Retinoids: Everyone knows them, but not everyone loves them. However, I genuinely believe it’s not always the ingredient’s fault—it’s the formula. There are now innovative ways to deliver vitamin A derivatives that minimize potential side effects, such as redness, dryness and peeling (aka the “retinol uglies”). When formulated effectively, retinal can be a game-changer for aging skin. That’s the case with Hydrinity’s new RetaXome Daily Retinal Hydrator ($145), which is receiving high praise from leading dermatologists and plastic surgeons alike. I, too, am becoming a big fan and love how my “sometimes sensitive” skin is responding. Here’s the scoop on this newly launched innovation.
The Benefits of This Retinol Serum
First, a quick refresher: Retinoids are the big umbrella category for vitamin A ingredients such as retinol and retinal. Retinol has to convert into retinal (and then retinoic acid) once it’s on your skin, which makes it effective but a little slower to deliver results. Retinal—Hydrinity’s hero ingredient—skips a step, meaning it works faster while still keeping irritation to a minimum.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s talk about what makes this formula stand out. The star of this triple-action formula is the brand’s proprietary, precision-targeted biomimetic exosome technology (RetaXome), which encapsulates the retinal and enhances its delivery to the dermis (the layer below the epidermis). According to the brand, this encapsulated retinal is 10 times more powerful and faster-acting than traditional retinol. But the best part: You get visible smoothing of fine lines, firming of lax skin and overall rejuvenation (it also helps minimize redness) without irritation. Plus, true to Hydrinity’s DNA, you get deeply hydrating, dual-weight hyaluronic acid (the brand tells me it’s 100-percent injectable-grade), which supports the skin barrier.
With most retinoids, there’s an acclimation period, so it’s recommended to ease in by using the product a few times a week or every other night until your skin adjusts. With RetaXome, that slow build isn’t necessary. Hydrinity says it’s “gentle enough to use every night from Day 1 without the normal dryness and peeling typically associated with a retinoid.” I would not categorize myself as someone with “sensitive skin,” but I definitely experience skin sensitivities from time to time, either due to environmental factors or hormonal shifts. I have not experienced any issues with this serum; however, I also usually apply a barrier cream on top for extra moisture.
Nashville dermatologist Michael H. Gold, MD, who served as the lead investigator in the clinical trials for RetaXome, says, “I can confidently say this is a next-generation retinal solution unlike anything we’ve studied before.” Austin dermatologist Suneel Chilukuri, MD calls it “one of the most scientific, yet cosmetically elegant skin-care technologies in the past 50-plus years.”
In clinical trials, users saw noticeable skin improvements in as little as two weeks, including a 44-percent increase in hydration. After 12 weeks of use, they experienced a 68-percent reduction in redness, a 62-percent improvement in skin texture and a 35-percent improvement in fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Use It
Apply the fragrance-free serum on clean skin at night only. I appreciate that the texture is lightweight, nongreasy and absorbs quickly. Don’t forget your neck, too!
