If you’re a skincare enthusiast, your Instagram must be flooded with the viral Celimax Retinal Shot reels. From beauty influencers to dermatologists, everyone is raving about this magical product. It claims to smoothen fine lines, clear acne, and brighten dull skin, and the star ingredient, retinal, has stolen the spotlight. However, before adding this to your shopping cart, it’s essential to understand what the product actually promises and what it delivers. Is it worth the hype or just another marketing gimmick? We spoke to dermatologist Dr Thalha, who shared his insights on the product and gave us his Celimax Retinal Shot review. Read on to find out whether it should be your next purchase or not.

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Retinal, the active cousin of retinol

Retinoids have been the star ingredients of the skincare industry, and retinol is a famous and science-backed ingredient that targets a lot of skin issues. Belonging to the same vitamin A family, retinal is that active cousin that just acts a lot faster and is more efficient. It converts to retinoic acid, the active form used in prescription retinoids, one step faster than your usual retinol. Retinal is more efficient in boosting collagen, evening out texture, and speeding up skin renewal, but does faster mean better? To put it simply, retinal is costlier and can cause more irritation than retinol on sensitive skin if it is not used properly. The real magic lies in how it is formulated and how your skin tolerates this potent ingredient.

Is retinal the holy grail for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

For people with sensitive and acne-prone skin, trending skincare products rarely work out. And if you have been afraid to start retinoids, join the club. But when it comes to retinal, it can be the holy grail for your skincare routine if you go slow and take proper care. Since it is more active than retinol, beginners and sensitive skin types need to start with a lower concentration.

Dr Thalha explains, “Retinal is beneficial for acne-prone skin, and it has documented antibacterial properties, making it a great choice for those struggling with breakouts and early signs of ageing. It is a multitasker that smoothens fine lines, refines uneven texture, boosts collagen, and helps fade hyperpigmentation. Because of its antibacterial properties and faster activity, it is also an excellent choice for those with adult acne and post-acne marks.”

How to use retinal and when to expect results

“Retinal is a night-time treatment, so start by using it two nights a week, then increase frequency gradually as your skin adjusts. A good routine is to cleanse gently, apply a hydrating layer, then your retinal serum, and finally a nourishing moisturiser. Avoid layering with other strong actives until your skin is fully acclimated. The next morning, sunscreen is non-negotiable. If irritation occurs, scale back to once every week or pause for a few days while focusing on barrier repair. You will likely notice subtle texture and tone improvements in four to six weeks, with more visible changes in fine lines and firmness after eight to 12 weeks of consistent use,” Dr Thalha suggests. You might experience mild flaking or purging initially, but that’s normal. To battle the dryness, add hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerine, and niacinamide to your routine.

Celimax Retinal Shot review: Is it worth the hype?

Yes, the Celimax Retinal Shot brings serious technology to the table. It features 0.1% encapsulated retinal stabilised with liposomal delivery, so it sinks deep without irritating. The retinal shot also packs matrixyl peptides for firming, niacinamide for brightening, and Celimax’s A-Shot microparticle tech, delivering over 20,000 fine actives for a smoother, glassier finish. It is a gentle yet potent formula designed keeping sensitive skin in mind. And if you use it correctly, it can be your new skincare bestie. Just remember not to go too strong, mix actives, apply it too frequently, or skip moisturiser and sunscreen. These mistakes will be disastrous, so avoid them and get smooth, even, hydrated skin with gradual use.

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