Active ingredient
Retinol
INCI · Retinol
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative used in skincare to accelerate the cell renewal cycle, support collagen production, and refine the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone. It converts in skin to retinoic acid, the active form, which binds nuclear retinoid receptors and shifts gene expression toward repair. Introduce it gradually to limit irritation; use only at night, always with broad-spectrum sunscreen. Avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. BIOSAR uses it as Vitalize Retinol — a stabilised, gradual-release grade chosen for dependable potency and gentler tolerance.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Topical retinoids are explicitly avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding per ACOG and Mother to Baby. Although topical absorption is low, oral retinoids are documented teratogens and the precaution extends to topical forms during the entire perinatal period.
Mechanism in detail
What Retinol does
Vitamin A derivative. BIOSAR formulates it as Vitalize Retinol — a stabilised grade that shields the fragile molecule from light and air and releases it into skin gradually, so it supports the renewal cycle and refines the look of fine lines and smoother texture over time while staying kinder to comfort. Used at night, with daytime sunscreen; not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.
Evidence
What the research says
- −44%Crow's-feet fine lines after one year, vehicle-controlled
A year-long double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial by the product's maker, in 62 people with photodamaged skin: stabilised retinol improved crow's-feet fine lines by 44%. Avoid retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Read the studyJ Drugs Dermatol 2015 (Randhawa)
Layering guidance
Use Retinol carefully alongside
These ingredients work well in a routine but are best applied at different times of day or on alternating days to limit irritation.
Where it helps
Concerns Retinol addresses
Aging
The first time you notice it is rarely a wrinkle. It is a quality of light — the way your skin catches it differently in a morning mirror, or the photo where you look more tired than you feel. The mechanism is real (collagen synthesis slows; elastin fragments; barrier turnover lengthens), but the felt experience comes first. Serenity Age is the range BIOSAR built for that pivot — Retinol for visible renewal and collagen support, peptides selected for documented signaling activity, and the SPF discipline that protects every other active you apply.
Sun Damage
Sun damage is the cumulative photoaging caused by ultraviolet radiation, presenting as solar lentigines, irregular pigmentation, fine lines, deeper wrinkles, leathery texture, and elevated skin cancer risk. UVA penetrates the dermis and drives collagen breakdown; UVB damages epidermal DNA and triggers melanin overproduction. Extrinsic factors, with UV exposure carrying the largest share, account for an estimated 80% of premature visible skin aging. Daily broad-spectrum SPF, antioxidant serums, and pigmentation correctors reverse early damage and prevent further progression. The BIOSAR Sunprotex range delivers broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection layered with antioxidants for measurably stronger photoprotection.
From the BIOSAR catalog
Products formulated with Retinol
Serenity Age50 ml
Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF30+
Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid · Vitamin C
Contains retinol — not recommended during pregnancy or nursing.
Serenvit30 ml
Retinol Serum
Retinol · Squalane · Aloe Vera
Contains retinol — not recommended during pregnancy or nursing.