Description
What it is
The Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum is Some By Mi’s anti-aging treatment. It pairs two forms of vitamin A, retinol and retinal (retinaldehyde), with bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient often used alongside or instead of retinoids. Retailers describe it as a three-active serum designed to work on fine lines, loss of elasticity, texture and dullness.
Around those actives the brand adds niacinamide, panthenol, a palmitoyl tripeptide, soy peptide, ceramide NP, licorice root extract and several centella compounds to keep skin comfortable. The texture is a light, creamy serum. Percentages for the retinoids and bakuchiol are not published, so treat it as an active product and introduce it slowly.
Key ingredients
- Retinol: a vitamin A derivative designed to help smooth the look of fine lines and improve texture over time
- Retinal (retinaldehyde): a vitamin A form that sits one conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol
- Bakuchiol: a plant-derived ingredient used alongside retinoids for its similar targets and generally gentler profile
- Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and soy peptide: peptides included for firmness and elasticity claims
- Niacinamide and panthenol: support a smoother, more even-looking and comfortable complexion
- Ceramide NP and centella compounds: help support the barrier and calm skin while it adapts to retinoids
- Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract: added for a brighter-looking tone
Product details
| Brand | Some By Mi, South Korea |
|---|---|
| Line | Retinol Intense |
| Size | 30 mL |
| Format | Light creamy serum |
| Main concerns | Fine lines, firmness, rough texture, dullness |
| Skin types | Normal, combination and dry skin; sensitive skin with slow introduction |
| When to use | Evening only, with sunscreen every morning |
| Fragrance | Contains fragrance on the published list |
| Amazon ASIN | B0FFV4XQQ5 |
How to use
- Patch test on a small area, such as the inner elbow, before first use.
- In the evening, cleanse, tone and let skin dry.
- Apply a small amount over the face, avoiding the eye area and lips.
- Massage gently, then pat to help it absorb.
- Follow with moisturizer, and wear sunscreen the next morning.
Start two or three nights a week for the first few weeks. A pea-sized amount covers the whole face; using more does not speed up results but does raise the risk of irritation.
Who it suits
It suits people who want a more advanced retinoid serum, especially those with early signs of aging and normal to dry skin. If you are completely new to retinoids, a gentler beginner option such as the Innisfree Retinol Cica Serum may be an easier first step. If you also use vitamin C, such as the Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum, apply it in the morning and keep this serum for the evening.
Who should be careful
Retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; ask your doctor. Do not combine it on the same night with exfoliating acids, other retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. The formula contains fragrance, tea tree extract and kava (Piper methysticum) extract, and BHT as an antioxidant. Expect possible dryness or flaking in the first weeks; stop if you have lasting burning or swelling.
Patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear and wait 24 to 48 hours before using it on the face.
Full ingredient list
Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Bakuchiol, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Tromethamine, Polyquaternium-51, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Beta-Glucan, Fragrance, Centella Asiatica Extract, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, BHT, Collagen, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Myristic Acid, BHA, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Ceramide NP, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Retinal, Asiaticoside, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Madecassoside, Propylene Glycol, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Glycolipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Peptide, Resveratrol, Sucrose Distearate, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil.
This list, published by Soko Glam, contains fragrance and a silicone (cyclohexasiloxane). In this list, BHA refers to butylated hydroxyanisole, an antioxidant, not salicylic acid. The ingredient named collagen is listed by the retailer as plant-based. Soy peptide is present for anyone with a soy allergy.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of retinol is in Some By Mi Retinol Intense Serum?
The brand does not publish the percentage of retinol, retinal or bakuchiol, so it is best to introduce it gradually.
Can I use it in the morning?
The brand recommends evening use because retinoids can increase sun sensitivity. Wear sunscreen every day.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Retailers describe it as gentle, and it contains soothing ingredients, but it also has two retinoids and fragrance. Sensitive skin should patch test and start slowly.
Can I use it with the Miracle Toner?
It is safer to use the acid toner on different nights, or in the morning, rather than layering both at night.
Learn more
Learn how to introduce actives safely in our Korean skincare routine for beginners, and see our best Korean skincare for sensitive skin guide if your skin reacts easily.
Ingredient lists can change between batches and markets. Always check the box you receive. This page is an independent guide; melaxin.ca does not sell products directly.
