Name: Retinol Serum
Brand: DermExcel™
SKU: DX-RET
Price: 1059.13 ZAR
Availability: InStock

DermExcel™

Retinol Serum

R 1,059.13

4.9 / 5.0 from 2688 reviews

Pay interest-free installments from R 264.78 with various payment gateways selected at checkout.

SIZE: 30 mL

Unclog Pores

Minimize Pores

Smooth Skin

anti-aging

DNA repair

An advanced skincare formula that leverages the potency of active ingredients like Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Niacinamide, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, a form of retinoid, works at the cellular level to stimulate epidermal growth, counteracting both intrinsic and extrinsic signs of aging. It aids in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone while promoting the development of collagen and elastin, proteins that are vital for maintaining skin's elasticity and structure.

Another key ingredient, Niacinamide, is instrumental in supporting cell health in the skin. It helps build and protect skin cells from environmental stresses like sunlight, pollution, and toxins while also significantly supporting acne treatment.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, a synthetic peptide, adds to the formula's efficacy by slowing down muscle movement in the face, thus decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines. It enhances collagen production, which firms the skin and increases its elasticity. Additionally, it provides hydration, keeping the skin well-moisturized.

DermExcel Retinol Serum stimulates collagen production, reduces inflammation, inhibits pigmentation, and accelerates cell turnover, all contributing to a healthier and more youthful complexion. It also aids in reducing sebum production and unclogging pores, making it a potent tool in the battle against acne.

SHIPPING

Shipping Guarantee: Guiding you to healthy skin isn’t only about our products; it's also about getting them to you as swiftly as the science behind them. That's why Dermal Health offers a shipping guarantee you can rely on.
Where We Ship From: Orders are dispatched from our facilities in Pretoria.
Who We Ship With: We trust only well-known, popular, and dependable courier services with your packages.
When You'll Get It: Expect confident skin soon! Shipping addresses in Pretoria and Johannesburg will enjoy delivery from same-day to 2 business days. Shipping addresses further from Pretoria may expect delivery within 1-4 business days, depending on the service you select during checkout. Your estimated delivery date will reflect during checkout so that you can mark your calendar.
Tracking Your Order: Eager to start your DermExcel journey? We don't blame you! You'll receive a tracking number after you place your order so that you can follow your package.

For any shipping inquiries, our customer service team is ready to assist.

RETURNS

We are passionate about guiding you to healthier skin through medical science. We believe in the quality and proven effectiveness of our formulations — and we’re committed to supporting you on your journey to real, visible results.

That’s why we offer a 30-Day Confidence Guarantee. If, after consistent use as directed, you genuinely feel that your skin has not improved in any meaningful way — and you can demonstrate this (for example, with before-and-after photos or a brief description of your experience) — you’re welcome to request a return within 30 days of receiving your order, in line with our return policy.

Healthy skin is not complicated — and neither is our return process. To view the full terms, please visit our detailed return policy or contact our friendly customer care team. We’re here to help.

Feel as confident in us as we want you to feel in your skin.

SECURE PAYMENT

Dermal Health Science 30-Day Confidence Guarantee: We are passionate about guiding you to healthy skin through medical science. We believe in the quality and effectiveness of our products so much that we offer a 30-Day Confidence Guarantee.

If you're unsatisfied with your purchase, simply return it within 30 days for a full refund.

Healthy Skin Is Not Complicated and neither is our return policy. Please visit our detailed return policy or contact our friendly customer service team for more information.

Feel as confident in us as we want you to feel in your skin.

Retinol Serum

R 1,059.13

Stimulate collagen production, the protein that gives the skin structure and elasticity. This helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Reduces hyperpigmentation and dark spots, leading to a more even skin tone.
Protects skin cells from environmental stresses such as sunlight, pollution, and toxins.
Decreases wrinkles and expression lines by slowing down the movement of facial muscles.
Reduce and prevent pigmentation by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for pigmentation.
Promotes skin hydration by enhancing the skin's ability to retain moisture, leading to a healthier and more youthful appearance.
Accelerates cell turnover by promoting faster cell turnover. This helps the skin to rejuvenate faster, revealing healthier, fresher skin cells.
Regulate sebum production to help unclog pores and reduce the risk of acne outbreaks.
Reduce inflammation: Anti-inflammatory action improves skin texture and appearance and helps mitigate acne formation.
Improves DNA communication between cells: It assists in reversing DNA damage that causes skin aging and prevents cells from clumping and sticking together inside pores.

Evening

Apply in the evening on cleansed skin.

1. Cleanse

Start with clean and dry skin.
Use your DermExcel cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil from your skin.

2. Apply

Take a small amount of serum (1-2 pumps or a pea-sized amount should suffice) and gently apply it to the face.
Using your fingertips, gently massage the serum into your skin in a circular motion. This helps to ensure the serum is evenly distributed and absorbed.

3. Wait

Allow the serum to absorb fully into the skin before applying other skincare products. This typically takes 1-2 minutes.

Important notes

Clean skin: The active ingredients in skin serums will stick to dirt and dead skin, so wash your face properly before applying for maximum absorption.
Damp skin: After cleansing your face, don't completely dry your skin; leave it slightly damp. The best time to apply the serum is when your skin is still slightly damp after cleansing. This allows your skin to better absorb the potent ingredients in the serum.
Less is more: serums are super concentrated. Use just 1-2 pumps or a little smaller than a pea-size amount.

Active ingredients

Retinoic acid analogue

Niacinamide

Peptides

Matrixyl 3000

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Full Ingredient list

Aqua, Niacinamide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 & Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethyl Isosorbide & Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin & Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer & Lecithin, Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates copolymer, Glycerin, C14-22 Alkane, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate

Retinol Serum

product benefits

Boost Collagen Production

Restore skin structure by stimulating fibroblast activity and supporting the synthesis of new collagen fibers, improving skin firmness and elasticity.

Pigmentation treatment

Interfere with pigment production pathways and encourage the removal of discolored cells, resulting in a significant reduction in dark spots and a more even skin tone.

Improve Skin Cell DNA

Retinol enhances and optimizes cell DNA communication, promoting healthier cellular behavior and improving physiological function.

Decrease Lines & Wrinkles

Leverage Argireline to target dynamic wrinkles, minimizing their formation and depth through the inhibition of neurotransmitter release. This helps prevent the deepening of fine lines over time.

Refine Skin Texture & Pores

Promote healthy skin cell regeneration and optimize the skin's structural integrity to refine skin texture and diminish pore size, resulting in a more even, smooth, and polished look.

Enhance skin renewal

Enhance the skin's renewal process, replacing older, damaged cells with newer, healthier ones. The proliferation of new skin cells refines the skin's surface, diminishes signs of aging, and improves overall skin clarity.

Promote Skin Hydration

Enhance the skin barrier function, reducing moisture loss and maintaining optimal hydration levels for smoother, more supple skin.

Anti-inflammatory

Alleviates skin irritation and redness by targeting inflammatory pathways and markers, offering significant relief for inflamed skin conditions.

Skin barrier enhancement

Stimulate barrier lipids synthesis, improving skin elasticity to ensure a robust defense against environmental damage.

Sebum Regulation

Implement effective sebum regulation strategies to minimize complications and refine the visual condition of oily skin.

Indications for Retinol Serum

Aging Skin
Volume loss
DNA Protection
Rough Skin Texture
Acne / Breakouts
Clogged Pores
Rosacea / Red Skin
Inflammation
Sensitive Skin
Enlarged Pores

Stimulate collagen production

Diminish hyperpigmentation

Promote healthy skin cell communication

Reduce inflammation

Accelerate cell turnover

Retinol

Mode of action

Pigmentation Treatment

RETINOL

Reduces melanin synthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, preventing the formation of new pigmentation and addressing existing hyperpigmentation.
Stimulates cell turnover, promoting the natural shedding of pigmented cells through keratolytic effects, gradually fading dark spots and uneven areas while revealing a brighter, more even complexion.
Acts on retinoic acid receptor (RAR) to regulate melanin production and support skin renewal, maintaining a balanced skin tone over time.

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NIACINAMIDE

Prevents DNA damage caused by oxidative stress through its antioxidant activity, neutralizing free radicals that can trigger excessive melanin production and lead to an uneven skin tone.
Inhibits melanosome transfer by reducing the movement of pigment-carrying vesicles (melanosomes) from melanocytes to keratinocytes, limiting the spread of pigmentation and supporting a more uniform complexion.
Enhances skin clarity by calming oxidative triggers of pigmentation and improving overall tone uniformity.

Anti-Aging

RETINOL

Binds to retinoic acid receptor (RAR), accelerating cell turnover and stimulating collagen production to improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Encourages the skin to behave more youthfully by replacing damaged cells with healthy, younger cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Prevents collagen and elastin degradation by neutralizing oxidative stress and reducing inflammation, ensuring long-term structural support for the skin.
Promotes skin renewal, enhancing texture and radiance while reducing visible signs of photoaging.

______

NIACINAMIDE

Stimulates fibroblasts to synthesize collagen, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Prevents collagen and elastin breakdown through its antioxidant activity, protecting skin from environmental damage and oxidative stress.
Shields DNA from damage and supports cellular energy, enhancing DNA repair and other essential cellular processes that maintain skin health.
Increases ceramide production, strengthening the skin barrier and boosting hydration, which contributes to smoother, plumper, and more resilient skin.

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MATRIXYL 3000

Matrixyl® Synthe'6 is a powerful lipopeptide that stimulates the synthesis of six major cell-building components that are natural ingredients in the skin’s matrix.
This peptide, along with fibronectin and hyaluronic acid, helps to rebuild several types of especially beneficial collagen found in the skin.
Matrixyl® Synthe'6 restores collagen and elastin, strengthening the skin’s matrix while smoothing pronounced wrinkles, increasing firmness, repairing photo-damaged skin, and improving overall texture.

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ARGIRELINE

Argireline® peptide solution C is the first anti-wrinkle hexapeptide with a Botulinum Toxin-like mechanism of action. It reduces the depth of facial wrinkles caused by the contraction of facial expression muscles, especially on the forehead and around the eyes.
This hexapeptide relaxes the muscles responsible for the formation of expression lines.
The release of neurotransmitters is impaired, resulting in weakened facial contractions, thus inhibiting the formation of wrinkles.

Anti-Inflammatory

RETINOL

Corrects DNA communication between skin cells, preventing clumping and abnormal adhesion that can lead to clogged pores.
Reduces sebum production, helping to control oiliness and minimize inflammation caused by clogged pores.
Minimizes inflammation that contributes to acne and skin sensitivity by promoting healthy cell turnover and reducing keratinocyte hyperproliferation.

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NIACINAMIDE

Modulates inflammatory responses by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), reducing redness, swelling, and irritation.
Inhibits inflammatory messengers, calming redness and irritation associated with inflammatory skin conditions.
Regulates sebum production, reducing excess oil and creating an environment less favorable for acne-causing bacteria.
Activates antimicrobial peptides, providing long-lasting protection against bacteria that can exacerbate inflammation.

Improve Skin Barrier

RETINOL

Promotes skin cell turnover, restoring a balanced and healthier epidermal barrier.
Prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, ensuring structural support to the barrier.

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NIACINAMIDE

Stimulates the production of ceramides and other essential lipids, strengthening the skin barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Repairs and fortifies the stratum corneum, enhancing skin resilience against environmental aggressors.

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PEPTIDES

Stimulate the production of ceramides and other lipids, reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Boost collagen and elastin synthesis, improving the skin’s structural integrity and supporting barrier strength.
Enhance skin repair by signaling cells to restore damaged areas, aiding in faster recovery of a compromised barrier.
Provide anti-inflammatory benefits, calming irritated skin and reducing redness, which can disrupt barrier function.
Support antimicrobial defense by promoting the activity of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), protecting the skin from harmful microorganisms.

DermExcel Retinol Serum contains 3% GranActive Retinoid - Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR).

retinoid molecule comparison

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR)

stability	very high
irritation	low
efficacy	high
key notes	Effective with no need for conversion to Retinoic acid in the skin. Binds directly to RA receptors. Low risk for irritation.

Traditional Retinol

stability	moderate
irritation	moderate
efficacy	moderate
key notes	Requires a two-step conversion to Retinoic acid in the skin to be moderately effective. Moderate risk for irritation.

Retinaldehyde

stability	low
irritation	high
efficacy	high
key notes	Requires a one-step conversion to Retinoic acid in the skin to be moderately effective. High risk of irritation.

Retinoic acid

stability	low
irritation	very high
efficacy	very high
key notes	Very effective with no need for conversion, as it is already in its active form. Binds directly to RA receptors. Binds directly to RX receptors, which contributes to its very high risk for irritation. Only available in pharmacies with a prescription from a medical doctor.

	Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR)	Traditional Retinol	Retinaldehyde	Retinoic acid
stability	very high	moderate	low	low
irritation	low	moderate	high	very high
efficacy	high	moderate	high	very high
key notes	Effective with no need for conversion to Retinoic acid in the skin. Binds directly to RA receptors. Low risk for irritation.	Requires a two-step conversion to Retinoic acid in the skin to be moderately effective. Moderate risk for irritation.	Requires a one-step conversion to Retinoic acid in the skin to be moderately effective. High risk of irritation.	Very effective with no need for conversion, as it is already in its active form. Binds directly to RA receptors. Binds directly to RX receptors, which contributes to its very high risk for irritation. Only available in pharmacies with a prescription from a medical doctor.

Testimonials

Review: A South African Skincare Gem

I recently discovered the most incredible South African face product, and I can honestly say it’s transformed my skincare routine. From the moment I opened the package, I was struck by the luxurious presentation — the product comes in beautifully sleek black bottles that feel both elegant and modern. They look stunning on my shelf and add a touch of sophistication to my daily ritual.

But beyond the packaging, the formula itself is where the real magic happens. My skin feels noticeably smoother, more hydrated, and visibly radiant after just a few uses. It’s clear that high-quality, thoughtful ingredients have gone into this — and the results speak for themselves.

It’s always a pleasure to support local brands, especially when they deliver world-class results like this. If you’re looking for a skincare product that combines aesthetic appeal with real performance, this South African beauty essential is a must-try.

Retinol

I love this serum!
No irritating and my skin feels amazing!

Game changer

completey transformed my sensitive skin

I LOVE Inflacin Serum!

I have a combination skin and I love the light weight feel if Inflacin Serum! Not only did it calm down red patches on my skin, but also cleared and nourished. Highly recommended!!