---
product_id: 278136394
title: "Skin Medica Retinol Complex 1.0 29.6ml/1oz"
brand: "skinmedica"
price: "R3104"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
category: "Skin Medica"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/278136394-skin-medica-retinol-complex-1-0-29-6ml-1oz
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# 1% sustained-release retinol Improves skin texture & exfoliation Clinically reduces fine lines Skin Medica Retinol Complex 1.0 29.6ml/1oz

**Brand:** skinmedica
**Price:** R3104
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> ✨ Unlock your skin’s glow-up with science-backed retinol magic!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Skin Medica Retinol Complex 1.0 29.6ml/1oz by skinmedica
- **How much does it cost?** R3104 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/278136394-skin-medica-retinol-complex-1-0-29-6ml-1oz)

## Best For

- skinmedica enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted skinmedica brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Long-Lasting Value:** Small application lasts months—premium skincare that keeps up with your busy life
- • **Texture Transformer:** Accelerates exfoliation to reveal smoother, plumper skin
- • **Power-Packed 1% Retinol:** High concentration for visible anti-aging results without greasy residue
- • **Sustained Release Technology:** Delivers vitamin A steadily for gentle yet effective skin renewal
- • **Clinically Proven Age Defense:** Targets fine lines and signs of aging for a youthful glow

## Overview

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 is a dermatologist-trusted, 1% sustained-release vitamin A formula designed to improve skin texture, accelerate exfoliation, and reduce fine lines. Its lightweight emulsion absorbs quickly without greasiness, making it ideal for professional millennials seeking effective, long-lasting anti-aging skincare. Expect mild initial peeling as your skin renews, and pair with sunscreen for optimal results.

## Description

Renews skin and diminishes the appearance of fine lines. Caution: Do not use if you are pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant. Mild redness, peeling and irritation is expected when using this product. Use a sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week following discontinuation. The term age defense that is showing on the secondary packaging is referring to the product grouping this material falls within, such as Age Defense, moisturize, etc. There is priming that might be needed to initially start the product and this is normal. The color is a yellowish hue. There is no Expiration Date on the packaging

Review: I have purchased this product both in my dermatologist's office and a few times here on desertcart, and *every* time it has been the same excellent product. Just research the sellers before choosing one to buy from. When you start using this, you will see that your skin peels a bit, revealing new, plump, smooth skin. The 1% is a high concentration, and if you have very sensitive skin (I do not), you might want to start with the .25 or .5% concentrations, to ease your skin into it. My fine lines and crows feet smoothed out, my skin is plump, and glowing. I especially like the consistency of this product - it is an emulsion that absorbs nicely into your skin, leaving absolutely no greasy residue. So it does NOT have that slimey feel of serums with too much silicone. This product contains no (or very little) silicone. It absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling nourished. Use with your regular serums and moisturizers, as retinol itself can be a slightly drying ingredient. Worth every penny, and a bottle last several months. You do not need to apply very much product, so my bottle lasts me 6 months or more, with applying 2-4 times a week at night. If you are looking for the BEST most effective retinol product, this is it! I have tried so many, and none compare to this one!
Review: Es un buen recibió, se nota en poco tiempo cambios en la piel. Recomendable la marca

## Features

- Delivers vitamin A derivatives to skin via a sustained release system
- Improves skin texture and accelerates exfoliation
- Reduces appearance of fine lines, signs of aging
- The term Age Defense that is showing on the secondary packaging is referring to the product grouping this material falls within such as age defense, moisturize, etc.
- There is priming that might be needed to initially start the product and this is normal. The color is a yellowish hue.
- There is no expiration date on the packaging

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00G193SGW |
| ASIN  | B00G193SGW |
| Best Sellers Rank | #139,050 in Beauty ( See Top 100 in Beauty ) #2,437 in Facial Moisturizers |
| Customer reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,291) |
| Date First Available  | 30 October 2013 |
| Department | YES |
| Department  | YES |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer  | No |
| Item model number | 94926 |
| Item model number  | 94926 |
| Manufacturer | Skin Medica |
| Manufacturer  | Skin Medica |
| Product Dimensions | 4.19 x 14.35 x 4.19 cm; 121.9 g |
| Product Dimensions  | 4.19 x 14.35 x 4.19 cm; 121.9 g |

## Product Details

- **Age range (description):** Adult
- **Brand:** SkinMedica
- **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 42 x 144 x 42 millimeters
- **Item volume:** 29.6 Milliliters
- **Special features:** Moisturizing

## Images

![Skin Medica Retinol Complex 1.0 29.6ml/1oz - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61w41VXdObL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Style** options.

