Retinal & Retinol

It comes down to how many steps it takes to become active in your skin. Your skin needs to convert Vitamin A into retinoic acid to use it.

• Retinol (found in Stargaze) takes two conversion steps to become active. It’s a slower, gentler process, making it ideal for beginners or very sensitive skin.
• Retinaldehyde (found in Moonlight) takes just one step. It’s estimated to be up to 11x faster-acting than traditional retinol. We chose it for Moonlight to give you pro-level results without the prescription-level irritation.

Retinoids have a reputation for being a bit "spicy," but we formulated ours to be kind. Both Moonlight and Stargaze are buffered with nourishing ingredients like Niacinamide, Squalane, and Hyaluronic Acid to counteract dryness. While some minor adjustment is normal, you shouldn't experience the intense shedding associated with old-school retinoids. If you do notice dryness, try the "sandwich method": apply a light layer of moisturizer, then your retinoid, then moisturizer again.

Yes, and they actually make a fantastic team—just not at the same time. We recommend a "divide and conquer" approach: apply Glow Maker in the morning to protect against environmental stressors, and apply Moonlight or Stargaze at night to support repair and cell turnover.

f you are new to retinoids, the mantra is "low and slow." Start by applying it 2–3 nights a week. See how your skin reacts. If everything feels good after two weeks, you can gradually increase frequency to every other night, and eventually every night if your skin tolerates it. Consistency matters more than intensity.

"Purging" is a temporary phase where you might see a few more breakouts when starting a retinoid. Because retinoids speed up cell turnover, they bring congestion from deep inside the pore to the surface faster than usual. It typically clears up within 4–6 weeks, revealing clearer, smoother skin underneath. It’s annoying, but it’s actually a sign the product is working.

We recommend proceeding with caution. Both retinoids and acids (like Glycolic or Salicylic acid) exfoliate the skin. Using them together in the same routine can be too much for the skin barrier, leading to redness or stinging. A safer bet is to alternate nights (skin cycling) or use acids in the morning and retinoids at night.

Retinoids play the long game. You might notice smoother texture and better tone within the first 4 weeks, but the structural benefits—like reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles—typically take 12 weeks of steady use. Stick with it; it’s worth the wait.

Yes, non-negotiable! Retinoids work by revealing fresh, new skin cells, which are a bit shy and more susceptible to UV damage. Even if you wash your face in the morning, your skin remains more sensitive to the sun. Always finish your morning routine with SPF 30+ (like our Sun Protector) to protect your progress.

We recommend pressing pause on retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While topical absorption is low, doctors generally advise against Vitamin A derivatives during this time. We suggest switching to our Peptide Squad or NIA 10 Niacinamide Serum as pregnancy-safe alternatives to maintain your glow until you're ready to switch back.

Retinoids belong in your evening routine.

• Step 1: Cleanse your face.
• Step 2: Apply Moonlight or Stargaze to dry skin. (Applying to damp skin can increase penetration and potential irritation).
• Step 3: Follow with a moisturizer (like The Hydro Relief or Night Renewer) to lock in hydration.

If your skin tends to be reactive, start with Stargaze. It uses an encapsulated retinol system that releases slowly over time to minimize irritation. Once your skin has adjusted and you’ve finished the bottle, you can decide if you want to graduate to the stronger Moonlight formula.