A high-strength retinal treatment in a 15 ml booster format, combining 0.1% liposomal retinal with 3% Matrixyl peptide complex. This is the strongest retinoid we stock, and it needs to be understood before it is used.

Understanding 0.1% retinal — read this first

Retinaldehyde (retinal) is roughly ten times more potent than retinol per unit, because it requires only a single conversion step in the skin to become retinoic acid, where retinol requires two. At 0.1%, this sits at the top end of what is available without a prescription — broadly comparable in effect to a 1% retinol, and considerably stronger than most products labelled "retinal".

This is not a first retinoid. If you have never used vitamin A on your skin, start with our SEOUL 1988 retinal cream or the Haruharu retinol serum and come back to this in a few months. If you already use a retinoid comfortably several nights a week, this is the meaningful step up — and the liposomal encapsulation makes it more tolerable than an unencapsulated retinal at the same concentration.

Key ingredients

• Retinal, 0.1%, liposome-encapsulated — the most direct precursor to retinoic acid available over the counter. Works on fine lines, firmness, texture, tone and pore appearance. Encapsulation stabilises it against light and air and slows release into the skin, reducing irritation relative to the raw ingredient.
• Matrixyl complex, 3% (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7) — one of the most studied peptide pairings in cosmetic science, associated with firmness and the appearance of lines. At 3% this is a genuine dose, not a trace.
• Niacinamide — sixth on the ingredient list. Supports the barrier and offsets some of the disruption retinoids cause, while working on tone and pores in its own right.
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) — a small amount for antioxidant support.
• Tocopherol (vitamin E) — antioxidant protection for the formula and the skin.
• Adenosine — a Korean regulator-recognised functional anti-wrinkle active.
• Panthenol, glycerin and sodium lactate — hydration and barrier support built in, which matters a great deal at this strength.
• Cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate — olive-derived emulsifiers, gentler than conventional alternatives.

How to use

1. Evening only. Retinal degrades in UV light and increases photosensitivity.
2. Cleanse and tone, then wait until the skin is completely dry — 15 to 20 minutes if you can. Damp skin drives retinoids in faster and multiplies irritation.
3. Use a small amount — this is a 15 ml booster, not a moisturiser. A pea-sized amount covers the full face.
4. Pat gently and avoid the immediate eye area, the corners of the nose and the corners of the mouth.
5. Buffer while you build tolerance: apply a plain barrier moisturiser first, then this on top. Highly recommended for the first month at this strength.
6. Follow with a barrier cream.
7. SPF 50 the next morning is mandatory.

Recommended frequency

• Coming from a lower-strength retinoid: twice weekly for weeks 1–3, three times weekly for weeks 4–6, then every other night. Do not rush this.
• Experienced retinoid users: every other night, building to nightly only if your skin stays comfortable. Many people never need nightly at this strength.
• Sensitive skin: once or twice weekly, buffered, indefinitely.
• Never combine in the same routine with AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C or another retinoid.
• Pause for five days either side of waxing, threading, peels, microneedling or laser.
• Timeline: texture and smoothness at 4 to 6 weeks. Firmness and fine lines at 12 weeks and beyond.

The retinisation period

At this concentration, expect a more pronounced adjustment than with a gentle retinoid: dryness, flaking and mild redness across the first two to four weeks are normal. Support the barrier, reduce frequency, and do not push through. Persistent burning, swelling, weeping or raw patches are not normal — stop, repair for two to three weeks, and restart at half the frequency.

Best suited to

Experienced retinoid users. Established fine lines, loss of firmness, uneven texture and enlarged-looking pores. Anyone who has plateaued on a lower-strength retinol and wants a real step up without a prescription. Not suitable for retinoid beginners, sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, or anyone with a currently compromised barrier.

Specifications

• Volume: 15 ml
• Product type: Leave-on night treatment booster
• Retinoid: Retinal (retinaldehyde) 0.1%, liposome-encapsulated
• Strength: High — our strongest retinoid
• Peptides: Matrixyl complex 3% (palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7)
• Supporting actives: Niacinamide, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, adenosine, panthenol
• Texture: Lightweight cream-booster
• Use: Evening only
• Country of origin: Republic of Korea
• Approximate usage: 3–4 months at every-other-night use

Important safety information

Do not use if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. Topical vitamin A derivatives are routinely avoided during pregnancy as a precaution, and this applies with particular force at this concentration. Bakuchiol-based products are the usual alternative — ask us.

Daily broad-spectrum SPF 50 is required throughout use. Avoid the immediate eye area. Do not apply to broken, sunburned, waxed or actively inflamed skin. Introduce gradually as set out above — starting nightly at 0.1% retinal is the most common way people damage their barrier. If you use prescription tretinoin, adapalene or isotretinoin, consult your dermatologist before adding this. For external use only. Store away from light and heat with the cap firmly closed — retinal degrades on exposure to air and light. Use within 6 months of opening. Keep out of reach of children.

Unsure whether you are ready for this strength? Book a Yunji Skin Analysis Session and we will assess your barrier before you start.