide AP Retinal Tocopherol
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Retinal
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Sodium Hyaluronate Retinal Tocopherol
ache Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Retinal
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
5
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
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
49% 1% 49%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 57 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
1 A
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS