What strength is the NKD Koala Retinol Serum?

1% retinol in a lightweight gel serum with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. 1% is a higher strength, so start slowly and expect some dryness at first.

How often should I use the NKD Koala Retinol Serum when starting out?

Two to three nights a week on clean, completely dry skin, then build up gradually as your skin allows. Use it at night only, and wear SPF the following morning.

Can I use the Retinol Serum on the same night as the Sleep Mask?

No. Alternate them on different nights, as the Overnight Renewal Ritual does, with rest nights in between.

Can I use the Retinol Serum during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

NKD Koala does not recommend the Retinol Serum during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Speak to your GP or midwife about your skincare routine.

Is 1% retinol too strong for beginners?

It is a higher strength, so start with 2 nights a week on completely dry skin and build up slowly. A small amount is enough for the whole face. If skin feels very dry, apply moisturiser first to buffer it.

Is dryness or peeling normal with the Retinol Serum?

Some dryness or light flaking in the first 2 to 4 weeks is common while skin adjusts. Use it on fewer nights and add more moisturiser. Stop if you have burning, swelling or a rash.

How long does the Retinol Serum take to work?

Retinol works slowly. Use it consistently in the evening, wear SPF every morning, and give your skin time before judging the look of fine lines and texture.

Can I use the Retinol Serum with the Anti-Acne Serum?

Yes, at different times of day. Use the Anti-Acne Serum in the morning and the Retinol Serum at night. If skin feels dry or stings, use them on alternate days.

Can I use the Retinol Serum with vitamin C?

Use them at different times of day: the Vitamin C Serum in the morning and the Retinol Serum at night.

NKD Koala Retinol Serum 30 ml pump bottle on a soft mist background

Hero ingredients: 1% retinol, jojoba oil and vitamin E

How to use the Retinol Serum: evenings, starting 2 to 3 nights a week, with SPF the next morning

Model holding the Retinol Serum at her jaw, with callouts for 1% retinol, jojoba oil and vitamin E, and starting 2 to 3 nights a week

Targeted serum, 30ml

Retinol Serum

In your routine CleanseSerumMoisturise

1% retinol in a lightweight gel serum, for the look of fine lines and uneven texture. An evening serum, made in Melbourne.

Size

30ml

15% off any 3 formulas, applied automatically in your bag. Mix and match

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Goes well with

Overnight Renewal RitualWith the Gentle Face Wash and Sleep Mask, on alternate nights. Save 15% on all three together.

$84

Helps with

Fine lines
Uneven texture
Dullness
Loss of firmness
Signs of aging

How to use

PM only. Apply 2 to 3 pumps to clean, completely dry skin in the evening. Start with 2 to 3 nights per week and gradually increase as your skin builds tolerance. Always follow with moisturiser. Wear SPF every morning without exception.

Key ingredients

Retinol: vitamin A, for fine lines and texture
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: cushions the retinol
Jojoba Seed Oil: supports the barrier
Tocopherol (Vitamin E): antioxidant, helps keep retinol stable

The formula

What makes the Retinol Serum different?

A higher strength, cushioned. 1% sits at the stronger end for an everyday retinol. Ours comes in a lightweight gel with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E to help support the barrier while the active works. Used consistently in the evening, it helps soften the look of fine lines and refine the appearance of skin texture over time.

Who it's for. Skin showing early signs of aging: fine lines, uneven texture or dullness. New to retinol? Start with 2 nights a week. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What to expect. In the first 2 to 4 weeks, some dryness or flaking is normal while skin adjusts. Retinol works slowly and needs consistent evening use over time. Wear SPF every morning.

Good for: The look of fine lines and uneven texture
Formula: 1% retinol in a lightweight gel with jojoba and vitamin E
Fragrance: Contains fragrance (parfum)
When to use: Evenings only, 2 to 3 nights a week to start
Value: 30ml at $1.07 per ml. 15% off in the Overnight Renewal Ritual or on any 3 formulas

Application

How do I use the Retinol Serum?

01

PM only, cleanse first

Use your Gentle Face Wash to cleanse before applying. Never use retinol on wet skin.
Wait 2 to 3 minutes after cleansing before applying.
02

Apply 2 to 3 pumps

Press gently into dry skin. Start with 2 to 3 nights per week and gradually increase.
Avoid the eye area and lips.
03

Moisturise and sleep

Follow with your moisturiser to support barrier recovery overnight. Do not use on the same night as the Sleep Mask.
Always wear SPF the following morning. Retinol increases photosensitivity.

Start with 2 nights per week and build up over 4 to 6 weeks. Always wear SPF the morning after use.

What's inside

What is in the Retinol Serum?

Retinol1%
A form of vitamin A. Helps soften the look of fine lines and refine the appearance of skin texture with consistent evening use.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A light, coconut-derived emollient that carries the retinol and softens the formula, so the active can work without leaving skin feeling stripped.
Jojoba Seed Oil
Closely mirrors the skin's own sebum, helping support the barrier through the retinol adjustment period.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Antioxidant support that also helps keep the retinol stable in the bottle.

Full ingredient list

Aqua, Propanediol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Undecane, Tridecane, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Parfum, Retinol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol.

What does each ingredient do? Read the glossary

Warnings and storage

For PM use only. Do not use during the day. Always wear SPF the morning after use. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Contains fragrance. Avoid contact with eyes and broken skin. Patch test before first use. Discontinue if persistent irritation occurs. Keep out of reach of children.

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