Let’s talk retinol! Retinol is the skincare ingredient to reach for to level up your routine. I’ve finished my bottle of Skin Rocks Retinoid and want to share all there is about this nighttime serum.
To celebrate their 2nd birthday Skin Rocks is giving you your choice of a free Retinoid 1 or 2 to your basket when you spend £75 or more from 22/10/24 until 30-10/24!
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What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A. When used in skincare it benefits by enhancing cellular turnover and promoting collagen and elastin formation, something that slows down from our mid-20s. Results can be seen in a softening of fine lines, smoothing of texture and a more even complexion.
“Retinoids” is the umbrella term for the whole class of vitamin A strengths: retinol, retinal and, prescription strengths: tretinoin, diffierin. (Strength from low to high)
With any retinoid, it is best to build up both usage and strength rather than start at the strongest available and risk damage to your skin’s barrier.
Skin Rocks Retinoid Serums
Skin Rocks has two Retinoid serums available. The serums are named numerically from weakest to strongest, making it easy to decide which is best suited to your skin. Both serums 1 and 2 yield the same kind of results overall. Retinoid 1 is more gentle, so results are slower to be seen and less impactful.
Retinoid 1 is your entry-level serum. This is suitable for everybody, even those with sensitivity.
It targets hyperpigmentation, fine lines and skin texture, breakouts and wrinkles in a soothing formula.
Perfect for first-time retinol users, those who prefer more gentle actives, and those with sensitivity.
Key Ingredients:
Hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) – gentle yet effective retinoid
Bakuchiol and soybean extract – Retinoid boosters
Squalane and vitamin E – Condition & soothe
Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 £65.00 30ml available here*
Refill £55 30ml available here*
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2
Skin Rocks refers to this serum as their ‘intermediate level serum’. It is for anyone already using a retinol/retinal in their routine who wishes to boost and maintain results.
Retinoid 2 is formulated with retinal and HPR, which work harmoniously for better results.
The serum aims to soften fine lines, even skin tone and clarity, improve hyperpigmentation and leave a radiant appearance. Overall, it is the stronger serum that will yield further results and maintenance.
Key ingredients:
Retinal – powerful retinoid
Hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) – A gentle yet effective retinoid
Bakuchiol and soybean extract – Retinoid boosters
Squalane and vitamin E – nourishing and conditioning
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 £75 30ml available here*
Refill 2 £65 30ml available here*
Price & Packaging
Skin Rocks packaging is bold in colour, it looks fabulous on a bathroom shelf. I know exactly which product is which and there’s little to no room for error when it comes to selecting my products. As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews of the brand (read here) the sustainable glass packaging is fantastic in terms of the environmental impact but that does mean that the products themselves are heavy. This is something to take into consideration in terms of accessibility and travel.
The pump is easy to use and works efficiently. Retinoids 1 and 2 are available in refill options at a lower price.
Skin Rocks Retinoids are not in the affordable category. They sit at a comparable price point to their competitors with similar strength serums; Dr Sam’s Skincare, Medik8, Murad.
Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 £65.00 30ml
Refill £55 30ml
Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 £75 30ml
Refill £65 30ml
My Thoughts
My skin for reference: oily/combination, spot prone. A number of years ago now I was on Roaccutane for cystic acne (twice) and this left me with Rosacea and sensitive skin around my mouth. This is under control at present.
My skin is accustomed to Retinoid serums therefore Retinoid 2 was an obvious choice of the two strengths for me.
I started using the serum nightly quite quickly and didn’t find I needed to build up use as I’d just finished using a different serum of similar strength (it is important to build up frequency of use when first starting retinol or building up strength to protect the skin’s barrier).
The serum has a lovely creamy texture and is immediately calming and nourishing. It massages in well and feels comforting and non-drying. I didn’t find it irritating on the more sensitive area of my face either.
Many retinoids can feel quite drying, some straight away, others the next day, so I was impressed to find this. I think that this is one of the things I enjoyed most. Throughout the whole use of the serum my skin didn’t appear dehydrated nor did I suffer any flakiness or dry skin; the serum did a great job of nourishing and caring for my skin whilst being an active treatment.
I can see the results! Overall I think that my skin is bright, clear and there’s an overall smoothness.
I wasn’t expecting dramatic results as I was coming from a similar strength serum to this but it’s great to see differences and that this still improves my skin quality as a maintenance serum. I rely on retinoid serums (alongside azelaic acid and BHA) to keep my hormonal spots at bay, and this serum did a great job of this.
I think Skin Rocks Retinoid serum will speak to those who yearn for a little bit of comfort and care in their PM serum while still wanting to yield results. The caring, nourishing formula makes it enjoyable to use and my skin is bright and clear.
Skin Rocks Retinoid
Caroline Hirons seems to be unstoppable with her brand Skin Rocks. The products aren’t just a joy to use but they are effective. While they’re not the most affordable out there, this efficacy means you get results for your money.
Skin Rocks Retinoid Serums are available here*
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