K-SECRET

K-SECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum : Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng

Name: K-SECRET - SEOUL 1988 Serum : Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng
Brand: K-SECRET

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Retinal, Niacinamide + 6 more

Works well

What the product description says

“The anti-aging serum is enriched with 2% retinal liposome to combat wrinkles and pigmentation, as well as 58% black ginseng extract for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and collagen-boosting properties.”

Source: Yesstyle

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinal, adenosine, bakuchiol, niacinamide.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: sh-oligopeptide-1, sh-oligopeptide-2.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

RetinalHeroEffect: HighOne step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritating~0.15–0.65%

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.5–2.3%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.2–0.75%

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~0.1–0.5%

Sh-oligopeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.3%

Sh-oligopeptide-2Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.25%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.35–0.8%

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~0.1–0.4%

Evens skin tone

Retinal, Niacinamide + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“The anti-aging serum is enriched with 2% retinal liposome to combat wrinkles and pigmentation, as well as 58% black ginseng extract for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and collagen-boosting properties.”

Source: Yesstyle

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinal.

In addition, this product contains bakuchiol, niacinamide. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidUnder-dosedA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products~0.1–0.4%

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Sh-oligopeptide-1 + 14 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Retinal Liposome 2%: This ingredient is designed to nourish and hydrate the skin, providing a smooth and radiant finish.”

Source: Walmart

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: betaine, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, sh-oligopeptide-1, sh-oligopeptide-2, sh-polypeptide-1

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.5–2.3%

Sh-oligopeptide-1HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.3%

Sh-oligopeptide-2HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.25%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.8–7.3%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~2.9–4.4%

Methyl gluceth-20Key active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it~1.1–1.7%

Macadamia ternifolia seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients~0.45–1.05%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.35–0.85%

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.35–0.75%

CholesterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.2–0.8%

AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.2–0.75%

Brassica campestris sterolsKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelp soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.7%

Polyglyceryl-10 oleateKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.65%

Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~1.3–2%

Sh-polypeptide-1Effect: LowA lab-made copy of human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a protein that tells skin cells to multiply. It speeds up wound healing as a prescription drug, but it is too large to pass through intact skin easily, and there is no good evidence it reduces wrinkles in skincare.~0.05–0.3%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Retinal + 1 more

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, retinal. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

In addition, this product contains bakuchiol. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Bakuchiol, Panax ginseng root extract + 5 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (bakuchiol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Panax ginseng root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating~22–33%

AdenosineEffect: LowMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.2–0.75%

Arctium lappa root extractEffect: LowPlant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating~0.15–0.6%

Paeonia suffruticosa root extractEffect: Low~0.15–0.5%

TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.35–0.8%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

1 strong irritant: Retinal

Medium risk

We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Panax ginseng root extractA plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritatingHigh~22–33%est.

RetinalOne step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.

Arctium lappa root extractPlant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.

Paeonia suffruticosa root extract—High~0.15–0.5%est.

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidA vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in productsHigh~0.1–0.4%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~2.9–4.4%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.55–1.3%est.

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.95–1.45%est.

Macadamia ternifolia seed oilPlant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredientsMedium~0.45–1.05%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.35–0.75%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.75%est.

Potassium cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

BakuchiolA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritationMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Panax ginseng root extract~22–33%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating

More about Panax ginseng root extract

Water~11–16%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.8–7.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Dipropylene glycol~3.4–5.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~2.9–4.4%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

1,2-hexanediol~0.55–1.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Niacinamide~1.5–2.3%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Butylene glycol~1.3–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol

Methyl gluceth-20~1.1–1.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it

More about Methyl gluceth-20

Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.95–1.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate

Hydrogenated lecithin~0.55–1.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin

Sorbitan stearate~0.5–1.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sorbitan stearate

Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.45–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer

Macadamia ternifolia seed oil~0.45–1.05%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients

More about Macadamia ternifolia seed oil

Carbomer~0.4–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Tromethamine~0.4–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine

Betaine~0.35–0.85%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine

Tocopherol~0.35–0.8%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.35–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.35–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil

