Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum 30ml
Tracked ingredients
Key actives from our research database. Click any to read the full evidence dossier.
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database — one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
A gentle Asian-skincare brightener derived from licorice root. Fades dark spots and calms redness, and it's a pregnancy-safe alternative to stronger fade ingredients.
Glabridin Inhibits Melanogenesis and Melanin Transfer via Wnt/beta-Catenin Pathway and Rho Family GTPase-Mediated Dendritic Formation Suppression, Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2026;19(3) — glabridin (the licorice-root active) suppressed melanin synthesis and keratinocyte melanin transfer in vitro via Wnt/beta-Catenin and Rho-GTPase dendrite suppression
Liu Y et al., Glycyrrhiza glabra extract as a skin-whitening agent: Identification of active components and CRTC1/MITF pathway-inhibition mechanism, Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2025;349:119948 — identifies glabridin as the principal active and maps skin-whitening mechanism via CREB/CRTC1/MITF suppression
Wang JY et al., Preparation of compound liquorice microemulsion gel and its pharmacodynamics evaluation, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica) 2020;45(21):5193-5199 — compound licorice (Glycyrrhiza) microemulsion gel significantly reduced ear swelling and inflammatory infiltration in chronic eczema mouse model
A natural acne spot-treatment that kills the bacteria behind red, painful pimples. Slower than benzoyl peroxide but with fewer side effects when used at 5%.
Najafi-Taher R et al., A topical gel of tea tree oil nanoemulsion containing adapalene versus adapalene marketed gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized clinical trial, Archives of Dermatological Research 2022;314(7):673-679 — RCT showed tea tree oil + adapalene nanoemulsion gel produced significantly better reduction in total, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions than standard adapalene
Malhi HK, Tu J, Riley TV, Kumarasinghe SP, Hammer KA, Tea tree oil gel for mild to moderate acne; a 12 week uncontrolled, open-label phase II pilot study, Australasian Journal of Dermatology 2017;58(3):205-210
Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, Iraji F, The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study, Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology 2007;73(1):22-5
A Korean botanical that calms angry, reactive skin. Especially soothing during flare-ups.
Wang Y et al., A review of the research progress on Artemisia argyi Folium: botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and clinical application, Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology 2024;397(10):7473-7500 — comprehensive review of 136 compounds; documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial topical use in eczema/dermatitis
Hirano A et al. (Kyushu University, Furue lab), Antioxidant Artemisia princeps extract enhances the expression of filaggrin and loricrin via the AHR/OVOL1 pathway, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2017;18(9):1948 — Japanese-authored mechanism study explaining how APE upregulates barrier proteins via AHR/OVOL1; no human efficacy trial yet
Lee JH et al., Topical Application of Eupatilin Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in NC/Nga Mice, Annals of Dermatology 2017;29(1):61-68 — Korean-authored study showing topical eupatilin (Artemisia flavonoid) reduced atopic-dermatitis-like lesions and inflammatory markers
+−3 more ingredients
A plant-based alternative to retinol. Smooths fine lines and evens tone with much less irritation, making it safer for sensitive skin.
Fanning N et al., Human Clinical Trials Using Topical Bakuchiol Formulations for the Treatment of Skin Disorders: A Systematic Review, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2024;23(4):239-243 — bakuchiol trials suggest efficacy but are methodologically limited (mostly uncontrolled, combination formulations)
Hu L et al., Effect and Mechanism of Tricholoma matsutake Extract Combined with Bakuchiol and Ergothioneine on UVB-Induced Skin Aging, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024
Puyana C et al., Applications of Bakuchiol in Dermatology: Systematic Review of the Literature, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2022
Speeds up how fast your skin renews itself so old, dull cells shed faster and fresher skin shows through. Builds collagen over time, smoothing fine lines.
SCCS Revision of the Scientific Opinion on Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate), SCCS/1639/21, final version adopted 24-25 October 2022
MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Retinol (anti-wrinkle). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List — listed alongside Adenosine, Retinyl Palmitate, and Polyethoxylated Retinamide in the Korean Functional Cosmetics Codex anti-wrinkle category
MFDS Approved Functional Cosmetic Active — Retinyl Palmitate (anti-wrinkle, retinol ester form). Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cosmetic Functional Active Ingredient List — Retinyl Palmitate explicitly listed in the Korean Functional Cosmetics Codex anti-wrinkle category alongside Retinol, Polyethoxylated Retinamide, and Adenosine
A heavy-duty hydrator that also reduces irritation. Often called "better than hyaluronic acid" for sensitive skin.
Feng X et al., Exploring the Properties and Application Potential of beta-Glucan in Skin Care, Food Science and Nutrition 2025;13(4):e70212 — review concludes beta-glucan exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and moisturizing bioactivities
Kussie HC et al., Avenanthramide and beta-Glucan Therapeutics Accelerate Wound Healing Via Distinct and Nonoverlapping Mechanisms, Advances in Wound Care 2024;13(4):155-166 — in vivo: beta-glucan accelerated wound closure with increased angiogenesis
Du B et al., Oat β-glucan ameliorates epidermal barrier disruption by upregulating CaSR via dectin-1-mediated ERK/p38 signaling, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2021 — mechanism for barrier-repair effects; in-vitro and animal-model evidence
Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.
Layering conflicts
Ingredients in this product that can react with common actives. Avoid stacking unless noted.
- Salicylic Acidhigh
Retinol + salicylic acid can over-exfoliate and damage the barrier. Alternate nights.
- Glycolic Acidhigh
Retinol + glycolic acid is a classic barrier-buster. Use on different nights.
- Lactic Acidmedium
Retinol + lactic acid is gentler than glycolic but still alternate nights to be safe.
- Mandelic Acidmedium
Retinol + mandelic acid — alternate nights to preserve barrier integrity.
- Benzoyl Peroxidemedium
Benzoyl peroxide can break down retinol. Use one in the morning and the other at night, or pick a stabilized formula made to combine them.
- Vitamin Clow
Vitamin C and retinol work best at different pH levels. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.