Skin Rocks

Skin Rocks Retinoid 1.

Retinoids

About this product

Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 is a lightweight retinoid serum featuring 0.2% hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), squalane, and vitamin E, designed as a gentle entry-level retinoid option.

Full ingredients

Aqua (Water, Eau), Isononyl Isononanoate, Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glycerin, Squalane, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Bakuchiol, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysilicone-11, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Polyisobutene, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hordeum Vulgare Extract (Extrait D'Orge), Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Xanthan Gum

Guru Score

82%

Yay

Early verdict · Few reviews so far

What the gurus are saying

This 0.2% HPR retinoid earns praise for gentle tolerance, with reviewers noting minimal irritation even for those new to stronger actives. It's lightweight with a little going a long way, and it bridges retinol and prescription strength, making it a practical choice for anyone hesitant about stronger formulations.

Synthesized from 2 expert reviews · most recent take November 2024

What they liked

Lightweight texture, minimal product needed
Fragrance-free
Gentle entry-level retinoid

What they flagged

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

Best for

Sensitive skin

Type

RetinoidsDrops & dropper

Key actives

RetinoidVitamin ESqualane

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo 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. Shereene Idriss

1.73M subs

✓Yay

"She has her Skin Rocks Retinoid 1, which is an ENT level serum. It is a retinoic acid ester with 0.2% hydroxypinacolone retinoate, also known as HPR, as well as squalane, Vitamin E. It is a very lightweight retinoid and there is no fragrance to it. A small amount is all you need and it goes a very, very long way."

All 3 takes from Dr. Shereene Idriss

Top 5 Ingredients for Acne, Breakouts, Blackheads, Oily Skin! | Dr. Shereene Idriss

"Caroline Hyrins came up with Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 and 2. Retinoid 1 is lighter with that 0.2 percent."

Top 23 Black Friday Cyber Week Beauty Deals: Dermatologist Recommended 2024 | Dr. Shereene Idriss

5 Golden Rules To Incorporate Retinol In Your Routine! | Dr. Shereene Idriss

"The Retinoid One is at 0.2 percent, so it's the entry level. These are interesting products to try, especially if you want to jump in, and from the readings of the reviews, people are not getting that much irritation from them, so they seem to be doing great for people who are scared to take the plunge and go stronger or who are ready to go a little bit more than a retinal but don't want a prescription yet."

Caroline Hirons

250k subs

✓Yay

"I've been using Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 for a couple of years on and off while I'm testing everything else. [...] It's my no brainer nighttime treatment, so it's maintenance. [...] If I can't be bothered, I'm gonna wash my face, and if I can be bothered, [...] I'll put this on and that's pretty much me done."

Founder's own brand

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

Humectants and emollients

Ingredients like these draw water into the surface layers and slow how fast it leaves. The evidence is for comfort, softness and hydration rather than for changing the structure of the skin.

Source: DermNet

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, and it is often in a formula to keep the other ingredients stable rather than as the active itself. It pairs well with vitamin C, though on its own the evidence for visible change is limited.

Source: NIH, National Library of Medicine

Frequently asked.

What is Skin Rocks Retinoid 1?

Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 is a lightweight retinoid serum featuring 0.2% hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), squalane, and vitamin E, designed as a gentle entry-level retinoid option.

Is Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 worth it?

Yes. All 2 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 82%.

What is Skin Rocks Retinoid 1's Guru Score?

Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 holds a Guru Score of 82%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 2 expert reviewers we have collected.