Common Heir 0.2% Retinol Serum: Short Review
Key actives:
Retinyl Linoleate (retinol derivative): a weak ester form of retinol that requires multiple conversions in your skin before becoming active retinoic acid. This means less irritation but also significantly slower and milder results for texture, fine lines, and discoloration. Don't confuse this with 0.2% pure retinol, it's much weaker.
Common Heir 0.2% Retinol Serum
This gentle retinol alternative uses retinyl linoleate to promote cell turnover and texture refinement with minimal irritation. The squalane-heavy base helps buffer potential dryness, making this approachable for retinoid beginners or reactive skin.
What is really does is provides emollient, barrier-supportive, antioxidant-rich moisture through oils and esters, anti-aging benefits over a prolonged period of time. It does not offer significant exfoliation, acne treatment, or pigmentation correction.
Who should use
Those with dry to combination skin or barrier-compromised skin, who are completely new to retinoids and want to test the waters without risking irritation. Those seeking needing moisture and antioxidant support will find this product a good addition to their routine.
Who shouldn't use
Anyone dealing with moderate to severe acne, significant photoaging, deep wrinkles, or stubborn hyperpigmentation. You'll need actual retinol (0.25-1%) for meaningful results.
Red Flags
None, really. There are no essential oils, artificial fragrance, or drying alcohols.
Supporting ingredients worth noting:
Squalane: emollient and skin-identical lipid that deeply moisturizes and supports barrier function, helps counteract the drying effects that retinoids typically cause. Non-comedogenic and suitable for most skin types.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil: Emollient oil rich in linoleic acid; helps soften and moisturize skin.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed) Oil: Lightweight oil high in linoleic acid and polyphenols; supports barrier health and antioxidant protection.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Antioxidant that protects and calms skin during cell turnover.
Ubiquinone (CoQ10): Antioxidant; supports collagen and protects against oxidative stress. More effective in lipid environments, so well-placed here,though benefits are modest unless highly concentrated.