💗 Retinol NMN Boosting Serum, 30 ml – retinol + retinal serum for firmness and skin texture
An intensive yet comfortable retinoid serum with Retinol-some complex, retinal, NMN and peptides to care for the appearance of fine lines, loss of firmness and uneven skin texture. Niacinamide, squalane, panthenol, allantoin, Ceramide NP and centella components help ensure that alongside the concentrated retinoid routine, the skin’s hydration and comfort are not neglected.
✨ What does it do?
- Contains both retinol and retinal.
- Uses 1.9% Retinol-some complex – this is not the same as 1.9% pure retinol.
- Includes NMN, or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, in the formula.
- Supports smoother, more elastic skin appearance with 4 different peptides.
- Contains niacinamide to support a more even, radiant complexion.
- Squalane, panthenol and allantoin help provide a more comfortable skin feel.
- Complements the barrier care formula with Ceramide NP and cholesterol.
- Also contains centella complex, beta-glucan and ferments.
- Includes vitamin E, ferulic acid and two forms of vitamin C.
- Light serum texture, which Medicube primarily recommends for evening routines.
- Communicated as a non-comedogenic formula that has undergone sensitivity testing.
🧬 Key active ingredients
Retinol-some 1.9%
Medicube communicates the use of 1.9% Retinol-some.
Very important: this does not mean 1.9% pure retinol.
Retinol-some is a patented raw material complex containing retinol. Medicube also specifies that the retinol raw material used in the complex is 99.8% pure, but this is not the same as the retinol concentration in the finished product.
The exact percentage of pure retinol in the finished serum is not disclosed by the manufacturer.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative used to care for the visible appearance of skin texture, fine lines and loss of firmness.
Retinal
The formula also contains retinal.
Retinal is also a retinoid that enhances the formula supporting a smoother, more even and elastic skin surface appearance.
Medicube does not provide an exact retinal concentration, so we would not assign a percentage either.
NMN – Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
NMN is one of the highlighted supplementary ingredients in the formula.
Medicube communicates 99% pure NMN raw material. This refers to the quality of the raw material, not that the serum contains 99% NMN.
In cosmetic formulations, it is positioned to support a more elastic, energetic and youthful appearance.
Niacinamide
One of the first ingredients in the INCI list.
This form of vitamin B3 supports the skin barrier, a more even tone, a radiant complexion and the refined overall appearance of pores.
4 peptides
The formula contains:
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
- Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
- Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
peptides.
These are complementary ingredients in the system supporting smoother, more elastic and firmer skin appearance.
Squalane + panthenol + allantoin
Ingredients that enhance the more comfortable side of the retinoid formula.
Squalane softens the skin and helps retain moisture, while panthenol and allantoin support a less tight, more pleasant skin feel.
Ceramide NP + cholesterol
Ingredients related to barrier lipids that help support the skin’s moisture retention and comfort.
Centella + TECA components
Alongside Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid and Madecassic Acid are also included in the formula.
These complement the support for a more comfortable, balanced skin feel alongside the retinoid routine.
Bifida + Lactobacillus + Lactococcus ferments
Three fermented ingredients are also found in the serum, forming part of the conditioning and barrier-focused formula.
Vitamin E + ferulic acid + vitamin C
Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbic Acid are also listed in the INCI.
These are antioxidant and radiance-supporting supplementary ingredients – the product’s main focus remains retinoid firmness and texture care.
📊 What did the manufacturer’s tests show?
According to medicube’s finished product tests:
- An 11% improvement was measured in the examined value of smile lines after 2 weeks,
- A 2.8% improvement was observed in the examined indicator of pore area firmness,
- A 13.6% increase was recorded in the examined value of surface hydration.
These are manufacturer cosmetic test results, so individual results may vary.
🎯 Who is it recommended for?
It can be a particularly good choice for:
- caring for the appearance of fine lines,
- loss of firmness,
- uneven skin texture,
- caring for the visible appearance of enlarged pores,
- dull, tired skin,
- if you are looking for a more complex retinoid serum,
- if you want both retinol and retinal in your routine.
Although medicube also communicates testing on sensitive skin, this is a retinol + retinal formula, so on very reactive or retinoid-naïve skin, it should definitely be introduced gradually.
🧴 How to use
Primarily use it in the evening routine.
In the first two weeks:
- 2–3 evenings per week,
- 1–2 drops,
- initially apply only to targeted areas.
Do not increase the amount and frequency of use simultaneously, even if you do not experience irritation during the first few applications.
From the third week, if the skin tolerates it well, you can gradually switch to full-face use, for example every other evening.
Use after cleansing and toner, then finish the routine with a moisturising cream.
⚠️ What to watch out for?
Contains both retinol and retinal, so mild dryness, peeling, stinging or redness may occur in the first weeks.
If irritation occurs, reduce the frequency of use.
Do not combine with strong exfoliating acids or other retinoid products in the same evening routine.
Medicube recommends storing in a cool place, between 5–25 °C, protected from direct light and high temperatures, and using within 6 months after opening.
Use appropriate sun protection during the entire period of retinoid treatment.
Do not use retinoid-containing products during pregnancy. Consult a doctor or dermatologist before use during breastfeeding.
💗 Why do we love it?
Because this is not a “the more retinol, the better” type of formula.
Medicube has placed the retinol + retinal combination into a surprisingly complex supportive system: niacinamide, squalane, panthenol, allantoin, Ceramide NP, cholesterol, centella, beta-glucan, ferments and peptides complement it.
Thus, the product simultaneously focuses on fine lines, firmness and uneven texture, while consciously paying attention to skin comfort, which is especially important alongside a retinoid routine.
❓ Q&A
Does it contain 1.9% pure retinol?
No.
The 1.9% refers to the amount of the Retinol-some complex used by medicube.
Retinol-some is a patented raw material containing retinol. The manufacturer does not disclose the actual pure retinol concentration in the finished product.
What does 99.8% purity retinol mean?
It refers to the purity of the retinol raw material used in the Retinol-some system.
It does not mean that the serum contains 99.8% retinol.
Does it also contain retinal?
Yes. Retinal is listed in the current INCI, but the exact concentration is not provided by the manufacturer.
What is NMN?
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide.
It is an ingredient of the formula’s cosmetic conditioning and slow-aging concept. Medicube communicates 99% purity NMN raw material, but does not disclose the exact NMN concentration in the finished product.
How many peptides does it contain?
Four: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5.
Does it contain ceramide?
Yes. Ceramide NP and cholesterol are included in the formula.
Does it contain hyaluronic acid?
Yes. It contains Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer.
Does it contain vitamin C?
Yes. 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbic Acid are also listed in the INCI, but these are supplementary ingredients; this is not a vitamin C serum.
Is it suitable for retinol beginners?
It can be used by beginners with gradual introduction, but due to the retinol + retinal combination, this would not be the simplest first retinoid for very sensitive or completely retinoid-naïve skin.
Can it be used every evening?
It is not advisable to start with this.
In the first two weeks, the manufacturer recommends using it 2–3 evenings per week in small amounts. Later, the frequency can be gradually increased based on skin tolerance.
Can it be used with acids?
Medicube does not recommend combining it with exfoliating products in the same evening routine, as this may increase the risk of irritation.
Can it be used in the morning?
Medicube specifically recommends evening use. Consistent sun protection is necessary during the day when using retinoids.
Can it be used during pregnancy?
No. Retinoid-containing cosmetics should be avoided during pregnancy.
When can visible results be expected?
Medicube reports measurable test results after two weeks, but with retinoids, skin tolerance, regularity, and long-term use all matter. We would not promise visible changes at a specific time for everyone.
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