SkinBetterScience AlphaRet Clearing Serum
SkinBetterScience AlphaRet Clearing Serum

SkinBetterScience AlphaRet Clearing Serum

£142.00

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This serum is a potent combination of Skin Better’s patented retinoid (AlphaRet) with the addition of salicylic acid. It has been designed specifically for acne prone skin with salicylic acid being the hero ingredient breaking down excess sebum, blackheads and reducing inflammation whilst the AlphaRet increases skin cell turnover and helps to regulate sebum production.

Who is this for?

Perfect for:

  • Acne
  • Enlarged Pores
  • Blackheads

Helps with:

  • Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
  • Enlarged Pores

Not great for:

  • Rosacea
  • Sensitive Skin

What makes it special?

I have a rigorous process for all products that make it into The Curatory, not just in terms of the individual ingredients but also the formulations and how they work for my patients in the real world outside of a laboratory. With a more expensive product like this I have to be even more sure that it offers value for the price that you pay and that it offers something that products at a lower price point aren’t able to achieve.

Skin Better Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum hits the mark in this respect - you have the potent patented retinoid (AlphaRet) which delivers powerful results with fewer side effects compared to traditional retinoids AND acne fighting, anti-inflammatory salicylic acid all rolled into a single, beautifully formulated product. 

There are simply too many hero ingredients to list here but have a look at the star players below.

— Dr Max Greenfield

Key ingredients

AlphaRet® is a proprietary ingredient that combines a retinoid with an alpha hydroxy acid in a single molecule. Small clinical studies, largely manufacturer-sponsored, suggest it can improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture and pigmentation while being better tolerated than traditional retinoids. As with other vitamin A–based ingredients, results are gradual and depend on consistent use. Independent large-scale trials are limited, so while early data is promising, it should be viewed as an advanced cosmetic retinoid rather than a prescription-strength treatment.

Salicylic acid is a betahydroxy acid (BHA) that has a number of benefits, particularly for acne-prone skin. Its most well studied benefit is as a chemical exfoliant, particularly when with a lower pH. This increases how quickly skin cells turnover, bringing healthy skin cells to the surface. It’s also a hydrophobic or oil-loving molecule so helps to break down excess sebum and unclog the oxidised sebum trapped in pores (black heads). If that weren’t enough, salicylic acid is also anti-inflammatory and helps to calm redness associated with acne.

Niacinamide is a jack of all trades ingredient. Most of its evidence base is for improving pigmentation but also acts as an anti-oxidant ingredient helping to reduce redness and inflammation as well as supporting skin barrier function.

Hyaluronic Acid is a moisturising ingredient that helps boost hydration in the skin when combined with other moisturising agents. It falls into the category of humectant moisturisers that draw water into the upper layers of the skin. Works best when combined with emollient and occlusive moisturisers.

Zinc PCA combines zinc with a component of the skin’s natural moisturising factors (PCA), allowing it to help regulate excess oil while maintaining hydration. There is moderate evidence, including small clinical studies, suggesting it can help reduce sebum levels and support acne-prone skin. Laboratory data also supports its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is generally well tolerated and commonly used in formulations designed to balance oily skin without causing dryness.

Aqua/Water, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Sorbitan Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, PPG-3 Isostearyl Methyl Ether, Glycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Steareth-2, Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate, Salicylic Acid, Oligopeptide-10, Sodium Hyaluronate, Decylene Glycol, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Bisabolol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Honey Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Disodium EDTA, Pullulan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate.

How to use

Gently remove make up with a micellar water or oil/balm cleanser

Cleanse - this will be your second cleanse if wearing makeup 

Tone - optional step if you want to introduce additional actives into your routine

SkinBetterScience AlphaRet Clearing Serum

Moisturise 

Application Instructions

As with all products containing retinoids the key is consistency and starting off too quickly can lead to more irritation than expected and stop you wanting to use the product. Although the AlphaRet in this product is very well tolerated compared to prescription retinoids, it’s still worth starting three times a week in the evening only.

This product is quite thin so should be applied early in your routine, after cleansing and any other very thin products like toners for example. Apply two pumps of product onto a finger and gently massage into your face or any other affected areas. This formulation isn’t designed for the delicate eye area so avoid using too close to the eye.

It’s quite normal for the product to feel a little warm and tingly after application - this is the salicylic acid. You may also notice some mild redness and even slight peeling after a few days of application - this is the AlphaRet. If you do experience this then keep going at the same frequency and slowly increase to every other day after four weeks. After another 4 weeks you can build up to using it every evening. If you can only get to every other night then this is still great and you’ll still benefit from the active ingredients.

As this product contains a retinoid and salicylic acid, it’s not appropriate for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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