The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster (15ml)

• Use in the evening only, after cleansing and toner.
• Apply 1 to 2 pumps to dry skin.
• Avoid the eyes, lips and corners of the nose.
• Start on 2 or 3 nights a week and increase slowly.
• Follow with moisturiser; wear sunscreen every morning.
• Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice.
• Patch test first: a prickling feel is expected.

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Diisostearyl Malate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Panthenol, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Lecithin, Carbomer, Arginine, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Retinal, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Lactate, Hydrolyzed Sponge, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Ascorbic Acid, Glucose, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Good to know

• Contains retinal (vitamin A): introduce slowly and wear SPF daily
• Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice
• Contains hydrolyzed sponge (animal-derived spicules)
• No fragrance or essential oils in the listed ingredients

Is 0.1% retinal strong?

For an over-the-counter retinal skincare product, 0.1% is a substantial concentration and isn't where we'd automatically start someone who has never used a retinoid before.

It's better suited to someone who already knows their skin tolerates vitamin A and wants to progress their routine.

Is retinal stronger than retinol?

Retinol and retinal both ultimately need to be converted by the skin into retinoic acid.

Retinol requires two conversion steps:

Retinol → Retinal → Retinoic Acid

Retinal requires one:

Retinal → Retinoic Acid

That is one reason retinal has become such an interesting cosmetic vitamin A option.

But concentration, formulation and your own skin tolerance matter too — so don't choose a product simply because one ingredient sounds “stronger”.

Why does this product tingle?

CELIMAX uses its A-Shot™ microparticle technology alongside retinal.

A light prickling sensation may therefore be noticeable when you apply it.

What we wouldn't do is use tingling as your measure of whether the product is working. More sensation doesn't mean better results.

If it becomes painful, causes significant burning or leaves your skin persistently irritated, stop using it.

Can I use it every night?

Eventually, perhaps — but you don't need to.

Start at 1–2 nights per week and increase according to your skin's response.

Three or four comfortable retinal nights each week are far more useful than seven nights followed by a damaged barrier and two weeks of stopping everything.

Can I use it with Vitamin C?

You don't necessarily need to choose between the two.

A simple way to separate potentially irritating actives is:

AM: Vitamin C + moisturiser + SPF
PM: Retinal + moisturiser

If your skin is sensitive, introduce one active at a time so you can tell what your skin actually tolerates.

Can I use it with niacinamide?

Generally, yes.

Niacinamide doesn't need to be avoided simply because you're using retinal and can work well in a barrier-conscious routine.

If your niacinamide serum is very strong or your skin is reactive, however, keeping your first few retinal nights minimal can still be sensible.

Can I use AHA or BHA with it?

We wouldn't recommend deliberately combining a strong exfoliating acid and this retinal booster during the same evening, particularly while you're introducing it.

Alternate nights instead.

For example:

Monday — Retinal
Tuesday — Recovery/hydration
Wednesday — Exfoliant
Thursday — Recovery/hydration
Friday — Retinal

Your skin doesn't need every active every day.

What is Matrixyl 3000?

Matrixyl 3000 is a peptide complex containing Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.

Here it complements retinal rather than replacing it, making the formula particularly focused on smoother and firmer-looking skin.

When should I expect results?

Retinal isn't an overnight transformation product.

You may notice changes in how smooth or refined your skin looks sooner, but concerns such as fine lines and firmness require consistent use over time.

Judge a retinoid routine in months rather than after a few applications.

And don't increase the frequency just to try to make it work faster — irritation can set your progress back considerably.