Retinal Serum 0.15% With Samphira Oil
Retinal Serum 0.15% With Samphira Oil
Product Description
A high-potency 0.15% retinaldehyde serum with encapsulation technology, enhanced by Samphira Oil and 4 types of hyaluronic acid. Retinal converts to retinoic acid 11x faster than retinol, delivering visible anti-aging results with less irritation. Formulated with ceramides and Centella Asiatica for barrier support.
โจ Texture & Feel
11x Faster Than Retinol
Retinaldehyde is one conversion step away from retinoic acid, converting over 10x faster than retinol for quicker visible results.
Encapsulation Technology
Retinal is encapsulated for controlled release, improving stability and reducing irritation upon application.
Samphira Oil (Sea Fennel)
A natural retinol-like botanical from Crithmum maritimum that boosts collagen synthesis, improves skin brightness by 25%, and reduces crow's feet by 16.5%.
4-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, and Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate deliver multi-layer hydration.
Ceramide NP Barrier Repair
Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3) reinforces the skin barrier, locking in moisture and reducing transepidermal water loss during retinoid use.
Centella Asiatica Soothing
Cica leaf extract calms irritation and supports skin healing, making this retinal serum more comfortable for sensitive skin.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains Retinal (retinaldehyde), a vitamin A derivative. All topical retinoids are contraindicated during pregnancy. Avoid use if pregnant or planning to conceive.
Topical retinoid use during breastfeeding is generally considered low-risk, but consult your physician before use as a precaution.
Contains Polysorbate 80, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, and Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, which may feed Malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne.
Despite containing emollients, the overall formulation is lightweight and unlikely to clog pores for most skin types. No heavy oils present.
Retinal increases photosensitivity. Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen every morning during use, even on cloudy days and indoors near windows.
Start 1-2x per week for the first 2 weeks, then gradually increase frequency as tolerated. Expect mild flaking during the adjustment period.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฌ Retinaldehyde (Retinal) 0.15% Proven
The most effective OTC retinoid, sitting just one conversion step from prescription-strength retinoic acid. Retinal is estimated to convert 11x faster than retinol, providing more potent anti-aging action with a better tolerance profile.
- Study: A 125-patient study showed 0.05% retinal matched 0.05% retinoic acid in wrinkle and roughness reduction at 18 weeks, with no statistically significant difference between the two (Creidi et al., JAAD).
- Antibacterial: Retinal is the only retinoid with direct antibacterial activity, making it uniquely beneficial for acne-prone skin (Pechere et al., Dermatology).
- Conversion: Only 1 enzymatic step to retinoic acid vs. 2 steps for retinol, resulting in faster and more efficient activity in skin cells.
๐ Samphira Oil (Crithmum maritimum Extract) Promising
Extracted from sea fennel (rock samphire), a coastal plant rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Marketed as a natural retinol-like active, Samphira Oil acts on the same targets as retinol without inducing irritation. It boosts collagen synthesis and accelerates skin cell renewal.
- Clinical: 30-volunteer study showed visible improvements in wrinkles, pore size, and skin tone homogeneity after 42 days of twice-daily use (Codif Technologie Naturelle).
- Efficacy: 25% improvement in skin brightness, 16% increase in suppleness, and 16.5% reduction in crow's feet wrinkles.
- Tolerance: Does not induce inflammatory reaction even with twice-daily application, making it ideal to pair with potent retinoids.
๐ง 4-Weight Hyaluronic Acid Complex Proven
A sophisticated multi-molecular weight HA system providing hydration at every skin layer: Sodium Hyaluronate (standard HA), Hydrolyzed HA (low MW, penetrates deeper), Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate (cationic, binds to skin), and Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate (super HA, longer-lasting).
- Multi-layer: Different molecular weights target the epidermis at various depths, creating a moisture reservoir effect.
- Cationic HA: Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate has a positive charge that helps it bind to the skin surface for sustained hydration.
- Super HA: Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate has enhanced skin affinity, providing 2x longer hydration versus standard HA.
๐ Ceramide NP Proven
Also known as Ceramide 3, this skin-identical lipid is a critical component of the skin barrier. Ceramides make up approximately 50% of the lipids between skin cells, and supplementing them helps counteract the barrier disruption that retinoids can cause.
- Barrier: Restores the lipid matrix between corneocytes, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) during retinoid therapy.
- Synergy: Pairing ceramides with retinoids is a dermatologist-recommended strategy to minimize irritation and flaking.
๐ฟ Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract Proven
A well-studied adaptogenic plant extract (Cica) with potent anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Helps calm retinoid-induced irritation and supports skin repair.
- Soothing: Contains madecassoside and asiaticoside, which reduce redness and inflammation from active ingredients.
- Collagen: Stimulates type I collagen synthesis, complementing retinal's anti-aging mechanism.
๐งฌ Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) Proven
A large-molecule humectant that holds up to 5,000x its weight in water, outperforming hyaluronic acid. PGA forms a moisture-locking film on the skin surface, preventing dehydration caused by retinoid use.
- Hydration: Creates a hydrating film that inhibits hyaluronidase, the enzyme that breaks down natural HA in skin.
- Synergy: Works with HA complex to provide both deep and surface-level moisture retention.
35 ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Lactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Retinal, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Tromethamine, Polyglutamic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Sucrose Laurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, PEG-75 Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Disodium EDTA, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use in PM routine only. Apply after lighter serums and before moisturizer. Always follow with SPF 30+ the next morning. Do not layer with other strong actives (AHA, BHA, vitamin C) on the same night.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Thoroughly
Start with a gentle cleanser on dry or damp skin. Pat face dry completely before applying retinal.
Dispense 1-2 Pumps
Press the airless pump 1-2 times. The natural yellow color comes from encapsulated retinal and will not stain skin.
Apply Evenly to Face
Gently spread across face, avoiding the eye area and lips. Use the "retinoid sandwich" method (moisturizer-serum-moisturizer) if you experience irritation.
Follow With Moisturizer
Lock everything in with a ceramide or squalane-based moisturizer. This reduces potential dryness and flaking.
SPF Next Morning
Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen in the morning. Retinal increases photosensitivity, so sun protection is mandatory.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want to upgrade from retinol to a stronger retinoid
- You have fine lines, wrinkles, or uneven skin texture
- You deal with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or dark spots
- You want retinal with built-in barrier support (ceramides + HA)
- You have acne-prone skin and want a retinoid with antibacterial properties
- You prefer fragrance-free, no-colorant formulations
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding without doctor approval
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia) โ contains triggers like Polysorbate 80
- You are a complete retinoid beginner (consider 0.05% retinal first)
- You have extremely sensitive or compromised skin barrier (e.g., active eczema flare)
- You cannot commit to daily sunscreen use
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight serum texture absorbs well without adding grease. Retinal helps regulate sebum production and minimize pore appearance over time.
4-weight HA complex and ceramide NP provide hydration, but dry skin types should use a rich moisturizer on top and may experience more initial flaking.
Balanced formulation works well across different face zones. Hydrating enough for dry areas without being too heavy for the T-zone.
Centella Asiatica and ceramides help, but 0.15% retinal is potent. Start very slowly (1x/week) and use the sandwich method. Patch test recommended.
Retinal has unique antibacterial properties among retinoids, helping with acne. Low comedogenic risk. However, not fungal acne safe due to Polysorbate 80 and ferment.
๐ Results Timeline
Adjustment Period
Skin may feel slightly tighter or drier than usual. Mild flaking or peeling is normal as skin adjusts to retinal. Some users report a temporary "purge" with small breakouts. The yellow tint from the serum washes off easily.
70% noticed skin adjustmentTexture Improvement
Skin begins to feel smoother and softer to the touch. Cell turnover accelerates, revealing fresher skin underneath. Existing blemishes start healing faster thanks to retinal's antibacterial action.
65% noticed smoother textureVisible Brightening & PIH Fading
Dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation begin to fade noticeably. Skin tone becomes more even and radiant. Pores appear refined. This is where the Samphira Oil synergy becomes apparent.
75% noticed brighter skinWrinkle Reduction & Firmness
Fine lines are visibly diminished as collagen production ramps up. Skin feels firmer and more elastic. Clinical studies show retinal achieves wrinkle reduction comparable to retinoic acid by week 18. Best results with consistent, long-term use.
80% noticed anti-aging improvementโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- High-potency 0.15% retinal with encapsulation for less irritation
- Excellent supporting ingredients: 4 types of HA, ceramides, Centella
- Samphira Oil provides additional retinol-like benefits without extra irritation
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, no added colorants
- Visibly smooths texture and fades PIH within 4 weeks
- Antibacterial retinal helps with acne-prone skin
- Affordable price point for a retinal product (comparable to premium brands)
- BPOM registered and Indonesian-formulated
โ Criticized
- Strong yellow color can be off-putting initially
- Slightly sticky feel on some skin types
- Not fungal acne safe (contains Polysorbate 80, ferment lysate)
- Not pregnancy safe
- Small 30ml size may not last long
- Frequently sold out on official website
- Limited international availability
- Initial purging/adjustment period expected
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Slightly lower retinal concentration (0.1% vs 0.15%). Uses cyclodextrin stabilization instead of encapsulation. Contains allantoin and panthenol for soothing, but lacks ceramides, Samphira Oil, and the 4-weight HA complex. Fragrance-free and vegan.
