[ Isntree ] Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum 20ml

RECOMMENDED FOR: Skin needing improvement of early ageing signs (well-aging/slow-aging) like sagging pores, fine lines, and reduced elasticity, intermediate-to-advanced skin adjusted to lower-concentration retinol wanting a higher-efficacy retinoid (a patch test and every-other-day adjustment is recommended for sensitive skin before first use)

PERFECT FOR: When sagging pores, fine lines, and reduced elasticity from early ageing are on your mind, and you want a dual-certified high-concentration retinoid serum

AM: Not recommended for daytime use given the high-concentration retinoid content, which can increase sun sensitivity; formulated strictly as an evening step, with SPF 50+ essential if daytime sun exposure is unavoidable.

PM: After evening cleansing, refine skin with toner. Using the dropper, take 2-3 drops and spread thin over your whole face, patting gently to absorb. Once fully absorbed, finish with a moisturising cream (a barrier cream with ceramide is recommended). Adjustment cycle: start with 2-3 nights weekly for the first 1-2 weeks to check your skin's reaction, then gradually increase to nightly use once adjusted. Avoid combining with high-concentration vitamin C serums or acid-based exfoliants like AHA/BHA. As an evening-only product, daytime use is not recommended, and SPF 50+ sunscreen is essential if exposed during the day.

A soft, light emulsion serum with retinol's characteristic pale yellow (milky yellow) tint. Spreads smoothly with no heavy or sticky oiliness, sinking in fresh for a smooth, velvety finish. Free from synthetic fragrance, with a nearly unscented feel from the ingredients themselves.

Retinol EX 1.0% Complex Retinoid Formula (Bakuchiol 0.6% + Retinyl Palmitate 0.3% + Pure Retinol 0.1%), 5-Ceramide Complex (NP, NS, AS, AP, EOP), 5-Peptide Complex (Copper Tripeptide-1, and more), TECA Centella Asiatica Core Quantified Extract, Antioxidant & Barrier Protection Complex (Ferulic Acid, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Panthenol), Niacinamide & Adenosine

- Retinol EX 1.0% (Bakuchiol 0.6% + Retinyl Palmitate 0.3% + Pure Retinol 0.1%): an optimal blend of the next-generation plant alternative bakuchiol, a retinoid derivative, and pure retinol reduces the irritation burden versus a single high-concentration retinol while accelerating skin turnover to firmly care for vertical pores and fine lines
- 5-Peptide Complex: strengthens collagen and elastin linkages in skin's supportive layer to restore density and elasticity lost to sagging; the 5-ceramide complex with cholesterol and phytosphingosine forms a lipid-like structure that defends against the flaking and dryness retinol activation can cause
- TECA Quantified Extract (Centella Asiatica's 3 core actives) & Panthenol: calm irritated skin and ease redness to stably support the retinol adjustment period; ferulic acid and tocopherol form a powerful antioxidant synergy that preserves retinol stability

Dual-Certified, a Hwahae Anti-Aging Ranking No.13 Retinol EX 1.0% Complex Retinoid Serum

Isntree's Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum. An optimal blend of bakuchiol, retinyl palmitate, and pure retinol in Retinol EX 1.0% reduces irritation while accelerating skin turnover to care for vertical pores and fine lines, while a 5-peptide complex restores density and elasticity. The 5-ceramide complex and TECA centella extract defend against and calm irritation from the retinol adjustment period. Dual-functional cosmetic for whitening and wrinkle improvement.

A soft, light emulsion serum with retinol's characteristic pale yellow (milky yellow) tint, the flagship slow-aging item in Isntree's high-efficacy active serum group, the Hyper line.

PICK NO.3 RATING
WRINKLE: 5/5
FIRMNESS: 3/5
BRIGHTENING: 5/5
SENSITIVITY: 5/5

WHY WE PICKED IT: Genuine MFDS dual whitening/wrinkle-improvement certification, combined with the sophisticated Retinol EX 1.0% complex formula blending bakuchiol, retinyl palmitate, and pure retinol, made this an easy pick.

CLINICAL RESULTS: Dual-functional cosmetic reviewed by Korea's MFDS for whitening and wrinkle improvement, a clean formula free from Hwahae's 20 caution ingredients and allergy-triggering caution ingredients, a low-irritancy stabilised formula through the combined 5-ceramide + TECA calming complex.

SAFETY NOTES: Given the high-efficacy retinoid nature, stinging, redness, and fine flaking (turnover reactions) may occur on first use, so a patch test is recommended. Consult a doctor if red spots, swelling, or itching occur at the application site during or after use due to direct sunlight. Avoid applying to broken skin. As the active ingredients are sensitive to light, air, and heat, store in a cool place away from direct sunlight with the cap closed securely. Given the high-concentration vitamin A derivative content, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are advised to consult a doctor before use.

GLOBAL SALES: Ranked No.13 in the anti-aging category within the essence/ampoule/serum section on Hwahae with a 4.66 rating, a 4.7 global rating on StyleKorean, and a 5.0 satisfaction rating on Isntree's official store, the flagship slow-aging item in Isntree's high-efficacy active serum group, the Hyper line (standalone cumulative sales figures not disclosed).

AWARDS: Not disclosed (other Isntree items like the Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel and Onion Pad line have multiple Olive Young/Hwahae award wins, but no official standalone award is confirmed for this Hyper Retinol serum).

PICKER'S COMMENT: "Many reviewers report a clear change in pore elasticity and texture care thanks to the retinol/bakuchiol/retinal complex formula, less stinging or redness despite the high-concentration retinoid thanks to the 5-ceramide inclusion, and excellent application and absorption with no residual oiliness, comfortable for nightly use."

USAGE DURATION: 36 months from manufacture date, 6-12 months after opening recommended (roughly 1.5-2.5 months' worth estimated at 20ml with a 2-3 times weekly night routine).

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bakuchiol (0.6%), Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Retinyl Palmitate (0.3%), Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Retinol (0.1%), Allantoin, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Adenosine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Stearic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Polydextrose, Ceramide NP, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Ceramide NS, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Ferulic Acid, Ceramide AS, Ceramide AP, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Ceramide EOP (20mL (0.68 fl. oz.))

Q. Is it certified for whitening and wrinkle improvement?
A. Yes, it's completed dual-functional cosmetic review by Korea's MFDS for whitening and wrinkle improvement.

Q. Can I use it during the day?
A. As an evening-only product, daytime use is not recommended, and SPF 50+ sunscreen is essential if exposed during the day.

Q. Is it less irritating for first-time use?
A. The 5-ceramide complex and TECA centella extract are formulated to defend against irritation during the retinol adjustment period, but starting with 2-3 uses weekly for the first 1-2 weeks is recommended.

Q. Can pregnant individuals use it?
A. Given the high-concentration vitamin A derivative content, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are advised to consult a doctor before use.

Q. Who is this best for?
A. Sagging pores, fine lines, and reduced elasticity from early ageing, intermediate-to-advanced skin adjusted to lower-concentration retinol

Q. Is there anyone who should skip this one?
A. If you're new to retinol or pregnant/breastfeeding, a patch test and doctor consultation are recommended.