Water (aqua), caprylic/capric triglyceride, glyceryl stearate, cyclopentasiloxane, butylene glycol, stearic acid, polysorbate 60, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, glycerin, stearyl alcohol, cyclohexasiloxane, dimethicone, retinol, calendula officinalis flower extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, sodium hyaluronate, tocopheryl acetate, bisabolol, ascorbic acid, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, sorbitol, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, allyl methacrylates crosspolymer, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene glycol, polysorbate 20, carbomer, disodium EDTA, triethanolamine, BHT, phenoxyethanol

0.5% is a meaningful mid-strength concentration suitable for regular retinol users. 1.0% is a step up for skin that has fully adapted to regular retinoid use and wants more intensive results. If you're new to retinoids, the Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream is a gentler starting point before moving to 0.5%.

Some adjustment is normal in the first two to four weeks, particularly if you're new to retinol. Start every other night and build up slowly. Peeling, dryness, or mild redness usually settle within a month. If it's severe, drop back to twice a week and build more gradually.

Vitamin C goes in the morning, retinol at night, so there's no conflict between them. Avoid using AHA or BHA exfoliants in the same evening routine as the retinol. Use them on alternate evenings instead.