Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum 1.0 oz — 6.5% Multi-Form Retinoid, Soothing Botanicals

Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum is an advanced-strength, 6.5% stabilized retinoid formula that combines multiple retinoid forms and botanical retinol alternatives to target signs of aging and uneven texture.

This concentrated 1.0oz serum blends a 5% retinoid ester mix, a 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol, and 0.5% blue-green algae with supporting botanicals and encapsulated CoQ10. It’s designed to deliver a layered retinoid approach while including soothing extracts such as Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, cactus and ginger to help comfort the skin. The set also includes travel-sized complementary products — a vitamin C + turmeric face oil and a lactic acid treatment — to support a broader skin-renewal routine.

How does this formula differ from a standard retinol serum?

The A+ serum uses a multi-form retinoid strategy: a high-concentration retinoid ester blend for potency, liposomal-encapsulated retinol for controlled delivery, plus a botanical retinoid alternative from blue-green algae. Encapsulated CoQ10 and calming botanicals are added to help balance the formulation and reduce potential irritation.

• 6.5% total active solution: 5% retinoid ester, 1% encapsulated retinol, 0.5% blue-green algae
• Liposomal encapsulation supports steady release over time
• Botanical anti-irritants (honey, bisabolol, cactus, ginger) soothe and balance
• Includes complementary travel sizes to build a routine

When and how should I add this serum to my skincare routine?

Because of its strength, A+ is best used at night after cleansing and before heavier creams or oils. Start slowly — once or twice weekly — and increase frequency as your skin tolerates the formula. Always follow with sun protection during daytime to protect newly revealed skin.

• Use in evening only; apply a pea-sized amount to dry skin
• Begin with once or twice weekly, gradually increase frequency
• Allow serums to absorb before layering oils or moisturizers
• Always wear broad-spectrum SPF during daytime

What visible results can users expect, and how soon?

Visible changes depend on individual skin and consistency. Users commonly report improved texture, more even tone, and a refined appearance of pores and fine lines when used regularly. The included travel-sized C.E.O. Glow and Good Genes treatments can accelerate brightness and exfoliation when integrated carefully into the routine.

• Texture and tone improvements typically develop over weeks with consistent use
• Pore appearance and fine-line refinement seen with continued application
• Complementary vitamin C oil for brightness and lactic acid for gentle exfoliation
• Results vary by skin type and regimen adherence

Are there sensitivity considerations or ingredient warnings?

This advanced-strength retinoid is potent and may cause temporary redness, dryness, or flaking during acclimation. Patch testing and gradual introduction reduce risk; pairing with hydrating, non-irritating moisturizers helps maintain comfort. Avoid mixing with other strong actives without guidance.

• Patch test before full-face use and introduce slowly
• Avoid simultaneous use with other high-strength actives (strong acids, prescription retinoids) unless advised
• Not intended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without professional advice
• Store away from heat and direct sunlight to preserve stability

Who is this for? Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum suits experienced retinoid users and skincare enthusiasts seeking a high-strength, multi-form retinoid approach with botanical soothing agents. It’s well-suited for those wanting an advanced at-home treatment to help refine texture, address signs of aging, and complement a targeted brightening and exfoliation routine. If you’re new to retinoids, consider starting with lower-strength retinoids or consult a skincare professional before introducing this high-dose formula.

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