In 2023, who else is incorporating retinol into their skincare regimens? However, we must admit that we are continuing to adhere to our skincare resolution for the new year, which calls for adding more active ingredients to our beauty routines for naturally flawless, silky-smooth skin! Although it has been used for a long time, retinol has recently become very popular in the Korean skincare industry.

Naturally, the new, skin-friendly version of this highly anticipated ingredient was unveiled by our beloved K-Beauty brand COSRX in the form of COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 20ml and The Retinol 0.1 Cream. These products are part of the growing COSRX Retinol line that aims to deliver youthful, radiant skin without irritation. For those looking to combine brightening and anti-aging benefits, pairing it with COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 20ml or COSRX The Vitamin C 23 can create an effective routine that smooths texture and enhances glow.

Main Ingredients

As the name implies, COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 20ml is a potent and effective product because it includes 0.5% pure retinol. This high concentration of Vitamin A reduces fine lines and wrinkles while boosting collagen production to even out uneven skin texture. Super Vitamin E and squalane are also added to help maintain ideal moisture levels, protect against environmental stress, and lessen skin damage. These substances work harmoniously to give your skin a radiant, healthy, and youthful appearance.

For a complete brightening and anti-aging routine, you can complement it with COSRX The Vitamin C23—a concentrated serum known for improving dullness and fading dark spots effectively.

Texture

COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil has a smooth, quickly absorbing texture that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy, unlike other facial oils that leave a slippery residue. The oil blends beautifully with moisturizers and layers well with lightweight serums like COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 20ml. When first applied, it has a faintly acidic scent that quickly fades as it absorbs into the skin.

Our team discovered that keeping COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 20ml in a cool setting, such as a beauty fridge, helps maintain its stability, freshness, and efficacy.

How to Incorporate into Your Skincare Routine

We can all agree that it might be intimidating to include a new active ingredient into our beauty routines, particularly when it’s something powerful like retinol. But don’t worry! To ensure you can safely and effectively use COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 20ml and experience its benefits, our team at BONIIK has a tried-and-true method.

The best time to apply COSRX Retinol is at night when your skin is naturally repairing itself. Since retinol can be potent, it’s recommended to pair it with gentle ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, or centella asiatica for extra nourishment.

For those with sensitive skin, try the "sandwich" method—apply your retinol between two layers of moisturizer to buffer its strength. Start by using it once a week, then gradually increase to two or three times as your skin adjusts.

Avoid combining it with strong exfoliants like AHA, BHA, or other actives such as Vitamin C in the same routine. Instead, alternate nights—use COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil 20ml one evening and COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum 20ml the next—to achieve both rejuvenation and radiance safely.