Uses retinol (not retinal), so 10x slower conversion to retinoic acid. Much simpler 2-ingredient formula in squalane base. No ceramides, no HA, no Samphira Oil. More affordable but a step down in potency and supporting ingredients.
Lower concentration retinal (0.10% vs 0.15%) in a cream-serum format. Contains niacinamide and vitamin E for added benefits. Lacks the Samphira Oil synergy and 4-weight HA complex. Cream texture may feel heavier than FSS serum formula.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
FSS Retinal 0.15% With Samphira Oil
~$14Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 10
$19.90Avรจne Retrinal 0.1% Multi-Corrective
$68.00Naturium Retinaldehyde 0.10%
$22.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
6 months after opening. Retinal degrades with exposure to air and light, so use promptly once opened.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is optional but can extend stability. Keep tightly sealed.
Airless pump bottle that minimizes air exposure and oxidation, preserving retinal potency. Opaque packaging protects from UV degradation.
Yes, 30ml is under the 100ml carry-on limit. Airless pump prevents leaking during travel.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
No, this product is not pregnancy safe. It contains Retinal (retinaldehyde), a vitamin A derivative. All topical retinoids, including retinaldehyde, are contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential teratogenic risks. For breastfeeding, topical retinoid use is generally considered low-risk, but you should consult your physician before using this product while nursing.
No, this serum is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast: Polysorbate 80 (an emulsifier known to be problematic), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (a medium-chain fatty acid ester), Cetyl Alcohol (a fatty alcohol), and Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate. If you have confirmed fungal acne, look for alternatives without these triggers.
Avoid using this retinal serum on the same night as other strong actives like vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), or BHAs (salicylic acid). These combinations can cause excessive irritation, dryness, and barrier damage. Instead, alternate nights: retinal on some evenings, exfoliating acids on others. Vitamin C is best used in your morning routine. Do not layer additional retinol or retinoid products with this serum.
This serum works best for normal, oily, and combination skin types concerned with aging, uneven texture, dark spots, or acne. It is also suitable for dry skin with proper moisturizer layering. Sensitive skin types should approach with caution due to the 0.15% retinal concentration โ start with 1x/week application and increase gradually. It is not recommended for skin with active eczema, rosacea flares, or severely compromised barriers.
Most users report smoother texture within 2-4 weeks. Visible brightening and dark spot fading typically appear around weeks 4-8. Significant anti-aging benefits (wrinkle reduction, improved firmness) become noticeable at 3-6 months of consistent use. Clinical studies on retinal show wrinkle reduction comparable to retinoic acid by week 18. Patience and consistency are key โ retinoids are a long-term investment.
Use it in your PM routine only, after cleansing and toner/hydrating serum, but before moisturizer. The order is: Cleanser, Toner, Hydrating Serum (optional), FSS Retinal Serum, Moisturizer. If you experience irritation, try the "sandwich" method: moisturizer first, then retinal, then moisturizer again. Always follow with SPF 30+ in the morning. Start with 1-2 applications per week and increase gradually.
This serum has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. While it contains some emollients like Cetyl Alcohol and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, the overall lightweight serum formulation is unlikely to clog pores for most skin types. In fact, retinal actively helps unclog pores by accelerating cell turnover. Some initial breakouts may occur during the first 2-4 weeks (retinoid "purge"), but this is temporary and a sign the product is working.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 6 months. Retinaldehyde is an inherently unstable molecule that degrades with exposure to air, light, and heat. The airless pump packaging helps minimize oxidation, but once opened, use the product within 6 months for optimal potency. Store in a cool, dark place. If the serum loses its characteristic yellow color or develops an off smell, it may have degraded.
Verdict: FSS Retinal Serum 0.15% With Samphira Oil is a seriously impressive formulation at an accessible price point. At 0.15% retinaldehyde with encapsulation technology, it delivers a potency level that sits between most OTC options and matches some professional-grade retinals. The addition of Samphira Oil provides a clever dual retinoid approach โ synthetic retinal for proven potency plus botanical retinol-like action for extra anti-aging benefits without extra irritation. The 4-weight hyaluronic acid complex, ceramide NP, and Centella Asiatica create a thoughtful support system for barrier health during retinoid use. It falls short on fungal acne safety and the strong yellow tint can be surprising, but for anyone looking to upgrade from retinol to retinal, this Indonesian gem delivers premium-level science at a fraction of European retinal prices.
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 ยซpromisesยป 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Triethylhexanoin
Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Emollient, Masking, Refatting, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Lactobacillus/Collagen/Mesembryanthemum Crystallinum Leaf Extract Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|

