A Guide to Cyrène’s Progressive Diamond Retinal System
Diamond Retinal is Cyrène’s five-strength retinal serum system, developed for different levels of skin sensitivity and vitamin A experience. Available in levels 1, 3, 5, 10 and 25, it offers a considered way to begin retinal and progress only when the skin is ready.
Rather than treating retinal as a single-ingredient trend, each Diamond Retinal formula places microencapsulated retinal within a carefully balanced, multi-active base. The result is a more complete approach to visible lines, uneven tone, texture, dullness and loss of firmness, while also supporting hydration and skin comfort.
Cyrène is a science-led dermocosmetic brand with a registered UK trademark. Its formulations are developed under the direction of cosmetic scientist Shirin Koseoglu, who brings more than 20 years of formulation experience.
What is retinal?
Retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, is a vitamin A derivative used in evening skincare to support visible skin renewal. Within the skin’s vitamin A pathway, retinal requires one fewer conversion step than retinol before reaching retinoic acid.
That does not mean that every retinal product performs in the same way. Concentration, stability, delivery technology, the supporting formula and the way the product is introduced all influence the overall experience.
What makes Diamond Retinal different?
Diamond Retinal is structured as a progressive system rather than a single universal strength. The five levels make it possible to select a starting point according to sensitivity, previous retinoid use and the intensity of the intended routine.
Microencapsulation and a phospholipid-based delivery approach help support retinal stability and gradual delivery. The formulas are further supported by complementary ingredients selected to address broader skin needs, rather than relying on retinal alone.
Which Diamond Retinal strength should I use?
Diamond Retinal 1 - Sensitive Start
The gentlest level in the range, created for very sensitive, reactive or redness-prone skin and for those who have previously found conventional retinol difficult to tolerate.
For rosacea-prone skin, retinal should be introduced only when the skin is calm and the barrier is well supported. Advice from a dermatologist or appropriately qualified healthcare professional is recommended where rosacea is diagnosed or symptoms are active.
Diamond Retinal 3 - Introductory Retinal
An introductory strength for those beginning a consistent vitamin A routine, or for skin progressing beyond the most sensitive entry level. It may suit first-time retinal users without marked sensitivity.
Diamond Retinal 5 - Established Routine
A balanced mid-level strength for skin already accustomed to retinal or retinol. It is designed for those seeking more visible support for uneven texture, dullness, early lines and overall skin refinement.
Diamond Retinal 10 - Advanced Multi-Active Care
An advanced strength for experienced vitamin A routines. Diamond Retinal 10 combines retinal with niacinamide, pure and stabilised vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin E and a peptide complex.
This multi-active approach supports a more comprehensive routine for the visible appearance of established lines, uneven pigmentation, loss of firmness, dullness and irregular texture, while helping maintain hydration and comfort.
Diamond Retinal 25 - Intensive Level
The most intensive level in the Diamond Retinal system, developed for highly experienced retinal users and carefully managed progression. It is not intended as a starting strength.
What skin concerns can retinal help improve?
With consistent and appropriate use, the Diamond Retinal range helps improve the visible appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, pigmentation, dullness, irregular texture and loss of firmness. It can also support a smoother, brighter and more refined-looking complexion.
Results depend on choosing an appropriate strength, introducing the product gradually and maintaining a supportive routine with moisturiser and daily broad-spectrum sun protection.
How should retinal be introduced?
Apply Diamond Retinal in the evening to clean, dry skin, avoiding the immediate eye area and corners of the nose and mouth. Follow with a moisturiser suited to the skin’s needs.
Begin with two evenings per week. Increase frequency gradually only if the skin remains comfortable, without persistent redness, burning, pronounced dryness or peeling. Avoid combining it in the same routine with another retinoid or a strong exfoliating treatment unless advised by a qualified professional.
Use a broad-spectrum, high-protection sunscreen every morning. Retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless a medical professional advises otherwise.
When should I move to the next strength?
Progress should be guided by tolerance, not by speed. Move to the next Diamond Retinal level only after the current strength has been used consistently and comfortably over time.
A higher number is not automatically better. The most effective strength is the one the skin can use regularly without ongoing irritation.
Why professional guidance matters
The five-strength structure allows dermatology clinics, aesthetic practices and trained skincare professionals to recommend a more individualised starting point and guide gradual progression.
This makes Diamond Retinal suitable for considered homecare programmes in which strength, frequency, barrier support and sun protection are reviewed as the skin’s needs evolve.
Frequently asked questions
Is retinal stronger than retinol?
Retinal sits one conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol. In practice, overall performance still depends on concentration, stability, delivery and the complete formulation.
Can sensitive skin use retinal?
Sensitive skin may be able to use retinal when it begins with an appropriate low strength, introduces it slowly and supports the skin barrier. Diamond Retinal 1 was developed as the gentlest entry level in the range.
Can redness-prone or rosacea-prone skin use Diamond Retinal?
Redness-prone skin may require a more cautious approach. For diagnosed rosacea, active irritation or a compromised barrier, seek individual advice and introduce retinal only when the skin is calm.
Can Diamond Retinal be used every night?
Some experienced users may eventually tolerate frequent use, but nightly application is not essential for everyone. Frequency should be increased gradually according to skin response.
What should be used with Diamond Retinal?
A gentle cleanser, a barrier-supporting moisturiser and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen form the essential foundation of a retinal routine. Hydrating and soothing serums may also support comfort.
A more considered way to use retinal
Diamond Retinal brings structure to advanced vitamin A skincare: five strengths, multi-active formulations and a clear progression shaped by the skin’s experience.
Start at the level your skin can use consistently. Progress when it is ready.
Explore the Diamond Retinal range in the UK