Kim Kardashian has mentioned using both high-end and drugstore retinols, notably The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (a gentler alternative to pure retinol) and the affordable RoC Retinol Correxion Night Cream, along with products from her own SKKN line, though her routine evolves, with her dermatologist recommending low-dose retinol for anti-aging benefits.
She Loves a Good Retinol Serum
In fact, she swears by it for smoothing fine lines and reducing dark spots and discoloration. And the good news is, it doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune on the most lavish serum out there.
IOPE is the best, not only for Korean retinol but just in general. Stable, encapsulated. A good started ret is their super bounce serum.
Koreans use gentle, effective alternatives to retinol like Bakuchiol, Peptides, Ginseng, Adenosine, and antioxidants (Vitamin C, Green Tea), focusing on hydration (Hyaluronic Acid) and barrier support (Squalane, Snail Mucin) to achieve anti-aging results without irritation. These ingredients boost collagen, improve firmness, and smooth texture, making them great for sensitive skin or those avoiding retinoids.
Kim Kardashian West is a fan of the Exilis Ultra 360 laser skin-tightening treatment, so I tried it with her derm. See the results and learn about the cost.
She lost 16 pounds in 3 weeks to fit into her vintage Met Gala gown. How did Kardashian lose weight? She says she cut carbs and ate “just the cleanest veggies and protein.” She also ran on a treadmill and wore a sauna suit twice a day. Kardashian's 3-week weight loss sparked concern over the impact on mental health.
Kim Kardashian
“Half of mine are probably Botoxed so I can't….,” she joked. In a 2022 interview with Allure, the mom of four revealed she had a bit of Botox on her face. "But I've chilled, actually," she said of her Botox routine, "No filler.
A313 is only retinol esters which are even weaker than regular retinol.
What Makes Koreans Look Younger? Koreans prioritize skincare from an early age, incorporating products with hydrating, anti-aging, and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ginseng, and snail mucin. Their diet, rich in collagen-boosting foods like fish, seaweed, and fermented vegetables, supports skin health.
The ingredient that works up to 11 times faster than retinol is Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde), a potent Vitamin A derivative that's just one conversion step away from retinoic acid, allowing for quicker skin cell renewal, wrinkle reduction, and improved texture, though it's generally recommended for experienced users due to its strength.
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum ($65)
“At night, before I go to sleep, it's retinol,” Paulina Porizkova previously shared of this potent serum. “This one is really good—it goes on like water.” Sephora shoppers agree, saying it makes “a massive difference” in their skin.
There isn't one single "number 1" serum, as it depends on skin concerns, but top contenders in Korea include Anua Niacinamide + TXA Serum (popular for brightening), Aestura Atobarrier Hydro Cera-HA Serum (highly rated for hydration/barrier repair), Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum (overall bestseller/iconic), and viral hits like Wage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule and VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot (for texture/pores), with experts often praising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and Centella Asiatica for overall skin health.
The best Korean retinols, at a glance
Recently, during an episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” Kim Kardashian openly acknowledged her use of neck Botox. This revelation has brought attention to this popular procedure, generating widespread interest in the application of Botox to the neck area.
For beginners, most dermatologists recommend a retinol with a concentration of 0.25 percent to one percent to see results. If your skin is not sensitive, you can usually tolerate something right in the middle; Dr.
Koreans use gentle, effective alternatives to retinol like Bakuchiol, Peptides, Ginseng, Adenosine, and antioxidants (Vitamin C, Green Tea), focusing on hydration (Hyaluronic Acid) and barrier support (Squalane, Snail Mucin) to achieve anti-aging results without irritation. These ingredients boost collagen, improve firmness, and smooth texture, making them great for sensitive skin or those avoiding retinoids.
The Korean skincare 3-second rule means applying your first skincare product, like a toner or essence, within three seconds of washing your face to trap moisture and maximize absorption, capitalizing on damp skin's higher receptivity to actives, which boosts hydration compared to waiting for skin to dry. This technique helps lock in water, enhancing the effectiveness of serums and moisturizers by sealing them onto the skin's barrier.
18 Best Korean Skincare Brands You'll Love
A313 is known to be the cure-all in skincare. It helps with acne and hyperpigmentation and is considered the best anti-aging remedy on the market. The newly improved A313 feels comforting and lightweight but helps provide the same clearing and anti-aging benefits as the old formula.
The best retinol in Australia depends on your skin needs, with top-rated options including The Ordinary (affordable), Paula's Choice (potent), La Roche-Posay (gentle), Medik8 Crystal Retinal (retinaldehyde for strength), and CeraVe (barrier repair), often praised for being effective yet well-tolerated, with many recommending starting low and slow with lower concentrations or gentler derivatives like retinaldehyde for better results with less irritation, always pairing with SPF.
A 0.2% retinaldehyde (retinal) product is significantly stronger and more potent than a 1% retinol product because retinal is only one conversion step away from retinoic acid (the active form), while retinol needs two steps, making retinal faster-acting and more powerful, even at a lower concentration. While the percentage number (0.2 vs. 1) might seem lower for retinal, its closer proximity to the active form means it delivers quicker and often more intense results but can also cause more irritation.
Kim Kardashian has publicly revealed diagnoses for psoriasis (an autoimmune skin condition she's managed for years) and, more recently, a small brain aneurysm, which she discussed on her reality show, The Kardashians, indicating it was discovered during scans and potentially linked to stress from her divorce. She later gave an update, assuring fans she was fine after further scans confirmed the aneurysm had been present for years and was stable.
Kim has made it clear she hasn't had cheek fillers. But, as with many celebrities, there are always debates and discussions about their appearances. For Kim, these talks revolve around the noticeable fullness in her cheeks and some changes around her nose and mouth area.
"I think initially she started out with Botox to her forehead, crow's feet around her eyes, and glabella area, as well good skin care," board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dennis Schimpf told Glam of how Guilfoyle's face has transformed over the years.