Versus

K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng Versus SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

Serum
Facial Treatment
Korean Brand South Korea
American Brand United States

Updated on May 18, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Dipropylene Glycol

Masking

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Masking, Solvent

Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.

Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.

As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.

Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.

Learn more about Dipropylene Glycol
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.

This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

When to use

337 Routines
5% use in am
96% use in pm
56% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
91 Routines
2% use in am
98% use in pm
67% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng 41 ingredients

3.8 /5
from 8 ratings
Absorbs Well (7) Works Well (5) No Scent (5)
corissahughes's avatar

Corissa Hughes

12 months ago
Review

Worked almost right away, by smoothing my skin, giving me smaller pores and improved fine lines. Definitely a staple.

#great value
#absorbs well
#light scent
#works well
destiny19's avatar

destiny19

7 months ago
Review

been struggling a lot with closed comedones and acne. this product has helped reduced that and improves texture pretty fast

EDIT: i used it for 4 months and while it did get rid of cc and hormonal acne, I noticed that any pimples that remained on my face was fungal acne (i used to struggle with fa in highschool but haven't in 5 yrs) i know the product is not fa safe but most otc retinoids Show more

#absorbs well
#no scent

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating