A serum built on four forms of retinol in a single formula: granactive retinoid, fast-acting retinal, encapsulated retinol and the plant-based alternative bakuchiol. Together they deliver retinol's classic benefits — more even texture, fewer fine lines, bouncier skin — but with a considerably lower risk of irritation. Completed with a collagen complex for a more youthful feel. Ideal if you want to introduce retinol into your routine without compromising on comfort.
- ✨ Bakuchiol-komplex
- 👍 4th Gen. Retinol
- 🔄 All skin types
Bakuchiol Retinol Serum – 4th Generation Retinol with Low Irritation
What the serum does for your skin:
- Evens out fine lines and skin texture
- Gives skin a bouncier, more youthful feel
- Reduces irritation compared with traditional retinol
- Strengthens skin firmness with a collagen complex
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin thanks to bakuchiol
- Lightweight formula that absorbs fast without stickiness
Granactive Retinoid 1%
Reduces irritation, improves skin texture and renews skin gently.
Fast-Acting Retinal
Gently counters fine lines, uneven skin tone and marks for visibly improved texture.
Encapsulated Retinol
Stabilises care at depth for fine lines, texture and skin tone over time.
Bakuchiol
A plant-based retinol alternative that gently improves texture and fine lines, well suited to sensitive skin.
Collagen Complex 3%
Strengthens skin firmness and helps deliver a more youthful, bouncy feel.
Niacinamid
Evens out skin tone and strengthens the skin barrier, reducing the risk of irritation.
Developed to deliver retinol's classic benefits without the irritation that so often comes with stronger formulations.
- Formulated with 4 forms of retinol for maximum effect at minimum irritation
- Collagen Complex 3% for a more youthful, bouncy skin feel
- Most people notice softer skin texture after around 4 weeks of use*
- Bakuchiol makes the formula gentle enough for most sensitive skin types
4TH GENERATION RETINOL
Four forms of retinol, one formula without compromise.
Most retinol serums force you to choose between results and comfort. This formula combines granactive retinoid, fast-acting retinal and encapsulated retinol with plant-based bakuchiol — four routes to the same goal, spread so no single form has to be too strong.
The result is a serum that delivers retinol's classic benefits for skin texture and fine lines, with considerably less risk of the redness and flaking that so often comes with traditional retinol.

Every ingredient has a purpose
Built around four forms of retinol plus plant-based bakuchiol — together they deliver retinol's benefits with a considerably lower risk of irritation.
A gentle retinoid form that reduces irritation while improving skin texture and renewing skin.
Benefits
- Low irritation risk
- Improves texture
- Renews the skin
Gently counters fine lines, uneven skin tone and marks for visibly improved skin texture.
Benefits
- Counters fine lines
- Evens skin tone
- Fast acting
Stabilises care at depth, for long-term improvement in fine lines, texture and skin tone.
Benefits
- Djupverkande
- Steady release
- Long-term effect
A plant-based retinol alternative that gently improves skin texture and fine lines, well suited to sensitive skin.
Benefits
- Plant-based alternative
- Gentle on skin
- Suits sensitive skin
Strengthens skin firmness and helps deliver a more youthful, bouncy skin feel.
Benefits
- Boosts firmness
- Bouncy feel
- Youthful look
Evens out skin tone and strengthens the skin barrier, reducing the risk of irritation when using retinol.
Benefits
- More even skin tone
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Reduces irritation
FAQs
Everything you need to know before starting your routine with this retinol serum from Korean Essence.
Twist off the gold cap and gently squeeze out a pea-sized amount through the narrow nozzle. Apply to clean, dry skin in the evening, before your moisturiser. Start with 2-3 times a week and build up gradually as your skin adjusts.
Many people notice a softer skin feel within a week or so. Visibly more even texture and reduced fine lines usually show after around 4 weeks of regular use, with continued improvement over 8-12 weeks.
The formula is developed to minimise irritation compared with traditional retinol, thanks to bakuchiol and the balanced blend of retinol forms. We still recommend starting slowly and patch testing if your skin is very sensitive or reactive.
Yes. The retinol forms in the serum can increase your skin's sensitivity to sun, so daily sunscreen is essential throughout. Apply the serum in the evening and protect your skin with SPF the next morning.
Instead of a single, often strong form of retinol, the formula combines four complementary forms alongside bakuchiol. That delivers a more balanced action with less risk of the redness and flaking traditional retinol can cause.
Yes, but avoid combining it with other strong acids or exfoliating products on the same evening to reduce the risk of irritation. Finish your routine with a hydrating cream for best results.
Yes. The lightweight but hydrating formula with squalane and collagen complex suits most skin types, including dry and combination skin, without feeling heavy or tacky.
Store the tube tightly closed somewhere cool and dark, out of direct sunlight, as retinol can be broken down by light and heat. Use within 6 months of opening for best results.