whitelab granactive retinoid intensive care serum

this is the description translated from their website: with main ingredients granactive retinoid 1% and peptide and beta glucan, whitelab intensive care serum uses granactive retinoid 1% which is the newer generation of advanced retinoid that gives similar benefit as retinol but with minimum irritation and effective to be used daily. with granactive retinoid 1%, it can help reducing aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines on the skin and helps fade acne scars. peptide helps increase skin elasticity and tighten the skin. while beta glucan helps to strengthen skin barrier and smoothes and brightens the skin.

ingredients list: aqua, isohexadecane, caprylic/ capric triglyceride, propanediol, niacinamide, polyacrylamide, aluminum starch, octenylsuccinate, hydroxypinacolone retinoate (1%), glycerin, trimethylpentanediol/ adipic acid copolymer, PEG-6 caprylic/ capric glycerides, c13-14 isoparrafin, c9-11 pareth-6, sodium PCA, DMDM hydantoin, dimethyl isosorbide, allantoin, dipotassium glycryrrhizate, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, beta glucan, sodium hyaluronate, xanthan gum, parfum

the packaging: just like other whitelab products, it comes in a white box with distinctive design for whitelab that's similar all across their products. there's description at the back as well as the ingredients list printed on the box. the serum comes in transparent glass bottle with label that has the same design as the box. since it's transparent, you can see the remaining product inside. it only comes in 15 ml, which is half the size of usual serum, slightly less than somethinc serums that come in 20 ml. this serum uses dropper to dispense the product and i have no problem with the dropper.

the scent: every whitelab products has signature scents, that's slightly floral. the scent is subtle and for me it's enjoyable. but if you're sensitive to scent, then you should skip this one.

the product: the serum is a yellowish milky gel type serum that's quite viscous. i use the whole dropper for my whole face and neck. even though it's viscous, it spreads around easily but it takes a minute or two to be absorbed. afterward, it's a bit tacky but not too much. i can still layer it with other skincare products in my routine without pilling or anything. looking at the ingredients list, it contains other stuff as well like niacinamide, glycerin, sodium PCA, several types of peptides and even beta glucan and allantoin. 

the result: i start using this every other day since i've tried other retinoid products. after two weeks, i use this every night and it doesn't give my any problems. i don't experience any dryness or other reactions from using this retinoid. fyi, i use hydrating toner, retinoid, moisturizing serum and then a moisturizer that contains retinyl palmitate. even then, it doesn't react badly. i can see that combined with BHA that i use in the morning, it helps with hormonal acne that i usually get around my period. i don't get it as bad as before. and it helps speeding up the healing process if i ever get acne. another effect that i notice is that my skin looks glowing. i thought it's only a dream to see my skin glowing, but i start to get see it, especially on my forehead and cheeks area. as if i'm using highlighter from the inside. i just wish the skin around my lips and chin experience the same thing. sigh. i think using mask regularly still cause maskne on me. 

anyway, i can say that this retinoid is quite gentle. i can use it daily without experience any dryness. if you're beginner in retinol, then you can give this a go. only if you don't mind with scented skincare product, that is. it's very affordable as well, so it won't break your wallet. whitelab is also easy to get from their official channels and several online shops as well. i have other retinol serum in my stash, so i'd probably won't repurchase this again. but this is one of my favorite.