i bought this one before i went to singapore, and i actually i was hesitant before putting this in my cart. i've tried the old formula of their encapsulated retinol, and now they've changed the formula but somehow i don't have the desire to try the new formula. i've tried the retinol with squalane in mini size which is stronger than the encapsulated one, but i don't like it, so i don't have any plan to buy the full size one. they have another one, the granactive snow which is the gentlest among all. that's why i'm quite hesitant since my skin has been used to retinol by now. but at that time, i don't have any other product to try so i bought it at last. let's see how it goes.
this is the description from their website: best choices retinol for first time use. beginner-friendly soothing retinol contains the most gentle and less-irritating retinol derivative, hence granactive retinoid is a fungal-acne friendly serum that is suitable for sensitive skin. granactive retinois is clinically proven to reduce wrinkles/ fine lines, tighten and improve skin texture as well as preventing signs of premature aging. it is formulated with snow mushroom which provides a cooling effect on inflamed skin and natural alpha bisabolol which acts as an antimicrobial that helps prevent hyperpigmentation. use it at night, always use sunscreen in the morning.
powered with:
- granactive retinoid: the newest generation of an organic compound of the "royal family of skincare" aka the retinoid group, which does not need to be oxidized, does not cause skin irritation and dry skin because it is a very mild retinol. it is able to reduce wrinkles after 14 days, smooth out skin, brighten and fade uv spots.
- snow mushroom: is a fermentation result of albatrellus ovinus fungus which is rich in grifolin, a compound that able to lower skin temperature, thus preventing skin aging, and preventing skin cells damage.
- natural alpha bisabolol: has anti-irritant and calming effect due its anti-microbial properties. candeia-based bisabolol is one of the most important natural ingredients used in sensitive skin formulations.
- tocopherol: vitamin e is a fat-soluble vitamin that contains antioxidants. vitamin e can easily absorb into the skin and help reduce skin damage caused by uv rays.
- squalane: it is a lightweight and non comedogenic oil that does not clog pores. functions as natural moisturizing factors (NMF) to maintain skin moisture and does not strip the skin. squalane also functions as an antioxidant that can prevent skin damage when exposed to UV rays, it helps to keep the skin supple, youthful and hydrate.
- betaine: the chemical structure of betaine resembles amino acid glycine with three additional methyl group (called trimethylglycine). the benefits of betaine in skin care include hydrating, soothing, as an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging to skin.
- sodium hyaluronate: is a salt form of hyaluronic acid that acts as a humectant (attracts moisture). sodium hyaluronate can make lips feel softer, "full", smoother and more hydrated.
ingredients list: Water, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Betaine, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglycerin-3, Dimethyl Isosorbide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Allantoin, Tromethamine, Albatrellus Confluens (Mushroom) Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid
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| the bottle |
the packaging: even though at this point they have changed the packaging and placed several serums in a box, somehow this one still didn't come in a box. the serum came in opaque light purple glass bottle with white plastic pump head. there's description as well as ingredients list on the back of the bottle with the font is very tiny, so better not exert my eyes trying to read it. the size is 20 ml just like other serums from somethinc. since it's opaque, i can't see the remaining product inside. luckily, i've already had other retinol serum in my stash for backup, so yeah..
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| description at the back and ingredients list |
the scent: this one is scentless and doesn't have other funny scent due to the ingredients. but if i sniff really closely, i can pick up some subtle scent like cake scent? anyway, it's not noticeable if i don't sniff it real close, so don't worry about it.
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| pump head |
the product: the serum is runny milky white lotion-like serum. that's why it spreads around easily. it's also absorbed quickly too. i use one pump for my whole neck and face, and a bit more. anyway, since this one contains the weakest retinoid derivative, i use it every night right from the start because i've experienced enough with retinoid. judging by the ingredients, you don't need to worry about dryness since it also contains squalane, tocopherol, betaine and soothing agent like allantoin.
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| how it looks like on my hand |
the result: even though i used this daily, and i also used a moisturizer that contains retinyl palmitate, somehow this serum doesn't dry out my skin. even when i use this in combination with runa beauty sleeping mask. however, i don't use it in combination with the sleeping mask that often really. i guess this might be really subtle for a beginner since i experience no dryness at all even though i've paired it with other products that contains retinol derivative as well. however, since it's really subtle, i can't say that i can see the difference after using this one. it doesn't help much with acne as well even though i also use BHA in the morning.
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| after blending it |
i have to say that you should really get this one is you're just starting to use retinol. it's really subtle so you don't have to worry about dryness effect. as for you who had used retinol before, i suggest you try the encapsulated one or the stronger one as this one won't give you satisfying result. price wise, it's affordable and easy to get and something often holds sales as well. as for me, i won't repurchase this one. maybe i'll try the new formulation once i've finished with the retinol in my stash.
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