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Skin /
Serums /
1% Retinol Serum

1% Retinol Serum | The INKEY List

Name: 1% Retinol Serum
Brand: The INKEY List EU
SKU: IF041KM
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (429 reviews)

Targets stubborn marks, scars or wrinkles which give the appearance of uneven texture and tone.

4.3

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars

4.3 Stars (429 Reviews)

€17,25 ~~€23,00~~ / 30ml

or €16,10

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Free delivery on your first order!

Worth 85 Points

What you get: A powerful, targeted scar reduction serum with our highest level of Retinol (1%) to help fade the look of marks, reduce wrinkle depth and smooth uneven skin texture.

Why it works: 1% Retinol helps to resurface skin and target the appearance of persistent scarring and deep wrinkles. 5% Apricot Kernel Oil and 2% Squalane support the skin barrier and help prevent moisture loss.

How it feels: Lightweight, creamy, fast-absorbing. No greasiness or stickiness.

When to use: PM only. Start slowly—use 1x every 5–7 days, then increase to 2–3x per week as skin builds tolerance.

Suitable for:

Oily skin
Combination skin
Normal skin

Targets:

Stubborn fine lines & wrinkles
Post-scne scars & marks
Uneven skin texture & tone

How to Use

PM only. After cleansing and hydrating with your chosen hydrator, apply a pea-sized amount of this 1% Retinol Serum to face and neck. Gently pat into skin.

Follow with

Moisturizer.

Finish with SPF in your AM routine.

INKEY Tip

If you’re new to Retinol or have sensitive skin, start with our Retinol Serum instead. 1% Retinol Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution is best for those already familiar with Retinol and looking to tackle more visible concerns.

Heads up

This formula contains 1% Retinol, which may cause purging or dryness as skin adjusts. Avoid layering with exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, PHAs), Benzoyl Peroxide or Vitamin C in the same routine. When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place (15–25°C). Keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid eyes. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

Ingredients

1% Retinol : Supports skin renewal, targeting post-blemish marks, visible scarring and wrinkles.
5% Apricot Kernel Oil : Rich in fatty acids, helps protect against moisture loss and soothes dry skin.
2% Squalane : Helps support a healthy skin barrier while maintaining hydration.

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Squalane, Retinol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Phospholipids, Tocopherol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycolipids, Dehydroacetic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, t-Butyl Alcohol.

Developed with Dermatologists

"I am proud that this product has been gently formulated so that you can get all the wonderful benefits of Retinol while minimizing the side effects of irritation. It's also lightweight and very fast absorbing".

- Dr Adeline Kikam. Dermatologist & Doctor, @brownskinderm

Learn more about the SuperSolutions range

FAQs

WHEN DO I USE THIS PRODUCT? PM only. Retinol can increase sun sensitivity, so apply in the evening and use SPF the next day.

IS THIS SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? No. If you’re new to Retinol or have sensitive skin, start with our Retinol Serum.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE THIS? Start with once every 5–7 days, then increase to 2–3x per week.

CAN I USE THIS LONG-TERM? Yes. For best results, use consistently for at least 3 months. You can reduce frequency once you see improvement.

DO I NEED TO USE A MOISTURIZER AFTER? Yes—this helps soothe and protect your skin barrier.

CAN I LAYER THIS WITH OTHER ACTIVES? Avoid using with AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, Benzoyl Peroxide or Vitamin C at the same time. Use Vitamin C in the AM, and Retinol in the PM.

CAN I USE WITH 10% AZELAIC REDNESS RELIEF SOLUTION? Yes. Use 10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief in the AM and Retinol in the PM.

WHAT IF I HAVE BREAKOUTS? This product targets post-blemish marks—not active breakouts. Use after breakouts have cleared.

WHY IS MY SKIN PURGING? Purging is normal with stronger Retinols and can last up to 3 months. Stick with it.

HOW LONG TO SEE RESULTS? Visible results may take up to 6 weeks. For more persistent marks, it could take up to 3 months.

IS IT SAFE DURING PREGNANCY? No.

WHAT’S THE pH LEVEL?5–6

CAN I USE THIS WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION? Check with your doctor first.

WHY IS IT YELLOW? That’s the Retinol. The yellow tint is natural.

No BS Skincare

Skincare can be confusing.

So we cut the BS, and get straight to the point. We simplify the INCI list - commonly known as the ingredients list, that every skincare product has. That’s also where we get our name from. We’re The INKEY List - here to help you get better skin with real knowledge and formulas that deliver. No BS. No hype. Just effective, science-backed skincare that does what it says it will. We show you what your skin needs, not what’s trending. Whether you’re new to skincare or have a solid routine, we’ve always got your back with innovation, education and clinically-proven results.

All at a price that makes sense.

INKEY. No BS, just better skin.

We are B CORP. Our products are formulated with responsibly sourced ingredients, and packaged with 100% recyclable materials. Skin needs love, but so does our planet.

Carbon Net-Zero. All our emissions are offset annually through planet friendly projects with a focus on education.

