innisfree
Gentle Retinol Salicylic Acne Serum
face serum
innisfree
face serum
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Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testA gentle retinol serum for all skin types that nourishes and diminishes visible acne and soothes skin
Gentle Retinol Salicylic Acne Serum is a lightweight serum from innisfree, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration and oil control. The ingredient list runs to 33 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Butylene Glycol and Betaine, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Betaine and Propanediol.
Oil control: High. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide and Retinol.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Allantoin, Asiaticoside, Beta-glucan and Niacinamide.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine.
On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) 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.
The formula contributes little or nothing on firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it. 4 ingredients on the label have not been matched to our database yet, so the analysis above reads a slightly incomplete list.
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
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin
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 10–40% of the formula.
Salicylic acid
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.
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)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
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**
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Carbonic Acid, Dicaprylyl Ester
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone monomers
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
13th 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)-
14th 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)-
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a lysate of the product obtained by fermentation of Lactobacillus.
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.
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.
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 33 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Dissolves and carries everything else
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Calms visible redness and irritation
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Forms a film that slows water loss
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
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 10–40% of the formula.
Salicylic acid
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.
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)
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
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**
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Carbonic Acid, Dicaprylyl Ester
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone monomers
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium hydroxyethyl acrylate and acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers
13th 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)-
14th 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)-
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a lysate of the product obtained by fermentation of Lactobacillus.
16th 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
17th 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-yl acetate
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium 2-[methyl(1-oxooctadecyl)amino]ethanesulphonate
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
20th 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)
21st 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
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan, isooctadecanoate
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract is an extract of the seeds of the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,23-trihydroxy-, O-6-deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl-(1->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2alpha, 3beta, 4alpha)-
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxy-, (2alpha,3beta,4alpha,6beta)-
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Retinol; vitamin A
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
(2.alpha.,3.beta.,4.alpha.)-2,3,23-Trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-amino-, (2S, 3S, 4R)-
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Olean-12-en-29-oic acid, 3-hydroxy-11-oxo-, octadecyl ester, (3.beta.,20.beta.)-
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid
31st 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
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide consisting of b(1-3) linked glucose chains carrying b(1-6) linked glucose sidechains
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
.beta.,.beta.-carotene
These are printed on the label but have not been linked to an ingredient record yet, so they are excluded from the analysis above.
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Isntree
Shares 11 key ingredients with Gentle Retinol Salicylic Acne Serum: Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer
Medicube
Shares 10 key ingredients with Gentle Retinol Salicylic Acne Serum: Glycerin, Niacinamide, Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer
Medicube
Shares 10 key ingredients with Gentle Retinol Salicylic Acne Serum: Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer
Anua
Shares 10 key ingredients with Gentle Retinol Salicylic Acne Serum: Niacinamide, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer, Butylene Glycol
Eqqualberry
Shares 10 key ingredients with Gentle Retinol Salicylic Acne Serum: Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Betaine
IOPE
Shares 10 key ingredients with Gentle Retinol Salicylic Acne Serum: Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Betaine, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
SALICYLIC ACID, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, NIACINAMIDE, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, TROMETHAMINE, BETAINE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, CHOLESTEROL, ALLANTOIN, LACTOBACILLUS FERMENT LYSATE, TOCOPHEROL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SODIUM METHYL STEAROYL TAURATE, PROPANEDIOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ADENOSINE, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, CAMELLIA SINENSIS SEED EXTRACT, ASIATICOSIDE, MADECASSIC ACID, RETINOL, ASIATIC ACID, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, STEARYL GLYCYRRHETINATE, HYALURONIC ACID, CERAMIDE NP, BETA-GLUCAN, BETA-CAROTENE.
SALICYLIC ACID, NIACINAMIDE, RETINOL, HYALURONIC ACID, CERAMIDE NP.
-After cleanser and toner, apply a thin layer over all areas of acne concern. -Use one to three times daily, morning and evening, and follow with SPF in the morning. -If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day. -Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed as directed by a doctor.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) 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.
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Sorbitan Isostearate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
It contains Retinol, Salicylic Acid, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
It layers well with Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Signal peptides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), 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 33 ingredients, of which 5 are recorded as actives.
innisfree, a brand based in Korea.
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