The Gold Standard for Retinal Beginners
A retinal serum that delivers superior hydration and thoughtful care for all skin types. The generous 150ml volume makes it perfect for use on both the face and body. It offers a level of value and satisfaction that is simply unmatched by most skin boosters.
PROS
- Unscented with zero chemical smell
- Gentle enough for daily use with no adjustment period
- Reduces breakouts and fades acne scars
- Hydrates deeply without the usual retinal dryness
- MFDS-certified for both brightening and anti-wrinkle
- Non-comedogenic formula
CONS
- None
At a Glance
- Made by Meditherapy
- Product Dimension: 17.6cm x 4.2cm
- 150ml / 5.07fl oz.
- MFDS-certified brightening and anti-wrinklel functional cosmetic
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist Tested
- Unscented
Packaging & Design
The Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster Serum arrives in a compact white box about the size of a hand span. It is a sleek, dark pump bottle designed to minimize light exposure. Measuring 17.6cm tall and 4.2cm in diameter, its slim profile ensures a comfortable, one-handed grip for easy use.
The bottle is very dark, making the contents barely visible even against backlighting. The pump mechanism works flawlessly, which makes it easy to use every last drop without any issues. The only downside to the packaging is the poorly applied label, which is riddled with air bubbles and looks quite messy.
In terms of packaging, the outer box features a minimalist design with ingredients, usage instructions, and precautions provided in both Korean and English. The bottle itself also includes directions and safety warnings in English. For environmental sustainability, the packaging is made from FSC-certified eco-friendly paper and printed with soy ink.
Texture & Consistency
The serum has a yellow-milky hue and a creamy consistency that applies beautifully. It holds its shape on the back of your hand without being runny, but the moment you blend it out, the texture thins out rapidly for a refreshing, lightweight feel.
It gives the skin a soft glow and sinks in so quickly that you can move straight to your moisturizer within seconds. The finish is clean and fresh, with minute stickiness. What we loved about this product is that while many fragrance-free products carry a faint chemical scent, this one is truly odorless. Everything about the application feels extraordinary.
After waiting 10 minutes post-application on the back of the hand, a blotting paper test showed no oil residue, confirming a clean, grease-free finish. Both oily and dry skin testers agreed that the serum provides the perfect level of hydration to be used as a standalone product during the summer.
Ingredients
See full list of ingredients
Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Polyglycerin-3, Niacinamide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylic Acid/MA Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Xanthan Gum, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Tromethamine, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Tocopherol, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Retinal, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Potentilla Anserina Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Polyquaternium-51, Cynara Scolymus (Artichoke) Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Beta-Glucan, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Canola Oil, Myristyl Alcohol, PCA, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobionic Acid, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Beta-Carotene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Sucrose Distearate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
The Meditherapy Retinal Serum focuses on brightening and anti-wrinkle benefits, formulated with a potent blend of Vitamins A, C, E, and retinal. It also includes niacinamide for a clearer complexion and a mix of ceramides, cholesterol, and beta-glucan to lock in intense hydration.
This serum contains 0.01% retinal. Retinal is widely considered a ‘superior version’ of retinol because it acts faster and more effectively on the skin. It delivers quicker, more powerful results in improving wrinkles, elasticity, texture, and tone, all while being gentler on the skin. Although the concentration may seem low, it is the ideal dosage for beginners or those looking for a gentle, casual addition to their routine
This biome-based formula uses fermented Centella Asiatica to strengthen the skin barrier and promote deeper absorption. It’s packed with various soothing and anti-inflammatory extracts that effectively reduce sensitivity too. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance product that remains gentle on sensitive skin.
When using retinol or retinal, your skin needs an adjustment period. It is essential to gradually introduce the product into your routine. The brand recommends starting with 2–3 evening applications per week during the first week, then slowly increasing to every other day, and eventually to daily use as your skin builds tolerance.
Performance
Meditherapy’s serum is famous for tackling acne, dullness, excess oil, and dryness, so we put those claims to the test. Interestingly, though retinal usually requires a slow start, all our testers used it every single night from day one. Even without a ‘break-in’ period, no one experienced any sensitivity. It’s an incredibly mild formula that delivers results without the usual irritation.
On Acne & Discoloration
The serum offers significant benefits for acne-prone skin. It is a non-comedogenic certified product; the combination of retinal and Centella Asiatica minimizes irritation while effectively improving the overall skin environment.
A one-month observation of an adult acne tester showed a significant reduction in breakout frequency and a noticeable improvement in acne scars, resulting in a more even skin tone. The tester’s routine involved nightly use after cleansing and a toner, followed by a thin layer of additional moisturizer only on extra dry areas
The tester noted that the serum was exceptionally comfortable to wear, with no irritation except for a slight, tolerable sting when applied directly to open wounds or freshly extracted acne.
In terms of results, shallow acne marks showed significant improvement within a week. While deeper post-acne hyperpigmentation was still present until the three-week mark, there was a noticeable fading and overall improvement in skin clarity before then.
We’ve seen people using this for dark spots on elbows, heels, and underarms, but our take is that it’s not particularly effective unless that darkness comes from rough patches. If you’re looking to brighten those areas for other reasons, this product might not be the solution you’re looking for.
On Dry Skin
Retinal products typically accelerate the skin’s turnover cycle, which often causes temporary dryness. However, this serum proved to be exceptionally hydrating, even for those with dry skin types.
We found that applying it right after washing the face not only helps other skincare products sink in better, but the mositurization is actually on par with most gel creams. You can even eliminate your cream during moderately dry days if layered twice.
We weren’t expecting miracles like shrunk pores or a plumping effect since the retinal percentage is low. But I was personally surprised! During use my pores didn’t look ‘tired’ or stretched out from dehydration, making my skin feel much healthier, firmer and full of life.
On Oily Skin
An oily-skin tester used this for over a month and felt that while it didn’t do much for oil control, it was still a huge win. They highly praised the formula for being lightweight and non-greasy while providing excellent hydration, making it an ideal standalone moisturizer for acne-prone oily skin. Most importantly, the visible improvement in active breakouts and acne scarring made it a highly satisfying product for their skin type.
Value for Money
The Meditherapy Retinal Serum is a truly impressive product that delivers more than double the value of its price tag. The 150ml volume is super generous, and because it spreads so beautifully, it lasts a long time. Our tests showed that you can get at least two months of daily use out of one bottle. It’s rare to find a product that offers such definite benefits for all skin types, making it a ‘no-brainer’ purchase that left us all beyond satisfied.
Who Is It For?
The Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster is great for all, but it’s especially perfect for you if:
- You want the results of retinol but find high-strength products too harsh.
- You’re a first-time user of retinol and retinal products.
- You’re struggling with adult breakouts.
- Those who are hesitant about the typical retinol ‘adjustment period.’
- Sensitive skin types seeking to improve skin tone and texture without irritation.
Our Verdict: Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster Serum
The Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster possesses every virtue a retinal product should have. It’s gentle enough for daily use without an adjustment period, offers hydration instead of dryness, and delivers clear results in improving adult acne and hyperpigmentation. Add the excellent value of a generous 150ml volume that lasts over two months, and you have a truly superior product.
The 0.01% retinal concentration isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. This product provides tangible results without the commitment or irritation, making it suitable for beginners, and offering high value to all all skin types, including sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin types.
