Diamond Retinal 1

0.01% Retinal Night Serum
For sensitive skin. 30ml. Airless package. 

A-Game Changer
A silky, light emulsion containing a beginner level retinal to help against all signs of aging. Contains 0.01% stable retinal, skin-soothing niacinamide, peptides and vitamin C for antioxidant protection.

Directions: Use only in the PM. After cleansing, massage a small amount of Diamond Retinal across the face, neck and décolletage. Allow to absorb and follow with moisturiser. Diamond Retinal application should be phased in gradually. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, from the 5th week use every night. During the day, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or greater.

Precautions: For external use only. Avoid direct contact with mucosa, eyes and lips. If contact occurs, flush thoroughly with water. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician. Not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation. Keep out of reach of children. Use only as directed. Patch testing prior to use is recommended.  

Ingredients: Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipropylheptyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Hydrolized Yeast Protein, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide,  3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phospholipids, Ascorbic Acid, Retinal, Beta-Glucan, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Carbomer, Madecassoside, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol 

Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipropylheptyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Hydrolized Yeast Protein, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phospholipids, Ascorbic Acid, Retinal, Beta-Glucan, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Carbomer, Madecassoside, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol

Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipropylheptyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Hydrolized Yeast Protein, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Phospholipids, Ascorbic Acid, Retinal, Beta-Glucan, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Carbomer, Madecassoside, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol

When to Use: PM only. Retinal is photolabile. Always apply SPF 30 or higher the following morning without exception.

Application Steps:

Cleanse thoroughly and pat skin completely dry — applying to damp skin accelerates penetration and elevates irritation risk during the acclimatisation phase
If layering additional serums, apply Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide first and allow to absorb fully
Dispense 3–4 drops onto fingertips
Press gently across the face and neck; avoid the immediate eye orbit and lip margin
Allow 60 seconds for full absorption before applying a night moisturiser

Building Tolerance — Recommended Frequency:

Weeks 1–2: Two applications per week
Weeks 3–4: Three to four applications per week
Week 5 onwards: Nightly, as tolerated

Pro Clinic Tip: During the first two weeks, apply Diamond Retinal 1 over a thin layer of Cyrène CeraPep Barrier Support Moisturiser — the sandwich method. This reduces the immediate retinal contact concentration on the skin surface during the acclimatisation phase without compromising long-term efficacy.

Progressing Within The Series: Once nightly Diamond Retinal 1 use is comfortable over eight to twelve weeks, step up to Diamond Retinal 3 for increased retinal concentration and accelerated cellular renewal.

Pairs Best With

Cyrène Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier — Apply first on slightly damp skin. Multi-weight hyaluronic acid creates a hydration reservoir that supports retinal tolerance and minimises transient dryness during the acclimatisation period.
Cyrène CeraPep Barrier Support Moisturiser — Apply as the final PM step. Seals Diamond Retinal 1's actives and reinforces the stratum corneum overnight, compounding barrier support alongside the retinal renewal process.
Cyrène 10% Niacinamide + 1% Zinc Serum — For oily or combination skin types, apply before Diamond Retinal 1 to further support sebum regulation and attenuate sensitivity during introduction.
Cyrène Invisible Physical Sunscreen SPF50 — Mandatory the following morning. Retinal increases photosensitivity; unprotected UV exposure actively degrades the results of overnight retinal treatment.

Do Not Combine In The Same Routine

AHAs & BHAs (Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic Acid) — Combining exfoliating acids with retinal risks barrier compromise and over-exfoliation. Use on alternate evenings.
High-Concentration L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C — Reserve for the AM routine. The formula already contains dual Vitamin C; additional L-Ascorbic Acid in the same PM routine is unnecessary and may disrupt pH stability.
Benzoyl Peroxide — Oxidises and neutralises retinal on contact. Do not combine.
Additional Retinoid Products — Do not layer over or under other retinol or retinal formulations in the same routine.

Is Diamond Retinal 1 suitable if I have never used a retinoid before?
Yes. Diamond Retinal 1 is the entry point of the Cyrène retinal series and is designed to be accessible for those new to retinoids and those transitioning from retinol. The phospholipid liposomal encapsulation releases retinal gradually and in a controlled manner, significantly reducing the erythema, flaking, and sensitivity associated with unencapsulated retinoids. Begin with two applications per week on completely dry skin after cleansing and build towards nightly use over four to six weeks as tolerance establishes.

What is the difference between retinal and retinol, and does it matter?
Both are members of the retinoid family, but they sit at different points on the conversion pathway to retinoic acid — the form that actively drives skin renewal at the cellular level. Retinol requires two enzymatic conversion steps inside the skin before it becomes biologically active; retinal requires only one. The result is faster, more direct efficacy at lower concentrations. Research has demonstrated retinaldehyde achieves results comparable to prescription-grade tretinoin with a meaningfully improved tolerability profile. Most products use retinol because it is cheaper and easier to formulate with. Retinal is a genuine clinical step up.

How does Diamond Retinal 1 compare to Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 or Avène RetrinAL?
All three products use retinaldehyde as their primary retinoid. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 retails at approximately £30 and Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Emulsion at £38 in the UK; Cyrène Diamond Retinal 1 retails at £17. Cyrène's formula includes a significantly broader active stack — Bifida Ferment Lysate, Matrixyl 3000 peptides, dual-form Vitamin C, Madecassoside, and Beta-Glucan — alongside liposomal retinal encapsulation. Neither Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 nor Avène RetrinAL include these additional actives. On the basis of active ingredient breadth and equivalent retinoid delivery, Cyrène represents a stronger clinical offering at a lower price.

Is Diamond Retinal 1 suitable for acne-prone skin?
Yes — particularly so. Retinaldehyde possesses a naturally antimicrobial activity that retinol does not; it has been studied for its capacity to reduce Cutibacterium acnes proliferation alongside its retinoid renewal activity. The Niacinamide within the formula further supports sebum regulation and pore minimisation. The lightweight, non-occlusive serum texture will not contribute to congestion. For acne-prone skin, Diamond Retinal 1 addresses active breakouts and post-inflammatory pigmentation simultaneously — a clinically meaningful dual benefit.

How long before visible improvements appear?
Initial improvements in skin radiance and texture are typically perceptible within four to six weeks — approximately one full skin cell turnover cycle. Visible reductions in fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and pore appearance generally require eight to twelve weeks of consistent use. Retinal's evidence base strengthens with sustained application; three to six months of regular use produces the most clinically significant results. Starting at two to three applications per week and building to nightly use maximises long-term outcomes.