Transcription
This is the criteria we use to select recommended products on the Director Pi channel.
Hello, this is Director Pi. Today’s topic is about retinol. Retinol is one of the ingredients derived from Vitamin A. The ingredients marked in red are the ones officially recognized by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as having wrinkle-improving functionality. Second, for retinol to be approved as a wrinkle-improving functional ingredient by the MFDS, it must be formulated at 0.075% (2,500 IU).
Next is retinal, which is more active than retinol. While it can be slightly more irritating, it works faster due to its higher activity level. At the very end of the spectrum, there’s retinoic acid, which is highly potent but also extremely irritating. There are also derivatives that provide similar effects to tretinoin but with less irritation. One of those is hydroxypinacolone retinoate, commonly known as HPR. It’s especially effective at repairing UV-induced skin damage, improving acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkled skin.
Now let’s talk about bakuchiol, which is a plant-derived ingredient from Psoralea corylifolia. It has a similar function to retinol because it also activates retinoid receptors. However, unlike retinol, it doesn’t cause photosensitivity, so it’s often marketed as safe to use in the morning. That said, when bakuchiol is formulated at higher concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%), there’s a higher chance of adverse skin reactions under sunlight. If you’re someone who doesn’t tolerate retinol well, consider products that contain bakuchiol or HPR instead.
When using these types of ingredients, you should gradually increase intensity, starting from low strength to medium and high strength. If you want better results, choose a product that combines small amounts of bakuchiol, HPR, and retinol.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits and side effects of these ingredients. The first noticeable effect is the acceleration of skin cell turnover, which makes the skin texture smoother. But if you start noticing your skin looking saggy or wrinkly, you may have used the wrong concentration or applied too much. In that case, stop immediately and switch to a lower strength or take a break and then resume.
Another benefit you’ll notice is a reduction in sebum production. This also leads to a visible reduction in pore size. Then comes the improvement in pigmentation. Finally, retinol is great for fine lines and wrinkles. As for side effects, there’s no way around it: if you have extremely sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid these ingredients altogether. When applying, only use it on targeted areas such as wrinkles or pores. Start with an amount about the size of a grain of rice, then gradually increase to the size of a soybean.
Now, let’s move on to the product reviews. 2025 Vitamin A Top of Top Retinol. We’ll begin with low-strength retinol (below 0.075%) and then move to medium-strength (0.075% to below 0.3%).
First up is Dominas AtClinic Retinol 1600 Neck Shot Serum. This product contains a high concentration of oil. It uses various low-strength retinol products that also contain elasticity-boosting multi-peptides and antioxidants. They’re functional products with both brightening and wrinkle-improving effects. This one has a yellowish, slightly watery cream texture that applies smoothly like velvet. The high concentration of panthenol is a plus, and although it feels hydrating, it contains silica powder, so it leaves a soft, matte finish. The low-strength retinol methyl derivative also offers wrinkle and brightening benefits. It has a thick texture that makes it suitable for use on the neck. Even with low concentrations, those with sensitive skin should use it cautiously.
I’ve talked about neck care in detail in one of my previous videos. Personally, I mix retinol with body cream when applying it to my neck. Since there are no sebaceous glands there, regular facial moisturizers don’t offer enough hydration. Instead, use creams rich in oils or shea butter.
Missha’s Time Revolution Retinol 500 Shot Ampoule is a low-strength retinol product that uses a penetration enhancer called ethoxydiglycol and incorporates 10 types of fermented ingredients to help soothe the skin. The packaging is also designed to keep the pure retinol fresh. However, because it’s low strength, the impact felt a bit underwhelming. That’s my honest take. The ampoule contains capsules, but when applied to the skin, it melts and absorbs quickly.
Another low-strength retinol product with brightening and wrinkle benefits uses fermented and skin-barrier-repairing ingredients, which was good. However, the small volume and low concentration were a bit disappointing. Still, even low-strength formulas need to be used carefully on sensitive skin.
Now, Boncept’s Retinol 2500 IU Wrinkle Shot Perfector. 2500 IU both contain 0.075% retinol, which qualifies as medium strength. They also contain a small amount of bakuchiol, and antioxidant ingredients were decent too. The texture has the characteristic scent and color of raw retinol with a noticeable oiliness at first, but it ends up feeling dry over time.
Another medium-strength retinol product with a wrinkle-improving function came in a small volume. I was able to finish it within a month. It has a lightweight feel, making it more suitable for oily skin. However, sensitive skin should use caution. This was around the 9-month mark of testing.
