Retinol is an active ingredient with multiple functions, but also with an adverse effect that, in some skins, can lead to its rejection: it has the power to irritate. But if retinol serum formulated correctly, along with the right ingredients to avoid this, it can be the perfect active ingredient.
What is retinol and what does it do to our skin?
It is one of the different forms of vitamin A we find. Retinols have multiple actions on the skin:
– They promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which provide elasticity and hydration to the skin.
– They help treat oily skin by reducing pore size and regulating sebum production.
– They improve skin texture, and also prevent premature ageing due to sun damage.
But retinols are quite irritating, so we will have to get our skin used to their use or choose products with retinol that compensate for this irritation.
Remember that vitamin A is teratogenic at the oral level, but its toxicity to the foetus at the topical level has not been proven, so its use is not recommended for pregnant women.
What is in Medik8 3TR intense retinol serum?
It has retinol at 0.3%, an effective concentration that the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) recommends as a maximum in face and hand creams, due to the high irritability of the ingredient.
It is formulated with a smart technology, as it releases the active ingredient so that it works throughout the night. In addition, it is accompanied by climbazole, an active ingredient that enhances the effect of retinol without increasing irritation.
How is Retinol Serum 3TR by Medik8?
This serum has an oily texture, as it is a base of squalane, the stable form of squalene, an ingredient with a powerful moisturising effect. It is an oily base, but not greasy, as its second ingredient is a dry oil, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, leaving a feel suitable for all skin types.
What is in Medik8 Retinol Serum 3TR?
Next, we will analyse all the ingredients of the serum, looking at their function one by one.
If we analyse each of the ingredients:
| Ingredients: | |
| Squalane | Squalane, moisturising active ingredient |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Dry feel oil |
| Carthamus tinctorius Seed Oil | Safflower oil. Soothing |
| Dimeyhicone | Silicone to improve extensibility |
| Climbazole | Soothing active |
| Tocopheryl Acetate | Vitamin E. Antioxidant |
| Retinol | Vitamin A |
| Pogostemon Cablin Leaf oil | Patchouli oil |
| Decylene Glycol | Booster for the preservative |
| 1,2- Hexanediol | Booster for preservative |
| PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer | Gelling agent |
| Phenoxyethanol | Preservative |
| Lecithin | Structure of the release system |
| BHT | antioxidant |
Review @inside_cosmetics. Micaela’s opinion
It is a serum that works great for my dry skin. It moisturises in depth. Also, it does not irritate at all, so it is perfect to use every night. One of the best ways to use retinol I have found.
