Retinol: what it is in skincare
⚡ Quick answer: A vitamin A active that helps smooth texture and supports the look of firmer, more even skin.
A vitamin A active that helps smooth texture and supports the look of firmer, more even skin.
What it does
Function: retinoid (vitamin A). Retinoids support skin renewal and the look of firmness over time. Introduce slowly at night and always pair with daytime SPF.
Heads-up flags
- pregnancy-caution
- sun-sensitizing
- sensitive-skin-caution
How to spot it on a label
On a Korean product's INCI list, look for Retinol. Ingredients are listed high-to-low by amount, so its position hints at how much is in the formula. See all retinoids & alternatives →
Explore the full K-beauty hub →✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed 2026-06-21.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.