COSRX

The Retinol 0.5 Oil

SerumBudgetEvening only
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A beginner-friendly 0.5% retinol in a squalane-rich oil base with sea buckthorn. A gentle introductory retinol that buffers irritation through its oil base; build up slowly and follow with SPF in the morning.
The verdict

What this is good for

✓ Great forFine LinesRough TextureDullness
The formulation

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them.

~30–70%Caprylic/Capric…
~5–25%Squalane
~3–10%Helianthus Annu…
~2–6%Retinol
~1.5–4%Hippophae Rhamn…
~1–2%Tocopherol
≤ 1% each2 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %1% regulatory line
Hero actives

What's actually doing the work

Retinol
0.5% Retinol
Retinoid
A vitamin A derivative converted in skin to retinoic acid. Increases cell turnover and stimulates collagen, improving fine lines, tone and texture. Introduce slowly to manage irritation; always pair with morning SPF.
Full glossary entry →
Squalane
Emollient Lipid
Lipid
A lightweight, stable emollient that mimics skin's own lipids. Softens and reduces water loss without heaviness or a greasy finish, suiting most skin types.
Full glossary entry →
Sea Buckthorn
Hippophae Oil
Lipid
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Sea Buckthorn works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.
Full glossary entry →
When to use

Routine placement

Evening only
Cheaper alternatives

Looking for a dupe?

The closest active-matched alternative is the The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum (77% active overlap). We found 4 options that share this product’s hero actives.

Dupe guide
See all serum dupes for this product
Ranked by ingredient overlap, with an honest note on what’s different in each.
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Next steps

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Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.