Retinol B3 Serum
Retinol B3 Serum
Product Description
Product overview
A triple-action retinoid serum combining Encapsulated Retinol, Retinal, and Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Egyptian Blue Lotus to visibly reduce fine lines, even out skin tone, and boost skin plumpness while helping manage acne-prone skin.
Triple Retinoid Complex
Combines Encapsulated Retinol, Retinal, and HPR (Granactive Retinoid) for multi-level anti-aging action with reduced irritation potential.
Texture & feel
SENSORYTriple Retinoid Complex
Combines Encapsulated Retinol, Retinal, and HPR (Granactive Retinoid) for multi-level anti-aging action with reduced irritation potential.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Brightens skin, strengthens the barrier, reduces pores, and regulates oil production. Synergizes well with retinoids.
Egyptian Blue Lotus
Nymphaea Caerulea flower water provides antioxidant protection and helps flush toxins that can trigger breakouts.
Botanical Soothing Complex
Centella Asiatica, Licorice Root, Green Tea, and Peony extracts calm irritation and protect the skin barrier during retinoid use.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains three forms of retinoids (Retinol, Retinal, HPR). All retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.
Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, and Cholesterol which may feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin.
Mostly water-based with non-comedogenic humectants. Potentially comedogenic ingredients (Stearic Acid) are present in very low concentrations near the end of the INCI list.
Retinoids increase photosensitivity. Always use SPF 30+ sunscreen during the day when using this serum. Use only at night (PM routine).
No added fragrance, parabens, sulfates, silicones, harsh alcohols, or common allergens. BPOM (Indonesian FDA) certified and Halal.
Retinoids can cause initial irritation, dryness, or purging. Start with 1-2 times per week and gradually increase frequency. Always patch test first.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRetinol (Encapsulated)Proven
The gold-standard anti-aging ingredient with the most scientific backing of any non-prescription active. Encapsulated form provides gradual release for reduced irritation.
- Mechanism: Converts to retinoic acid in 2 steps, stimulating collagen production and cell turnover
- Studies: Proven to reduce wrinkles, fade dark spots, treat acne, and minimize pores
- Potency: Approximately 10-20x less potent than prescription tretinoin, but significantly better tolerated
Retinal (Retinaldehyde)Proven
Only one conversion step away from retinoic acid, making it more potent than retinol but better tolerated than prescription tretinoin.
- Potency: Studies show retinal works faster than retinol due to needing only 1 conversion step
- Tolerability: Research confirms retinal has a "good tolerance profile" compared to retinoic acid
- Acne: An Avene-sponsored study of 1,709 patients found 0.1% retinal was well tolerated and effective alongside standard acne treatments
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR)Promising
A next-generation retinoic acid ester (trade name: Granactive Retinoid) that binds directly to retinoid receptors without any conversion steps needed.
- Innovation: Binds directly to skin cell retinoid receptors — no metabolic conversion required
- Stability: A 2021 study found HPR has the greatest stability when exposed to light and temperature of all commercial retinoids
- Efficacy: In-vitro studies show HPR had greater collagen gene transcription than retinol at the same concentration
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~3-5%Proven
A multi-functional superstar with proven benefits for brightening, barrier repair, pore reduction, and oil control. Listed 4th in the INCI, indicating a meaningful concentration.
- Brightening: Fades dark spots alone or combined with acetyl glucosamine at 4-5% concentration
- Barrier: Increases ceramide synthesis, strengthening the skin barrier and improving hydration
- Versatility: Helps with acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sebum regulation
Centella Asiatica ExtractProven
A celebrated healing botanical (also known as Cica) that calms inflammation, promotes wound healing, and supports skin repair — essential when using retinoids.
- Soothing: Reduces redness and irritation commonly associated with retinoid use
- Repair: Stimulates collagen synthesis and supports wound healing
Sodium Hyaluronate + CollagenProven
Hydration powerhouses that work together to plump skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Includes both soluble collagen and hydrolyzed collagen for different molecular weights.
