I adore this serum! This serum has a lightweight silky texture and I use it nightly under my moisturizer. My skin looks plump and supple, the dry patches on my chin and around my lips are no longer there, and the texture of my skin is smooth to the touch. This serum did not cause any irritation which is a welcome surprise as it’s an exfoliator but it’s a miracle serum for us sensitive acne prone skin types. Although the hormonal acne on my jaw line still rears it’s ugly head every now and then, I’ve noticed the breakouts are happening much less frequently (not monthly anymore) and when it does, the acne goes away much quicker (within 2-3 days vs. a week or so). If you’re looking for an exfoliating serum that doubles as a hydrator, do yourself a favor a try this. As ... MoreI adore this serum! This serum has a lightweight silky texture and I use it nightly under my moisturizer. My skin looks plump and supple, the dry patches on my chin and around my lips are no longer there, and the texture of my skin is smooth to the touch. This serum did not cause any irritation which is a welcome surprise as it’s an exfoliator but it’s a miracle serum for us sensitive acne prone skin types. Although the hormonal acne on my jaw line still rears it’s ugly head every now and then, I’ve noticed the breakouts are happening much less frequently (not monthly anymore) and when it does, the acne goes away much quicker (within 2-3 days vs. a week or so). If you’re looking for an exfoliating serum that doubles as a hydrator, do yourself a favor a try this. As for price point, it’s expensive but worth the cost as it lasts a long time, I typically only use it at night, and only 2 drops covers your entire face. Also, this serum doesn’t interfere with makeup application should you like to use it during the day, just please be sure to use sunscreen with it.

Changed the texture of my skin

My dermatologist recommended this product for my acne-prone oily sensitive skin. I looked at the ingredient before I purchased and was dubious about whether such simple list of ingredient will do anything for my skin. Much to my surprise, this product has completely changed the texture of my skin and made it much smoother and no longer dull looking. People around me all noticed the difference. I also appreciate that it didn’t break me out at all. I will repurchase this product.

Effective

I originally received a sample of this serum. I really liked it and squeezed every drop out of that little sample tube. Now I buy it when LovelySkin gives me a coupon. A little goes a long way. I think a bottle lasts me at least 3 months, if not longer. I use it every morning right after my Vitamin C serum. I follow it with a moisturizing sunscreen and that’s my entire skincare routine. My makeup goes on nicely with no pilling or sliding around. I credit this serum for smoothing out my 60 year old skin. I used to have a lot of tiny little wrinkles on my cheeks that appeared when smiling and wearing makeup. I don’t experience that any more. I always thought it was my foundation! It’s pricey for me but it has made a noticeable difference.

For sensitive or sensitized skin that can't tolerate exfoliants

I love the RA because it's an amazing option for skin that might not be tolerating exfoliants like glycolic acid. Perhaps you over exfoliated, or you'll be doing a series of professional treatments (consult with your esthetician). In my ~3 years using this it's consistently diminished surface/expression lines, softened/hydrated my skin, smoothed areas where pores are very visible (like a radiant–not matte–powder might). It simultaneously moisturizes while exfoliating; which is the magic of the main ingredient: urea. Unfortunately, we don't have many products containing urea in the States. But this one is an absolute winner. Is also amazing when starting retinol and switching out acids!!

Love this!

I love how one product can do more than one thing. This literally does an amazing job at hydrating and at the same time, exfoliates. That’s a WIN WIN right there. This has been a staple in my routine for a good while now. I prefer chemical exfoliating rather than physical exfoliating because my face tends to get red rather easy. Using this, I get to skin the redness. Will keep buying !

My absolute favorite, SkinCeuticals product!

Drastic results on the very first application! My skin felt smooth as a babies. Bottom, looked much brighter, my other products, absorbed, super fast, and my make up stayed on really nicely. This will be my third bottle. I use it morning and night, unless my face is feeling dry, then I will only use it once in the morning, so that I look bright, and well rested through out the day. Definitely a must try!

New holy grail product!