Next is the Black Carrot Vita-A Retinol Elasticity Ampoule by goodal, containing 0.015% low-strength retinol. It uses a high concentration of carrot extract and beta-carotene. It also contains tetrahydropiperine, which enhances absorption. Phloretin, a well-known antioxidant, is also in the formula; it’s a dihydrochalcone extracted from apple or pear root. It’s fragrance-free and has a runny texture, but it feels heavy when applied. According to one sensitive skin reviewer, it felt fine initially, but over time, her skin began to feel warm, and by morning, she had developed breakouts. The low-strength methyl retinoid ampoule was less about wrinkle or pore improvement and more about smoothing out skin texture. I recommend it for dry and combination skin types, but again, those with sensitive skin should be cautious.
Now let’s move on to high-strength retinol. The Ordinary’s Retinol 1% in Squalane is a high-strength retinol product (1%). It contains antioxidants like squalane, tomato extract, and BHT. Although it has a high concentration of retinol, the oil-heavy formula makes it slightly less irritating than you’d expect. However, because of its strength, you must layer it with a hydrating toner or essence first, then apply the retinol, and finish with a barrier cream. Once opened, the product should be used within 3 months. With high-strength products like these, the efficacy drops significantly after about three months, so it’s important to use them within the recommended period.
High-strength retinol in an oil base. This one comes with a dropper, which can make dosage control a bit tricky. It’s recommended to use only a small amount. I’d suggest this for those with concerns about wrinkles and elasticity, especially for dry skin types. Sensitive skin types should use caution.
2025 Vitamin A Top of Top Retinal. Now, let’s talk about retinal. A concentration of 0.05% or higher is considered high strength.
The first one is The Ordinary’s Retinal 0.2%, formulated in an oil base with 0.2% high-strength retinal. It includes 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, which is excellent for calming inflammation and irritation. This helps reduce the irritation that retinal can sometimes cause, making it more suitable even for inflamed or acne-prone skin. The texture is very yellow, and this yellow tint stays on the skin after application. Rather than applying it all over the face, it works best as a spot treatment on areas with wrinkles or enlarged pores. The exfoliating agents combined with high-strength retinal give this lotion a distinct yellow hue that remains even after it absorbs into the skin. Make sure to pair it with a rich, hydrating cream. And again, sensitive skin should proceed with caution.
Next is an innovative type of retinal. I’ll review two concentrations—0.05% and 0.1%. These high-strength retinal products are also in an oil base and contain skin-soothing and hydrating ingredients like betaine, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid. The yellow-tinted, dense texture worked well around the eyes and mouth when applied in pea-sized amounts. There was no irritation at that amount, but when I increased the dose, it did cause some sensitivity. They brightened my skin tone and smoothed the texture. For the 0.1% version, it contains oil and high-strength retinal. The main difference from the 0.05% version is the addition of tocopherol (vitamin E) as an antioxidant. The texture is a bit richer and more yellow, but the overall experience felt similar. This is a high-strength retinal product with brightening and wrinkle-improving functionality. It has a light cream texture, but definitely requires a thick moisturizer to layer on top. Best for oily skin types; again, sensitive skin users, please be cautious.
Now for another high-strength retinal product: Fation’n Nosca9 Trouble Pore Enhancing Cream. It contains 0.1% retinal paired with skin-calming ingredients like panthenol and sodium heparin and nourishing components like sodium DNA, also known as PDRN. It’s a white cream with a firm consistency but no stickiness. I noticed it helped regulate oil production, great as a high-strength retinal cream for sebum control. It has a soft, creamy texture that absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish. It may be too drying for dry skin types, but I highly recommend it for oily skin. Sensitive skin types, use with care.
Now, about vitamin A derivatives in general: they’re more stable under light, air, and heat, but you should still wear sunscreen and start with a low dose, just like with retinol.
The first review in this category is Retin-A Reedle Shot 100 by VT. It’s a vitamin A derivative paired with low-strength 0.03% retinol and bakuchiol, with added Centella asiatica (cica) ingredients. They’ve also included a sterilization method in production. One thing I’d love to see is a compatibility test, especially since it’s a microneedle product. A proper 30-day clinical trial on sensitive skin users showing real-world results would make it even better. It has a lotion texture and causes a slight tingling sensation. After absorption, it leaves a dry, bare-skin feel.
Cica reedle 10, a high-strength vitamin A and bakuchiol product. It shows a noticeable smoothing effect on skin texture very quickly. Because it combines cica reedles, retinol, bakuchiol, and vitamin A in one product, it’s not something I’d recommend for frequent use.