- Hydration: Sodium Hyaluronate attracts and holds up to 1000x its weight in water
- Plumping: Dual collagen types (soluble + hydrolyzed) provide surface smoothing and deeper hydration
52 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycereth-26, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, VP/VA Copolymer, Methylpropanediol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Glyceryl Glucoside, Nymphaea Caerulea Flower Water, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Bark Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Extract, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Stephania Tetrandra Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, BHT, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Soluble Collagen, Phospholipids, Ergothioneine, Retinol, Retinal, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Mannitol, Propylene Glycol, Ubiquinone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Argyi Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Cholesterol, Hexapeptide-9, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse at night only (PM routine). Apply after toner and before moisturizer. Always follow with sunscreen the next morning.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Tone
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply toner. Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying the serum — no dampness at all.
Apply 2-3 Drops
Dispense 2-3 drops onto your fingertips. Gently spread evenly across your face, avoiding the eye area and lips.
Pat & Absorb
Tap gently with your fingertips until the serum is fully absorbed. Wait 1-2 minutes before applying the next step in your routine.
Moisturize & Protect
Follow with a moisturizer to lock in the actives. The next morning, always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen as retinoids increase sun sensitivity.
Ramp Up Gradually
Start with 1-2 times per week for the first 2 weeks. Gradually increase to every other night, then nightly as your skin builds tolerance.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want to start an anti-aging routine on a budget
- You have fine lines, uneven skin tone, or enlarged pores
- You want a gentle introduction to retinoids (triple retinoid blend with soothing botanicals)
- You prefer fragrance-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free formulas
- You have oily or combination skin prone to acne
- You are 25+ and looking for preventative anti-aging
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains retinoids)
- You have fungal acne / Malassezia folliculitis
- You want a high-concentration, clinical-strength retinol (this is a gentle formulation)
- You have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to even mild retinoids
- You need a larger bottle size (this is only 20ml)
- You are already using prescription tretinoin or other strong retinoids
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without adding shine. Niacinamide helps regulate sebum production. Great match for oily skin.
Contains Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, and Panthenol for hydration, but you will definitely need a richer moisturizer on top to prevent dryness from retinoids.
Balances well across different face zones. Lightweight enough for oily T-zone, hydrating enough for drier cheeks.
Contains soothing Centella and Licorice, but three retinoids may still be too active for very sensitive skin. Patch test essential, start very slowly.
Retinoids normalize keratinization and reduce sebum. Low comedogenic rating (1/5). Expect possible initial purging in the first 2-4 weeks.
Results timeline
MONTH 4-6Adjustment Period
Skin may feel slightly dry or tingly as it adjusts to retinoids. Some users experience mild purging (small breakouts). Skin begins to feel smoother and more hydrated from the Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid.
60% noticed hydration improvementTexture Improvement
Skin texture starts to feel noticeably smoother and more refined. Pores may appear slightly smaller. Any initial purging should be subsiding. Skin tone starts to look more even.
70% noticed smoother textureVisible Brightening & Tone Evening
Niacinamide and retinoids work together to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Fine lines around the eyes and forehead start to soften. Overall complexion looks brighter and more radiant.
75% noticed brighter skin toneAnti-Aging Benefits
Consistent use yields visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Skin feels firmer and more plump due to collagen stimulation. Best results come with nightly use and consistent sunscreen application.
80% noticed reduced fine linesRatings by platform
850+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely affordable price point for a triple retinoid formula
- Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without stickiness
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, silicone-free clean formula
- Contains 3 types of retinoids for multi-level anti-aging
- Niacinamide + botanical extracts help soothe retinoid irritation
- BPOM certified and Halal — safe and trusted
- Good for beginners starting retinoids due to gentle formulation
- Noticeable improvement in skin texture and hydration
Criticized
- Small 20ml bottle size — runs out fast with daily use
- Retinoid concentration is mild — experienced users may not see dramatic results
- Some reviewers felt effects were mainly hydrating, not strongly anti-aging
- Not pregnancy/breastfeeding safe due to retinoids
- Not fungal acne safe (contains fatty acids and esters)
- Limited international availability outside Southeast Asia
- No specified percentage of retinoid concentrations on packaging
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSingle retinoid (retinol only) at a defined 0.5% concentration in a squalane base. Less complex formula but transparent concentration. 30ml size lasts longer. No niacinamide or botanical extracts.
