Day 1, I put retinal on my face and waited for the inevitable peeling. My skin is the type that throws a tantrum over a new moisturizer — so I was fully prepared for war.
Thirty days later, no war. Just calmer skin and a weird new tolerance for actives I didn’t know I had. That’s the part that got me.
It’s a ginseng + retinal serum from Beauty of Joseon — the K-beauty brand your feed won’t shut up about. Costs about $18. The claim: barrier repair while you retinol. I called bullshit. I tested it anyway.
Retinal, not retinol
It’s one step stronger than retinol — faster results, but usually double the irritation. Usually.
Ginseng extract
The soothing agent that makes the retinal behave. Apparently it works.
5% panthenol
A skin-soothing ingredient usually found in post-procedure creams. Smart move.
Photo: Mockup Free / Unsplash
Retinal is the hero — it converts to retinoic acid in one step, so it hits harder than retinol. The ginseng isn’t just for the Korean heritage flex; it’s a legit antioxidant that calms redness.
- Retinal: Anti-aging that actually works — but usually burns
- Ginseng: Calms redness and boosts collagen
- Panthenol: Barrier repair in a bottle
- Hyaluronic acid: Pushes moisture into skin so you don’t flake
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
It’s a milky-gel texture that sinks in about 15 seconds. No greasy film. No tacky residue. Just skin that feels like you put on a light moisturizer — which is wild for a retinal.
Week 2, my skin went through a “purging” phase around my chin. I almost quit. By week 3, those tiny bumps were gone and my texture looked like I’d been using it for a year.
Photo: Kaeme / Unsplash
My fine lines didn’t vanish. My pores didn’t disappear. But my skin stopped flaking, my redness dropped by half, and my morning skin looked rested — which is more than any $80 serum has ever done for me.
Photo: ibnu ihza / Unsplash
It’s not a miracle, but it’s the smartest retinal on the market for anyone scared of retinoids. My skin is boring now — and I mean that as the highest compliment.