Advanced Retinol Face Serum with Granactive Retinoid
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developed by kerry founder + aesthetician
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Retinol works. Most people just never get far enough to see it.
Dryness, flaking, peeling — that's why retinol routines end in week three. This one is built so you can actually stay on it.
Advanced Retinol Serum uses granactive retinoid, a next-generation retinoid that takes one conversion step instead of retinol's several. It reaches active form more efficiently, and it's far easier on your skin along the way.
The rest of the formula exists to keep your skin comfortable while the retinoid does its work. Niacinamide supports even tone and a stronger barrier. Four forms of hyaluronic acid hydrate at different depths. A firming active helps skin look plumper and more resilient. Bakuchiol boosts the retinoid's activity. Antioxidants defend against environmental stress.
Retinoids work by supporting cell turnover, and turnover takes time. Skin looks smoother and firmer. Fine lines soften. Tone evens out. Texture refines. None of that happens in a week — which is why a formula you can use consistently beats a stronger one you quit.
What it helps with
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of firmness
- Uneven texture and the look of enlarged pores
- Dark spots and uneven tone
- Dullness
Key ingredients
Granactive Retinoid (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate)
A next-generation retinoid that takes one conversion step instead of retinol's several. Supports cell turnover and firmness with less irritation than traditional retinol.
Niacinamide
Supports even tone, helps refine the look of pores, and strengthens the skin barrier — which is what keeps a retinoid routine comfortable enough to stick with.
Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Four forms of hyaluronic acid that hydrate at different depths, plus glycerin. Counteracts the dryness retinoids are known for.
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
A firming active built around hydroxyproline, a component of collagen. Supports firmness and helps soften the look of lines.
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived active that boosts the retinoid's performance and helps smooth tone and texture.
Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C
An antioxidant system that defends against environmental stress and keeps the retinoid stable in the bottle.
Panthenol
Conditions and soothes as skin adjusts.
Full ingredient list
Aqua, Propanediol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Triheptanoin, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Beta Glucan, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, C9-12 Alkane, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Bakuchiol, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Corn Starch Modified, Polyurethane-100, Xylitol, Caprylic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate
Before & Afters
FAQs
Your questions, answered
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Does StackedSkincare's Advanced Retinol Treatment cause peeling or dryness?
It's formulated to minimize the dryness and peeling associated with traditional retinols. It uses a next-generation retinoid that works directly in the skin — with little to no conversion, unlike traditional retinol, which must convert through multiple steps — and is paired with a humectant complex of four forms of hyaluronic acid plus glycerin to keep skin hydrated. As with any retinoid, start slowly and patch test.
"Unlike other retinols out there, this is a one step conversion process, which basically means it doesn't cause any dryness and peeling like most retinols do." -
What active retinol ingredient is used in StackedSkincare's Advanced Retinol Treatment?
It's powered by Granactive Retinoid (hydroxypinacolone retinoate), a next-generation retinoid. Because it works at or very close to the skin's active retinoic acid — rather than going through the multiple conversion steps traditional retinol requires — it's less irritating and less sensitizing while still being effective.
"Because it's powered by a retinol called Granactive, which is a non-irritating, less sensitizing, and way more effective retinol."
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How should you apply StackedSkincare's Advanced Retinol Treatment?
Apply one to two pumps to your face and neck in the evening after cleansing, followed by your favorite moisturizer. Start out using it about twice a week, then gradually build up to five times a week as your skin adjusts.
"Applying one to two pumps on the face and neck every evening after cleansing, and then following it up with your favorite moisturizer is all you need to do."
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Do you need to wear sunscreen when using the Advanced Retinol Treatment?
Yes — daily SPF is a must while using any retinoid. Beyond protecting your results, UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin and is a leading cause of premature aging, so wearing sunscreen every day helps prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
"Oh, and don't forget to wear your SPF daily."
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Does the Advanced Retinol Serum cause irritation or peeling?
It's formulated to minimize the dryness, irritation, and peeling that traditional retinols can cause, thanks to its gentle next-generation retinoid. Even so, everyone's skin is different — start slow (2–3 times a week) and patch test before regular use.
"because this is the first one I've used that doesn't give me all those irritating and drying and peeling side effects." -
What type of retinol is used in the serum?
It uses a granactive retinoid — hydroxypinacolone retinoate — a next-generation retinoid that converts directly into active retinoic acid in the skin. That makes it gentler and more efficient than standard retinol, without the multiple conversion steps.
"That's because it's a granactive retinoid, so it's a non-irritating form of retinoid."
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What are the skin benefits of the Advanced Retinol Serum?
It helps soften the look of fine lines, brighten and even skin tone, plump and hydrate, and clarify the skin — targeting fine lines, breakouts, dark spots, uneven tone, and pore congestion over time.
"You get the benefits of softening, brightening, plumping, and clarifying the skin without the icky stuff."
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What ingredients are in the Advanced Retinol Serum to treat the skin?
It combines a granactive retinoid (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) with bakuchiol (a plant-derived retinol alternative), vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), ferulic acid, and niacinamide to brighten, smooth, and support the skin.
"You see, it combines the retinoid esters, the bakuchiol plant-based retinol, vitamin C, and ferulic acid to help treat the skin"
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Which ingredients in the serum provide hydration?
It's rich in hydrators — four forms of hyaluronic acid plus glycerin, along with beta glucan and panthenol — to soften, soothe, and support the skin barrier.
"but you also have the hydrating benefits of beta glucan and hyaluronic to help soften and protect."