Then there’s The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane. Now, just to clarify—the 5% refers to the total solution including the solvent, not the pure retinoid concentration. This is a combination of high-strength vitamin A derivatives and squalane oil, and it’s honestly one of the best out there in terms of effectiveness, texture, and stability. It’s an oil-based product that’s gentle on the skin. You may feel a bit of warmth upon application, but it’s not irritating. Use it twice a week, only at night. It’s especially suitable for dry skin types with concerns about wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Sensitive skin—be careful.
2025 Vitamin A Top of Top Bakuchiol. Lastly, let’s get into bakuchiol.
Bakuchiol Pore-Jet Serum by Dr.G. It is a low-strength serum in an oil-rich formula containing 20 ppm of bakuchiol. It also includes hydrating and soothing ingredients like panthenol, allantoin, sodium DNA, and for brightening, it features 5% niacinamide. It has a very light, watery texture. Right after applying it, it feels hydrating, but within five minutes, it becomes noticeably dry. This is a low-strength bakuchiol serum with 5% niacinamide, which is considered a high-strength functional ingredient. You must pair it with a rich cream. Recommended for oily and combination skin types; sensitive skin should proceed with caution.
Pore Shrinker Bakuchiol Serum by Mamonde. It contains 0.01% bakuchiol (low strength) and low-strength retinol, plus peptides and antioxidants. The formula is extremely watery and transparent. When rubbed in, the encapsulated ingredients melt and absorb quickly into the skin. When used at night, the skin feels noticeably softer and smoother by the next morning. This low-strength bakuchiol and retinol serum showed slight improvements in skin texture and pores. Even sensitive skin types may find this relatively tolerable. Its lightweight texture makes it well-suited for oily and combination skin types.
EndPore Vegetinol Tightening Serum by makep:rem. It contains 0.05% bakuchiol and includes collagen extract and caffeine. It’s a brightening and wrinkle-improving functional product. The term vegetinol refers to the combination of caffeine, collagen, and bakuchiol, each used at 1%. The texture is very similar to a lightweight hydrating serum, no stinging or irritation at all. It softens the skin texture and gives it a supple, bouncy feel. It’s a low-strength brightening and wrinkle-improving product marketed as a gentle pore-tightening serum. Since it contains very little oil, you’ll need to pair it with a toner and hydrating cream. Recommended for combination to oily skin; sensitive skin should still be cautious.
Soothing Repair Toning Serum R4 by Dermafirm. It contains 1% bakuchiol, which is medium strength. It features hydrating and soothing ingredients like panthenol, azulene, and liposomal amino acids. The bottle opens with a twist-top dispenser. Initially, it feels hydrating, but after about 30 minutes, dryness sets in. By the next morning, the skin feels significantly dry. As a medium-strength brightening and wrinkle-improving functional serum, it offers slight texture improvement, but due to its drying nature, a rich cream is essential. Sensitive skin should proceed with caution. Sensitive skin should proceed with caution.
Nano Recipe Bakuchiol Serum uses 1% pure bakuchiol, also medium strength. It has a watery and transparent texture. When used alone, it feels slightly greasy and warm, but when layered with cream, the texture improves, and both the oiliness and warmth are reduced. This is a liquid bakuchiol 1% serum best used mixed with a moisturizer since it lacks antioxidant and barrier-repairing ingredients. Use within 3 months of opening, and sensitive skin should take care.
Bakuchiol Serum by Benton. It contains 2.5% bakuchiol, qualifying it as a high-strength brightening and wrinkle-improving functional product. The texture is slightly bouncy and viscous. Though it appears thick, it spreads lightly and absorbs quickly. However, if you apply too much out of ambition due to the high concentration, it can trigger breakouts. It is a high-strength brightening and wrinkle-improving functional product. Use a small amount only, always paired with a rich cream. High-strength bakuchiol should only be used at night. Sensitive skin users beware.
Next is the L2 Bakuchiol & Retinol Serum by Cos De BAHA, containing 2% bakuchiol and 0.5% retinol. It has a lotion-like texture that spreads smoothly and melts into the skin like velvet. However, it caused a lot of flaking and fine wrinkling, especially in thin, delicate areas like under the eyes. Since it's a high-strength retinol + bakuchiol serum, it should only be used twice a week, at night, and in rice-grain-sized amounts. Sensitive skin should proceed cautiously. Use within 3 months of opening.
Bakuchiol 5% Ampoule by Derma Factory. It is a high-strength 5% bakuchiol ampoule. It includes fermented oil ingredients and 1% caffeine. Given its affordability and formulation, it earned an A-grade rating. However, over time, it caused significant dryness, especially in the cheek area. By morning, overall dryness was very noticeable. Again, use a small amount, twice a week, at night only, and always pair with a rich cream. Make sure to use it within 3 months of opening. Sensitive skin should be careful.