Adenosine~0.2–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine

Disodium edta~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Cholesterol~0.2–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Polyglyceryl-10 oleate~0.15–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Polyglyceryl-10 oleate

Brassica campestris sterols~0.15–0.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Brassica campestris sterols

Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate

Retinal~0.15–0.65%

Hero · Anti-aging, Evens skin tone, Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-blemish

One step removed from the biologically active in skin form of vitamin A. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinal is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. Concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1% are shown to be effective. It can, however, be irritating

More about Retinal

Silica~0.35–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Aluminum/magnesium hydroxide stearate~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Aluminum/magnesium hydroxide stearate

Potassium cetyl phosphate~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Potassium cetyl phosphate

Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to increase stability of product formulations

More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Arctium lappa root extract~0.15–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Plant extract. Has some anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating

More about Arctium lappa root extract

Cnidium officinale root extract~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Cnidium officinale root extract

Dioscorea japonica root extract~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Dioscorea japonica root extract

Paeonia suffruticosa root extract~0.15–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

More about Paeonia suffruticosa root extract

Rehmannia chinensis root extract~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Rehmannia chinensis root extract

3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~0.1–0.4%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products

More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid

Bakuchiol~0.1–0.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-aging

A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation

More about Bakuchiol

Sh-oligopeptide-1~0.1–0.3%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Sh-oligopeptide-1

Sh-oligopeptide-2~0.05–0.25%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Sh-oligopeptide-2

Sh-polypeptide-1~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A lab-made copy of human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a protein that tells skin cells to multiply. It speeds up wound healing as a prescription drug, but it is too large to pass through intact skin easily, and there is no good evidence it reduces wrinkles in skincare.

More about Sh-polypeptide-1

Ingredient list view

Panax ginseng root extract, Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene glycol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, 1,2-hexanediol, Niacinamide, Butylene glycol, Methyl gluceth-20, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Hydrogenated lecithin, Sorbitan stearate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Betaine, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Adenosine, Disodium edta, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 oleate, Brassica campestris sterols, Phytosteryl/behenyl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, Retinal, Silica, Aluminum/magnesium hydroxide stearate, Potassium cetyl phosphate, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Arctium lappa root extract, Cnidium officinale root extract, Dioscorea japonica root extract, Paeonia suffruticosa root extract, Rehmannia chinensis root extract, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Bakuchiol, Sh-oligopeptide-1, Sh-oligopeptide-2, Sh-polypeptide-1

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	K-SECRETSEOUL 1988 Serum : Retinal Liposome 2% + Black GinsengYOUR PRODUCT	ArenciaRetinal Booster Shot	be the skinVegan Retinal Bakuchiol Serum	MedicubeDeep Reviving Bakuchiol Retinol Serum
Match	—	79%	72%	68%
Price	$14.83	$13.61−$1.22	$27.44+$12.61	$19.62+$4.79
Shared key ingredients	—	8 of 13	5 of 13	8 of 13
Key difference	—	Hexapeptide-9	Copper Tripeptide-1	Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Irritancy	Medium	Medium	Medium	High
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"K-SECRET - SEOUL 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng" is effective for: Anti-aging, Moisturizing, Evens skin tone and Anti-blemish

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (1.50% - 2.30%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
Bakuchiol in this product (the concentration is about 0.10% - 0.50%). Helps fight photodamage (wrinkles, elasticity loss and pigmentation) and can reduce clogged pores and blemishes. Bakuchiol is a compound extracted from a plant Babchi. It acts similar to retinoids, but with less irritation risk.
This product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinal 0.15% - 0.65%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily.
Peptides (sh-polypeptide-1 0.05% - 0.30%, sh-oligopeptide-2 0.05% - 0.25% and sh-oligopeptide-1 0.10% - 0.30%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. They might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
Adenosine 0.20% - 0.75%. It is a compound that in involved in many biological processes inside the skin cells. According one high-quality clinical trial, topical Adenosine in low concentrations can somewhat help improve "deep wrinkles" - the wrinkles that appear with age in places where our faces are most dynamic (for example, on the forehead or in the corners of the eyes).
Humectants (betaine 0.35% - 0.85% and glycerin 4.80% - 7.30%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.