SOME BY MI | Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum: Review

Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate code. The item featured was purchased by me.

As mentioned before, I love ordering Korean beauty and skincare products from Stylevana. Aside from their amazing pricing, Stylevana always offers various full-sized gifts with purchases. One of the best gifts with purchases I've received so far is the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum (C$27.99 for 30 ml). For the longest time, I've struggled with retinol products. I've always wanted to incorporate them into my skincare routine but I can never seem to get past the "retinol purge", aka the breakouts, flaking, and sensitivities commonly associated with the first few weeks of retinol use. However, I thought I would give things one more try with the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum. Thankfully, the results have been great so I thought I would share my experience with today......

SOME BY MI | Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

Packaged in a glass bottle with a dropper dispenser, the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is formulated with 0.1% retinol, retinal (1 ppm), and bakuchiol (5,000 ppm). Designed to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, the serum also boosts skin elasticity and refines the appearance of pores. The formulation also contains niacinamide, tea tree extract, cica, and various botanical extracts with calming and antioxidant properties. With a slightly viscous liquid formulation, the serum has no discernable scent and spreads very easily on the skin. It takes a minute or so to fully absorb but the finish is light and non-greasy. I don't love that it's silicone-based but given that I only use it at night time, I'm not too worried about any potential pilling and patching.

SOME BY MI | Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum

When I first started with the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum, I adhered to the "sandwich" application method (moisturizer, retinol, then moisturizer) and this really reduced the initial side effects such as breakouts and peeling. I experienced some minor breakouts just around my orbital area and some slight peeling around my chin. Other than that, though, I've not experienced any serious purging effects. Granted, the concentration of retinol is not that high. Overall, I am really enjoying the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum and would consider repurchasing it. The only hesitation I would have is if I wanted to go for a stronger retinol serum. However, this is a truly great starter retinol product. The formulation is gentle and calming and the price is quite affordable. Definitely give it a try if you are a fan of Korean skincare or are looking for a gentle retinol serum.

Ingredients: Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Poly (C6-14 Olefin), Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Bakuchiol, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Retinol (0.1 %), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Beta-Glucan, Cetyl Alcohol, BHT, Collagen, Myristic Acid, BHA, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Ceramide NP, Saccharomyces Ferment, Retinal, Asiaticoside, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Madecassoside, Propylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Peptide, Resveratrol, Sucrose Distearate, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, Polysorbate 20, Fragrance, Ethylhexylglycerin

Availability:

I purchased this product online in Canada on Stylevana.com. Use my code “INF10HSLOTHS” for 10% off all Stylevana orders and 15% off orders over $59 USD, $75 CAN, £43, $77 AUD, or €48.