Where to purchase: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Price: ~£13.29 (Usually on sale for £7.84)
Volume: 40ml
Made in: South Korea
What is it + What does it do?: Contains a 44.1% blend of Coenzyme Q10, Retinol, and Centella water; to help reduce fine lines, improve brightness, and support the skin’s barrier. [Also includes Hyaluronic acid and Squalane for hydration].
Supposedly Good for: All Skin Types (Including sensitive).
What I think: I would agree (particularly for sensitive skins). I do think Oily skins would prefer this over dry skins (as it’s watery and lightweight).
Youtube Review: Excellent SPF50+ Sunblocks for Oily and Combination Skin
Vegan?: Not stated.
Cruelty Free?: Yes.
Malesezzia suitable?: No.
EU-Allergen-Free?: Yes.
How long does it last after opening?: 12 Months.
pH: 5-6.5
Packaging: Plastic bottle with a dropper mechanism. Hasn’t leaked or been messy for me.
Directions: ”Apply a moderate amount on the face and gently dab for better absorption.” [From the Website].
How I use it: I apply this in the PM, under a moisturiser. As this is gentle and doesn’t cause peeling or itching, I can apply this over the neck as well.
Key Ingredients: Antioxidants (Coenzyme Q10): Supports Collagen production + protects the skin from free-radical damage. Asiaticoside (From Centella Asiatica): Healing + Reduces Inflammation. / Retinol: Speeds up cell turnover, helps boost collagen and skin texture. / Skin-identical Ingredients: Glycerin + Squalane (mimics the skin’s natural oils and helps strengthen its barrier) / Hydrators: Hyaluronic Acid + Glucose + Fructose. / Soothing: Beta-Glucan (also moisturising) + Allantoin.
As you can see, in terms of Hydration and barrier support (and soothing), this serum contains beneficial ingredients.
Note: The brand says this serum uses two special delivery systems to boost how well it works:
| Delivery System | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| EPS™ | Protects actives from breakdown | Keeps ingredients effective longer |
| Wide-Spread Texture™ | Boosts absorption and spread | Helps actives penetrate better |
However, these delivery systems are branded terms with no published studies to back them up (at least for now). They’re probably based on standard cosmetic tech like encapsulation and emollient carriers; so while they sound impressive, it’s hard to know how unique or effective they really are.
Full Ingredients: Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Ubiquinone, Retinol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, BHT, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Squalane, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucan, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Artemisia Annua Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Trideceth-10, Cellulose Gum, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Inulin, Cellulose, Glucose, Fructose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, 1,2-Hexanediol
NOTE: The Incidecoder have a full ingredient breakdown HERE
Texture: This is a lightweight, watery serum that is not sticky or tacky, and feels hydrating. It doesn’t take long to absorb either [see swatch video below].
Sticky?: Surprisingly, no.
Greasy?: No.
Balls up?: Not for me.
- As you can see, this is a transparent, watery liquid that will run down the hand slowly (slightly viscous).
When spread out, you can tell this looks hydrating (which it is).
Does this Sting if the Skin has been Irritated / Sensitised by Shaving/Heavy Retinol Use?: No, as it is very gentle.
Summer or Winter?: As this is lightweight and watery, it works for both seasons (dry skins will want something heavier on top).
Layerable?: Yes (I didn’t get balling up issues).
Video Swatch:
- As you can see, this isn’t sticky or tacky, and looks watery and lightweight.
Fragrance?: This is Fragrance + EO Free (Doesn’t have a strong smell).
Good Under Makeup?: It is fine under makeup (but do not apply too much of this serum, just in case it starts to separate).
How long have I been using this?: 2-3 Months.
Will I use until Completion?: Yes, as it’s gentle and hydrating (not so much for the well-ageing benefits).
How Long will that take?: Another 2-3 months.
The Effect?: Initially: Hydrated skin (didn’t sting when applying) / Long-Term: Not a huge difference in terms of fine lines and wrinkles, but this has helped hydrate the skin and not further irritate it.
