Retinol 0.5% Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Skin type: All skin types, normal, combination, dry

Concerns: Fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, uneven texture, enlarged pores

Suitable for: Individuals aged 25+ looking to prevent or reduce signs of aging

• Size: 50 g
• Fragrance-free
• Dermatologically tested
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
• Suitable for daily use, preferably at night due to retinol content
• Sunscreen recommended during the day

• Retinol (0.5%): A potent form of Vitamin A that stimulates cell turnover and collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
• Peptides (2%): Peptides support the skin's structure by promoting the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for firmness and elasticity.
• Niacinamide (5%): A form of Vitamin B3 that improves skin texture, reduces the appearance of enlarged pores, evens out skin tone, and strengthens the skin barrier.
• Hyaluronic Acid (2%): A hydrating molecule that can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water, plumping the skin and maintaining its moisture balance.
• Green Tea Extract (1%): A powerful antioxidant that provides protection against environmental stressors while calming the skin and reducing inflammation.
• Ceramides (1%): Essential lipids that restore and strengthen the skin barrier, locking in moisture and protecting against external irritants.

The Retinol 0.5% Anti-Aging Moisturizer is formulated using cutting-edge anti-aging technology, combining Retinol, Peptides, Niacinamide, and Ceramides. These ingredients work synergistically at a molecular level to promote cell turnover, boost collagen synthesis, and repair the skin’s barrier, addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture irregularities.

Retinol (0.5%)

Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, is a retinoid that exerts its anti-aging effects by binding to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in the skin’s cells. Once absorbed, Retinol is enzymatically converted into retinoic acid, its biologically active form. Retinoic acid then activates RARs and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), which modulate the expression of genes involved in keratinocyte differentiation, cell proliferation, and collagen synthesis.

At the molecular level, Retinol promotes the turnover of keratinocytes in the epidermis, leading to the shedding of dead skin cells and the stimulation of new, healthy cells. This process accelerates desquamation (exfoliation), smoothing the skin's surface and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol also stimulates fibroblast activity in the dermis, increasing the production of collagen type I and collagen type III, which are responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. Additionally, Retinol reduces the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin in response to UV exposure, thereby preserving the skin's structural integrity.

Retinol further acts on melanocytes, inhibiting tyrosinase activity, which reduces the synthesis of melanin and helps even out skin tone, addressing hyperpigmentation and age spots.

Peptides (2%)

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the skin. The palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 used in this formulation mimic naturally occurring skin peptides, triggering fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin, and other extracellular matrix proteins.

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 (also known as a collagen-stimulating peptide) binds to receptors on fibroblasts, activating pathways that increase the production of collagen type I and fibrillin. Fibrillin is critical for maintaining the skin's elastic fiber network. Peptides also inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, which are responsible for inflammation-induced collagen degradation. This ensures that the skin remains firm and elastic while reducing inflammation-related skin aging.

Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 reduces the secretion of MMPs and interleukins that break down the skin’s support structures in response to UV exposure or oxidative stress. By downregulating inflammation and enhancing the skin’s structural proteins, peptides help smooth fine lines, improve skin elasticity, and reduce sagging.

Niacinamide (5%)

Niacinamide, a biologically active form of Vitamin B3, works at a cellular level to support the skin's barrier function and improve overall skin health. Niacinamide enhances the synthesis of ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol, which are essential components of the skin's lipid bilayer. This results in improved moisture retention and enhanced barrier function, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

On a molecular level, Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to keratinocytes, effectively reducing hyperpigmentation and promoting an even skin tone. Niacinamide is also known to modulate the NADPH oxidase pathway, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are involved in oxidative stress and skin aging. Additionally, Niacinamide exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating NF-κB, a key regulator of inflammation, reducing skin redness and irritation.

Ceramides (1%)

Ceramides are long-chain sphingolipids that are naturally found in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. They form part of the lamellar lipid bilayers that surround the corneocytes, maintaining skin barrier integrity and preventing moisture loss. Ceramides are critical for skin hydration because they create a waterproof barrier that locks moisture within the skin and protects against environmental aggressors, such as pollution and irritants.

Topically applied ceramides help replenish the skin’s natural ceramide content, particularly when levels are depleted by aging or environmental stress. By restoring the skin’s lipid barrier, ceramides reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture, ensuring that the skin remains supple and hydrated. Ceramides also support the repair of damaged skin, making them crucial for maintaining long-term skin health and resilience.

Hyaluronic Acid (2%)

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan that plays a key role in maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. Its ability to bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water makes it an exceptional hydrating agent, forming a water reservoir on the skin’s surface. HA binds to CD44 receptors on keratinocytes, stimulating cell proliferation and repair while modulating inflammation. By enhancing the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM) and increasing water retention in the epidermis, HA visibly plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.

Hyaluronic Acid also plays a key role in extracellular matrix remodeling by supporting the production of collagen and elastin fibers, further improving skin elasticity. In combination with Retinol, HA helps mitigate the potential drying effects of retinoids, ensuring that the skin remains hydrated and plump during cell turnover.

Aqua (Water)

Glycerin (3%)

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) (2%)

Squalane (2%)

Retinol (0.5%)

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Peptides) (2%)

Niacinamide (5%)

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea Extract) (1%)

Ceramide NP (1%)

Phenoxyethanol (preservative, considered safe in low concentrations)

Ethylhexylglycerin (preservative, safe and non-irritating)

Caprylyl Glycol (humectant and skin-conditioning agent)

Carbomer (thickening agent, used to stabilize the formula)

Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster to maintain skin-friendly acidity)

Disodium EDTA (stabilizes the formula and prevents ingredient degradation)

Apply a pea-sized amount to cleansed skin in the evening. Gently massage into the face and neck using upward motions. Use sunscreen during the day as Retinol increases skin sensitivity to sunlight.

• When should I apply this moisturizer?
  Apply at night, as Retinol can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Always use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin.
• Is this suitable for sensitive skin?
  Retinol can cause initial irritation; it’s best to start with every other night and gradually increase usage.
• How soon can I expect results?
  Visible improvements in fine lines and texture typically appear within 4-6 weeks with consistent use.
• Can I layer this with other products?
  Yes, but avoid using other potent actives, like AHAs or BHAs, simultaneously to reduce irritation.
• Can I use it alongside my moisturizer?
  Absolutely! Apply Retinol first, followed by a gentle moisturizer to enhance hydration.