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

Celimax

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

  • £18.00
Celimax The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster is a 15 ml evening treatment with retinal (0.1%, as Celimax state), Matrixyl 3000 peptides, niacinamide and panthenol. It targets the look of fine lines, rough texture and loss of firmness. What it doesRetinal is a form of vitamin A one step closer to its active form than retinol; it encourages skin renewal for smoother texture. Peptides support firmer-looking skin, and niacinamide and panthenol keep it comfortable. Tiny spicules (hydrolyzed sponge) are part of what Celimax call A-Shot, which they say is designed to help the actives absorb; they are also why you feel a light prickling. Why we chose itWe chose it as a step up for people already comfortable with a gentle retinal, such as Purito TXA 6% + Niacinamide 10% + Retinal Serum: the retinal is the reason to buy it, with peptides and niacinamide in a supporting role. Best forThe look of fine lines and loss of firmnessRough or uneven-looking textureExperienced retinoid users ready for a stronger retinalAn evening anti-ageing stepNot ideal ifYou are new to vitamin A or your skin is sensitive: start with Purito TXA 6% + Niacinamide 10% + Retinal SerumYou are pregnant or breastfeeding: retinoids are not recommended without advice from a doctor or pharmacistYou dislike a tingling feel: the spicules cause a light pricklingKey ingredientsRetinal (0.1%, as Celimax state): smoother-looking texture and the look of fine linesPalmitoyl tripeptide-1 and tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl 3000): firmer-looking skinNiacinamide: helps even tone and supports the barrierPanthenol: comfort and hydrationHydrolyzed sponge: spicules that cause the prickling feelTexture and finishA light, creamy serum. The prickling should settle; if it burns or redness stays, stop. Where it goes in your routineEvenings only, after toner, before moisturiser. Apply a small amount to dry skin, avoiding the eyes and lips. Start every other night for the first two weeks, as Celimax suggest, and only move towards nightly use once your skin is comfortable. Skip other retinoids, AHA or BHA, benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C that night. Wear sunscreen every morning. What to expectSome dryness is common at first. Any change in texture, fine lines or firmness is gradual and depends on steady use and daily sunscreen. Good to knowHydrolyzed sponge is animal-derived. Quick facts: 15 ml · 0.1% retinal (Celimax) · Spicule formula, expect tingling · PM only · Celimax, made in Korea
Read more
  • Brand-stated 0.1% retinal plus Matrixyl 3000
  • For fine lines, texture and firmness
  • Spicule formula: expect light tingling
  • Evenings only; introduce slowly
Helps with
Fine linesLoss of firmnessUneven textureDullness
Best for
NormalDryOilyCombination

Currently out of stock

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Celimax The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster is a 15 ml evening treatment with retinal (0.1%, as Celimax state), Matrixyl 3000 peptides, niacinamide and panthenol. It targets the look of fine lines, rough texture and loss of firmness.

What it does

Retinal is a form of vitamin A one step closer to its active form than retinol; it encourages skin renewal for smoother texture. Peptides support firmer-looking skin, and niacinamide and panthenol keep it comfortable. Tiny spicules (hydrolyzed sponge) are part of what Celimax call A-Shot, which they say is designed to help the actives absorb; they are also why you feel a light prickling.

Why we chose it

We chose it as a step up for people already comfortable with a gentle retinal, such as Purito TXA 6% + Niacinamide 10% + Retinal Serum: the retinal is the reason to buy it, with peptides and niacinamide in a supporting role.

Best for

  • The look of fine lines and loss of firmness
  • Rough or uneven-looking texture
  • Experienced retinoid users ready for a stronger retinal
  • An evening anti-ageing step

Not ideal if

  • You are new to vitamin A or your skin is sensitive: start with Purito TXA 6% + Niacinamide 10% + Retinal Serum
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding: retinoids are not recommended without advice from a doctor or pharmacist
  • You dislike a tingling feel: the spicules cause a light prickling

Key ingredients

  • Retinal (0.1%, as Celimax state): smoother-looking texture and the look of fine lines
  • Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl 3000): firmer-looking skin
  • Niacinamide: helps even tone and supports the barrier
  • Panthenol: comfort and hydration
  • Hydrolyzed sponge: spicules that cause the prickling feel

Texture and finish

A light, creamy serum. The prickling should settle; if it burns or redness stays, stop.

Where it goes in your routine

Evenings only, after toner, before moisturiser. Apply a small amount to dry skin, avoiding the eyes and lips. Start every other night for the first two weeks, as Celimax suggest, and only move towards nightly use once your skin is comfortable. Skip other retinoids, AHA or BHA, benzoyl peroxide and vitamin C that night. Wear sunscreen every morning.

What to expect

Some dryness is common at first. Any change in texture, fine lines or firmness is gradual and depends on steady use and daily sunscreen.

Good to know

Hydrolyzed sponge is animal-derived.

Quick facts: 15 ml · 0.1% retinal (Celimax) · Spicule formula, expect tingling · PM only · Celimax, made in Korea

  • Evenings only, after cleansing and toner, on dry skin.
  • Apply a small amount, avoiding the eyes, lips and corners of the nose.
  • Start every other night for the first two weeks, as Celimax suggest. If irritation occurs, use less and less often.
  • Don't use other retinoids, AHA or BHA, or benzoyl peroxide on the same night.
  • Follow with moisturiser, and wear sunscreen every morning.
  • Patch test first: light prickling is expected, burning is not. Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice.

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?

Celimax state 0.1% retinal. For an over-the-counter retinal product that is a substantial amount, and it isn't where we would start someone who has never used vitamin A. If that is you, begin with Purito TXA 6% + Niacinamide 10% + Retinal Serum.

Is retinal stronger than retinol?

Retinol needs two conversion steps in the skin to reach retinoic acid; retinal needs one. That is one reason retinal is a popular cosmetic vitamin A option. Concentration, formula and your own tolerance matter just as much, so don't choose on the ingredient name alone.

Why does it tingle?

Celimax combine the retinal with their A-Shot micro-particles, so a light prickling is normal. Don't use tingling as a sign it is working: more sensation does not mean better results. Stop if it becomes painful, burns or leaves your skin irritated.

How often can I use it?

Celimax suggest every other night for the first two weeks, then nightly once your skin has adjusted. You don't have to go nightly: a few comfortable nights a week are more useful than nightly use that leaves your skin irritated.

Can I use it with vitamin C, niacinamide or exfoliating acids?

Keep vitamin C for the morning and this for the evening. Niacinamide is generally fine alongside it, and there is already some in the formula. Put AHA or BHA exfoliants on different nights, especially while you are introducing it.

Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Retinoids are not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding without advice from a doctor or pharmacist, so check before using it.

UK Delivery

Orders under £25
Shipping: £2.99
Service: Royal Mail Tracked 48

Orders £25 and over
Shipping: FREE
Service: Royal Mail Tracked 24

Dispatch & Delivery Times

  • Orders placed before 1pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same working day.
  • Orders placed after 1:00 PM are dispatched the next working day.
  • Royal Mail Tracked 48 typically delivers within 2 working days.
  • Royal Mail Tracked 24 aims for next working day delivery.

So for orders £25 and over placed before 1pm on a working day:

Order before 1pm → dispatched same day → Royal Mail Tracked 24 aims to deliver the next working day.

Please note that delivery times are estimates and may occasionally vary during busy periods, bank holidays or due to Royal Mail delays.

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

£18.00