So, does this really work?: Not in a clinically meaningful way for Retinol results. This is more of a barrier-friendly antioxidant serum with a trace of retinol.
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What I like:
- Fragrance + EO Free
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Fast-absorbing
- Not greasy
- Very Gentle (didn’t irritate my skin)
What I don’t like:
- Almost a negligible amount of Retinol in here to get potent well-ageing results (but not bad for very sensitive skins)
- [For Dry Skins – not moisturising enough]
Overall Rating and Conclusion: This is a comfortably lightweight serum for hydration (barrier support + soothing) and provides antioxidative protection (via the Coenzyme Q10). In terms of Retinol effects, this is more suited for beginner Retinol users who want a very low-strength retinol with no irritation risk.
Would I repurchase?: In terms of hydration, texture (not sticky and lightweight) and Q10, I would repurchase. But in terms of effective Retinol well-ageing potency? I would not. (See below K-beauty recommendations).
Dupes / Alternatives?
- If it’s Q10 you’re after (Antioxidant), then I would recommend The Inkey List’s Q10 serum. For my Oily-Combination skin, I use this moreso like a moisturiser as it’s emollient. It is also Fragrance + EO Free, Vegan + Cruelty Free.
Available at: The Inkey List: LINK
In terms of Retinol….
- The ISNTREE Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum – combines 0.1% pure retinol, 0.3% retinyl palmitate, and 0.6% bakuchiol (clinically-backed to show they help with well-ageing i.e. fine lines and texture). It also contains Niacinamide, Ceramides, Peptides + Panthenol to support the skin (Emollient). It is fragrance + EO free. The retinol is encapsulated (better delivery + reduced irritation).
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
- Neogen Real Retinol Serum 2% – Contains a 2% combination of Retinol (lower amount) + Retinyl Palmitate (higher amount, a derivative). It provides well-ageing benefits and also contains Vitamin C + Vitamin E for antioxidant benefits. It is Fragrance + EO Free.
Available at: Stylevana: LINK
- K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng – Contains 2% Retinal Liposome (Encapsulated Retinal – more potent than retinol) + 5% Black Ginseng. Not for Sensitive skins. Fragrance + EO Free.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
Retinoid Comparison + Ratings:
| Product | Strength | Irritation | Effectiveness | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APLB Coenzyme Q10 Retinol | 🔹 Very low | 🟢 None | 🔻 Mild at best | ❌ Not really |
| Isntree Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 | ✅ 0.1% | 🟢 Low | ✅ Stronger | ✔️ Yes |
| Neogen Real Retinol 0.3% | ✅ 0.3% | 🟠 Moderate | ✅ Effective | ✔️ Yes |
| K-Secret Seoul 1988 (Retinal) | 🔥 2% | 🟠 Moderate | 💪 Very high | ✔️ Strongly Yes |
- Gentle Extra: The Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
Contains 0.08% microencapsulated retinol (gentle) and 1% bakuchiol (not as potent as retinol). This is a more emollient, milky serum that is fragrance + EO Free.
Available at: Yesstyle: LINK / Stylevana: LINK
- Papa Recipe Retinol Bakuchiol Serum – This contains 0.1% Retinol + 0.1% Bakuchiol (more gentle, better for sensitive skins). This is Fragrance + EO Free.
Available at: Stylevana: LINK
Note: While these products meet your criteria, individual skin responses can vary. It’s advisable to perform a patch test before incorporating a new product into your routine. If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, consulting with a dermatologist is recommended.
My Skin Type: I am acne prone and have slightly dehydrated combo skin. My skin is usually tight where the cheeks and eye area is and the outer parts of my face. My T zone is oily. My skin isn’t a fan of thick/heavy formulas so I opt for lightweight formulas to prevent it from clogging up. My skin doesn’t like essential oils either and I try to avoid fragrance when I can.
Disclaimer: I am a skincare enthusiast and not a skin expert. I am not qualified to give out dermatological advice. This type of advice should only be given by a medical practitioner. Upon trying / using any of the reviewed products on the blog, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings and please seek medical advice if needed.
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