SEOUL 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng
SUMMARY OF REVIEWS
K-Secret SEOUL 1988 Serum uses encapsulated retinol to smooth texture and improve firmness with fewer irritation spikes than standard retinol. One creator notes it's gentler than retinol but still not for beginners, advising to strengthen the skin barrier first and start with once-weekly application. Patch testing and consistent sunscreen use are recommended, and it's best suited for aging concerns or dull texture.
FULL REVIEWS
POSITIVE
- “I loved it. I really did”
- “With this serum, I saw everything. plumping, improved skin elasticity, improved texture, my acne and post acne would heal faster”10:15–10:21
- “It brightens and makes my skin glowy and healthy looking”10:26–10:30
- “The pictures that they have on their website, this is exactly what I see in the mirror as a result from using this serum”10:29–10:32
- “I really want to repurchase this”10:34–10:38
- “To me, this is really good”11:00–11:02
- Source: Unsponsored review of viral K-beauty skincare - Nov 16, 2025
- “I really enjoyed this serum”7:17–7:20
- “I used up one bottle of it”
- “I did see the results in terms of skin elasticity was improved, plumpness, post-acne were getting lighter and less visible faster”7:20–7:25
- “It didn't clog my pores at all”7:29–7:33
- “It's always in my safe purchases list”7:41–7:45
- Source: Yesstyle skincare bestsellers review - Mar 29, 2026
- “Retinol is often a better choice because it's powerful but gentler than retinol”10:14–10:22
- “This one has encapsulated retinol which gives you fewer irritation spikes in big improvement in texture and fine lines”10:26–10:35
- “Really smooth out texture, improves firmness, and helps with aging concerns”10:37–10:46
- “Even though it's gentler than retinol, I don't think it's still for beginners”10:46–10:57
- “If you're a beginner with retinol, again, just make sure that you've strengthen your skin barrier first”10:57–11:03
- “Always make sure to patch test and make sure that you don't use it every day instantly”11:03–11:13
- “Just go slow, maybe once a week first and then twice a week and then move up the ladder”11:09–11:17
- “Just make sure that you use sunscreen consistently”11:17–11:24
- Source: Best Korean Serums for Combination Acne-Prone Skin 2025 - Jan 13, 2026
MIXED / NEGATIVE
No negative reviews yet — creators have only had good things to say.
WHAT CREATORS SAY
- Consensus
- 4.5 / 5 from 3 creator reviewsGrailPeople ratings based on creator reviews.
- Good for
- Acne (3) · Dullness (2)
- Features
- Non-comedogenic (1)
- ⚠ may not suit all skin types (1)
- ⚠ didn't help with damaged skin barrier (1)
- ⚠ may not suit sensitive skin (1)
Product details
Details
- Type
- facial serum
- Finish
- —
- Shade
- —
- Key ingredients
- Retinal, Black Ginseng Extract, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, SH-Oligopeptide-1, SH-Oligopeptide-2, SH-Polypeptide-1, Tocopherol, Adenosine
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