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Illustration of the pack shape, not the real packaging.
Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
A retinol serum that combines 0.1% retinol with a little retinal and bakuchiol, cushioned by niacinamide, panthenol, ceramide NP and a long list of calming botanicals.
Buyer verdictA good-value retinol serum for normal, combination and oily skin, with more supporting ingredients than most at this price. It contains fragrance, so sensitive skin may prefer COSRX's fragrance-free retinol cream. Seoul is roughly a third cheaper than Amazon on the same 30ml bottle.
- Key ingredient
- Retinol (0.1%) and retinal, Bakuchiol
- Texture
- Light, silky serum that absorbs quickly
- Routine step
- treatment · PM
- Korean pack
- 30ml
Overview
Key ingredients
- Retinol (0.1%) and retinal Two forms of vitamin A for fine lines, texture and firmness
- Bakuchiol A plant ingredient often used alongside retinol
- Niacinamide and panthenol High on the list; barrier support to reduce irritation
- Centella, ginseng berry, licorice and kava kava extracts Calming botanicals
- Ceramide NP, peptides and resveratrol Small amounts of supporting extras
From the US, it's 31% cheaper in Seoul after tax and refund. From the UK, it's 39% cheaper in Seoul.
What it is
Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is Some By Mi’s retinol serum, sold in a 30ml dropper bottle. It aims to be a more complete treatment than a single-active retinol: vitamin A plus a long list of ingredients meant to keep skin comfortable.
The Korean ingredient list puts niacinamide and panthenol high up, followed by a long run of botanicals: kava kava, centella, ginseng berry, licorice root, fig, tea tree, artemisia, eclipta and neem. Bakuchiol comes next, then retinol at 0.1%, and later retinal, a faster-acting form of vitamin A. Near the end there’s ceramide NP, collagen, soybean and palmitoyl tripeptide-1 peptides, and resveratrol. Fragrance is listed.
Korea registers it as a functional cosmetic for brightening and wrinkle care.
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
Good pick if
- You’re new to retinol or coming back to it after a break
- You have normal, combination or oily skin and like serums more than creams
- You want retinol and barrier support in one step
Skip it if
- You’re pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding
- Your skin reacts to fragrance or to lots of plant extracts
- You already use a strong retinoid; this will feel mild
What the ingredients do
Retinol and retinal are both forms of vitamin A that skin converts into retinoic acid. Over months, they speed up cell turnover and support collagen, which helps with rough texture, fine lines and clogged pores. Retinal is one step closer to the active form, so it adds a little extra effect, but it’s listed in a small amount here.
Bakuchiol is often called a “plant retinol”. The evidence is lighter, but it’s commonly paired with retinol because it’s gentle.
Niacinamide, panthenol and ceramide NP help the skin barrier cope with retinol’s early dryness. The botanicals add a calming layer, although with so many extracts there are also more things a sensitive skin could react to.
How to use it
Use it at night only. After cleansing and toner, apply 2 to 3 drops to dry skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth corners, then follow with moisturiser.
Start with two or three nights a week and build up slowly. Some dryness or flaking in the first weeks is normal; if it stings or burns, cut back. Wear sunscreen every morning.
How it compares
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream has the same retinol strength in a fragrance-free cream, with fewer extras. It’s the better pick for sensitive or dry skin. Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule is a gentler, centella-led option for people who find retinol hard to tolerate.
Is it worth buying in Seoul?
Yes. Olive Young sells the same 30ml bottle Amazon lists, and at the usual sale price Seoul works out roughly a third cheaper than Amazon US, with a bigger gap against Amazon UK.
One bottle clears the ₩15,000 tax refund minimum on its own. At 30ml, it fits in carry-on liquids.
FAQ
What's the difference between retinol and retinal?
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one conversion step closer to retinoic acid, the active form, so it works faster at the same strength. Here it's listed after retinol in a small amount.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your doctor.
Does it contain fragrance?
Yes. Fragrance is listed near the end of the Korean label.
Can I use it with vitamin C or acids?
Use vitamin C in the morning and this at night. Avoid using it on the same night as exfoliating acids or pads, at least until your skin is used to retinol.
