Pilgrim

Pilgrim Retinol Hyaluronic Acid.

Retinoids

About this product

A beginner-friendly retinol serum combined with hyaluronic acid, designed to introduce users to retinoid treatment while providing hydration.

Full ingredients

Purified Water, Propanediol, Maltodextrin, Pomegranate Flower Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium PCA, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Ascorbate, Tocopherol (Vit E), Retinol (Vit A), Olive Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol (Vit B5), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Heptyl Glucoside, Sodium Hydroxide, Perfume

Guru Score

62%

Mixed

Early verdict · Few reviews so far

What the gurus are saying

Fragrance and packaging are the main sticking points that tip this serum toward caution for sensitive skin. The formula itself has merit as an entry point into retinol, though the added scent means anyone with fragrance sensitivity may want to pass. Not many gurus have weighed in yet, so there is not a lot to go on so far.

Synthesized from 2 expert reviews · most recent take September 2025

What they liked

Anti-inflammatory ingredients protect the barrier
Beginner-friendly retinol strength

What they flagged

Fragrance may irritate sensitive skin
Packaging allows air exposure

Best for

Dry skin Sensitive skin

Type

RetinoidsDrops & dropper

Key actives

Vitamin C Retinoid Hyaluronic acidVitamin E

Formula notes

Contains fragranceNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

Amazon → Google →

Opens a store search. We may earn from these links.

Scan it in the shopFree iPhone app. Scores in the aisle.

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

Dr. Vanita Rattan

1.23M subs

~Nay

"The positives here are their anti-inflammatories. So they've put in allantoin and panthenol. And that's actually one thing when it comes to Korean skincare is they are excellent when it comes to trying to protect the skin barrier and they're very hydrating ingredients and anti-inflammatory ingredients. [...] The negatives in here is the fragrance and the packaging. So, as much as they kind of got some bits right, for me, overall it's a no."

All 2 takes from Dr. Vanita Rattan

The best and worst anti-aging and anti pigmentation serums on nykaa

Retinol Mistakes You're Making - Dr Vanita Rattan

"The negatives in here is the fragrance and the packaging so as much as they kind of got some bits right for me overall it's a no"

Nipun Kapur

412k subs

~Mixed

"Pilgrim retinol is good it's a good beginner friendly one but it's my fragrance then I won't recommend it"

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

Vitamin C

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

Urea

Urea both holds water in the skin and gently loosens dead surface cells. At higher strengths it has good evidence for very dry or thickened skin.

Source: DermNet

Frequently asked.

What is Pilgrim Retinol Hyaluronic Acid?

A beginner-friendly retinol serum combined with hyaluronic acid, designed to introduce users to retinoid treatment while providing hydration.

Is Pilgrim Retinol Hyaluronic Acid worth it?

The gurus mostly approve it, but with enough reservations to keep it in the middle at a Guru Score of 62%.

What is Pilgrim Retinol Hyaluronic Acid's Guru Score?

Pilgrim Retinol Hyaluronic Acid holds a Guru Score of 62%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 2 expert reviewers we have collected.