Innisfree

Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule

For blemish-prone, textured, or easily irritated skin.

The daily serum at the heart of Innisfree's Retinol Cica line — a lightweight, hydrating ampoule that pairs gentle retinol with a generous dose of cica to handle blemishes, texture, and post-acne marks without setting off sensitive skin. It's specifically formulated as a "first retinol" you can actually live with: the retinol works on cell turnover to refine texture, fade marks, and soften fine lines, while a high dose of centella asiatica (and its soothing TECA actives) calms any reactivity the retinoid might cause. Liposome technology helps the actives absorb better, so the low concentration still does real work over time.

The texture is the part people appreciate — a lightweight, emollient serum that hydrates rather than dries, which is unusual for a retinoid. Around the core retinol-cica pairing, the formula carries niacinamide for brightening, a touch of salicylic acid (BHA) for clarity, ceramide NP for barrier support, plus beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid, and green tea seed extract for hydration and soothing. Vegan, fragrance-free, and gentle enough to use alongside other actives in the same routine.

Best For: Blemish-prone, textured, or sensitive skin, and anyone wanting their first retinol — gentle enough for beginners and reactive skin, but effective enough to address marks, pores, and early fine lines with consistent use.

Key Ingredients

Retinol (Liposome-Encapsulated) A gentle, high-purity retinol that refines texture, fades marks, and softens fine lines. Encapsulated for better absorption and lower irritation. Centella Asiatica Complex (plus TECA Actives) A high dose of cica plus madecassoside and asiaticoside that calms redness, soothes irritation, and supports skin recovery. The reason this retinol stays gentle. Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid (BHA) A brightening-and-clarifying pair that evens tone and keeps pores clear, working alongside the retinol on blemishes. Ceramide NP and Cholesterol Two core barrier lipids that reinforce the defenses of the skin and offset the dryness retinoids can cause. Beta-Glucan, Hyaluronic Acid and Green Tea Seed Extract A hydrating, soothing trio that keeps the formula comfortable and lightweight for sensitive skin.

How to Use

After cleansing and toning, apply a coin-sized amount to your face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Pat gently for better absorption, then follow with moisturizer. Use in your evening routine to start — a few nights a week, building to daily as tolerated. Always apply SPF the next morning, as retinol increases sun sensitivity. Tip: This is gentle enough to be your training-wheels retinol — start 2–3 nights a week and build up. And because the cica keeps it so calm, it's one of the few retinol products you can comfortably layer with other actives in the same routine, though it's still smart to introduce one new thing at a time.

Full Ingredients

Distilled Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Dibutyl Adipate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexandiol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cholesterol, Allantoin, Glycine Soja Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Propanediol, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Asiatic Acid, Retinol (500 IU/g), Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Hyaluronic Acid, Mannitol, Ceramide NP, Beta-Glucan, Beta-Carotene, Phytosphingosine, BHT, Salicylic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11