Dr.Althea Pure Retinol 0.15% Cream, 20 g

The texture is that of a rich cream that's never greasy: it melts into a fine milky layer, carried by 10,000 ppm panthenol that prevents any tightness, even during the first weeks of adjusting to retinol.

Why we love it

Pure retinol (1,500 ppm) is combined with 1,000 ppm bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient often presented as a “gentle retinol”: both stimulate skin renewal, but their mechanisms differ and no direct comparative trial has established strict equivalence between the two — they are considered complementary, not interchangeable. Centella asiatica, madecassoside and Houttuynia cordata (heartleaf) soothe the skin while the retinol works. Dr.Althea became known in Korea with its 345 Relief cream featuring centella, the brand's go-to soothing product; this retinol formula follows the same philosophy, designed for skin discovering the ingredient for the first time.

How to use it

Apply in the evening only, in a thin layer on dry skin, 2 to 3 times a week for the first two weeks, then daily depending on skin tolerance. Retinol should be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding as a class precaution, should never be combined with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide or AHA/BHA on the same evening, and requires sun protection the following morning.

Who it's for

Skin new to retinol, sensitive or dry skin that needs a comfortable texture during the adjustment period, and mature skin looking for a smoother texture. Discover other anti-aging actives in our retinol selection and the full Dr.Althea range.