Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Works for
Anti-agingRetinol, Niacinamide + 3 moreWorks well
“Precisely formulated to deliver a daily-strength micro-dose of Pure Retinol, our formula visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles, refines the look of skin texture and firms skin’s feel with minimal discomfort.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol, adenosine, niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester.
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.
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester + 22 moreWorks well
“With Peptide and Ceramides, this facial serum formula strengthens the skin’s barrier function to better receive the optimal effects of our Retinol-enriched serum for optimal anti-aging benefits with a minimised likelihood of discomforting side effects including redness, peeling and dryness.”
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:
glycerin, sodium hyaluronate.
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: helianthus annuus seed oil, glycine soja oil.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, ceramide np, hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine, niacinamide
ExfoliationSide benefit the brand mentions · RetinolWorks well
“This powerful micro-dose serum with a trio of Pure Retinol, Peptide and Ceramides promotes surface skin cell turnover while strengthening the skin barrier function to better receive optimal effects of the Retinol-enriched serum and visibly renew skin for younger-looking skin.”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: retinol.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.
In addition, this product contains 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.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Adenosine + 1 moreWorks well
This product contains antioxidants (retinol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, RetinolWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, retinol. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: RetinolMedium risk
Comedogenic2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale2 flagged
User reviews
1 of 1 community members would buy it again.
A very good beginner retinol. Neither me or my mom had any irritation when using it. It is formulated as a light moisturizer so it's amazing for summer months. For winter I'd use it with an extra moisturizer or switch to a more creamy retinol formula.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.4–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinButylene glycol~4–4.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolPentylene glycol~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolNiacinamide~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideCetyl alcohol~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholIsohexadecane~1.7–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneIsononyl isononanoate~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateDiisopropyl sebacate~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin without creatng a greasy finish
More about Diisopropyl sebacate2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and slow down the water loss over time
More about 2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol4-t-butylcyclohexanol~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl esterAdenosine~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 AdenosineCeramide np~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npHydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganineLauroyl lysine~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice product texture
More about Lauroyl lysineOctyldodecanol~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about OctyldodecanolPentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateSodium chloride~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideSodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateSodium hydroxide~0.25–0.5%
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateRetinol~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol 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. It can, however, be quite irritating
More about RetinolTocopherol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolDicaprylyl ether~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin while creating a non-greasy feel on the skin. Helps to dissolve other ingredients
More about Dicaprylyl etherAmmonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateBehenyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholCaprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolCarbomer~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerCetearyl alcohol~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholCetearyl glucoside~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture
More about Cetearyl glucosideGlycine soja oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.
More about Glycine soja oilHelianthus annuus seed oil~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 oilHydroxyethylcellulose~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures
More about HydroxyethylcelluloseLecithin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinPhenethyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
Poloxamer 188~0.25–0.4%
Polycaprolactone~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sorbitan laurate~0.2–0.35%
Steareth-100~0.15–0.25%
Beta-carotene~0.15–0.3%
Chlorphenesin~0.15–0.25%
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolIngredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Niacinamide, Cetyl alcohol, Isohexadecane, Isononyl isononanoate, Diisopropyl sebacate, 2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol, 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, Adenosine, Ceramide np, Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine, Lauroyl lysine, Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium chloride, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium hydroxide, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Retinol, Tocopherol, Dicaprylyl ether, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Behenyl alcohol, Caprylyl glycol, Carbomer, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Glycine soja oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lecithin, Phenethyl alcohol, Poloxamer 188, Polycaprolactone, Sorbitan laurate, Steareth-100, Beta-carotene, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol
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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.
| Kiehl'sRetinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose SerumYOUR PRODUCT | innisfreeGentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars | numbuzinNo. 3 Pore Reset Ampoule Shot | GoodalBlack Carrot Vita-A Retinol Firming Ampoule | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 83% | 80% | 79% |
| Price | ≈ $96.37 | $34.00≈ −$62.37 | $21.70≈ −$74.67 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 12 | 7 of 12 | 8 of 12 |
| Key difference | — | Salicylic Acid | Panthenol | Oatmeal Extract |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: IOPE Expert Retinol RX™ 2% Reti-Jection Serum for WrinklesMedicube PDRN Pink Exosome Shot Serum 2000
Product summary
"Kiehl's - Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum" is effective for: Exfoliation, Anti-blemish, Anti-aging, Moisturizing and Evens skin tone
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (2.30% - 2.80%). 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.
- This product contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.20% - 0.40%. 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.
- Ceramides (ceramide np 0.50% - 0.75%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
- Peptides (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester 0.55% - 0.85%). 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 0.50% - 0.75%. It is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of Adenosine in a low concentration can reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
- Humectants (glycerin 4.40% - 5.30% and sodium hyaluronate 0.30% - 0.50%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
What our users say
Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
Price
The product retails from 33.75£ up to 75.00£ in the United Kingdom and from 57.00$ up to 133.49$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Safety Assessment of Ceramides as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 5
- 6
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