Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
Ingredients
Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1, 2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Niacinamide, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinal, Retinol, Bakuchiol, Beta-Glucan, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Adenosine, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, BHA, BHT, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Collagen Amino Acids, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Peptide, Glycolipids, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Parfum, PEG-100 Stearate, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Polyquaternium-51, Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Resveratrol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Sucrose Distearate, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum.
Some By Mi’s Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is built around what the brand calls a retinol complex: retinol (0.1%), bakuchiol (0.5%), and a trace amount of retinal. In practice, the retinol is doing most of the work here. At 0.1% it sits in the moderate range for cosmetic retinoids, meaning it can gradually improve skin texture and fine lines without being overly aggressive. Bakuchiol appears at a meaningful level and likely plays a supporting role, while the retinal is present in such a tiny amount that it is unlikely to contribute much beyond the marketing narrative.
The formula itself is clearly designed to make the retinol easy to tolerate. Ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, beta-glucan, ceramide NP, and several centella components provide barrier support and soothing properties. In addition, the serum includes a long list of antioxidants and plant extracts
The serum is very fluid, slightly milky, and spreads effortlessly on the skin. It absorbs quickly and feels very lightweight.
In use, the product is extremely comfortable. It does not sting, irritate, or sensitize the skin, which is not always the case with retinol products. That being said, the results are also consistent with that gentle approach. Improvements are subtle rather than dramatic. I like my retinol serums to have a bit more "punch", but with consistent use, the skin gradually looked a little smoother and more even over time.
Overall, this serum behaves more like a soothing serum infused with retinol, than an actual retinol serum. It is easy to use, well tolerated, and suitable for people who want to introduce retinol without dealing with significant irritation. Those looking for faster or more dramatic results may find it too mild though.