Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum 0.5 oz — 6.5% active complex, encapsulated retinoids for texture

Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum is an advanced-strength face serum that delivers a concentrated 6.5% blend of stabilized retinoids and botanical retinol alternatives to help refine texture and support a more even-looking complexion.

This serum combines laboratory-stabilized retinoid actives with plant-derived alternatives and soothing botanicals to target signs of aging, uneven texture, and the appearance of congestion and UV-damaged skin. Formulated with both encapsulated and ester-based retinoid forms plus blue-green algae and CoQ10, the formula aims to provide skin-renewal support while including calming ingredients to help balance the skin during retinoid use.

How does this serum deliver retinoid power without a single ingredient approach?

Rather than relying on one type of vitamin A derivative, this product uses a blended strategy to combine multiple stabilized retinoid molecules and complementary botanical alternatives. Encapsulation and ester forms slow release and increase stability, while blue-green algae offers retinoid-like activity from a natural source.

• 6.5% total active complex: 5% retinoid esters + 1% liposomal retinol + 0.5% blue-green algae
• Encapsulated delivery to support gradual release
• Stabilized formulas to maintain potency and reduce degradation

What supporting ingredients help comfort skin during use?

The serum includes several botanicals and antioxidants chosen to soothe, hydrate, and help the skin appear calm while retinoids work. These extras don’t negate the need for gradual introduction, but they provide balancing benefits alongside actives.

• Encapsulated CoQ10 for antioxidant support
• Hawaiian white honey and bisabolol to help comfort
• Cactus extract and ginger cited for conditioning and soothing properties

How should I incorporate this into a skincare routine?

Start slowly—use the serum according to tolerance and follow with sunscreen during the day. Apply a small amount at night after cleansing and before heavier creams; if sensitivity occurs, reduce frequency or layer with a moisturizer for buffering.

• Introduce gradually: every other night or less until tolerated
• Use sunscreen daily when using retinoids
• Pair with hydrating creams if dryness or irritation appears

What results can users expect and over what timeframe?

Visible changes depend on individual skin and consistency of use. Many users report improvements in surface texture and clarity over weeks to months, while antioxidant and calming ingredients aim to support an even-feeling complexion during treatment.

• Texture refinement and smoother-looking skin with ongoing use
• Support for appearance of congestion and UV-affected skin tone
• Antioxidant ingredients included to complement active retinoids

Who is this for: A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum suits someone experienced with retinoid-type products or a user ready to introduce a high-strength retinoid blend carefully. It’s formulated for those targeting visible signs of aging, uneven texture, or skin that appears congested or sun-affected, and who are prepared to follow gradual introduction and sun-protection practices while using potent actives.

Ingredients

Water/Eau/Aqua, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propanediol, Triheptanoin, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disiloxane, Hexyldecanol, Diheptyl Succinate, Phenylpropanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Honey Extract/Extrait de Miel, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Fruit Extract, Bisabolol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ubiquinone, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sorbitol, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Polysilicone-11, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Phosphate, Benzyl Alcohol, Decyl Glucoside, Algae Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate