Your Weekly DIY: Retinol Results, Made Gentle

This week’s DIY is a non-greasy night serum designed to help boost cell turnover, support collagen, and improve the look of pores - revealing skin that looks smoother, brighter, and more even over time.

2-3 minutes
Beginner
Benefits
Smoothness • Firmness • Refinement
Format
Lightweight oil serum
Skin concern
Uneven texture • Dull skin • Visible pores
Shelf life
Best used within 6 months

What You'll Need

Retinyl Palmitate
2 drops
Supports skin renewal for smoother-looking texture

Rice Bran Oil
1 teaspoon
Nourishing, antioxidant-rich base oil

Squalane
1 tablespoon
Lightweight oil that enhances absorption and skin feel

How to Make

    1. Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
    2. Transfer to a dark 20ml pipette bottle and store in a cool, dark place. 

How to Use

Apply at night to clean, toned skin and follow with a gentle moisturiser once absorbed. 

It's gentle, so give it a few weeks. That’s when you’ll start to notice smoother skin, clearer pores, and a more even tone.

Make It Yours

Barrier Repair + Antioxidants
Swap squalane for rosehip or sea buckthorn berry oil

Gentle Renewal Cream
Add 2–3 teaspoons to 150ml cream base

Deep Conditioning Serum
Swap squalane for castor or moringa oil

Soothing + Scent
Add 2–4 drops copaiba balsam essential oil

Shop the Hero Ingredients

Essentially Natural Vitamin A Palmitate (Retinyl Palmitate)

Essentially Natural Vitamin A Palmitate (Retinyl Palmitate)

Essentially Natural Vitamin A Palmitate (Retinyl Palmitate) is an oil-based vitamin A derivati...
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Essentially Natural Rice Bran Oil - Refined

Essentially Natural Rice Bran Oil - Refined

Essentially Natural Rice Bran Oil - Refined is a light, golden carrier oil with a smooth, cush...
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Essentially Natural Olive Squalane

Essentially Natural Olive Squalane

Essentially Natural Olive Squalane is a lightweight, highly stable plant-derived emollient use...
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Pro Tips & Storage

  • For soothing and barrier support: Add 5 drops of bisabolol to calm the skin and reduce the chance of irritation.

  • Start slow (2–3 times a week) and avoid other strong actives on the same night. Build up as your skin gets comfortable. Wear SPF during the day, as your skin may be a little more sensitive to the sun.

  • Cool, dark place in a sealed amber glass bottle. Because this formula contains a vitamin A derivative, consistent storage away from light and heat will help maintain its effectiveness over time.