I rarely write reviews unless I feel it is a must. I received a sample of this with my order earlier this year and fell in love! I have combo skin and tend to get oily in t-zone, around noise and chin mid day. When I use other products to combat the oiliness like a mask or get a pimple in these areas and treat it they become very dry and start to peel/flake quickly. I decided to try this one evening after using an overly drying product the previous few nights and I was floored. When I woke up my skin was hydrated and the peeling patches were gone! I have tried way to many moisturizers for this specific purpose (dry peeling patches) this is by far the best I’ve ever used and it’s not even a moisturizer product. I quickly purchased a full sized bottle and now almost ... MoreI rarely write reviews unless I feel it is a must. I received a sample of this with my order earlier this year and fell in love! I have combo skin and tend to get oily in t-zone, around noise and chin mid day. When I use other products to combat the oiliness like a mask or get a pimple in these areas and treat it they become very dry and start to peel/flake quickly. I decided to try this one evening after using an overly drying product the previous few nights and I was floored. When I woke up my skin was hydrated and the peeling patches were gone! I have tried way to many moisturizers for this specific purpose (dry peeling patches) this is by far the best I’ve ever used and it’s not even a moisturizer product. I quickly purchased a full sized bottle and now almost empty and here to repurchase. My skin looks and feels amazing. The product it self has no smell, goes on very smooth, has a slight tackiness but gets less as it dries (I have applied primer and full foundation both wet and dryer and it does not seem to make a difference) does not negatively affect my makeup during the day. I am truly in love with this stuff!

No visible results

I’ve been using different SkinCeuticals products for 10 years. I take good care of my skin, thanks to the guidance of my esthetician. For reference, I’m in my late 40’s with light olive skin that tans easy and rarely burns. This retexture product did nothing for my skin. Nothing, nothing, nothing. I used as directed, and no visible changes 6 weeks later. Maybe this product works best on people who are starting a professional skin care routine at home.

SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator

I have been using this for over three years and would not be without it. It takes care of flaking skin brilliantly, moisturises so well that I don't need to use any additional moisturiser and - something that is not in the blurb - is hands-down the best product I have found to prevent outbreaks and spots. Oily skin is less efficient at shedding dead skin cells; as these accumulate on the surface, sebum (the natural oil that lubricates skin) gets trapped in the pores, leading to spots and blackheads. Thanks to its high urea content, this serum does an amazing job of exfoliating dead skin cells and leaving the skin super-smooth (urea is known as a potent moisturiser, but it is even more effective as an ultra-gentle exfoliator). I use the serum once a day (in the ... MoreI have been using this for over three years and would not be without it. It takes care of flaking skin brilliantly, moisturises so well that I don't need to use any additional moisturiser and - something that is not in the blurb - is hands-down the best product I have found to prevent outbreaks and spots. Oily skin is less efficient at shedding dead skin cells; as these accumulate on the surface, sebum (the natural oil that lubricates skin) gets trapped in the pores, leading to spots and blackheads. Thanks to its high urea content, this serum does an amazing job of exfoliating dead skin cells and leaving the skin super-smooth (urea is known as a potent moisturiser, but it is even more effective as an ultra-gentle exfoliator). I use the serum once a day (in the evening) and have seen huge improvements in my sensitive, oily, spot-prone skin. And my fine lines have visibly diminished. It is quite potent (glycolic acid can take some getting used to), so if you have very sensitive skin, start slowly (every third night) and build up. You will need a daily hit of high SPF to protect your skin from pigmentation, even in low sunlight, but that can only be a bonus for any skin type. It is fairly expensive (as with most products that contain high-quality ingredients), but worth every penny - and a little goes a long way.

solid 4.5 stars

I started to develop small hard lumps on my forehead after having IPL. The medi-spa suggested this product, 6 drops/night and 4 drops/morning for two weeks. After the first night I saw a difference, the lumps had actually shrunk! Yes, it's pretty sticky, so after a week I dropped down to 4 drops at night and 2 in the morning, and currently I use only 2-3 drops at night. If you wear makeup it's probably best to use this at night (but I'm not a professional, hah) I tend to cycle through products instead of sticking to a tried and true routine, but whenever my skin starts feeling a bit bumpy I go back to using this. This is one of the few products that I've used the whole bottle, so that says a lot.