Where I got it
It all started as an ad on Facebook or Instagram, I don’t remember which one it was. There was a gift with purchase offer for 20mls in sample size for the new retinol serum by Kiehl’s. I clicked into the link to see more gift with purchase offers. If you spend over $120, you get a 5-piece gift (valued at $45), and if you spend over $150, you get an additional 4-piece gift (valued at $30). The 20ml samples only applies to the Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum and the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. The retinol serum was $160 for 50ml, the dark spot solution is $104 for 30ml or $160 for 50ml. You also get the free 20ml sample if you get the 30ml bottle, so that is quite a good deal.
Kiehl’s always give samples if you order online, and if you go in-store, they give even better samples. Over $35 purchase would get you free shipping and the my order arrived within 2 days of ordering which is impressive.
Kiehl’s haul and gift with purchase
What I got
I picked up the 50ml bottle of the Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum. Our efficacious anti-wrinkle serum with Retinol delivers visible youth renewal in a daily-strength micro-dose. Precisely formulated, our patent-pending Retinol serum for anti-aging uses a daily-strength dose of Pure Retinol to visibly reduce wrinkles, refine the feel of skin’s texture and firm skin to deliver Retinol benefits with minimal discomfort.* Our powerful micro-dose serum with a trio of Pure Retinol, Peptide and Ceramides simultaneously promote surface skin turnover while strengthening the skin barrier to better receive optimal effects of Retinol and visibly renew skin for younger-looking skin.
Ingredients: AQUA / WATER • GLYCERIN • BUTYLENE GLYCOL • PENTYLENE GLYCOL • NIACINAMIDE • CETYL ALCOHOL • ISOHEXADECANE • ISONONYL ISONONANOATE • DIISOPROPYL SEBACATE • 2-OLEAMIDO-1,3-OCTADECANEDIOL • 4-T-BUTYLCYCLOHEXANOL • ACETYL DIPEPTIDE-1 CETYL ESTER • ADENOSINE • CERAMIDE NP • HYDROXYPALMITOYL SPHINGANINE • LAUROYL LYSINE • OCTYLDODECANOL • PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE • SODIUM CHLORIDE • SODIUM HYALURONATE • SODIUM HYDROXIDE • TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE • RETINOL • TOCOPHEROL • DICAPRYLYL ETHER • AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE • BEHENYL ALCOHOL • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • CARBOMER • CETEARYL ALCOHOL • CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE • GLYCINE SOJA OIL / SOYBEAN OIL • HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL / SUNFLOWER SEED OIL • HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE • LECITHIN • PHENETHYL ALCOHOL • POLOXAMER 188 • POLYCAPROLACTONE • SORBITAN LAURATE • STEARETH-100 • CI 40800 / BETA-CAROTENE • CHLORPHENESIN • PHENOXYETHANOL
Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
How I find it
Before I crack open the full sized bottle I decided to use up the sample sizes first because I wasn’t going away anytime soon so I don’t need little sample sizes hanging around my house. Also it is good to try the formula so see how much skin likes it before I commit to the full size bottle. Just before starting the serum, I had a bad case of hormonal acne, caused mostly by stress, diet and mask-wearing. I was also using a sample of a cream that I suspect was causing me skin some issues too. Anyway, retinol serum is always good for breakouts, especially those that are deep in the skin, as retinol promotes cell turnover, so this will help bring it to the surface and not being stuck in the pore.
So after cleansing, I would use my HG 2% BHA liquid by Paula’s Choice. Then I will apply the La Roche Posay Effaclar K all over my affected area. They I will apply this retinol serum all over my face and then follow up with the Avene Triacneal Expert. I prefer to keep using a retinol ingredient to keep turning over my skin cells.
Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Overall
I really enjoyed using up all of the sample size of this retinol serum and I would say I could see benefits from using 2 sample sizes already which is just under 2 weeks of use. The formula is gentle, but I find it effective in treating my active acne around my jawline. The active acne has calmed down significantly with a reduction of inflammation. My skin did not feel dry or irritated at any stage and there were no flaky skin involved. I made sure I use a moisturiser with peptides and ceramides to make sure my skin is nourished and skin barrier is strengthened. I have also used this serum during the day, just making sure I use an SPF50 over the top with no issues. I will surely keep using the full sized product until it is finished and if a similar offer comes up again from Kiehl’s I would definitely repurchase.
