COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream Review

When we think of retinol, it is often perceived as being highly irritating, can often cause redness or increased sensitivity, is difficult to stabilize and perishes easily under light and heat. What if we told you that you can experience your very first retinol product safely thanks to COSRX’s persistent and rigorous research? Yes, you read that right, COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream is a newly developed, gentle and skin-friendly facial moisturiser made with 0.1% pure retinol, to help combat the very first signs of premature aging. Our team at BONIIK recently tried this product, and here’s our verdict.

Main Ingredients

No retinol cream is complete without retinol (we all got that didn’t we?). COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream contains 0.1% pure retinol or Vitamin A which is an ingredient praised for its ability to help decrease wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Hmm… but only 0.1%? One thing we learned is to not underestimate the potency of retinols because just 0.1% can already work wonders in improving your skin texture and elasticity by promoting cell regeneration and stimulating collagen production.

Aside from pure retinol, this cream is packed with other skin-loving ingredients like panthenol for extra hydration and soothing effects, adenosine to restore youthful complexion and Tocotrienol or known as ‘super vitamin E’ to reduce signs of skin damage caused by external environmental stressors. When these ingredients are used together with retinol, clinical research has shown that there is a 12% improvement in skin elasticity in just 4 weeks of consistent usage!

Texture

See that soft, buttery, yellow dollop of cream? The texture of COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream reminds us of smooth, creamy custard with soft peaks, and blends seamlessly with the skin without greasiness. It glides onto the skin effortlessly even when you are only using a small amount. Unlike other retinol creams, our team at BONIIK agreed that it does not have a strong scent to it which is perfect if you are someone who prefers unscented or very faintly scented products. Because of this texture, it is easier to mix and blend this cream with other skincare ingredients, which is especially helpful for those with sensitive, delicate skin looking to try retinol products!

How to Incorporate into Your Skincare Routine

Like any other retinol product, COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream works best when used as part of your night time Korean skincare routine, as this is also the time when your skin regenerates and repairs itself while you get your much-needed beauty sleep. After cleansing, toning and applying your favourite serums, apply a small amount of the retinol cream onto your face and gently tap to promote absorption. We recommend using it 2 times a week for starters, and gradually increase the frequency as your skin gets used to it. Also, it is best to avoid mixing it with any other active ingredients like Vitamin C, exfoliators, AHA skincare, BHA, PHA and so on.

It is important to note that having an adaptation period, allowing your skin to slowly build tolerance towards retinol helps you maintain consistency in using this ingredient, for visible effects in the long term.

Our team members with sensitive skin found that the sandwiching method where the retinol cream is put in between 2 layers of another moisturiser worked best, and they recommended using gentle, soothing and barrier-enhancing ingredients like ceramides, collagen, hyaluronic acid, or if you are looking for natural ingredients then rice, Centella asiatica, snail mucin, propolis or mugwort will work!

Results

Gentle, yet powerful, our team at BONIIK agreed that this retinol cream is the perfect choice for those who are just starting out their anti aging Korean skincare routine! The irritation-reduced solution had the right blend of ingredients for beginner retinol users, to feel and see its potent wrinkle reducing properties. Apart from that, it can be easily paired with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, snail mucin, ceramides and peptide to provide the retinol with some ‘buffer’ while enhancing skin barrier.

Keen to add retinol to your night time routine? This is the perfect product to start with to experience your first retinol! Buy COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream at BONIIK - your Korean beauty destination.