The Retinol Serum for People Who Are Scared of Retinol

Okay, if we’re being honest with each other here, this isn’t my first experience with Vitamin A.

And no, it isn’t my second or third, either.

If we’re still being honest with one another, I’ve been burnt before. Yes…literally.

I think I might be the first person in the world who works for a beauty retailer and has still managed to melt my face off with retinol not once, not twice, but three times.

Retinol scaredy cats need not worry; the ingredient itself was not to blame so much as my stubbornness, inability to read instructions, and determination to make the strongest of retinols work for my sensitive skin was.

Ever aware of my retinol woes (ah the joys of sitting next to me in the office), our Senior Beauty Editor placed the innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule miracle serum into my hands with the most encouraging pep talk ever.

Despite the encouragement, I was still apprehensive; could this retinol really work for my sensitive, acne-prone skin?

Determined that this would be the retinol to work for me, I just about read and re-read the instructions on the box 42 times before I made it home that night.

The innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule promises to:

• Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Improve the appearance of blemishes, skin tone and texture.

• Soothe skin and avoid causing further sensitivity for already sensitive skin, thanks to a complex called Jeju Cica-Liposomology.

Before we get stuck into the nitty gritty, you might be wondering...

What is Retinol Again?

We’ve touched on it briefly before in our Bargain vs Bougie: The Difference Between Our 4 Best-Selling Retinol Serums article, but in case you want a quick crash course in retinol, here’s what you need to know: it’s packed full of anti-ageing benefits and a whole bunch of other good stuff for your skin.

But Nikkita, what are these other good things you speak of?

Ahhh, I’m glad you asked, because this powerful ingredient packs a mighty punch.

Not only is retinol a powerful anti-ageing ingredient, but it is also known to:

• Increase cellular turnover.

• Minimise fine lines and wrinkles.

• Improve your skin appearance and texture.

• Encourage collagen production.

• Treat skin concerns like acne, pigmentation and scarring.

For more info on the do’s and don’t’s of retinol, check out this video:

A word of advice, if I may: if you’re a retinol newbie, the right retinol serum for you will obviously be different to someone who’s been at it for 10 years.

How do I know?

I’ve burnt my face off…3 times…remember?

The best retinol for you is one that works for your needs and skin concerns.

Learn from my (3) previous mistakes – a stronger retinol does not always = better.

What Is innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule?

Sensitive skin-havers and serial retinol avoiders, listen up, because they’ve finally made a retinol for us.

This Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule is the first retinol by Korean skincare giant, innisfree, and it promises some pretty big things.

This creamy gel works to improve the appearance of blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles whilst soothing even the most sensitive of skin types (shout out to Jeju Cica-Liposomology for this).

As a sensitive skin girly, here are some of my other favourite features that I just can’t get enough of:

• Fast absorbing finish, meaning it doesn’t leave that gooey, sticky residue on your skin that some retinols are guilty of.

• Hydrating, watery formula (yep, a hydrating retinol! We’ve seen it all, folks!).

• Containing ceramide, Centella Asiatica and Jeju hyaluronic acid, this formula is anti-irritating – making it suitable for both first time retinol users and fellow sensitive skin besties.

For the first time (probably ever), even those with the most sensitive skin are able to experience the benefits of retinol, without also having to deal with further sensitivity, tightness, flaky skin and purging.

Still not sure if this product is right for you?

The innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule is suitable for:

• All ages.

• Acne, breakouts and pesky blackheads.

• Sensitive skin.

• Skin that is dull, dry or dehydrated.

• Pigmentation, scarring and uneven skin tone.

• Those experiencing the first signs of ageing.

I know you're all waiting for the big reveal.

So, without any further ado, let’s see if this retinol serum became the fourth retinol product to scorn me, or if it made it into the Nikkita Approved Retinol Hall of Fame.

Innisfree Retinol Reviews.

Despite being suitable for every day use, as many sensitive skin havers will understand, I was equal parts sceptical, terrified and suspicious of this seemingly absurd claim.

Could I really trust that retinol could be used on my sensitive, acne-prone skin daily?

Ever haunted by my past experiences with retinol (and the trust issues that came along with it), I started off slow.

The first week, I went in with 1-2 pumps of the serum after applying niacinamide, and before my moisturiser, twice a week in the PM.

In the 4 weeks since then, I’ve gradually increased my usage to 4 times a week, and I’m pretty stoked to announce that I haven’t experienced any dryness, increased sensitivity or purging!

Psst...ICYMI, that’s a huge win for those of us with sensitive skin.

The wins don’t stop there, friends.

It glides on like butter and the super thin, watery formula means it sinks into the skin quickly, allowing you to move on to the next step in your skincare routine quicker than you can say ‘innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule’.

Here's how it looks before being rubbed in.

Get a load of that texture!

In case you need any more convincing, it’s unscented (yet another win for anyone sensitive to fragrance!) and sits super comfortably on the skin – no more redness or flaming hot cheeks!

My favourite thing about the innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule?

The fact I get to wake up feeling like a well-hydrated, plump and glowy little dumpling.

But, don’t just take my word for it.

Here’s what our customers (and a fellow Adore Beauty staffer) had to say about this miracle serum:

“This shouldn't work the way it does."

"How on earth could a retinol product leave my sensitive, rosacea-prone, dehydrated skin looking LESS red than it was when it started?! I'm in my early 30s, so lines and wrinkles are a concern, but not front of mine - and I do find that this helps to just soften the edges a little - but it's the calming, soothing, plumping and brightening parts of this serums that make it an instant hit for me, and has earned it a long-term place in my skincare routine.

The other kicker? This looks creamy, but actually smooths out to a thin-yet-bouncy gel, so it layers brilliantly under moisturisers to make it the best no-muss, no-fuss sensitive skin retinol I've tried in a LONG time.” - Liz, Adore Beauty staffer.

“I received a sample of this and it's definitely going into my next order!"

"I have sensitive acne-prone skin, and the mix of retinol and cica is a dream.

It's not as irritating as other low-strength retinol creams and it is so light and pleasant to put on. I feel like it helps calm my redness and gently revives my skin the next morning. Saving up for it!!” - Lulu, Adore Beauty customer.

“Very happy with this retinol serum. Not too strong and the texture of the serum is great! Will definitely buy again.” - Diana, Adore Beauty customer.

Final Verdict.

I think I’m finally over the heartbreak of being burned 3 times in the past.

Why?

Because it’s led me to finally find my Vitamin A bestie- the innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule.

Shout out to innisfree for creating the retinol of this former-retinol-fearing, sensitive-skin-having gal’s dreams.

Want more recommendations for sensitive skin? Check out these articles below:

• Skin Purging vs Breakouts: How to Tell the Difference (& When to Throw in the Towel).

• All the Best Moisturisers That Won’t Cause Sensitive Skin to Freak Out.

• The 10 Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin.