Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum 0.5 oz — 6.5% active blend with soothing botanicals

Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum is a concentrated 6.5% retinoid and botanical complex formulated to target visible signs of aging and support uneven, congested, or UV-stressed skin.

This potent serum combines multiple stabilized retinoid forms with plant-derived alternatives and skin-soothing botanicals to deliver a layered approach to skin renewal. Designed for evening use within a routine that builds tolerance, the formula merges encapsulated retinol, retinoid esters, and a blue-green algae extract with antioxidant and calming support to help improve texture, tone, and the look of skin clarity.

How does this serum differ from standard retinol products?

The A+ High-Dose formula delivers several retinoid technologies at once: a high-percentage retinoid ester blend, a liposomal-encapsulated retinol for targeted delivery, plus a botanical retinoid-alternative. This multi-component design aims to combine efficacy with support ingredients that calm and protect the skin.

• 6.5% total active retinoid and botanical complex
• 5% retinoid ester blend for sustained activity
• 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol for controlled release
• 0.5% blue-green algae as a natural retinoid-alternative

What improvements can I expect and how soon might I see them?

Results vary by individual and depend on consistent use and skin tolerance. Many users notice texture and tone shifts over weeks; visible smoothing and reduced congestion typically appear with ongoing nightly application and proper sun protection during the day.

• Helps refine surface texture with regular use
• Supports clearer-looking skin and reduced congestion over time
• Antioxidant support from encapsulated CoQ10 for visible resilience

How should I add this serum to my routine safely?

Introduce the serum slowly to build tolerance—start with every third night and increase frequency as your skin adapts. Use at night only, follow with a moisturizer, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen each morning to protect renewed skin.

• Begin with low-frequency applications, then progress
• Apply after cleansing and before moisturizing in PM routines
• Always pair with daily SPF during daytime

Which ingredients calm and support the retinoid action?

Sunday Riley blends botanical extracts and soothing agents to help balance the active retinoids. Soothing honey, bisabolol, cactus extract, and ginger work alongside encapsulated CoQ10 to reduce the look of irritation and maintain a more even complexion.

• Hawaiian white honey helps condition and comfort the skin
• Bisabolol and ginger provide calming support
• Cactus extract and CoQ10 add antioxidant and hydrating benefits

Who this is for: A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum is intended for adults who want a potent, multi-form retinoid approach to address rough texture, uneven tone, and congestion-prone or photo-exposed skin. It suits those experienced with retinoids or anyone prepared to introduce a high-strength formula gradually and to commit to nightly application and daytime sun protection. If you have very sensitive skin or are new to retinoids, consider consulting a skin professional or starting with lower-frequency use and supportive moisturizers.

Ingredients

Water/Eau/Aqua, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propanediol, Triheptanoin, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disiloxane, Hexyldecanol, Diheptyl Succinate, Phenylpropanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Honey Extract/Extrait de Miel, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Fruit Extract, Bisabolol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ubiquinone, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sorbitol, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Polysilicone-11, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Phosphate, Benzyl Alcohol, Decyl Glucoside, Algae Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate