Environ Tri-Retinoid Complex Retinol Serum

Three forms of vitamin A in one bottle. Retinol, retinyl propionate and retinyl palmitate, held in a stable colloidal serum concentrate, with antioxidants and emollients built in so your skin has an easier time adjusting than it would with a standard retinol.

What it does: helps refine and improve the overall appearance of uneven texture and photo-aged skin. Light, quick-absorbing, and designed to drop into the routine you already have rather than replace it.

Why it's worth it

• Three retinoids rather than one, which is genuinely unusual at this price point
• Helps improve the appearance of uneven texture and photo-aged skin
• Retinol supports a healthy-looking dermis and epidermis, and helps minimise the look of dark spots and pigmentation
• IBR-UrBioTect (elecampane extract) and IBR-TCLC (tomato fruit extract) for antioxidant protection
• Squalane and a blend of emollients to keep your skin comfortable while it adjusts
• Stable colloidal concentrate, so the actives are still active when you use them
• 18 month shelf life, which is long for a retinol
• Mixes into the moisturizer you already own. No extra step in your routine.
  

How to introduce it, properly

Environ’s approach is start low, go slow, and it exists because rushing retinol is how people end up red, flaking, and off it entirely.

Add 1 to 2 drops to your evening moisturiser, two or three times a week. After two weeks, increase the amount and the frequency, working toward nightly. If your skin shows signs of a retinoid reaction, drop back to alternate days until it settles. Their clinical trials showed no severe reactions, but mild adjustment is normal and not a reason to quit.

It works best once your skin is already comfortable with moderate levels of vitamin A. If you are brand new to retinol, start with an AVST moisturiser and come back to this. If you were on the old Retinol 1, this is your replacement.

Broad-spectrum SPF every morning, without exception.

Size

30 ml. Eighteen months unopened. Keep it cool and out of direct light and heat, and do not decant it.

Not sure whether you are ready for retinol or should start with an AVST moisturiser? Book a consult and we’ll tell you honestly. Local pickup is free at the studio in Valleyview.