Approved under the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme.

100% of our packaging is recyclable. Learn how to recycle your INKEY List products.

Certified by The Vegan Society

This product is;

Dermalogically tested

Clinically tested

Fragrance-free

Gluten-free

After 28 days use, 86% agree the texture and discoloration of their acne marks and scars were visibly improved

*DISCLAIMER: 4 week independent consumer trial of 21 people under dermatological control
After 28 days use, 95% agree deep, stubborn wrinkles appeared smoother

DISCLAIMER : *4 week independent consumer trial of 21 people under dermatological control.
After 28 days use, 90% agree wrinkles, fine lines and crepiness around the eye area are less noticeable

DISCLAIMER : *4 week independent consumer trial of 21 people under dermatological control.
After 28 days use, 90% agree the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles were visibly reduced

DISCLAIMER : *4 week independent consumer trial of 21 people under dermatological control.

Shipping info

Standard EU Tracked Shipping

€5.95**
FREE on your first order orders over €45**
(2-5 business days*)

**The following countries are subject to increased Standard Tracked Shipping rates and increased FREE shipping thresholds.

€6.95 - Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Estonia, Luxembourg - FREE on your first order & over €45
€8.95 - Spain, Portugal, Greece, Sweden, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania - FREE on your first order & over €55
€11.95 - Malta, Cyprus, Iceland, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Monaco - FREE on your first order & over €65.

Express EU Tracked Shipping

€11.95
(up to 4 business days*, if ordered before 4pm CET on business days)

Tariff or duties

Orders with EU shipping destinations won't be subject to any tariff or duties, however please note that there are a small number of EU and European territories that still require tariffs and duties that will need to be covered by the customer.

*Find out more about shipping here.

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Should I be using 1% RETINOL?

Supersolution

Have you tried?

Supersolution

1% Retinol Serum

Suitable for...

•Targets stubborn post-acne marks, dark spots and deep wrinkles.
•INKEY's Highest strength Retinol
•Barrier-supportive formula
•Best for experienced Retinol users

€17,25 / 30ml

or

Have you tried?

Retinol Serum

Suitable for...

•Helps improve fine lines and skin texture
•Gentle Retinol for beginners
•Supports clearer, smoother-looking skin

€11,25 / 30ml

More Info

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4.3

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars

Based on 429 reviews

Total 5 star reviews: 238 Total 4 star reviews: 114 Total 3 star reviews: 48 Total 2 star reviews: 20 Total 1 star reviews: 9

Reviews Summary

Customers say this product delivers smooth, glowing results with a gentle touch. Many reviews mention improved skin texture and fading marks over time. The creamy formula absorbs well and feels comfortable on application. While some note initial adjustment periods, most find it suitable for regular use. Frequent comments highlight visible improvements within weeks of consistent use. Some mention packaging challenges with product dispensing. Reviews particularly praise its effectiveness for more experienced retinol users.

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429 reviews

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Nancy V. G.
Verified Buyer
I do not recommend this product
Age Range 35 - 44
Skin Type Normal
Skin Concerns Hyperpigmentation, Dryness, Plumping
Sensitive Skin Friendly? No
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
4 days ago
Not sure
I have been using this one for a very long time but I don't know if the formula recently changed. Recently it doesn't seem to be doing much for my skin which is sad because a year ago it was doing wonders but recently I haven't been getting the same result, it used to be like an eraser of imperfections but lately not at all.... I might give it a rest and try again, just to see what happens.
Feel / TextureRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
ResultsRated 2.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
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IE
INKEY EU
2 days ago
Hi Nancy,

Thank you for taking the time to share your honest feedback about our 1% Retinol Serum, and for being such a loyal customer who has used it for a very long time. We're truly sorry to hear that you're not experiencing the same wonderful results you used to see, especially when it was working so effectively for you a year ago.

We understand how disappointing and frustrating it must be when a product that once delivered such impressive results seems to have stopped working the same way for your skin. It's particularly disheartening when you have that positive history with the product and were expecting to continue seeing those same benefits.

We want to reassure you that we haven't made any recent changes to our 1% Retinol Serum formulation. Sometimes skin can become accustomed to active ingredients over time, or changes in factors like hormones, climate, stress, or other products in your routine can affect how your skin responds to retinol. It's also possible that your skin's needs may have evolved after consistent long-term use.

Your approach of giving it a rest and trying again is a good idea - sometimes taking a break from retinol and then reintroducing it can help restore its effectiveness. We truly value your feedback and your loyalty to the product, even during this challenging period with the results.

Please do reach out to our askINKEY Team if we can support you further with your experience 🖤
Tester
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
6 days ago
You can definetely see a difference the next day
You can definetely see a difference the next day
Feel / TextureRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
ResultsRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
Was this helpful?
Annie R.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age Range 65+
Skin Type Normal
Skin Concerns Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Plumping, Texture, Dryness
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
2 weeks ago
Lovely serum
Great texture and no irritation. Good value as always with Inkey
Feel / TextureRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
ResultsRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
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