COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

1. Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin at night.
2. Put one or two drops on your hand.
3. Tap with it your fingers and gently massage into face, avoiding eyes and lips.
4. Follow with moisturizer.
Initially use 2–3 times a week, gradually increasing frequency to once a day, after 3 weeks, after building tolerance. Apply sunscreen during daytime.
5. *Patch test recommended before facial use.

Targets deep wrinkles and fine lines

Improves uneven skin texture and firmness loss
Strengthens skin resilience and barrier
Smooths and softens skin for a youthful look
Enhances skin radiance and natural glow
Lightweight oil that absorbs easily without greasiness
Suitable for all skin types familiar with retinol

for all skin types.

Squalane, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Retinol(0.5%), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, BHT, Tocotrienols, Tocopherol, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone

Q: What makes 0.5% retinol different from lower concentration retinol products?
A: Retinol concentration is one of the primary determinants of how significantly and how quickly results appear. At lower concentrations (0.025%–0.2%), retinol produces gradual surface improvements in texture and mild brightening. At 0.5%, the concentration is sufficient to drive meaningful improvements in deep dermal collagen synthesis — producing visible reductions in established wrinkles, measurable improvements in skin firmness and elasticity, significant pore minimisation, and real change in post-breakout marks. If you have used retinol before without the results you were expecting, moving from a lower-concentration product to 0.5% is typically the most impactful change you can make.

Q: Why is an oil format better than a serum or cream for retinol?
A: Retinol is a fat-soluble molecule — it is naturally compatible with and stabilised by lipid environments. In a water-based serum, retinol is less stable and the formula often has to compensate with additional preservatives and stabilisers. In a squalane oil base, retinol is in its natural element — more stable, better delivered, and absorbed without the dryness and barrier disruption that water-based retinol serums frequently cause. The oil format also means the barrier-nourishing and barrier-protecting action of squalane happens simultaneously with the retinol treatment, rather than being applied separately.

Q: What are Tocotrienols and why are they better than regular Vitamin E?
A: Tocotrienols are one of the four members of the Vitamin E family, alongside Tocopherols. Standard skincare uses Tocopherol (alpha-tocopherol) as its Vitamin E source. Tocotrienols have a different molecular structure that allows them to penetrate cell membranes more efficiently and neutralise free radicals significantly more effectively — research suggests their antioxidant potency is many times greater than standard Tocopherol. In this formula, they serve two purposes: stabilising the retinol molecule (extending its potency and shelf life) and delivering superior antioxidant protection to the skin during overnight treatment.

Q: I'm new to retinol — is this the right product to start with?
A: The Retinol 0.5 Oil is designed for skin that has already established a retinol tolerance at a lower concentration. If you are new to retinol, it is strongly recommended to start with a lower concentration (0.025%–0.1%) for 4–8 weeks to allow your skin to acclimatise before graduating to 0.5%. Beginning at 0.5% without prior tolerance building significantly increases the risk of irritation, redness, peeling, and barrier disruption. If you are retinol-experienced and have been using a lower-concentration product consistently, this is an excellent next step.