Everyone and their auntie is slathering on this Korean serum, claiming it’s Botox in a bottle. I called bullshit and put it to the test for six weeks.
Here’s the thing — the texture smells like a fancy herbal tea, which is cute, but the real tea is whether 0.1% retinal actually does anything beyond stinging your face.
It’s a milky, amber-tinged serum that costs around $22 for 30ml. The brand Beauty of Joseon claims it “revives” tired skin overnight — bold words for a product that’s basically a retinal rookie.
0.1% Retinal
Stronger than retinol, weaker than prescription — the sweet spot for newbies
Ginseng Root Water
Hydrates and calms the irritation retinal loves to cause
Squalane Base
Glides on like silk, doesn’t pill under moisturizer
Photo: ibnu ihza / Unsplash
Retinal is the middle child of retinoids — it converts to retinoic acid in one step instead of two, so it works faster than retinol but gentler than pure acid. The ginseng is the real MVP here, though — it’s not just for the scent, it actually reduces inflammation from the active.
- Retinal: Speeds up cell turnover, smooths fine lines
- Ginseng: Antioxidant powerhouse, soothes redness
- Squalane: Locks in moisture without clogging pores
- Hyaluronic Acid: Plumps skin, fades dehydration lines
Photo: Ela De Pure / Unsplash
First drop feels like liquid velvet — absorbs in under 15 seconds, zero greasy film. My face looked dewy, not oily, which is rare for a retinal product.
Week two hit me with the “retinal purge” — tiny bumps on my chin that made me want to throw the bottle. I stuck with it, and by week three, my skin had that lit-from-within glow that made me stare at my reflection in the grocery store lighting.
Photo: Look Studio / Unsplash
My forehead lines are softer — not gone, but noticeably less deep. The dark spots from last summer’s sun damage have faded about 40%, which I didn’t expect from a drugstore-priced serum. My pores? Same as before. Don’t let anyone sell you pore-shrinking magic.
Photo: Eurico Craveiro / Unsplash
It’s not a miracle in a dropper — but it’s the closest thing to it without a prescription. This serum earns its hype, just don’t expect overnight magic.