Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum scores 8.9/9.8 overall. It ranks highest in hydration efficacy (9.6) and low irritation risk (9.5).
✶ Hero ingredients
One of the most effective humectants
Lightweight humectant and solvent
Humectant with antimicrobial properties
Score breakdown
Estimated — based on ingredient analysis. Scores refine as user reviews are added.
Scores last verified: July 2026
What makes Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum stand out
Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum is an excellent serum with an overall score of 8.9/9.8. Positioned in the premium bracket, it delivers a well-rounded formulation that balances efficacy with gentleness. The formula leads with Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol — ingredients that support the skin barrier and moisture levels.
It performs well on hydration (9.6) and low irritation risk (9.5) and active strength (7.8).
Is this right for you?
Great for
- ✓Dry or dehydrated skin — strong moisture-binding profile
- ✓Sensitive skin — low irritation risk with a gentle formulation
- ✓Anyone wanting visible results — solid active ingredient lineup
Key ingredients
- ✶Glycerin
Draws in moisture — #2 in the INCI list
- ✶Butylene Glycol
Draws in moisture — #3 in the INCI list
- ✶Pentylene Glycol
Draws in moisture — #4 in the INCI list
- ✶Niacinamide
Works on your skin — #5 in the INCI list
- ✶Cetyl Alcohol
Softens and smooths — #6 in the INCI list
What creators are saying
TikTokFull ingredient list
42 ingredients — listed in INCI order (highest concentration first)
Compare with similar products
- Lancôme Renergie C.R.X. Triple Serum Retinol9.7
- INNBEAUTY PROJECT Pro C Serum Brightening Solution with 15% Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid9.7
- innisfree Vitamin C Brightening Serum-Infused Mask for Dark Spots9.7
- Skinfix barrier+ Triple Lipid Activating Serum With Plumping Peptides and Niacinamide9.6
- innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars9.6
Ingredient breakdown
- Softens and smooths14
- Works on your skin8
- Holds the formula together7
- Other ingredient4
- Draws in moisture4
- Keeps the product fresh3
- Formula balancers1
- Added colour1