0.1% pure retinol — the right place to start with vitamin A.

This is pure retinol, not a low-strength ester or a "retinol-like" alternative. Retinol is the best-studied cosmetic retinoid there is, with decades of published work behind it for fine lines, texture and firmness. At 0.1% in a 30ml serum, it is dosed for consistent long-term use rather than a short aggressive course.

If you have never used a retinoid, this is where to begin. If you already tolerate retinol comfortably and want to go further, step up to the Retinal Shot Booster.

Celimax pairs the retinol with a nine-peptide blend — including copper tripeptide-1, acetyl hexapeptide-8 and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 — plus adenosine, and a comfort system of 1% panthenol, allantoin, sunflower seed oil and tocopherol that keeps it wearable through the adjustment weeks.

The texture is a light, fast-absorbing serum with a faint warm tint from beta-carotene. 30ml, which at a few nights a week lasts a long time.

Key ingredients

• Retinol 0.1% (pure vitamin A) — fine lines, texture and firmness
• Nine-peptide blend — copper tripeptide-1, acetyl hexapeptide-8, nonapeptide-1 and more
• Adenosine — Korean MFDS-recognized functional wrinkle ingredient
• Panthenol 1% + Allantoin — soothing, barrier-supporting
• Tocopherol + Beta-Carotene — antioxidant support

How to use

At night, after cleansing and toner, apply 2–3 drops to dry skin, avoiding the immediate eye area. Follow with moisturizer.

Build up gradually: 2 nights the first week, 3 the second, every other night the third, and nightly from week four if your skin is comfortable. There is no prize for getting there faster.

If skin feels tight, try the sandwich method — moisturizer first, serum, then moisturizer again. It slows absorption without cancelling the benefit.

Wear sunscreen every morning. Retinoids increase sun sensitivity, and unprotected sun undoes the result you are working toward.

What to expect

Two to four weeks of adjustment is normal — mild dryness, light flaking around the nose and mouth, sometimes a short run of small breakouts as turnover speeds up. It settles.

Retinol works slowly. Give it 12 weeks before judging results. This is a product you evaluate by the season, not the week.

Best for

Fine lines, uneven texture and loss of firmness. Suits normal, dry, combination and oily skin. A first retinoid, or a long-term maintenance one.

Good to know

• Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not layer with another retinoid, an exfoliating acid, vitamin C or benzoyl peroxide on the same night — alternate instead.
• Stop and let skin recover if you get burning, persistent stinging or a rash.
• Patch test before first use. Avoid the immediate eye area. External use only.
• Cap tightly and store away from light and heat. Use within 6 months of opening.

Full INCI

Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Panthenol, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, C14-22 Alcohols, Glyceryl Stearates, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Sponge, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Retinol (0.1%), Allantoin, Arginine, Undecane, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Adenosine, Tridecane, Disodium EDTA, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Myristyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PVM/MA Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Beta-Carotene, Glucose, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Nonapeptide-1, Hexapeptide-9, Dipeptide-2, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

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