2025 Vitamin A Top of Top. Now, this concludes the 2025 Retinol Top of the Top Review. For low-strength retinol products, it's generally safe to use them daily or every other day. High-strength retinols, on the other hand, should be used once every three days, or you can try mixing low and high-strength formulas like I do—this method works well. Most products come in 20–30ml sizes, and it’s important to use them up within 2 to 3 months to get the full benefit of retinol. After using high-strength products for 3 months, it’s good to take a short break before restarting; this tends to improve long-term results.
There’s no need to apply retinol in the morning. Some people ask, “When do I use retinol if I also use skincare devices?” In that case, avoid using devices and retinol at the same time. Also, avoid layering high-strength vitamin C and retinol together; use them alternately, morning and night, or on separate days.
If you’re wondering which ingredients work well with retinol: oils and shea butter are excellent companions. For toners, look for calming ingredients. A product that contains multiple strong antioxidants is ideal. With vitamin C, it’s better to use it in the form of stable derivatives. Use a vitamin C derivative serum in the morning. Follow with a retinol serum at night, then apply a barrier-repair ampoule. And if you’re using a retinol cream or oil, finish with a soothing cream or lightweight moisturizer. When using medium-strength or higher, your skin will feel drier, so apply a rich barrier cream just before the last step. That will lock in moisture and enhance the efficacy of retinol. Both vitamin C and A (retinol) accelerate skin turnover, so it’s essential to finish with a thicker, more occlusive cream. If you alternate pure vitamin C and pure vitamin A, this is the most effective method to fade old acne marks and scars.
2025 Top Low-Strength Retinol Picks for Beginners. Laneige Perfect Renew Youth Retinol Pro was my 2021 top pick. With 0.045% retinol, it remains a product I still recommend. Enprani’s Bota retinol Youth Re-solution is another excellent option. It uses encapsulated retinol derivatives designed to deliver up to seven times better absorption. This made it especially suitable for sensitive and dry skin, and it continues to be a go-to recommendation. Innisfree’s Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule, which was my top pick in 2023, contains 0.015% low-strength retinol and includes ingredients that help regulate sebum production. This one is still great for oily and combination skin types. It is still a recommended product.
For 2025, the standout low-strength pick is Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Eye Cream. Although it features 0.02% retinal, which qualifies as medium-strength, the product also includes ginseng extract, peptides, and collagen peptides. Ginseng is naturally rich in saponins, and polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that complement retinol beautifully. The cream has a light yellow tint and spreads so smoothly that it feels almost like nothing is on your skin. It caused no irritation around the eyes, and the hydrating texture and finish were impressive. One of our testers has been using it consistently and loves it. This is a functional cream targeting brightening and wrinkle care with a soft, hydrating cream texture that makes it suitable not only around the eyes but across the entire face. It’s particularly helpful for fine lines and works well for oily or combination skin. Sensitive skin types should still be cautious, of course.
Another excellent entry-level product for 2025: AHC’s Pro Shot Colla Juvenation Lift Point-ra Serum. What sets this one apart is its use of fourth-generation retinol—HPR. During testing, it showed noticeable improvements in lifting and wrinkle reduction. Both the bakuchiol and the vitamin A derivatives in this formula are low-strength, but HPR is known to promote collagen production nearly as effectively as tretinoin, with far less irritation. This serum also contains 1% bakuchiol and includes both collagen and collagen extract that closely match human collagen in structure. It has a four-peptide complex at 1% as well. The texture is lightweight, refreshing, and hydrating, making it ideal for use before bed. After a month of use, our testers experienced no increase in skin sensitivity, but there was a noticeable improvement in both hydration and elasticity. One of the low-strength bakuchiol-CHPR products I recommend is a lifting serum formulated with collagen peptides. It doesn’t cause tightness in the skin and is suitable for those dealing with enlarged pores, dry or combination skin, and early signs of wrinkles and loss of elasticity. However, sensitive skin types should still use caution.
In the category of upgraded medium-strength retinol products for 2025. In 2023, my top pick for a medium-strength vitamin A product was the COSRX Retinol 0.1 Cream. I chose it because of its excellent performance in firming the skin, and it remains a recommended product.
