ISDIN vs Xhekpon — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Isdinceutics Retinal Intense
9/10 · ISDIN
| Isdinceutics Retinal Intense | Flash Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | ISDIN | Xhekpon |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Editor Rating | 9/10 ★ | 7.6/10 |
| Category | serum | serum |
| Texture | Concentrated serum | Lightweight gel serum spray |
| Finish | Smooth, absorbed | Hydrated, plumped, fresh |
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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. | Xhekpon's flash serum — the spray-format companion to their cult collagen cream. The Flash Serum extends the brand's collagen-first philosophy into a lighter, faster format: hydrolyzed collagen for immediate plumping, dual-weight hyaluronic acid for surface and deeper hydration, Centella Asiatica for anti-inflammatory soothing, and aloe vera for calm. The spray format is the key differentiator — it delivers a fine mist that absorbs instantly without the massage step most serums require, making it the time-pressed version of Xhekpon's anti-aging philosophy. At ~$18 for 30ml, it maintains the brand's radical affordability. The light formula works as a pre-moisturizer hydration layer or an on-the-go refresher. It won't replace the cult Crema Facial for serious anti-aging, but it fills the gap for mornings when a rich collagen cream feels too heavy. |
