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Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum

Sale price$88.00

Size: 1 oz / 30 ml

One of the most effective steps you can add to your nighttime routine. Protocol’s Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum combines 0.1% retinal with aloe, niacinamide, and glycerin to smooth texture, refine tone, and firm skin. 

  • Helps soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improves the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone
  • Smooths rough-looking texture with consistent use
  • Airless, UV-protective bottle helps maintain potency
Why We Chose It 

We chose this serum for its strong anti-aging ingredients including a combination of 0.1% retinal, niacinamide, and aloe. It addresses the appearance of fine lines, uneven tone, and rough texture while also supporting hydration and skin comfort.

It’s a worthwhile evening step when you want smoother, more even-looking skin and are ready to build a more thorough skincare routine. Start with a gentle cleanser and finish with the Protocol Renewing Moisturizer.

Who It Suits

A good fit for those looking to soften fine lines and improve uneven tone or rough texture with consistent use. It suits those ready to add a targeted treatment to their evening routine. If you are new to retinoids or your skin reacts easily, introduce it gradually and adjust use according to your skin’s comfort. Discontinue or decrease use if irritation occurs.

Attributes & Standards
  • Contains 0.1% retinal (retinaldehyde)
  • Made with aloe, niacinamide, and glycerin
  • Airless, UV-protective packaging using Protocol’s patented oxygen-free bottling technology
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Designed for evening use, with frequency increased as tolerated
How to Use
  1. In the evening, apply one pump evenly after cleansing. Protocol recommends applying while skin is slightly damp.
  2. Allow the serum to absorb for a few minutes, then follow with moisturizer.
  3. Start with 1-2 nights per week, then gradually increase as your skin tolerates it.
  4. Use broad-spectrum SPF during the day.

If dryness or irritation develops, discontinue use or reduce frequency.

Ingredients

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Niacinamide, Cyclodextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Gluconolactone, Carnitine (L), Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Enzyme-Active Retinol/Retinal/Retinaldehyde, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Bisabolol (L-alpha), Tocopheryl Acetate (D-alpha), Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Sodium Lactate, Lecithin, Ethanol, Pentylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate

Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum
Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum Sale price$88.00

Protocol Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum FAQs

Does this serum contain retinol or retinal?

Protocol uses 0.1% retinal, also called retinaldehyde. Retinal is the form of vitamin A your skin naturally produces when processing regular retinol. It helps soften fine lines and improve uneven tone and texture with consistent use.

How often should I use it?

Start with 1-2 evenings per week, then increase gradually if your skin remains comfortable. Daily use is a possible goal if your skin can handle the serum without irritation, rather than something you need to begin with.

How does Protocol preserve the retinal in this serum?

Retinal is sensitive to light and oxygen. Protocol uses an airless, UV-protective bottle and a specialized bottling process to help preserve the formula during storage and use.

Can I use it alongside Protocol Vitamin C Superserum?

Yes. Use Vitamin C Superserum in the morning and Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum in the evening. Follow with moisturizer as needed, and finish your morning routine with sunscreen. If these products are new to your routine, introduce them one at a time and increase use gradually as your skin tolerates it. If you experience irritation, discontinue or decrease use.

Can I exfoliate before using retinol?

Keep your routine gentle when starting retinol or retinal. Scrubs, exfoliating cleansers, and products with exfoliating acids can increase dryness, redness, and irritation when used together.

Start with a gentle cleanser, then apply retinol, followed by moisturizer. If you exfoliate, do it on a separate evening and adjust the frequency according to how your skin responds.

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