A retinol serum at a 0.25% strength, designed as an entry-level option for people new to retinoids.
Water/Aqua/Eau, Polysorbate 80, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Retinol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Colloidal Oatmeal, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide Np, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Linoleic Acid, Allantoin, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Palmitic Acid, Oleic Acid, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Triolein, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Stearic Acid, Maltodextrin, Bht, Bha, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate
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Guru Score
The Guru Score: every expert's verdict on a product, in one simple number.
Under the score you'll see how many experts weighed in, or "Early verdict" while only a few have. Paid takes count for half in the score.
Guru Certified means at least 6 experts, a score of 85% or more, and almost no Nays.
How we score →Yay
Early verdict · Few reviews so farWhat the gurus are saying
A 0.25% strength is the detail that stands out, and it is aimed squarely at people just dipping their toes into retinol. Experts say its encapsulated, nonirritating formula makes it a comfortable place to start, and those who weighed in are fond of it. The one thing to keep in mind is that it is pitched at beginners, so it is best read as a first step.
What they liked
What they flagged
Nothing. None of the experts who reviewed it raised a problem.
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Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.
Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.
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
Topical vitamin C is an antioxidant with reasonable evidence for dullness and uneven tone. It breaks down in light and air, so how a product is formulated and packaged matters as much as the percentage on the front.
Source: DermNet
Ceramides are part of the skin's own barrier, and moisturisers built around them have evidence for holding water in and settling the tightness and flaking that come with a damaged barrier.
Source: DermNet
A retinol serum at a 0.25% strength, designed as an entry-level option for people new to retinoids.
Yes. All 2 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 81%.
First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% holds a Guru Score of 81%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 2 expert reviewers we have collected.
Lower-priced retinoids the gurus still rate highly, versus this mid-range pick.
See how they stack up →Other products the same gurus have weighed in on, plus more from this brand and category.
Compare side by side →Stories where our editors dug into this product or its brand.
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