SCINIC Cicanoid Retinal Cream vs CELIMAX Vita-A Retinal Shot: Which Retinal Is Right for You?
If you’ve dipped your toes into the world of retinoids, you’ve probably heard about retinal — the next-generation vitamin A that promises smoother, firmer, more radiant skin with less irritation than traditional retinol.
Two Korean skincare favourites, SCINIC Cicanoid Retinal Cream and CELIMAX The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster, both harness the power of retinal — but in slightly different ways. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide which one might suit your skin best.
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What Makes Retinal Special?
Retinal (also called retinaldehyde) sits one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, meaning your skin converts it faster and more efficiently. The result? You get similar anti-aging benefits — smoother texture, fewer fine lines, brighter tone — without the same level of dryness or irritation often linked with stronger retinoids.
Now, let’s break down how SCINIC and CELIMAX use this superstar ingredient.
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SCINIC Cicanoid Retinal Cream
The SCINIC Cicanoid Retinal Cream is a gentle, barrier-supporting retinal treatment perfect for beginners or anyone with sensitive skin.
It contains 500 ppm of retinal (about 0.05%) combined with phyto-retinol (plant-based retinol alternatives) and centella asiatica extracts to soothe and calm the skin. You’ll also find madecassoside and adenosine — ingredients known for helping to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce fine lines.
The texture is creamy and smooth without feeling greasy, making it a lovely night cream for drier or combination skin types. It leaves skin feeling hydrated and calm while still delivering visible firming and smoothing over time.
Best for:
- Retinal beginners
- Sensitive, dry, or combination skin
- Those looking for a gentle anti-aging boost with added hydration
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CELIMAX The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
If you’re ready to level up your retinal game, CELIMAX The Vita-A Retinal Shot brings a bit more intensity.
Formulated with 0.1% stabilized retinal, this booster works hard to refine texture, minimize pores, and improve skin elasticity. It also includes peptides to support firmness, niacinamide for brightening, and panthenol to keep skin comfortable.
The lightweight, serum-like texture absorbs quickly, so it layers easily under your favourite moisturizer or other treatments. It’s designed for people who already tolerate retinoids or want a stronger punch from their nighttime routine.
Best for:
- Experienced retinoid users
- Normal to oily skin
- Those focusing on firmness, fine lines, or pore size
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Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SCINIC Cicanoid Retinal Cream | CELIMAX Vita-A Retinal Shot |
| Retinal Strength | 0.05% | 0.1% |
| Texture | Creamy, nourishing | Lightweight, fast-absorbing |
| Extra Benefits | Soothes and supports skin barrier | Firms, refines texture, brightens |
| Ideal Skin Type | Dry, combination, sensitive | Normal, oily, resilient |
| Best For | Beginners to retinal | Intermediate to advanced users |
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How to Use Retinal Safely
Both of these products contain potent active ingredients, so it’s important to introduce them slowly.
Start by using your retinal product 2–3 nights per week, then increase as your skin adjusts.
Always follow with a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin balanced.
Never forget your SPF the next morning — retinal makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Avoid mixing with strong acids or exfoliants on the same night.
If your skin feels dry or slightly flaky at first, that’s normal — it’s part of the adjustment phase. Stick with it, and you’ll soon notice smoother texture and a more radiant glow.
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Which One Should You Choose?
If your skin is easily irritated or you’re new to vitamin A products, SCINIC Cicanoid Retinal Cream is a fantastic place to start. It’s comforting, gentle, and helps build up your skin’s tolerance while delivering real results.
If you’ve already used retinoids and want something a bit stronger or more targeted toward tightening and refining, go for CELIMAX The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster. It’s more concentrated but still balanced with hydrating and soothing ingredients.
Either way, both of these formulas deliver the benefits of retinal — just tailored to different skin needs and experience levels.
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The Bottom Line
Whether you choose SCINIC’s gentle barrier-supporting cream or CELIMAX’s powerful tightening booster, both are excellent additions to your evening skincare routine.
The key is consistency — use them regularly, protect your skin with sunscreen during the day, and give your skin a few weeks to show its glow-up.
✨ Shop both the SCINIC Cicanoid Retinal Cream and CELIMAX Vita-A Retinal Shot now at Incandeskin.ie — your skin will thank you!