For 2025, the top pick is Elasticity Serum by Ilso. It’s a medium-strength retinol formula with highly effective antioxidant ingredients, making it a low-irritation, high-performance product. It contains 0.1% retinol, and the formulation also includes high concentrations of ectoin, betaine, and panthenol. Ectoin is known to cluster water molecules and create a hydration barrier around proteins and DNA, helping to protect the skin from environmental damage. The product also includes tocopheryl acetate, a stabilizer that helps prevent retinol from oxidizing or degrading under light, effectively preserving both the potency and color of the formula. It’s a fragrance-free, watery lotion-type product, and I personally didn’t experience any irritation while using it. My skin stayed hydrated through the night with a firmer feel by morning, and it had a visible pore-tightening effect. Overall, the product helped even out my skin tone quite well. Despite being high in functional ingredients for brightening and wrinkle improvement, it’s low in irritation. It’s especially effective for minimizing pores and fine lines, and although it’s well-hydrating and doesn’t cause dryness, it still performs well for dry and combination skin types. It’s a year-round recommendation, but again, sensitive skin types should be cautious. This is my top pick for medium-strength upgraded retinol for 2025.
Another standout is the Innisfree Retinol PDRN Skin Booster Ampoule. What I liked most is its use of fourth-generation retinol—HPR and the fact that it applies fermentation techniques to lower the molecular weight of the ingredients for improved absorption. If you look at the ingredient list, the first item is a fermented solution base, followed by green tea, PDRN, and low-strength retinol at 0.03%. It also includes carrot extract and beta-carotene. It is a natural Vitamin A. According to published studies, the combination of retinol and HPR shows significant synergy. To clarify, PDRN is a molecule with a relatively high molecular weight, and reducing its size for better skin penetration is technically very difficult. Through fermentation, however, the molecular size is reduced, making it more compatible with skin. This ampoule has a bouncy texture but low oil content, so it feels hydrating at first without being sticky. Over time, though, it felt a bit dry on my skin, especially since I have dry skin. It’s designed primarily for sebum control and pore-tightening rather than for deep wrinkle care. This medium-strength ampoule with retinol and green tea PDRN is better suited for oily and combination skin. For those with dry skin, it may feel drying. Overall, it's more effective for pore care than wrinkles. Sensitive skin types, again, should use caution.
Now let’s move on to the top high-strength retinol product for 2025. Back in 2021, my top pick was IOPE Retinol 0.3 Cream, which I considered the gold standard for retinol creams at the time. For 2025, my top high-strength pick is the COSRX The Retinol 0.3 Cream. This high-strength retinol cream includes powerful antioxidants like soybean oil, tocopherol (vitamin E), and vitamin C. It’s also designed to support the skin barrier and offers proven benefits for wrinkle improvement and overall skin resilience. The product combines ingredients like ascorbic acid, various vitamin C derivatives, and a small amount of glutathione to help enhance its brightening effects. To preserve the efficacy of the formulation, it’s packaged in a specialized container. When used in small amounts, it didn’t cause any irritation. Layer the product onto wrinkle-prone and enlarged pore areas and finish with a moisturizer across the whole face. I found it most comfortable to apply a hydrating barrier ampoule first. With regular, long-term use, I noticed an improvement in skin elasticity. Pores appeared smaller, and sebum production seemed slightly more controlled. This is a high-strength retinol product focused on wrinkle care, so careful dosage is essential. I recommend it for those concerned with wrinkles, pores, and loss of elasticity, and it should be used just twice a week, adjusting frequency based on how your skin responds. It’s especially suitable for combination and oily-dehydrated skin types, but sensitive skin types should be cautious.
2025 Retinol High Strength Top Products. Looking back, the 2023 top pick was the By Wishtrend Retinal product, which combined low-strength retinal with 1% bakuchiol, a combination I highly recommended for its balance of efficacy and gentleness. But for 2025, my top high-strength retinol pick is Dr. Different Vita A Retinal Forte. It contains 0.1% retinal. The formulation also includes a generous amount of oil and shea butter, creating a well-balanced blend. To support the skin barrier, it features cholesterol, phytosterols, and shea butter, which not only protect but also deeply nourish the skin. After application, a light yellow tint remains on the skin’s surface. Over time, I noticed fine lines gradually fading and skin texture becoming smoother. For dry skin with thin, delicate texture, it also worked well in reducing pigmentation and boosting hydration and elasticity. This is a high-strength wrinkle-improving functional cream, and thanks to its well-selected barrier-supporting ingredients, the irritation was significantly minimized. Like other high-strength products, it should be used twice weekly. This product is a great choice for those dealing with wrinkles, pigmentation, and dry skin, but again, sensitive skin types should be cautious.
As bakuchiol and HPR become more prominent and widely used, we’re seeing more well-formulated products that successfully combine them with retinol. So I strongly encourage you to choose your product according to how your routine is structured; select the appropriate strength—low, medium, or high—based on your skin’s current needs. And with that, I’ll wrap up for today. See you in the next video. Bye for now.