1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Arencia
Retinal Booster Shot
face serum
Arencia
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testConcentrations
| RETINAL | 0.02% |
The Arencia Retinal Booster Shot is a high-performance anti-aging treatment designed to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and boost overall skin renewal. Formulated with retinal (a potent vitamin A derivative), this lightweight serum accelerates cell turnover to smooth rough skin and refine pores while promoting a firmer, more youthful appearance. Its fast-absorbing texture delivers powerful results while remaining gentle enough for gradual use. Enhanced with soothing and hydrating ingredients, the Arencia Retinal Booster Shot helps minimize potential irritation while strengthening the skin barrier. With consistent use, it visibly improves skin clarity, elasticity, and radiance, revealing smoother, more refined skin over time.
Retinal Booster Shot is a cushioning serum from Arencia, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 49 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as moderately cushioned — emollient enough to feel like a cream, without the heaviest occlusives near the top. The oils in it point to a dewy, emollient finish rather than a matte one. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Methylpropanediol and Butylene Glycol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: Very high. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol and Ethylhexylglycerin.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Allantoin, Panthenol and Ectoin.
Firmness signalling: Moderate. Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support, and here that comes from Adenosine, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-2 and Hexapeptide-9.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol and Panthenol.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry), Combination (oily) and Oily skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cetearyl Olivate is the ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and the fatty acids derived from olive oil
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Bis(16-methylheptadecyl) malate
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Arginine
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 49 ingredients on the label.
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Amino-acid chains that signal for repair or firmness
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Forms a film that slows water loss
Dissolves and carries everything else
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Calms visible redness and irritation
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cetearyl Olivate is the ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and the fatty acids derived from olive oil
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Methyl-D-glucopyranoside, ethers with 1,2,3-propanetriol homopolymer, octadecanoates (1:1:2) (3 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Bis(16-methylheptadecyl) malate
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, homopolymer, sodium salt
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucitol, 1,4-Anhydro-, 6-monoester with olive oil fatty acids
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
C10-30 alkyl propenoate, polymer with propenoic acid, butenoic acidand/or alkyl propenoates, product with propenyl sucrose ether or propenyl 2,2-dihydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Arginine
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the nuts of the Bushnut, Macadamia ternifolia, Proteaceae. It consists primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Cape Jasmine, Gardenia Florida L., Rubiaceae
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cholest-5-en-3-ol (beta)-
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, dodecanoates (1:1) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,4,6,8-Nonatetraenal, 3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-, (all-E)-
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Silicon dioxide
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Brassica Campestris Sterols is a mixture of sterols obtained from the Cabbage, Brassica campestris L., Brassicaceae
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dextrin
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Aluminum magnesium hydroxide and stearic acid
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1-hexadecanol, phosphate, potassium salt
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, 2,2-bis[[3-[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-1-oxopropoxy] methyl]-1,3-propanediyl ester
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1H-Purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
4-Pyrimidinecarboxylic Acid, 1,4,5,6,-Tetrahydro-2-Methyl-, (4S)-
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Bakuchiol (babchi seed extract) is a plant-based retinol alternative that softens wrinkles and fades dark spots with less irritation. IUPAC name: 4-[(1E,3S)-3,7-dimethyl-3-vinylocta-1,6-dien-1-yl]phenol
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Centella Asiatica Extract is the extract of the whole plant Hydrocotyl, Centella asiatica L., Apiaceae
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sphingolipids, glycosides
41st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lysine, synthetic pentapeptide with serine, and threonine, hexadecanoyl derivatives
42nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexapeptide-2 is a synthetic peptide containing Alanine, histidine, lysine, phenylalanine and tryptophane hexapeptide
43rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hexapeptide-9 is a synthetic peptide containing Glutamine, Glycine and Proline residues
44th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tripeptide-1 is a synthetic peptide containing glycine, histidine, and lysine
45th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Pentapeptide-3 is a synthetic peptide containing alanine, arginine, isoleucine, glycine and proline
46th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Lysine, N-(1-oxohexadecyl)glycyl-L-histidyl-
47th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 is the reaction product of palmitic acid and Tripeptide-5
48th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Acetyl hexapeptide-8 is the synthetic peptide consisting of arginine, methionine, and acetylated glutamic acid residues
49th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Copper Tripeptide-1 is a copper complex of Tripeptide-1
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Arencia
Shares 16 key ingredients with Retinal Booster Shot: Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Niacinamide
Arencia
Shares 16 key ingredients with Retinal Booster Shot: Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide
Anua
Shares 15 key ingredients with Retinal Booster Shot: Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Eqqualberry
Shares 14 key ingredients with Retinal Booster Shot: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide
Arencia
Shares 14 key ingredients with Retinal Booster Shot: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP
Haruharu Wonder
Shares 14 key ingredients with Retinal Booster Shot: Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Methylpropanediol, Panthenol
WATER, GLYCERIN, METHYLPROPANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, NIACINAMIDE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, CETEARYL OLIVATE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 METHYLGLUCOSE DISTEARATE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, ARGININE, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ADENOSINE, GARDENIA FLORIDA FRUIT EXTRACT, XANTHAN GUM, CHOLESTEROL, POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE, ALLANTOIN, RETINAL, SILICA, BRASSICA CAMPESTRIS STEROLS, DEXTRIN, PANTHENOL, TOCOPHEROL, ALUMINUM/MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE STEARATE, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, CAFFEINE, DISODIUM EDTA, ECTOIN, BAKUCHIOL, CERAMIDE NP, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, GLYCOSPHINGOLIPIDS, PALMITOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4, HEXAPEPTIDE-2, HEXAPEPTIDE-9, TRIPEPTIDE-1, PENTAPEPTIDE-3, PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1, PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-5, ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8, COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1.
NIACINAMIDE, RETINAL, PANTHENOL, BAKUCHIOL, CERAMIDE NP, PALMITOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-4, TRIPEPTIDE-1, PENTAPEPTIDE-3, PALMITOYL TRIPEPTIDE-1, ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8, COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1.
Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin in the evening after toner. Start 2–3 times per week and gradually increase frequency as tolerated. Follow with moisturizer. Always use sunscreen during the day.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry), Combination (oily), Oily skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
6 ingredients could feed malassezia: Cetearyl Olivate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Aluminum/magnesium Hydroxide Stearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
It contains Retinal, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Azelaic acid — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 49 ingredients, of which 11 are recorded as actives.
Arencia, a brand based in Korea.
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