Seoul 1988 Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng (30ml) ✅ What It Is — Description & Purpose

This serum is a potent anti-aging and skin-renewal treatment, combining 2% encapsulated retinal (a form of Vitamin A) with black ginseng extract, plus supporting ingredients like peptides, humectants, and antioxidants.

The retinal helps to accelerate skin cell turnover, which can smooth fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin texture and firmness.

The black ginseng brings antioxidant, revitalizing and nourishing properties, helping skin resist free-radical damage, boosting elasticity, and contributing to a more youthful glow.

Overall: it’s formulated to improve elasticity, reduce signs of aging (lines, dullness, uneven tone), refine skin texture, boost radiance, and hydrate & strengthen skin barrier.

🧴 How to Use It — Format & Routine

Use at night, on clean, dry skin. After cleansing (and toning, if you do), apply a pea-size amount (or 2–3 drops) to face and neck. Then gently massage or press until absorbed.

After the serum, apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Because retinal increases skin’s sensitivity to sun, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen the following morning.

If you’re new to retinoids/retinals: start 2–3 times per week, then gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts. Some people “sandwich” the serum between light moisturizer layers to buffer potential irritation.

🎯 What It’s Good For — Ideal Use Cases & Skin Types

This serum works especially well for:

Skin showing early signs of aging — fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dullness.

Skin that’s uneven, dull, or has texture irregularities — retinal plus ginseng helps improve smoothness and tone.

People wanting firmer, more radiant, youthful-looking skin, with better elasticity and glow.

It’s reportedly suitable for all skin types — including normal, dry, oily, combination, and even sensitive skin (though with caution due to the retinal).

Because of its “encapsulated retinal + barrier-friendly formula,” many find it more tolerable than traditional retinoids — a good candidate if you want retinoid-level results but are cautious about irritation.

✅ Pros & What Users / Sources Highlight — Strengths

Promotes cell renewal, smooth skin texture, and anti-aging (wrinkle / fine-line reduction).

Enhances firmness and elasticity, giving skin a more youthful bounce — thanks to ginseng + peptides

Helps even out skin tone, brighten dullness, and improve skin radiance.

Lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture — layers well under moisturizer and suitable even in humid climates.

Because of encapsulation and barrier-supporting ingredients, it’s often more tolerable than raw retinoids — which makes it a reasonable choice even for sensitive or new-to-retinoid users.

⚠️ Considerations & What to Watch Out For

Retinal still increases photosensitivity: you must use sunscreen daily when using this serum.

If you have very sensitive skin, start with low frequency (2–3× per week) and possibly sandwich between moisturizers to minimize irritation.

Avoid layering it the same night with other strong actives (strong acids, exfoliants, other retinoids) — that can over-stimulate or irritate the skin.

It may take a few weeks of consistent use to see noticeable results (smoother skin, improved tone, reduced fine lines). Patience matters.

🌙 My Suggestion: How to Add It to Your Routine (Especially in Tropical/Humid Climate like Lagos)

Use it only at night (after cleansing & toning, before moisturizer).

Start with 2–3 nights per week (especially first few weeks).

Always follow with moisturizer. On nights you don’t use it, you can do gentle hydrating/soothing routine.

On daytime after using it: sunscreen every day — non-negotiable.

Pair with simple, gentle cleanser & moisturizer (avoid over-exfoliating or layering many strong actives).

Be patient: improvements in firmness, glow, tone usually show after 4–8 weeks of consistent use.