Retinal has taken the beauty industry by storm, emerging as one of the buzziest skin care ingredients for smoother, brighter and more youthful-looking skin. As beauty enthusiasts increasingly search for effective alternatives to traditional retinol serums, retinal has become a standout in anti-aging skin care — and K-beauty brand KSECRET is joining the conversation with its popular SEOUL 1988 retinal skin care collection.

Retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, is a vitamin A derivative and part of the retinoid family. Like retinol, it is commonly incorporated into skin care routines designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture, dullness and other visible signs of aging. Retinal requires fewer conversion steps in the skin before becoming retinoic acid than retinol, which is one reason it has gained attention among consumers looking to upgrade their nighttime skin care routines.

At the center of KSECRET’s retinal collection is the viral SEOUL 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng, $22. The Korean skin care serum combines retinal liposome with black ginseng in a formula created for overall skin renewal. With retinal skin care continuing to trend across TikTok and social media, the serum has become one of the brand’s signature products for consumers seeking glowing, smooth and refined-looking skin.

Those new to retinal can start with the SEOUL 1988 Cream: Retinal Liposome 1% + Fermented Rice, $25. Combining retinal liposome with fermented rice, the facial cream offers another way to introduce the trending ingredient into an evening skin care routine while targeting the appearance of texture, dullness and visible signs of aging.

For sensitive skin and those focused on supporting the skin barrier, KSECRET has expanded the collection with the new SEOUL 1988 Refining Pad: C-Retinal + Bamboo, $24. The essence-soaked facial pads offer a convenient addition to a Korean skin care routine and are formulated with ingredients including bamboo and panthenol.

The delicate eye area also gets the retinal treatment with the SEOUL 1988 Eye Cream: Retinal Liposome 4% + Fermented Bean, $22. Designed to target the appearance of stubborn dark circles and under-eye wrinkles, the K-beauty eye cream pairs retinal liposome with fermented bean for consumers looking to incorporate an anti-aging eye treatment into their routine.

For experienced retinal users looking to elevate their regimen, the SEOUL 1988 Advanced Shot: Retinal Liposome 12% + Black Rice, $20, is positioned as an intensive option in the collection. Featuring retinal liposome and black rice, the formula is designed to address the appearance of hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and visible signs of aging.

KSECRET’s range reflects a larger shift in the beauty industry toward targeted Korean skin care products that combine buzzy active ingredients with formulas designed for different skin concerns and experience levels. From beginner-friendly creams to eye treatments and more intensive formulas, the SEOUL 1988 collection makes it easier for consumers to choose a retinal product that complements their individual skin care goals.

As retinal continues to gain momentum as one of the biggest K-beauty and anti-aging skin care trends, KSECRET’s SEOUL 1988 collection offers multiple ways to incorporate the ingredient into a beauty routine. For those chasing the coveted smooth, luminous Korean glass skin look, retinal may be one of the ingredients worth watching.

By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY