"Simply the most advanced and effective non-prescription retinol serum on the market."
- Dr. M. Itkonen, USC Cosm. Dermatology.
The most effective and gentle, renewing molecule on Earth
Captured in a bottle for the first time ever.
Retinal (with an "a") is the precursor to retinoic acid - the prescription form of retinol and the only form of retinol your skin can actually use to boost its renewing activity. Every form of retinol needs to be converted into retinoic acid by your skin before it can be put to use. However 90% of retinol serums on the market use forms of retinol that are too difficult for your skin to convert.
Smoother & youthful-looking skin
Fills in wrinkles & fine lines
Fades dark spots and boosts collagen
Don't take our word for it
★★★★★Holy grail of retinoids for sensitive skin This is the only retinol that I've been able to use without a single side effect. I'm actually impressed that it's been living up to all the promises.
Julie C.![]()
★★★★★No Irritation. I've been using retinols for years, and this one doesn't cause any irritation, peeling, or dryness. I use it nightly with ease. It absorbs easily and quickly, and I follow it with the moisturizer. I have oily skin, and I recommend this for anyone else who does also. I really appreciate the thoughtful packaging. I hate to see skin care go to waste from expiring, so it's good to know I can get full use out of this product.
Julia J.![]()
★★★★★OMG This by far has made more difference in my skin than any other product. It’s non irritating which is a HUGE plus and it delivers! I’m on my 3rd bottle and I recommend it to women of all ages, go get it!
Jackie L.![]()
★★★★★Superior retinol!
I’m on my 3rd bottle of this product— I never write reviews but I’m a huge fan of this retinol! As a licensed esthetician, I understand the great importance of this ingredient in a balanced regimen and have tried MANY products, often with high price-points. This is the best BY FAR. I experienced no “purge,” no sensitivity, and almost immediate results. This retinol is the unsung hero of the market. If you’ve have negative experiences with retinol in the past, don’t give up until you’ve tried this one. 🙏🏻Julia B.![]()
★★★★★First time retinol user. My wife gave me an order of the Retinol Serum for my birthday. Prior to the gift I had never even heard of Retinol. I have been using it daily for about a month now and I have noticed a dramatic difference in my skin. I'm 47 years old and my skin looks great. The serum has evened out my complexion and my face has never felt to good.
MD![]()
★★★★★It's simply AMAZING!
This Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum product is something really special and extremely effective, so I can see the result on my skin is very obvious: younger, smoother more hydrated skin I ever had...
Thanks guys for this creation!Galina G.![]()
★★★★★I have been using this retinol for 6 months and it is truly incredible. This is not the first retinol serum I have used, but this is by far the best. You can see a reduction in fine lines within a week of use. This is truly a “holy grail” product for me!
Ashley J.![]()
★★★★★I just ordered my 3rd bottle, your Retinol product is bar none - the BEST I have ever used. I have used Prescription topicals, alleged “miracle” products..... Protocol delivers, from the first time I used it. I’m 64, almost 65 - and my fine lines and wrinkles, especially around my mouth have been significantly diminished. One of my neighbors, who is a big fan of injectables asked me which Dermatologist “did me”! Rude interpretations aside - I hope you continue to produce your truly breakthrough Protocol products - amazing results. Thank you!
Judy![]()
★★★★★Wow! This is by far the best retinol I have ever used. No drying and my skin is glowing. I am 58 years old and my wrinkles are starting to disappear.
Joanne B.![]()
clinically measured
Pure, renewing power
There are A LOT of ingredients that can technically be called "retinol" in skincare products (retinyl palmitate, hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinaldehyde, retinol retinoate,...and on and on).
However, only one form has been clinically measured to reduce wrinkle depth within weeks...and without drying or irritation. This form, which we call Enzyme-Active Retinol (more commonly known as "retinal" with an "a"), is the form that is naturally created by your skin when you apply regular retinol (Vitamin A) to it. By applying this super-bioavailable form directly, you save your skin the irritation of converting it and instead get just pure, renewing power.
Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum
92% see improvements to their skin's smoothness and/or evenness within 14 days.
LITTLE ORANGE INGREDIENT FORTRESS
100% oxygen and UV-free environment
This form of retinol is extremely fragile and needs to be made and bottled in a 100% oxygen and UV-free environment. Protocol's lab team uses patented containment technology that was designed for the nuclear and aerospace industry to ensure each serum is made without exposure to a single oxygen molecule or ray of light.
The secret that brings it all together though, is what we call our Little Orange Ingredient Fortress.
Our clinical-grade, totally airless and UV-proof bottle that's built like the space shuttle to protect our advanced and fragile ingredients. The quality of product it delivers will be apparent from the first pump.
complexion tone & evenness
Visible improvements guaranteed in 60 days
Clients typically notice improvements to complexion tone and evenness almost immediately. Fine lines such as crow's feet are often visibly reduced or completely reversed within weeks of use, while deeper wrinkles such as those on the forehead may require ongoing treatment. We recommend using the 60-day regimen continuously, but using 2-3 times per year will also maintain baseline results.
As with all topical products, we recommend all women who are pregnant or nursing speak with their physician before purchasing.
Set your beauty goals
Measure & celebrate your progress
Clients are encouraged to document their skin's progress using the Setlist App.
