SEOUL 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng – retinal serum

🌙 SEOUL 1988 Retinal Serum – targeted anti-ageing with black ginseng

The K-SECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng is one of the brand’s best-known retinal products, combining modern liposomal vitamin A technology with the classic Korean skincare ingredient, black ginseng. The formula is designed to care for the appearance of wrinkles, uneven skin texture, pigmentation spots and loss of elasticity.

Important clarification: the official product name is Retinal Liposome 2%. This does not mean the entire formula contains 2% pure retinal; the 2% refers to the manufacturer’s liposomal retinal complex. The encapsulated system aims to formulate retinal in a more stable and controlled way.

✨ What does it do?

• Helps refine the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Supports smoother, more even skin texture and firmer skin appearance.
• With niacinamide and vitamin A derivatives, it supports routines against uneven tone and pigmentation spots.
• Complements anti-ageing care with black ginseng and antioxidant ingredients.
• Also contains bakuchiol, adenosine, vitamin E and peptides.
• Suitable for all skin types, but the manufacturer positions it especially for mature skin showing signs of ageing.

🧬 Key active ingredients – what to know about them?

Retinal Liposome 2%

Retinal – retinaldehyde – is a retinoid active ingredient from the vitamin A family. K-SECRET uses a liposomal retinal complex in this product. Retinal converts to retinoic acid in the skin; compared to retinol, it is one metabolic step closer to retinoic acid. Therefore, it is considered an active retinoid even in small amounts, though tolerance varies individually.

Retinal or retinol – what is the difference?

Both are retinoids but not the same. Retinol first converts to retinal, then to retinoic acid; retinal only requires one conversion step. Therefore, gradual introduction, monitoring the skin barrier and daytime sun protection are equally important with retinal products.

Black ginseng

Ginseng is an iconic plant ingredient in Korean skincare. The formula contains Panax Ginseng Root Extract, which provides antioxidant and skin conditioning support to the retinoid anti-ageing routine.

Niacinamide

A vitamin B3 derivative useful in supporting the barrier, more even skin tone and routines against pigmentation spots. Alongside retinal, it complements the formula’s tone-improving focus well.

Bakuchiol + adenosine + peptides

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived skin conditioning anti-ageing ingredient, adenosine is a common element in wrinkle care formulas, and sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2 and sh-Polypeptide-1 complete the complex regenerative formula.

Vitamin E and barrier lipids

Tocopherol, cholesterol, plant sterols and hydrogenated lecithin are also in the INCI, providing an antioxidant and barrier-supporting environment alongside the active formula.

🎯 Who is it recommended for?

For those who want to target the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores, pigmentation spots or loss of elasticity with a retinoid routine. It can be introduced cautiously for retinoid beginners, but slow adaptation is especially important for sensitive or compromised skin barriers.

🫧 Texture and skin feel

Its light, emulsion serum texture spreads well and feels more hydrating than many classic retinoid treatments. The formula contains several emollients and moisturising ingredients, so it does not rely solely on the active ingredient.

🌙 How to incorporate it into your routine?

Use primarily in the evening routine, after cleansing and toner. Start with 2–3 times a week using a small amount, then only increase frequency if your skin tolerates it well. Follow with a simple moisturiser or barrier-supporting cream.

⚖️ What can it be combined with?

It pairs well with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramides and simple moisturising serums. When introducing retinal, avoid combining it on the same evening with strong AHA/BHA exfoliants, other retinoids or irritatingly strong active combinations. The goal is consistent, tolerable use rather than the maximum number of actives in one routine.

☀️ Sun protection is not optional

Use a broad-spectrum, high SPF – preferably SPF50+ – sunscreen in the morning with retinoid routines, and reapply as needed. Consistent UV protection fundamentally determines the results against pigmentation spots and photoageing.

💗 Why do we love it?

Because it combines the sought-after SEOUL 1988 retinal technology, the Korean tradition of black ginseng and several skin comfort supporting complementary ingredients in a single serum. We do not market it as “2% pure retinal” but exactly as the manufacturer states: Retinal Liposome 2%. This is more professionally accurate and helps customers interpret the product more realistically.

❓ FAQ – SEOUL 1988 Retinal Serum

Does Retinal Liposome 2% mean it contains 2% pure retinal?

No. The official name refers to the 2% liposomal retinal complex; it should not be interpreted as 2% pure retinal.

How is retinal different from retinol?

Retinol is two conversion steps away from biologically active retinoic acid, retinal only one. Both should be introduced gradually.

How often should I use it at first?

Start with 2–3 evenings per week. If there is no persistent redness, peeling or unpleasant irritation, you can gradually increase frequency.

Can I use it every evening?

If your skin is accustomed and tolerates it well, frequency can be increased. However, the aim is not to “push through” irritation: if the barrier signals, reduce usage.

Can I use it with vitamin C?

Yes, but for more sensitive skin it may be practical to use vitamin C in the morning and retinal in the evening. This simplifies the routine and reduces the chance of irritation.

Can I use it with acids?

Experienced skin can tolerate this, but during introduction it is better to use stronger AHA/BHA exfoliants and retinal on separate evenings.

Is sunscreen necessary?

Yes. High, broad-spectrum sun protection is recommended in the morning, especially in routines targeting pigmentation spots and photoageing.

Can it be used during pregnancy?

Use of retinoid-containing cosmetics is generally avoided during pregnancy; seek personalised advice from your healthcare provider during pregnancy or breastfeeding.