I’ve tried dozens of retinals but this natural, youth-enhancing buy is the only one to not disrupt my sensitive skin
Minimising fine lines, uneven skin texture and hyperpigmentation, our beauty writer swears by this retinal, despite having sensitive skin...

Powered by the world’s first certified natural retinal, this supercharged serum works to minimise signs of ageing, tighten the skin and soften fine lines - and even our Beauty Writer with sensitive skin is hooked.
Whether your skincare routine makes home to one of the best retinol creams or you're completely new to retinoids and find yourself Googling the difference between retinol vs retinal (don't worry, I've been there too), you may have already heard of the vitamin A derivatives' powerful ability to minimise signs of ages and combat many skin concerns.
While retinoids promise to deliver an array of stellar skincare benefits, it's also commonly known that any form of vitamin A can potentially cause irritation to the skin, from blemish breakouts to peeling. As someone with very sensitive, combination skin, and having first-hand experience of these irritation side effectives, the thought of introducing a retinal into my routine previously made me slightly wary. Well, that was until I stumbled across this innovative natural advanced marine retinal formula, which has transformed my skincare routine.
The natural retinal that I rely on for a glowing and irritation-free complexion
As someone who has struggled with spouts of acne and hormonal blemishes for the past decade, incorporating a form of vitamin A into my skincare routine can sound quite promising, as a way of keeping spots at bay and minimising hyperpigmentation. However, I've tried an array of retinoids and just can't seem to get past the dreaded 'retinol purge' stage, which often causes breakouts and leaves my skin excessively dry, irritated and flaky.
Despite its claims of boosting elasticity, lifting the skin and repairing the skin barrier, I must admit, I had initial scepticism towards trying this product, but that all changed when I met someone with enviably smooth and youthful skin. After quizzing them on their skincare routine, they revealed that Tropic Skincare's Youth Potion was the magic behind it all - so, naturally, I had to try it for myself.
RRP: £78
Powered by a natural advanced marine retinal, this retinal serum is enriched with 10 actives that promote a youthful glow, without causing irritation to your complexion. Its innovative formula delivers fast and noticeable results, such as smoother skin, reduced fine lines, a boost of elasticity and an overall brighter appearance.
Buy if: You're looking for a natural retinal formula that effectively works to tighten the skin, soften fine lines and repair the skin barrier.
Despite all my wariness of this product and the sensitivity of my complexion, much to my surprise, I did not experience any negative side effects or irritation when I adopted this retinal into my evening routine. Since introducing this product over two months ago now, my skin both looks and feels smoother, plumper and radiant, most notably with less texture, redness and hyperpigmentation from previous breakouts.
Although I can't ignore this retinal's slightly hefty price tag, it's the only retinoid product that hasn't caused havoc on my skin, instead leaving my complexion with positive and effective results - plus, its natural formula gets extra points from me.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
What is retinal?
You may have already heard about retinol, thanks to its ability to minimise signs of ageing, smooth skin texture and reduce hyperpigmentation, and while retinal boasts similar capabilities, there is actually a big difference between the two - and it's not just their spellings.
Both retinol and retinal are forms of vitamin A, however the latter boasts stronger potency meaning you’re more likely to see faster and more noticeable results - however there’s also a higher potential that you'll experience some irritation. For those who wondering who should be using retinal, Dr. Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London advises: "Retinal is often used for more severe skin concerns, like intense hyperpigmentation or acne, providing quicker and more pronounced improvements.”
How I use Tropic Skincare's Youth Potion
As for how I choose to use retinal within my routine, as recommended by expert dermatologists, I apply my retinal as part of my evening skincare regime. After cleansing my skin and applying a hydrating toner, I place 1-2 pumps of the retinal into my hands (making sure to thoroughly shake the bottle before use, in order to fuse the active ingredients), before firmly pressing the product into my skin.
I complete my routine by applying a nourishing moisturiser to help boost hydration within my complexion. As with any vitamin A derivative product, you should use an SPF, like one of the best sunscreens for oily skin, the morning after application.
Sennen is Digital Beauty Writer at woman&home, where she shares the latest beauty launches, trending buys and personal product recommendations, from makeup and hair to skincare and nails. She is also a judge for the annual woman&home Haircare, Skincare and Beauty Awards.
Previously, Sennen achieved a First Class Fashion and Beauty Journalism degree at Birmingham City University, before undertaking her role as Junior Digital Fashion and Beauty Editor at FROW Magazine. During this position, she wrote about the latest industry news, new product launches, viral trends and thoroughly reviewed a lineup of beauty products. Since leaving FROW, Sennen has gone on to create fashion, beauty and lifestyle content with numerous brands, including Who What Wear UK, HuffPost UK and Harvey Nichols.
When she’s not writing about all things beauty, Sennen spends her spare time outside of work watching the latest Netflix series, doing lots of online shopping and going on countryside walks with her dog.
-
Forget what you've heard about this controversial denim - Amal Clooney proves skinny jeans will always be timeless
To wear or not to wear skinny jeans?
By Caroline Parr Published
-
KitchenAid's Colour of the Year is "the new neutral" - what does it say about us in 2025?
KitchenAid's Colour of the Year 2025 is butter yellow. Interior designers say that it's the new neutral, but what does it say about us and how do you style it?
By Laura Honey Published
-
Anita Rani's beauty essentials for a 'healthy, warm base' need to make their way into my makeup bag
Anita Rani's makeup artist has revealed the three key products she used for a new look and I'm inspired to switch up my beauty routine
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
These 9 perfumes are powered by sensuality - and they're perfect for evening spritzing
From intimate skin-scents to smoky florals, we've rounded up 9 undeniably sexy fragrances...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Cat Deeley's beauty routine is a who's-who of our team's favourite, holy-grail products
From our go-to primers and moisturisers to the makeup brands we all adore, Cat Deeley is our kindred beauty spirit...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Keeley Hawes' tousled bob feels so fresh and effortless - here's how to take cues
The words 'easy' and 'bob' don't always go hand in hand but in the case of Keeley Hawes, they absolutely do
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
The 4 fresh, transitional shades our beauty team picked for their February nails
We were torn between wanting a clean slate and matching the bitter climes, but our February nails are finally sorted...
By Naomi Jamieson Published
-
Everyone knows Aventus, but Jennifer Lopez's Creed scent is this icy-fresh alternative
Inspired by the snowy Alps, JLo's go-to perfume is both luxuriously chic and refreshing on the senses
By Sennen Prickett Published
-
Trinny Woodall’s ‘one-minute’ makeup routine is the easiest way to ‘wake up’ tired skin and get a natural glow
The 'foolproof' routine is oh-so fast and simple
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
I'd given up on dry shampoo until this clever buy transformed my greasy strands to look freshly washed
As someone with an oily scalp, this buy is the answer to going longer between each hair wash
By Sennen Prickett Published