Korean retinal serum that visibly smooths, brightens, and hydrates. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, effective enough for daily use.

From MEDITHERAPY, a South Korean skincare brand known for clinically-inspired formulations at accessible price points. The Retinal Skin Booster Serum combines Retinaldehyde (Retinal), Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, and Centella Asiatica in a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum designed for face and body use. Passed skin irritation testing. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone. 150mL with pump dispenser.

Benefits:

• Retinaldehyde (Retinal): A potent yet gentle form of Vitamin A that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture, and dull skin tone with consistent use.
  

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps visibly even skin tone, minimize the appearance of pores, and support a healthy-looking skin barrier.
  

• Sodium Hyaluronate and Polyquaternium-51: Deep and surface-level hydration ingredients that help the skin appear plumper and more supple.
  

• Ceramide NP: Helps support the skin's moisture barrier, reducing visible signs of dryness and improving overall skin texture.
  

• Centella Asiatica (Cica) Extract and Leaf Extract plus Madecassoside: Soothing botanicals that help calm visible redness and support a more even complexion.

• Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture. Passed skin irritation test. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone. 150mL pump bottle.
  

Why Retinal Over Retinol

Retinol is the most commonly used Vitamin A derivative in skincare. To become active in the skin, retinol must be converted first to Retinaldehyde and then to Retinoic Acid. Retinal (Retinaldehyde) is one step closer to the active form, which means it works at a lower concentration with less conversion required. The result is a more effective visible outcome per unit of ingredient, with a gentler profile compared to stronger retinoid forms. For those who have experienced irritation with retinol or are new to retinoids, Retinal is a well-positioned middle ground.

What the Key Ingredients Do

Retinal (Retinaldehyde): Helps accelerate visible skin cell turnover, reducing the appearance of uneven texture, fine lines, and dullness. Delivers visible skin renewal results faster than retinol at equivalent concentrations.

Niacinamide: One of the most well-researched cosmetic actives. Helps visibly even skin tone, reduce the look of enlarged pores, strengthen the visible skin barrier, and improve the overall appearance of skin clarity.

Sodium Hyaluronate: The salt form of Hyaluronic Acid. A small-molecule humectant that penetrates deeper into the skin's surface than standard HA, helping the skin appear hydrated and plump.

Ceramide NP: A lipid that naturally occurs in the skin's outer layer. Topical Ceramide NP helps support the appearance of a healthy moisture barrier, reducing visible dryness and improving the look and feel of skin texture.

Centella Asiatica (Cica): A traditional botanical used extensively in Korean skincare for its visible soothing properties. Helps calm the look of redness and irritation, particularly useful when pairing a retinoid with sensitive skin types.

Beta-Glucan: A polysaccharide derived from oat and other natural sources. Helps the skin appear more hydrated and soothed, and supports the appearance of skin recovery after retinoid use.

Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C derivatives): Stable Vitamin C forms that help brighten the appearance of skin tone and support visible antioxidant protection.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E): A fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect the skin's appearance from environmental oxidative stress and supports visible skin conditioning.

Ingredients

Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Polyglycerin-3, Niacinamide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylic Acid/MA Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Xanthan Gum, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Tocopherol, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Retinal, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Potentilla Anserina Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Polyquaternium-51, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Beta-Glucan, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Lactobionic Acid, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Saccharomyces Ferment, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1.

Directions

Apply after cleansing as the first step of your skincare routine. Take 2 to 3 pumps and spread evenly over face and neck. Gently pat to aid absorption. Suitable for face and body use.

• New to retinoids: start with every other night. Increase to nightly as tolerated.
• Always apply SPF during the day when using retinoid products. Retinoids can increase photosensitivity.
• Avoid use around the eye contour area if sensitive to retinoids.
• For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.