Does Medicube contain retinol?

Which Medicube products contain retinol?

Both names include retinol, which is a rare case of skincare naming getting to the point.12

Do not read those highlighted percentages as 1% or 1.9% pure retinol. The named complexes are different, and neither percentage gives you a straightforward pure retinol strength for comparing these serums. Retinol is one member of the retinoid family, a group of vitamin A based ingredients. Retinal is another retinoid used in cosmetics. Bakuchiol sits alongside retinol in the Deep Reviving formula; its presence does not replace the retinol.1234

How should you start using one?

1. 1Patch test before applying the serum more widely. Medicube recommends patch testing for both products.
2. 2Cleanse in the evening, then apply the serum. For Deep Reviving, use a rice grain sized amount on the areas you want to treat every other evening for the first two weeks.
3. 3Increase only if your skin tolerates the serum. Deep Reviving's directions then move to a thin layer across the face each evening. The NMN serum's adjustment period can be shorter or longer than two weeks; do not increase immediately just because the first application feels comfortable.
4. 4Apply moisturizer. General retinol guidance also allows a thin layer of moisturizer before retinol to reduce discomfort.
5. 5Use sunscreen every day, with SPF 30 or higher. Nighttime application does not remove the need for daytime sun protection.

Can you use it with other skincare?

Follow the directions for your specific serum. Medicube tells NMN serum users to avoid exfoliating products. For Deep Reviving, vitamin C and exfoliating acids such as AHA and BHA can cause irritation, so test combinations and adjust frequency. If you use the Booster Pro with Deep Reviving, Medicube says to wait until after the adaptation period and begin at device step 1.12

A retinol serum does not need a retinol cream alongside it, despite the industry's commitment to giving every bottle a colleague. Choose a moisturizer that complements the serum rather than adding another retinol product.5

What should you expect?

Retinol is used to improve uneven tone, pigmentation and texture. As general guidance, visible improvement with regular cosmetic retinol use takes about three months. Medicube reports an 11% improvement in smile lines after two weeks with the NMN serum, but that is not a deadline for your results. Tingling, redness, dryness and flaking can occur. Stop the NMN serum if irritation occurs rather than treating discomfort as proof that it is working.2345

Who should avoid it or get advice first?

Avoid these retinol serums during pregnancy. If you are trying to become pregnant or already use prescription skincare, discuss your products with your obstetrician and dermatologist. Retinoids can worsen eczema through drying, and substantial redness, inflammation or skin allergies warrant advice before starting. Irritation can also trigger dark marks in darker skin. If you are choosing a serum for acne that is deep, painful, scarring or not improving with self treatment, see a doctor.3467