Korean beauty combines powerful ingredients with gentle formulations, which is one of the reasons why K-beauty has trended worldwide. In this article, we look at three popular anti-aging ingredients: retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol. We'll go over the differences, who they're suitable for, and how they're used in Korean skin care.
Retinol: Powerhouse ingredient in skincare
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, helps stimulate collagen production and promote cell renewal, which reduces wrinkles and evens out skin tone. In order for the skin to recognize retinol and be able to utilize it, it must be converted to retinoid acid on the skin. Retinol goes through three stages: retinol --> retinal --> retinoid acid. This power pack of cosmetics is the right choice for you if you want, e.g. improves skin texture.
Who do we recommend retinol for?
Retinol is best for mature skin or acne-prone skin. At low concentrations (0.1%), it is a good starting option for those new to retinoids, but may cause irritation to sensitive skin. Skin irritation is also affected by the product formulation as a whole. Retinol can be found both in creams, such as Cosrx The Retinol 0.1 Cream and Ondo Beauty 36.5 Retinol & Ginseng Youth-Preserving Treatment , but also in serums, such as Anua Retinol 0.3% Niacin Renewing Serum , which also contains niacinamide to brighten and smooth the skin.
💡 Tip: Start slowly with a low concentration and apply the product containing retinol only in the evening. If you're new to retinol, start by using it 1-3 nights a week and gradually increase as needed. Don't forget to use sunscreen during the day! ☀️
Retinal: Fast option
Retinal is the strongest form of vitamin A that can be found in cosmetics. This is why retinal is present in products in very small concentrations, such as 0.025%, because it is a very effective ingredient. Still, retinal is still relatively gentle on the skin and is great for those who want powerful anti-aging benefits. Retinal's effectiveness is based on the fact that it is one degree closer to retinoid acid, which the skin recognizes and utilizes, compared to retinol.
Who do we recommend retinal for?
Retinal is the best choice for those who want faster results in skin care. It is also a good option for combination skin and those with strong skin. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal is the ideal choice for you who want to reduce fine lines around the eyes with retinal and nourishing ginseng. The product can also be used on the entire face. 🌿 Another good option is Dr. Different's Vitalift-A, which is also available in a stronger version for experienced users.
Bakuchiol: A natural alternative
Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative to retinol that offers somewhat similar anti-aging effects without the skin irritation. This makes bakuchiol a great option for sensitive skin or those who want to use natural products 🌱
Who do we recommend bakuchiol to?
If you have sensitive skin or prefer natural ingredients, bakuchiol is the perfect choice. It is also safe to use during the day as it does not increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Purito Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalizing Serum is a great option for those of you looking for a gentle well-aging product without skin irritation. If you want to try bakuchiol every now and then for an extra boost, we recommend the Ondo Beauty 36.5 Squalane & Bakuchiol Sleeping Pack . Bakuchiol is also an excellent ingredient for sensitive eyes and can be found in popular Korean brands such as SKIN1004 Centella Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream 👁️
Combine three ingredients: Retinol, Retinal and Bakuchiol
If you're looking for a product that combines these three powerful ingredients, we recommend Some By Mi Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum . This serum combines retinol, retinal and bakuchiol to provide a balanced well-aging solution that is both effective and gentle – perfect for those of you who want the best of both worlds. ✨
What suits you the best?
The choice between retinol, retinal and bakuchiol depends on your skin's needs. Retinol is the perfect option for beginners who want to start slowly, retinal is for more experienced users who want faster results, and bakuchiol is a natural and gentle option for sensitive skin. Whichever you choose, don't forget to pair these powerful ingredients with moisturizers and sunscreen to protect skin and maximize results. 🌟
Tip! If you have sensitive and reactive skin but want to start using retinol, there is a method you can use to reduce the risk of irritation. This is known as the sandwich method, where you apply a layer of moisturizer, then a thin layer of retinol, and finally moisturizer again. This creates a protective layer on the skin and reduces the risk of irritation.
Do you want to learn more about active ingredients and do you need help choosing what is right for your skin type and routine? Come visit one of our stores and we will help you!
