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Rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on 191 reviews
Rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on 191 reviews

Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum & Free Gift

60-day treatment, 30ml/1oz

  • Rapidly smoothes skin texture and fades wrinkles (usually within 7 days)
  • Clarifies complexion, shrinks pores and controls oil (in 2-3 weeks)
  • Adds bright, healthy glow to dull skin (almost immediately)

Clinically proven more effective than a $3,000 chemical peel.* Results guaranteed with proper application.

**LIMITED Lab Promotion**

Choose your FREE 60-day treatment product with purchase of our award winning serum:

Limited offer: Choose your free 60-day treatment product
Sale Price: $88.00
  • Lab-made batch, ready to ship

Formulation and active ingredient found to be more effective at correcting wrinkles and dark spots than a $5,000 glycolic acid chemical peel applied in a clinical setting.

Key Active: 0.1% retinal, the enzyme-calibrated form of retinol. (i.e., naturally-occuring retinaldehyde)

All Protocol products are vegan, cruelty free, FDA health-safe and 100% recyclable through our Emptiez Recycling Program.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Niacinamide, Cyclodextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Gluconolactone, Carnitine (L), Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Enzyme-Active Retinol/ Retinal, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Bisabolol (L-alpha), Tocopheryl Acetate (D-alpha), Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Sodium Lactate, Lecithin, Ethanol, Pentylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate

Apply one pump at night after cleansing or rinsing with water while skin is still damp. Beginning users should wait a few minutes or until dry before following up with evening moisturizer. Advanced users can wait up to 30 minutes before applying moisturizer to maximize potency. This product is compatible with other toners or actives, however, as a general practice our lab team recommends a simple cleanser, active, moisturizer routine for all skin types. Our clients often find that this serum allows them to remove several steps from their routine with better results.

For further details, don't forget to check out our blog.

Don't take our word for it

★★★★★

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.

Katelynn R.
★★★★★

I've used Protocol's retinol for two years with great results. My skin has looked amazing and healthy. Just to switch things up, I decided to give Tretinoin a try. I used Tretinoin prescribed by my dermatologist for 6 months and went through the expected purging stage followed by the glowing -skin stage. However, even after the purging stage, my skin just wasn't nearly as good as it had been while using the Protocol's retinol. I stopped Tretinoin and used the Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum for two nights and to my complete shock (by the speed and the difference in my skin), my skin went right back to being as smooth, hydrated, and dewy as it was pre-Tretinoin. I'm convinced - this is the ONLY retinol!

Joanne B.
★★★★★

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. 🙏🏻

Kevin G.
★★★★★

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
92%

See improvements to their skin's smoothness and/or evenness within 14 days.

100%

Visible improvements in 60 days guaranteed

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.

Protocol Skincare Retinol Serum Airless Pump Technology
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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Most people can use retinol every day! However, everyone's skin is different. If you have never used retinol before you may choose to ease into use by only applying every other day before transition to daily application. You can also mix it with your moisturizer the first few weeks in order to reduce the absorption rate. Once you are ready, we recommend applying retinol at night, letting it sit for 5 to 30 minutes do allow for absorption and then applying a hydrating moisturizer.

Retinol acts like a super nutrient for your skin cells. It's boosts dozens of important renewing processes in your skin to visibly fill in wrinkles and fine lines, fade dark spots and encourage natural collagen production. Overall, you'll see smoother, more even and youthful-looking skin! Our Enzyme-Active Retinol Serum includes the only form of retinol that is clinically measured to reduce wrinkle depth within 14 days, without irritating your skin.

Different age groups use retinol for different purposes. Younger clients or clients who still struggle with breakouts use retinol for breakout-control and skin clarifying. Clients who are seeing signs of aging (at any age) use retinol to reverse signs of aging as well as to prevent aging signs from forming! If you see no visible signs of aging, we recommend to focus on daily application of Vitamin C Serum and once-annual application of retinol. After your first visible signs of aging, we recommend daily use of retinol as well.