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First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides.

First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides
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Retinoids
About this product

A retinol complex serum containing peptides and vitamin C, formulated for sensitive skin.

Full ingredients

Aqua (Water, Eau), Dimethicone, Glycerin, Retinyl Propionate, Retinol, Pentapeptide-34 Trifluoroacetate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Citric Acid, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/​Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Laureth-4, Mica, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, Sorbitan Isostearate, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)

More from First Aid Beauty 28 products · Guru Score 78% →

Guru Score

Not verified

Score withheld

!
Not independently verified

2 of the 3 takes here are sponsored by the brand. That leaves a single independent take, which is not enough to verify a score, so we are holding it back rather than publishing a number built on paid reviews. The takes are below, each labeled.

What the gurus are saying

Designed specifically for sensitive skin, this serum uses a slower delivery system to ease retinol in gently. The formulation combines retinol complex with peptides to help aging skin and includes vitamin C. Those starting retinol may want to use the sandwich method: apply a layer of moisturizer first, then this serum, then another layer of moisturizer on top.
Synthesized from 3 expert reviews · most recent take April 2026

What they liked

  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin
  • Slower delivery system reduces irritation
  • Moisturizing formula

What they flagged

    Nothing. None of the experts who reviewed it raised a problem.

    Type

    Key actives

    Formula notes

    Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

    Where to buy

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    What the gurus are saying.

    Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

    All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored
    Sincerely Miss Ash
    Sincerely Miss Ash
    195k subs
    ✓Yay
    "This is the 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides and this is designed for those that have sensitive skin and from my experience with this so far it is quite gentle. [...] This one is really nice for those that have sensitive skin as this does have that slower delivery system. [...] I use this on my neck all the time and my neck can be very sensitive to retinol and just active ingredients in general in my opinion this is gentle."
    Dr. Shereene Idriss
    Dr. Shereene Idriss
    1.73M subs
    ✓Yay
    "First Aid Beauty has one for $48, a 0.3% retinol complex, so it's probably lighter in terms of the retinol, but it's married to peptides, which is great if you're trying to look for additional supportive ways to help your aging skin."
    Sponsored
    All 3 takes from Dr. Shereene Idriss
    Sephora Sale Faves For Every Concern from a Dermatologist! (Skincare, Makeup, & Haircare) Dr. Idriss
    "First Aid Beauty has one for $48, a 0.3% retinol complex, so it's probably lighter in terms of the retinol, but it's married to peptides, which is great if you're trying to look for additional supportive ways to help your aging skin."
    Best of Sephora Spring Sale 2025 | Dermatologist Picks by Dr. Shereene Idriss
    "First Aid Beauty has a 0.3% complex. It's not a pure retinol, so I'm assuming it's around 0.1 to 0.2% retinol, but it's a complex with peptides that can aid in the aging process, probably a step up in strength from the Kiehl's micro dose retinol."
    Dermstore Black Friday Sale Top Picks 2021! | Dr. Shereene Idriss
    "First Aid Beauty has their FAB Retinol."
    Dr. Sam Ellis
    Dr. Sam Ellis
    898k subs
    ✓Yay
    "Another retinol serum option that I really really love is by First Aid Beauty, their 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum. I think the technology in this product is really interesting so it not only uses retinol but also uses something called retinol propionate and retinol propionate is another ingredient that falls under that retinoid umbrella but it works slightly differently in the skin. It's a bit more stable, it's a little bit more slow acting and therefore a lot more gentle too."
    Sponsored
    All 2 takes from Dr. Sam Ellis
    Dermatologist's Anti-Aging Skincare Routine for Beginners (Morning & Night!) | Dr. Sam Ellis
    "This is a retinol product that is actually years in the making and what makes it so special is that it's really designed for sensitive skin. The goal with this is to be able to use it regularly and consistently enough without irritation that you actually get to see the benefits of using a topical retinoid over time. [...] The texture of this [...] is a very lush, plushy serum, and I actually cannot wait to put that [...] on my face."
    How to Apply Retinoids Without Irritation | Best Retinoid for Sensitive Skin | Dr. Sam Ellis
    "Another retinol serum option that I really really love is by First Aid Beauty, their 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum. I think the technology in this product is really interesting so it not only uses retinol but also uses something called retinol propionate and retinol propionate is another ingredient that falls under that retinoid umbrella but it works slightly differently in the skin. It's a bit more stable, it's a little bit more slow acting and therefore a lot more gentle too."

    What the evidence says.

    Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

    Retinoids

    Retinoids are among the best studied ingredients in dermatology, with solid evidence for acne and for the fine lines and rough texture that come from sun exposure. Dryness and flaking in the first few weeks are common and usually settle.

    Source: DermNet

    Sunscreen filters

    Sun protection is the best evidenced way to slow visible ageing, and the filters are what does the work. Mineral and chemical filters both protect when a product is applied thickly enough and often enough, which is where most people fall short rather than on the choice of filter.

    Source: DermNet

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