Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

Name: Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Brand: Kiehl's

serumpremium

Overall score9.0

✶ Hero ingredients

#2Glycerin

One of the most effective humectants

#3Butylene Glycol

Lightweight humectant and solvent

#4Pentylene Glycol

Humectant with antimicrobial properties

Score breakdown

Overall

9.0

Hydration Efficacy9.6

Irritation Risk9.5

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Ingredients

Niacinamide
Retinol
Hyaluronic Acid
Salicylic Acid

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Honest skincare intel. No jargon, no gatekeeping — just the ingredients decoded.

Active Ingredient Strength7.8

Ingredient Transparency8.5

Formulation Safety9.0

Estimated — based on ingredient analysis. Scores refine as user reviews are added.

What makes Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum stand out

Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum is an excellent serum with an overall score of 9.0/9.8. Positioned in the premium bracket, it delivers a well-rounded formulation that balances efficacy with gentleness. The formula leads with Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol — ingredients that support the skin barrier and moisture levels.

It performs well on hydration (9.6) and low irritation risk (9.5) and active strength (7.8).

Is this right for you?

Great for

✓Dry or dehydrated skin — strong moisture-binding profile
✓Sensitive skin — low irritation risk with a gentle formulation
✓Anyone wanting visible results — solid active ingredient lineup

Key ingredients

✶
Glycerin
Draws in moisture — #2 in the INCI list
✶
Butylene Glycol
Draws in moisture — #3 in the INCI list
✶
Pentylene Glycol
Draws in moisture — #4 in the INCI list
✶
Niacinamide
Works on your skin — #5 in the INCI list
✶
Cetyl Alcohol
Softens and smooths — #6 in the INCI list

Full ingredient list

42 ingredients — listed in INCI order (highest concentration first)

#1Aqua/Water #2Glycerin #3Butylene Glycol #4Pentylene Glycol #5Niacinamide #6Cetyl Alcohol #7Isohexadecane #8Isononyl Isononanoate #9Diisopropyl Sebacate #102-Oleamido-1 #113-Octadecanediol #13Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester #14Adenosine #15Ceramide Np #16Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine #17Lauroyl Lysine #18Octyldodecanol #19Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate #20Sodium Chloride #21Sodium Hyaluronate #22Sodium Hydroxide #23Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate #24Retinol #25Tocopherol #26Dicaprylyl Ether #27Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate #28Behenyl Alcohol #29Caprylyl Glycol #30Carbomer #31Cetearyl Alcohol #32Cetearyl Glucoside #33Glycine Soja Oil #34Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil #35Hydroxyethylcellulose #36Lecithin #37Phenethyl Alcohol #40Sorbitan Laurate #41Steareth-100 #42CI 40800 #43Beta-Carotene #44Chlorphenesin #45Phenoxyethanol

Compare with similar products

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream9.0
Medicube Hyaluronic Multi Peptide PDRN Serum9.0
Medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum8.9
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment8.9
Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum8.8

Ingredient breakdown

Other ingredient11
Softens and smooths11
Works on your skin7
Draws in moisture4
Holds the formula together4
Keeps the product fresh3
Formula balancers1
Added colour1

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