Indonesian brand alternative with Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, and HPR. Uses peach extract instead of Egyptian Lotus. Contains Squalane for extra moisture. Similar triple retinoid approach at an even lower price.
Another popular Indonesian retinol serum with Bakuchiol blend. More focused on gentle retinol introduction with plant-based alternatives. Different active approach but similar price range and target market.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap tightly closed. Refrigeration is optional but can extend potency of retinoids.
Dark glass dropper bottle — protects retinoids from light degradation
Yes, 20ml is well under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. This serum contains three forms of retinoids: Retinol, Retinal, and Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR). All retinoids are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the risk of birth defects. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider. Consider retinoid-free alternatives like Bakuchiol-based serums during this time.
No. This serum contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (a fatty acid ester), Stearic Acid, and Cholesterol, which can potentially feed Malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne. If you are prone to fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), look for a retinoid product that is specifically formulated without these fatty acid triggers.
It is best to avoid using Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), AHA (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid), or BHA (Salicylic Acid) at the same time as this retinol serum to prevent irritation. Instead, alternate them: use retinol at night and Vitamin C in the morning, or use acids on different nights. If you want to combine them, wait at least 20-30 minutes between applications and monitor your skin for signs of irritation.
This serum works well for most skin types, but is particularly suited for oily and combination skin due to its lightweight gel texture and oil-regulating Niacinamide. It is also good for acne-prone skin (low comedogenic rating of 1/5) and normal skin. Dry skin types can use it but should pair with a richer moisturizer. Those with very sensitive skin should proceed with caution and start slowly.
Most users report improved hydration and smoother texture within 2-4 weeks. Visible brightening and dark spot fading typically appear at 2-3 months. Meaningful anti-aging results (reduced fine lines, improved firmness) require 4-6 months of consistent nightly use. Patience and consistency are key — retinoids work by gradually accelerating cell turnover and collagen production over time.
Apply after cleansing and toning, on completely dry skin (this is important — damp skin can increase irritation). Apply 2-3 drops, let absorb, then follow with moisturizer. Use only in your nighttime (PM) routine. In the morning, always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen. Do not layer with other actives like AHA/BHA/Vitamin C at the same time.
This serum has a low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The formula is primarily water-based with non-comedogenic humectants like Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid. While it does contain Stearic Acid and Cholesterol (which can be comedogenic), these appear very low on the ingredients list, indicating minimal concentrations. Most users, including those with acne-prone skin, report no pore-clogging issues.
The serum has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. However, since retinoids can degrade when exposed to light and air, it is best to use it within 6-8 months of opening for optimal potency. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The dark glass dropper bottle helps protect the retinoids from light degradation. At 2-3 drops per night, a 20ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months.
Verdict: The Originote Retinol B3 Serum offers exceptional value as a triple-retinoid serum at an unbeatable price point. With its combination of Retinol, Retinal, and HPR alongside Niacinamide and soothing botanicals, it provides a well-rounded introduction to retinoids for beginners and budget-conscious skincare enthusiasts. While the retinoid concentrations appear to be on the gentler side (making dramatic results less likely for experienced retinoid users), the clean formula, fast absorption, and lack of common irritants make it an excellent starter retinol. Best suited for those aged 25+ looking for preventative anti-aging on a budget. The main drawbacks are the small 20ml size and undisclosed retinoid percentages.
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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning, Smoothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
Pores
|
|
| 1 |
Glycereth-26
Solvent, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|







