ISDIN vs Sesderma — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Isdinceutics Retinal Intense
9/10 · ISDIN
| Isdinceutics Retinal Intense | Reti Age Anti-aging Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ISDIN | Sesderma |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 9/10 ★ | 8.5/10 |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Concentrated serum | Lightweight dropper serum |
| Finish | Smooth, absorbed | Smooth, refined, renewed |
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| Verdict | 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. | Sesderma's retinol serum — and the reason Spanish dermatologists keep recommending this brand for patients who want prescription-adjacent results without the prescription. The formulation delivers retinol through Sesderma's proprietary liposomal technology (nanosome encapsulation), which the brand has been refining for two decades. The liposomal delivery system serves two purposes: it stabilizes the retinol against oxidation (extending shelf life and potency) and it enhances penetration depth (delivering retinol below the stratum corneum where it can influence fibroblast activity). Hyaluronic acid provides hydration support to offset retinol's drying tendency. At ~$48 for 30ml, it competes directly with SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 and Medik8 Crystal Retinal — at roughly half the price. The liposomal encapsulation also means reduced surface irritation compared to free-form retinol at equivalent concentrations. PM use only; sunscreen the next morning is mandatory. |
