FaceStuff Co
Refining Serum | 2.5% Retinol
Not suitable for use during pregnancy
Brand new to FaceStuff and after years of searching by founder, Renée, the new range of cruelty free serums is now available.
The Refining Serum is a 2.5% retinol serum and is the best option if you're already using a retinoid or have used something similar in the past.
The Refining Serum has been formulated to include hyaluronic acid so the usual effects of adding (or re-adding) a retinol serum to your routine should be minimised.
By adding hyaluronic acid to the Refining Serum the aim is to make your routine less complicated - there's no need for layering serums.
Retinol serum can stimulate cell production which has an exfoliating effect on the skin, brightening and smoothing it. Another benefit of using the Refining Serum is the regulation of oil production which can minimise break outs in acne prone skin.
For more info about our cruelty free serums please check out the Serum Starter Guide here.
Available in three sizes;
- 5ml
- 30ml
- 100ml
Refill options are coming soon!
How to use Refining Serum
Even if you're currently using a retinol serum or have used one in the past, changing things up can cause disruptions to your skin. This strength of retinol is not recommended for sensitive skin.
If you're new to using a retinol serum please start with a 5ml vial for patch testing before you commit to a larger size. Start with one application in the first week, then two applications in the second week and three applications in the third week.
When you start using the Refining Serum apply it between two layers of moisturiser or night cream. So cleanse then use your toner (or skin drink), add moisturiser as a buffer, apply your serum and then add more moisturiser.
Protect the delicate eye area by using an eye cream before applying any retinol serum, and (unlike hyaluronic acid) apply the Refining Serum to a dry face.
Experiencing the effects of retinol is a long game, it can take up to six months to really notice a difference in your skin's tone and texture and the minimising of fine lines.
If using a vitamin C serum, use that in the morning and Refining Serum in the evening. It's important to apply sunscreen daily when using any retinol serum.
If using a pea size amount of Refining Serum three times a week, you can expect (approximately);
- Three weeks of use from a 5ml tester
- Five months of use from a 30ml bottle
If you're a daily retinol user, you can expect (approximately);
- 10 days of use from a 5ml tester
- 60 days or two months of use from a 30ml bottle
- 200 days or six months of use from a 100ml bottle
Refining Serum | 2.5% Retinol
FAQ
About FaceStuff Co Retinol Serums
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Are these cruelty free?
Yes. Always.
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How do I know if this is the right serum for me?
Start with our handy serum starter guide - hopefully that will help!
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Can I use this while pregnant?
Retinol is not recommended for use during pregnancy (but please don't stress if you're reading this and have been using it). You can use the Hydrating Serum or Brightening Serum if you are expecting.
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If I don't love it can I return it?
Yes, you can return the serum and we will give you a store credit - it's a great idea to grab one of our 5ml test pots if you're not sure though.
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When should I use this serum?
Retinol serums are best used in the evening (after cleansing and toning and before your night cream), if you're looking for a morning option, try our Hydrating Serum or Brightening Serum
Really enjoying using this product. I feel it has evened out my skin and has smoothed out the texture.
Really impressed with this so far. I’ve had a prominent pigment spot on my forehead of late, and it’s already starting to sort this out after a few weeks of use. Bonus having the added hyaluronic acid. My aging skin can do with the all help.
Love the black bottle too. Feels like a magic bottle of sophistication, protecting the gold from the outside light. And isn’t it what’s on the inside that really counts?
Only two weeks in and was already a retinol user so this slipped right into my routine easily. After two weeks I’m quite impressed but retinol is the long game so time will tell. The only thing I don’t like is the black bottle it’s in as not knowing how much is left gives me anxiety lol! The clear bottle that they hylauronic is in I can see exactly how much is left but the black bottle gives me no clue and I need to know so I can order more before it runs out if that makes sense. I know I’m only 2 weeks in and ot should still last a while but it’s the unknown. I like that the label is black so it differentiates it from the morning serums for blind people like me who wear contacts and then can’t see when washing my face I’m morning and night but if the bottle could be reconsidered that would make me more likely to purchase again. Working mum so the less anxiety in my life the better and I know it seems small and silly but those five min routines at the beginning and end of my day are my only ‘true me times’ :)
HI Monique
Thanks so much for your feedback. There is method to the madness: retinol degrades when exposed to sunlight.
You can expect about 60 applications from a 30ml serum bottle, so with daily use you can expect a bottle to last two months. If you are using it daily we recommend using the 100ml bottle.
The good news: you'll get an email to remind you that you're almost out of serum. All that being said, if you would prefer your serum in a clear bottle we are more than happy to do that - just leave a note at the checkout.
Thanks again for your feedback!
I’m a long term retinol user and was really keen to try this retinol/ hyaluronic acid combo. I’m using it in the PM and using the Brightening Serum in the morning and after a week of consistent use my skin is looking Botox level fresh! It’s got a beautiful feel on the skin, absorbs really well and it has a lovely unassumingly fresh fragrance. But the value for money on the 100ml bottle has got me already lining for refills! Amazing product.
I’ve been a consistent retinol user for a few years and like to change it up every so often. I am thoroughly enjoying the texture and added hydration with this serum, as well as the results on my skin. My texture is diminished, a smoother looking forehead and overall better, brighter skin have been some of the short term results I’ve seen. Applies well, scent is great and the value for money in the sizes available is epic!
Will be repurchasing for sure!
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