CEL™ RETINAL SERUM
Available for delivery in the UK from October 2nd 2025.
Product can be pre-ordered and will be fulfilled from 2nd October.
Why you need this serum:
With this serum, Skin Diligent is optimising skin ageing to the next level. Combining the power of encapsulated retinal with a breakthrough epigenetic bioactive complex, it does more than just refining skin’s surface, it targets the very mechanisms of cellular longevity, working from within to slow down the ageing process. Formulated to optimise cellular behaviour, CEL™ Retinal works at the heart of the skin to extend its youthful potential.
Why this serum is different:
At the intersection of performance and tolerance, CEL™ Retinal Serum combines a next-generation retinoid with our breakthrough CEL™ complex - to visibly transform the skin while slowing down how it ages.
With a precise concentration of 0.15% slow-release encapsulated retinal and 20% of the CEL™ complex (Cellular Epigenetic Longevity), this high-performance serum targets 10 fundamental mechanisms of ageing. Its encapsulation technology ensures progressive release, enhanced stability, and exceptional tolerance-even for sensitive skin.
It supercharges collagen from 3 pathways - inhibits the collagenase (the enzymes that damage the collagen, therefore protects the native collagen), boosts production of collagen types I and III, and boosts production of pro-collagen.
On the skin, these mechanisms translate as:
- Reduced wrinkles and fine lines
- Improved skin radiance
- Refined skin texture
- Reduced pore size
- Unified skin tone
Bonus: This is an ultra-clean formula without compromise - 100% fragrance-free and preservative-free. Hormone-disruptor tested. One of the rare retinoid products suitable for sensitive skin. It can even be combined with microneedling for amazing results.
- For all skin types, all genders, for targeting signs of ageing. For acne-prone skin, the product is suitable for teens.
- 98.8% natural.
- Tested free of oestrogenic and androgenic endocrine disruptions.
- Retinoids including retinal are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Ultra-light texture, golden serum with instant satin finish that absorbs fast, non-marking, non-greasy.
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Use nightly (alternate nights if new to retinoids). Always follow with SPF in the daytime.
HOW TO USE
Apply at night on slightly moist skin.
As part of Skin Diligent night system:
1. Cleanse the face with Triple Action Cleanser. If you wear eye makeup, remove eye makeup with a gentle oil like jojoba oil.
2. On slightly moist skin, apply 3-5 drops of CEL Retinal Serum. Wait 1 min.
3. Apply Exosome Advanced Night Cream, massaging gently.
INGREDIENTS
Aqua, Propanediol, Dimethyl isosorbide, Glycerin, C9-12 alkane (vegetal origin), Sorbitol, Decyl glucoside, Protium heptaphyllum resin, Caesalpinia sappan extract, Coco glucoside, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Hydrolyzed moringa oleifera seed extract, Adansonia digitata pulp extract, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba gum, Acacia senegal gum, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Sodium citrate, Retinal, Xanthan gum, Ascorbyl palmitate, Sodium benzoate.
Free of parfum
Free of preservatives
Free
PACKAGING
The glass bottle and the dropper to be recycled. Cardboard packaging, FSC paper to be recycled.
CEL™ COMPLEX
At the heart of Skin Diligent’s innovation lies CEL™ - Cellular Epigenetic Longevity: a bioactive proprietary complex of botanical biotech extracts, peptides and exosomes that supports 10 key pillars of resilient skin.
Extends cellular health, slows skin ageing and delays senescence.
Results: Regenerated at the heart of its cellular mechanisms, the skin strengthens itself to anticipate ageing both on the surface and in depth, preserve its youthful capital, and extend its vitality.
ENCAPSULATED RETINAL
Vitamin A is backed by 50+ years of research. But in its common form (retinol), it can be unstable, irritating.
That’s why Skin Diligent uses a high-performance form of vitamin A - technically encapsulated in natural Protium heptaphyllum resin: a plant-based shield that protects the molecule from oxidation, gradually releasing the active ingredient and reducing the risk of irritation. 11x more effective than retinol and better tolerated.
✔ Minimal sensitivity
✔ Optimised bioavailability
✔ Suitable for sensitive skin
✔ Enhanced efficacy - backed by studies
FAQ
What is the difference between retinol and retinal?
Retinal is a more advanced derivative of vitamin A in the conversion chain: it requires only one enzymatic transformation to become active (compared to two for retinol), making it more powerful and effective than retinol, while reducing the risk of irritation.
Why encapsulate the retinal in a botanical resin ?
Encapsulation in natural Protium heptaphyllum resin acts as a plant shield that:
- protects the molecule from oxidation and instability
- allows for gradual release into the skin
- reduces the risk of irritation, even on sensitive skin.
Is it suitable for all skin types ?
Yes. Thanks to its encapsulation technology and combination with CEL™ Complex, the serum is designed to offer optimal tolerance, even on sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Can I use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
No, as with all retinoids, retinal (and its derivatives) is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Although CEL Retinal has been tested free of oestrogenic and androgenic endocrine disruptions, the accumulation of vitamin A, such as retinoids, has a risk of teratogenicity.
I am in my teens, can I use this serum?
This product is formulated for those who start showing signs of ageing. For teens, we would only recommend as a course of treatment for acne-prone skin.