ISDIN vs ISDIN — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Isdinceutics Retinal Intense
9/10 · ISDIN
| Isdinceutics Melatonik | Isdinceutics Retinal Intense | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ISDIN | ISDIN |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 8.6/10 | 9/10 ★ |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Lightweight night serum | Concentrated serum |
| Finish | Recovered, brightened, smoothed | Smooth, absorbed |
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| Verdict | ISDIN's night recovery serum — and one of the most innovative formulations in Spanish dermocosmetics. The star ingredient is melatonin, used here not as a sleep aid but as a topical antioxidant: melatonin is a potent free-radical scavenger that neutralizes oxidative damage accumulated during daytime UV exposure. Layered with bakuchiol (plant-based retinol alternative — same receptor activation, less irritation), stabilized vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), and HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate — a next-gen retinoid that binds directly to retinoid receptors without conversion). The three-in-one night recovery concept (antioxidant repair via melatonin + retinoid renewal via bakuchiol/HPR + brightening via vitamin C) is clinically elegant. At ~$65 for 30ml, mid-premium pricing that's justified by the ingredient innovation. The night serum ISDIN's dermatologist network uses as a retinol-sensitive alternative. | ISDIN's retinaldehyde powerhouse — a step above retinol in the vitamin A hierarchy. Retinal (retinaldehyde) converts to retinoic acid in one step instead of two, meaning faster results with less irritation than prescription tretinoin. ISDIN pairs it with HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) for a dual-retinoid approach, plus bakuchiol as a botanical synergist and hyaluronic acid for hydration. The Spanish derm brand's most serious anti-aging product. |
