Retinoid Synergy Serum (RSS) Encapsulated retinALDEHYDE + Pigment Magic

Encapsulated retinaldehyde + Pigment Magic · 1 oz / 28 g

Retinoids are among the most effective and well-studied ingredients in skincare but they are often lacking in supporting ingredients leading to irritation or suboptimal effects. By combining encapsulated retinaldehyde* with synergistic ingredients we have created a formula that supports and enhances the action of retinoids while promoting a healthy and resilient skin barrier.

*Encapsulated retinALDEHYDE

Highest potency cosmetic retinoid

retinaldehyde (retinal) is more biologically efficient than retinol as it requires only one step to be converteted into all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin), the active form, in the skin. Use of retinaldehyde also bypasses the slowest, rate limiting, step in the process which is the conversion of retinol to retinaldehyde. This allows retinaldehyde to be more potent at lower concentrations and substantially better tolerated than prescription tretinoin.

This potent retinoid also gives RSS its bright yellow coloration. Say hello to yellow!

Improving stability and tolerability with encapsulation

Phospholipid encaspulation protects the sensitive retinaldehyde molecule light and oxygen while letting it absorb gradually in the skin, reducing irritation. This potent retinoid also gives RSS its bright yellow coloration. Say hello to yellow!

Retinoid synergy

A good serum should be multifunctional. We combine our encapsulated retinal with Pigment Magic, Barrier Engine, bakuchiol and carotenoids.

• Pigment Magic is our system to reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven complexion due to aging, photodamage, and inflammation. Uneven pigmentation can be more indicitive of aging or damaged skin than wrinkles can be, and we address that by including a combination of pigment fighting ingredients across our formulas.
• Barrier Engine: Retinoid routines can fail because the concentration that works may cause dryness or irritation. Retinoid Synergy Serum was formulated to break that trade-off with BarrierEngine™, which contains the osmolyte Ectoin. Ectoin is a naturally occuring molecule evolved by microorganisms to survive harsh environments, like arid deserts and extreme salinity. In our skin ectoin stabilizes water in the stratum corneum and epidermis. RSS with Barrier Engine also contains a multi-lamellar complex of ceramides NP, AP and EOP with cholesterol and phytosphingosine, to replenish your own barrier lipids. The result is a retinoid serum that more people can tolerate so that they can achieve the benefits of retinoids through consistency.
• Bakuchiol: reinforces anti-aging pathways without overloading the skin with a higher concentration of retinoids
• Carotenoids: We combine retinoids with the carotenoid extract containing astaxanthin which acts as an anti-oxidant and environmental protectant while reducing dryness and irritation commonly associated with retinoids.

Texture and color

A brightly colored yellow fluid that spreads easily over the face. The color comes from the retinaldehyde, a yellow pigment, and shows that we are using the most potent form of cosmetic retinoid at an effective concentration. The bright yellow color also demonstrates that the retinaldehyde is not oxidized. Amber glass protects it from light; store closed, upright and away from direct sun.

How to use

Start with an easing protocol: Start slow and move up in frequency after two weeks, or longer if you are experiencing irritation. Retinoids work best when used consistently, long term, for years. There is no reason to rush.

Example easing protocol, moving up every two weeks or as tolerated: 

1. Two days off, one day on
2. Every other day
3. two days on, one day off
4. every day

If irritation occurs at any step then take a week off before trying again. The easing protocol can be restarted to once a week and move up one day a week as tolerated, every two weeks.

Additional instructions:

• Follow with moisturizer. During the easing protocol, moisturizer before and after reduces early irritation.
• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, and reapply as needed.
• Give it twelve weeks to see results, but your skin will continue to improve as time goes on. Skin that has been on retinoids for decades looks incredible. 

Cautions

Not for use during pregnancy. Avoid layering in the same session with benzoyl peroxide, or with exfoliating acids until your skin is acclimated. Discontinue and consult a clinician if persistent irritation develops. If you use a prescription retinoid, speak with your dermatologist before adding this.

Ingredients

Aqua, Glycerin, NanoActive Retinaldehyde (Aqua, Phospholipids, PEG-20, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Retinal), Squalane, Propanediol, Betaine, Dimethicone, Polyglycerin-3, Saccharide Isomerate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Panthenol, Bakuchiol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, t-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Jojoba Esters, Ectoin, Allantoin, Bisabolol.