Kiehl’s debuts dermatologically-backed retinol night serum for rapid skin surface renewal

15 Jul 2022 --- Kiehl’s is introducing its clinically tested Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum for anti-aging. The fine line and wrinkle-reducing serum has been shown to penetrate 15 surface layers and accelerate the skin surface turnover, resulting in an enhanced skin appearance within five days.

Dermatologists tout the serum as one of the most researched and effective anti-aging ingredients for skincare.

Retinol is known for its wrinkle diminishing and skin firming properties. However, Kiehl’s serum is designed for speedy results, while other retinol may take weeks to months before results are noticeable, says the brand. 

Packaging design for freshness
Kiehl’s retinol packaging allows consumers to activate the formula freshly. They can release a “pure” retinol powder capsule into the “ultra-lightweight” serum base. The powder is under the bottle cap, which can be pressed to release the powder into the serum. Once shaken to mix, the original cap can be replaced on the bottle. The serum has been shown to penetrate 15 surface layers and accelerate the skin surface turnover.

“With this packaging and formula release method, retinol is preserved and protected from degradation to ensure optimal potency and efficacy from the very first use. This enables the formula to be rapidly delivered into the skin and accelerate skin surface renewal and, in turn, expedites visible results,” shares Dr. Nancy Ilaya, global scientific director at Kiehl’s.

The bottle is also made with 100% recycled material and packaged in FSC – certified paper carton, says the brand.

Improved texture
In a ten-week clinical study with 60 panelists, the product reduced deep wrinkles and refined texture after two weeks of nightly use, says the brand. 

Additionally, Kiehl’s carried out an eight-week consumer perception study, where 100% of participants displayed a reduction in deep-set and stubborn wrinkles. 

The Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum is recommended for nightly use on skin that has adjusted to retinol use. A pea-sized drop can be applied after cleansing the face and then sealed with a protective moisturizer. Sunscreen should be worn daily to protect the results and the skin. 

Retinol on a roll
Royal DSM recently began cosmetics customer sampling for its fully bio-based vitamin A. This is an initial step before the commercial-scale production and full launch in 2023. The initial output is intended for the personal care market where there is increasing consumer demand for renewable and high-performance vitamin A. Kiehl’s serum is designed for speed, while other retinol may take weeks to months before results are noticeable. 

Capra Biosciences previously raised US$1.8 million in a pre-seed funding round to expand its patented bioreactor technology for making petrochemical replacements. Capra’s first product, retinol, is close to naturally occurring retinol as it is not industrially synthesized from petrochemicals. The company uses biology instead of fossil fuels to produce a 100% petroleum-free retinol.

In April, Mibelle Biochemistry spotlighted NovoRetin, a natural alternative to retinol sourced from the Greek islands.

“Retinol has some drawbacks. It’s not easy to formulate. It’s not very stable and presents some problems. The active molecule retinoic acid is not even allowed in cosmetics,” Dr. Franziska Wandrey, head of research at Mibelle Biochemistry, told PersonalCareInsights at the 2022 Global in-cosmetics, Paris show.

“We have a plant-based solution based on mastic – a resin from a tree that grows on a Greek island, and it’s sustainably harvested there.”

By Venya Patel