A-Game 20 0.2% Retinal Serum

0.2% Retinal Serum: A very high-strength anti-ageing serum formulated with 0.2% stabilised, sustained-delivery Retinaldehyde + 1% soothing Ectoin to noticeably help against all signs of ageing. A-Game 20 is a silky, light emulsion, perfect for all skin types.

WHY IT’S SPECIAL

Retinal is the "big brother" molecule of the better known anti-ageing superstar, retinol. While retinol needs two metabolic conversion steps to reach the active form, retinoic acid (aka tretinoin), retinal is the direct precursor only one conversion step away from the active form the skin cells understand. It is estimated that retinal can convert more than 10x faster to retinoic acid than retinol, making retinal an outstandingly effective member of the retinoid family (vitamin A family).

Once converted, retinal helps the skin cells to produce more collagen and other structural elements, making the skin more youthful, firm and elastic. It also speeds up the renewal process of the upper skin layers making it smoother and more even. A-Game 20 is a smart-ageing must-have, but it is also useful as an adjacent product for fading pigmentation, as well as helping acne-prone skin.

We recommend this product especially if you have already experienced A-Game 10 and loved it, and you feel that your skin is ready for the next level. In terms of texture, this product is great for all skin types, including combination, oily skin.

Good to know: This product is for very experienced retinoid users. If you are just starting out, we recommend building up your skin's tolerance, starting with A-Game 5, our mid-strength retinal serum, then progressing to A-Game 10, our high-strength Retinal serum before trying A-Game 20.

Skin concerns – lines & wrinkles, loss of firmness, pigmentation, dullness

Suitable for – all skin types

Texture – bright yellow, silky and light emulsion

pH Level – 5-6

HOW TO USE

• After cleansing and after liquid/gel-type products, apply 1-2 pumps to the face in the PM.

• Follow with a moisturiser. 

• Wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater in the morning.

• If you are using A-Game 20 for the first time, phase in application starting at 1-2 times per week for two weeks. If well-tolerated, move up to every other evening in two weeks and finally - if your skin tolerates it - every night.

• Depending on your skin's sensitivity, you may be able to use A-Game 20 around your eyes and on your neck but please only use a small amount adjusting frequency based on your skin's individual level of tolerance.

  Do not use if pregnant. Topical use of retinoids during breastfeeding is considered low risk, however, please consult your physician first.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Shelf-life: 12 months from production (unopened), 6 months PAO (period after opening)

• A-Game 20 is cruelty-free, vegan, fragrance & essential oil free, and gluten-free.

• A-Game 20 has a bright yellow colour due to the high concentration of retinal in it. Based on our experience, it dissipates on the skin and does not leave a yellow tint on surfaces. If you still experience residual colour, you can minimise it by leaving time for the product to fully absorb & using a moisturiser on top. Any marks can be removed by washing your clothes and fabrics with your regular detergent.

• Should persistent irritation occur, stop use immediately and consult your local physician.

• Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Keep out of reach from children.

Check our FAQ page for more information on product use and patch testing.

INGREDIENTS

Key Ingredients:

✴︎ Retinal (0.2%): An anti-ageing superstar ingredient that is the direct precursor of retinoic acid (the active form that the skin cells understand) and shows an outstanding activity/tolerance ratio among topical retinoids. 

✴︎ Ectoin (1%): An amazing, all-around skin protectant that has soothing and skin barrier repair efficacy against retinoid-induced skin irritation.

✴︎ Allantoin & Panthenol: A classic ingredient dup known for their skin soothing and skin protecting abilities.

✴︎ Biosaccharide Gum-1: A carbohydrate molecule that has nice skin soothing and moisturising abilities, and makes A-Game even more gentle and silky.

Full Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleyl Erucate, Glycerin,Triheptanoin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Panthenol, Ectoin, Cellulose, Allantoin, Retinal, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin Please note that from time to time, products are innovated without notice. For the most accurate information please consult the product box. If you spot an error, please let us know! We will update this ingredients list as soon as possible.

Research:

Creidi, P., and Ph Humbert. "Clinical use of topical retinaldehyde on photoaged skin." Dermatology 199.Suppl. 1 (1999): 49-52.

Siegenthaler, G., J. H. Saurat, and M. Ponec. "Retinol and retinal metabolism." Biochemical Journal 268.2 (1990): 371-378.

Fluhr, J. W., et al. "Tolerance profile of retinol, retinaldehyde and retinoic acid under maximized and long-term clinical conditions." Dermatology 199.Suppl. 1 (1999): 57-60.

Creidi, Pierre, et al. "Profilometric evaluation of photodamage after topical retinaldehyde and retinoic acid treatment." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 39.6 (1998): 960-965.

Mukherjee, Siddharth, et al. "Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety." Clinical interventions in aging 1.4 (2006): 327.

Dréno, B., et al. "Topical retinaldehyde with glycolic acid: study of tolerance and acceptability in association with anti-acne treatments in 1,709 patients." Dermatology 210.Suppl. 1 (2005): 22-29.

Pechere, M., et al. "The antibacterial activity of topical retinoids: the case of retinaldehyde." Dermatology 205.2 (2002): 153-158.