Dr. Althea Pure Retinol 0.15% Cream
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Key ingredients
Retinol 0.15% (1,500ppm)
Pure retinol at a beginner-friendly concentration — clinically proven to accelerate cell turnover, stimulate collagen synthesis, smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and refine skin texture with consistent use.
Bakuchiol (1,000ppm)
A plant-derived retinol alternative from Psoralea corylifolia that works synergistically alongside retinol to further improve firmness and elasticity — while independently soothing the skin to help offset retinol-related sensitivity.
Ciarettosome™ (patented)
Dr. Althea's proprietary encapsulated complex combining Centella Asiatica and heartleaf-derived PDRN (Sodium DNA) — designed to calm irritation, support skin recovery, and counteract the initial sensitivity that can accompany retinol adaptation.
Panthenol (10,000ppm) + Ceramide NP
Provitamin B5 at a high 1% concentration maintains the skin's moisture barrier and soothes inflammation during retinol use. Ceramide NP replenishes the lipid matrix to prevent transepidermal water loss and reduce the dryness commonly associated with active retinoids.
Product details
Full description
Dr. Althea is a Korean vegan skincare brand named after the mugungwha — the country's national flower, known for its resilience and its ability to bloom repeatedly through hardship. That philosophy of persistence and gentle progress shapes this product's design intent: the Pure Retinol 0.15% Cream is built for those starting a retinol routine who want real results without compromising skin comfort.
At its core, the formula delivers 0.15% pure retinol (1,500ppm) — a carefully chosen beginner-to-intermediate concentration that produces meaningful cell turnover and collagen stimulation without the intensity that higher concentrations or prescription retinoids carry. It is paired with 1,000ppm Bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol synergist that improves firmness and elasticity independently while helping to moderate the initial sensitivity response that new retinol users often experience.
The formula's most distinctive feature is Dr. Althea's patented Ciarettosome™ complex — an encapsulated delivery system combining Centella Asiatica and heartleaf-derived PDRN (Sodium DNA). PDRN is a polynucleotide known in clinical dermatology for accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation; here it works alongside Centella's Madecassoside and the formula's Allantoin to proactively soothe the skin barrier as retinol works on it. Panthenol at 10,000ppm (1%) provides further deep humectant moisture and barrier support.
Additional actives include Kojic Acid for subtle brightening of dark spots, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) for expression-line relaxation, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) for antioxidant protection, and Ceramide NP to reinforce the lipid barrier. The lightweight cream texture absorbs quickly and leaves no heavy or greasy residue — suitable as a daily night cream.
Vegan certified. Free from artificial colourants, fragrances, and parabens. For nighttime use only.
At its core, the formula delivers 0.15% pure retinol (1,500ppm) — a carefully chosen beginner-to-intermediate concentration that produces meaningful cell turnover and collagen stimulation without the intensity that higher concentrations or prescription retinoids carry. It is paired with 1,000ppm Bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol synergist that improves firmness and elasticity independently while helping to moderate the initial sensitivity response that new retinol users often experience.
The formula's most distinctive feature is Dr. Althea's patented Ciarettosome™ complex — an encapsulated delivery system combining Centella Asiatica and heartleaf-derived PDRN (Sodium DNA). PDRN is a polynucleotide known in clinical dermatology for accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation; here it works alongside Centella's Madecassoside and the formula's Allantoin to proactively soothe the skin barrier as retinol works on it. Panthenol at 10,000ppm (1%) provides further deep humectant moisture and barrier support.
Additional actives include Kojic Acid for subtle brightening of dark spots, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) for expression-line relaxation, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) for antioxidant protection, and Ceramide NP to reinforce the lipid barrier. The lightweight cream texture absorbs quickly and leaves no heavy or greasy residue — suitable as a daily night cream.
Vegan certified. Free from artificial colourants, fragrances, and parabens. For nighttime use only.
How to use
- 01Use at night only. Apply as the last step of your evening routine, after toner and serum, onto clean dry skin.
- 02Beginners: start with 2–3 applications per week and gradually increase frequency as skin adjusts over 4–6 weeks.
- 03Apply a small amount evenly across the face and pat lightly until absorbed. Avoid the immediate eye and lip contours.
- 04Always apply broad-spectrum SPF the following morning — retinol increases photosensitivity significantly.
Routine compatibility note
Avoid combining with AHA, BHA, or vitamin C products in the same evening routine, as layering multiple actives increases the risk of irritation. For those building up to daily use, consider alternating nights with a simple hydrating moisturiser. The Dr. Althea 0.1% Gentle Retinol Serum is a lighter starting option for those new to retinoids.
Suitable for
Designed for retinol beginners and those building a daily retinol routine. Suitable for all skin types. Particularly well suited for:
- Fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin firmness
- Uneven skin texture and enlarged pores
- Post-acne marks and mild hyperpigmentation
- Skin that has previously found retinol irritating or difficult to tolerate
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid use with other active exfoliants in the same routine. Always follow with SPF the next morning. Vegan certified. Free from artificial colourants, fragrances, and parabens.
Full ingredients list
Water, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Betaine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyacrylamide, Hydroxyacetophenone, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Retinol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol, Bakuchiol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Laureth-7, Xanthan Gum, Cholesterol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Phytate, Methylpropanediol, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide NP, Phenylpropanol, Madecassoside, Kojic Acid, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium DNA
Ingredients may vary by batch. Always check the physical product packaging for the most current list.
