The smoothing, firming, line-easing serum that addresses past damage like a sniper / 1 oz

Dara Kennedy Sea Retinal is for all of us who think, “I want something for aging skin that’ll pack a punch…but without collateral damage.” Or, “I wish I hadn’t tanned so much when I was younger. Is there anything out there that can — you know, kind of undo that?” Or, perhaps, “Babies have such nice skin; I want that again.” 

We can’t turn the clock back to your baby years (although if you check out our team's & early testers' reviews, you’ll see that some might disagree). But this serum is pretty remarkable. Thanks to intelligently stabilized and encapsulated retinaldehyde — the reason for its bright yellow hue — it swiftly goes to work on the signs of premature aging and photodamage, stimulating cell turnover and collagen synthesis to firm skin, smooth fine lines and roughness, and address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. 

A different kind of retinoid: super-effective...and soothing

Remarkably, Sea Retinal can also have a soothing, redness-reducing effect on skin, which is not something typically associated with retinoids: we often think of Vitamin A as a bit of a bull in a china shop, creating as many problems (flaking, redness, dermatitis) as it solves. But the retinaldehyde we use solves problems with precision, and our formula actually tones down redness in the skin so that you wake up to a calm, smooth, glowing complexion.

Marine actives and other plant-based goodies boost those proven benefits of Vitamin A while adding to the formula’s calming effects: our special giant kelp partners with a biomimetic peptide based on a sea anemone protein to significantly soothe irritation, allowing zingy (ginger-derived) antioxidants to then supercharge the smoothing, brightening effects of retinaldehyde. 

Plus, topical longevity boosters

Even more exciting: this formula contains special supporting actors that take things a step further, activating your skin cells’ longevity switches for a holistically youth-preserving approach. Snow algae and plant sugars energize skin cells — hello, mitochondria! — and activate the same detoxifying, reparative, longevity-boosting enzymes as healthy stressors like intermittent fasting, heat therapy, and cold plunges. (Dara’s a hot/cold therapy devotee, so this might be one of our favorite features of this biointegral formula.)

Dara Kennedy Sea Retinal is powered by ingredients clinically demonstrated to:

- Reduce redness by 70% in 6 weeks
- Reduce wrinkle depth by 52% within 6 weeks
- Boost mitochondrial respiration by 31% within a month
- Increase skin elasticity by up to 66% within a month
- Brighten and balance skin’s tone more effectively than 1% kojic acid

We know: whoa. Sea Retinal is serious. Bonus: if you get breakouts, our team has noticed that Sea Retinal seems to flatten them overnight, which is very kind indeed.

How it works with its sibling, the Sea Serum

While the magical Sea Serum is a multi-talented, vibrance- and elasticity-boosting ninja protector, the Sea Retinal is its sniper-like sibling. And the two work together beautifully, creating a circular system of their own. During the day, the Sea Serum protects, hydrates, soothes, and nourishes nascent skin cells; at night, the Sea Retinal activates your skin’s much-needed repair and detoxification pathways so that the cells that are ready to do so can peacefully, gently let go. 

How it gives back

In recognition of the importance of circularity, and of the planet that has made this plant-based formula possible — and the need for us all to give back and protect it — 5% of every sale goes to Climate Changemakers. Climate Changemakers is an incredible community that advocates for equitable, science-based climate policies that have the greatest positive impact on climate change — and encourages all of us to join in and help. You can learn more about them on our blog.

We are so proud of this zingy sibling to our best-selling Sea Serum. Find out why Dara developed this product on our blog; she's never gotten more compliments on her skin from our longtime customers than when she started using it, and we think you, too, will find the Sea Retinal to be a game changer. (Check out some of our earliest users' reviews here.)

PS Thanks to the honeysuckle extract that helps keep our retinaldehyde so stable, it has a lovely and very subtle natural scent. We love the earthy, oceanic smell of the Sea Serum, but your sleeping companions may prefer this one.