The power of retinol: a balanced approach for healthy skin

Retinol has long been hailed as one of the most effective ingredients in skincare, renowned for its ability to accelerate cell turnover, diminish fine lines, and promote smoother, more youthful-looking skin. However, despite its numerous benefits, retinol can be a tricky ingredient to incorporate into your routine, especially for those with sensitive skin. The irritation, dryness, and peeling that often accompany retinol use can discourage many people from using it consistently, limiting its potential benefits.
But there’s good news: with the right formulation, you can enjoy the remarkable benefits of retinol without compromising skin comfort. That’s where our No.1 Retinol + CoQ10 Serum comes in.
New EU retinol regulations: a smarter standard for skincare
Recent regulations across the EU have limited over-the-counter retinol concentrations to 0.3% in facial skincare, aiming to protect consumers from the potential risks of overuse. While some may view this cap as restrictive, it is a positive move towards prioritising skin health and safety – and, used correctly, retinol with a 0.3% concentration will still deliver visible results. Dermatologists and skincare experts often recommend this concentration as a sweet spot:
- Effective yet gentle: a 0.3% concentration provides the proven benefits of retinol but in a more gradual manner, helping to minimise redness, peeling, and irritation.
- Perfect for beginners: for those new to retinol, 0.3% offers an approachable entry point that doesn’t overwhelm the skin.
- Long-term results: consistency is key in skincare. At 0.3%, you can safely build retinol into your routine over time, ensuring steady improvement in skin tone, texture, and overall health.
Using a 0.3% retinol concentration, our No.1 Retinol + CoQ10 Serum not only adheres to the new EU standards – it’s designed with your skin’s health in mind. What really sets our serum apart is the use of encapsulated retinol to maximise effectiveness while reducing irritation, as well as a carefully selected range of complementing ingredients. The 0.3% retinol concentration works in harmony with CoQ10, a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress and supports repair, while a combination of hydrating and skin-soothing ingredients makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to incorporate retinol into their skincare routine but is concerned about the potential for dryness or irritation.
No.1 Retinol + CoQ10 Serum – a unique formula to meet your skin’s needs
Traditional retinol can break down when exposed to heat, light, or air, thereby reducing its effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of skin irritation. However, encapsulation technology protects the retinol, allowing it to stay potent longer and penetrate deeper into the skin while reducing the risk of irritation. With a slower, more controlled release of the active ingredient into the skin, encapsulated retinol therefore offers an advanced delivery system that yields visible results over time while addressing skin irritation associated with retinol use at its root.
CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant, supports skin repair and protection, while hydrating ingredients like squalane, a lightweight and deeply moisturising emollient, help prevent the dryness that is often associated with retinol. Squalane works by locking in moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated. Additionally, cold-pressed rosehip seed oil, rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, helps support the skin’s natural moisture barrier and soothes irritation, ensuring that your skin stays nourished throughout your retinol journey.
Another key ingredient, sea buckthorn oil, is known for its regenerative properties. Packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids, it promotes skin hydration and enhances the skin’s ability to repair itself, providing a healthy, plump appearance. These ingredients work in tandem with retinol, offering a more balanced and comfortable experience, especially for those new to retinol or those who have struggled with dryness and irritation in the past.
In addition to squalane, rosehip seed oil and sea buckthorn oil, the formula also includes grape seed oil, which is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids to support the skin’s natural barrier, and cranberry seed oil, which offers additional anti-inflammatory benefits and adds an extra layer of care for sensitive skin. Together, these ingredients create a hydrating base that works in tandem with retinol to leave your skin smooth, hydrated, and radiant.
It is not just the ingredients we include in our formula that makes it effective – the ingredients we actively exclude from our serum are often associated with skin irritation and poor skin health, but nevertheless included in many skincare products to reduce the cost of production. No.1 Retinol + CoQ10 Serum excludes phthalates, parabens, sulphates, silicon, PEGs, mineral oils, alcohol and artificial dyes and fragrances – and House of Serums promises never to use these ingredients in any of its products.
How to effectively use retinol
For those new to retinol, it’s important to start slowly. Begin by applying the serum two to three times a week, allowing your skin to gradually build up tolerance. As your skin adjusts, you can increase the frequency of use. If needed, a moisturiser can be used once the serum has absorbed for extra nourishment and hydration.
As retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, it is important to only use retinol at night and wear sunscreen during the day. An SPF of at least 30 is crucial to prevent sun damage and maintain healthy, radiant skin.
Conclusion: a simple yet powerful skincare solution
Whether you’re new to retinol or a seasoned user, House of Serums’ No.1 Retinol + CoQ10 Serum is the ideal addition to your skincare routine. By combining gentle 0.3% retinol with powerful antioxidants like CoQ10, along with deeply hydrating and soothing ingredients like squalane and rosehip seed oil, our serum offers an effective, balanced, and comfortable retinol experience – allowing you to embrace smoother, healthier-looking skin without unnecessary complexity.