## Questions & Answers

**Q: All reviews are from young people.  Anyone know how it works on older women?  My wrinkles seem worse.**
A: Arghh! Have tried to answer this question twice but my iphone thwarts me. Anyway......I'm 53 years old and a huge fan of SkinMedica. My favourite products are Lytera (game changer!!), TNS Essential Serum, Age defense retinol and the very first SkinMedica product that I began with when I was 40 called TNS Recovery Complex. I get frequent compliments about my skin but I take religious care of it and am a liberal user of sunscreen which I REAPPLY over the course of the day. I am a grandmother of two small children and people are shocked when they learn my age. These products are fabulous but you have to be patient for results. If this is the first time that you are venturing into serums, you may need to round out a retinol with a morning vitamin C serum or the TNS Essential Serum or TNS Recovery Complex. Initially, some of the products may seem expensive but calculate the costs on a daily basis and length of time before you need to buy again and they are extremely affordable. Again.....if you are over 40 and just getting into serums, you need to be patient for results. Also, if you experience any irritation, then set up a regime that ultimately allows you to achieve a daily application. I apply retinol in the evening, FOLLOWING my Lytera application and when my skin is dry. I no longer need to use Lytera on a daily basis but do maintenance with that product 2X a week. If you are using retinol for the first time, make sure your skin is thoroughly dry after washing your face. Good luck!

**Q: Is this Skin Medica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 (like the photo)  or "Skin Medica Age Defense Retinol Complex .25"?**
A: What I received was 1.0.  It was sold by a different company however.  Skin Medica is now making this product in not only the .5 and 1.0 but in .25 as well.  I can only guess they added the .25 due to the harshness of the product.  I would not trust this if 1.0 is what you're looking for.

**Q: How are you able to sell this product , so much cheaper, than the manufacturer?**
A: Hello,We sell through several e-commerce platforms and have a huge buying power. Most of these savings are passed on to the customers. We are highly competitive and operate a low cost model to pass substantial savings to customers. As again, all products are 100% original, and guaranteed fresh.We hope you enjoy using these products, and more savings on your next order.Sincerely,

**Q: What exactly does this do for you?  I was using the .25 and thought my skin looked a little lighter but now using the 1.0 I'm breaking out.  Awful.**
A: The 2.5 that you're using is not as strong as this one. I rarely use the 1.0 because it is so strong. I have to work up to using the half strength and then I used the one on some stubborn areas. The reason you're breaking out is that the impurities are coming up. I would start every other day. You should see some leveling out. Be happy for the breakouts. It means all that crap is coming to the surface

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by D***G on 2 October 2018*

I have purchased this product both in my dermatologist's office and a few times here on Amazon, and *every* time it has been the same excellent product. Just research the sellers before choosing one to buy from. When you start using this, you will see that your skin peels a bit, revealing new, plump, smooth skin. The 1% is a high concentration, and if you have very sensitive skin (I do not), you might want to start with the .25 or .5% concentrations, to ease your skin into it. My fine lines and crows feet smoothed out, my skin is plump, and glowing. I especially like the consistency of this product - it is an emulsion that absorbs nicely into your skin, leaving absolutely no greasy residue. So it does NOT have that slimey feel of serums with too much silicone. This product contains no (or very little) silicone. It absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling nourished. Use with your regular serums and moisturizers, as retinol itself can be a slightly drying ingredient. Worth every penny, and a bottle last several months. You do not need to apply very much product, so my bottle lasts me 6 months or more, with applying 2-4 times a week at night. If you are looking for the BEST most effective retinol product, this is it! I have tried so many, and none compare to this one!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by L***A on 1 November 2025*

Es un buen recibió, se nota en poco tiempo cambios en la piel. Recomendable la marca

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by J***E on 18 July 2017*

I started using the SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5 Feb 5th of this year. On June 5th, after 4 months of use I upped it to the 1.0 strength because I felt like my skin was good enough and prepared enough for a stronger retinol. . I went through a slight, but not bad, peeling stage with a little redness, with the 1.0 because I think my skin was pretty used to the retinol after using a weaker strength for 4 months.. (The first 2 months with the 0.5 was awful.. My skin was super red, super flaky and super sensitive.. Even to wash it with Cervae face wash, which is super gentle, even hurt it).. The peeling and redness lasted about 2 weeks with the 1.0 vs 2 months with the 0.5 and now my skin is wonderful! It looked really good after the 4 months using the 0.5, but after 6 weeks of the 1.0 it looks even better.. It's much smoother and super even toned. The few sun spots that I have have faded tremendously and I can feel a lift in my face and a tightening in my skin. It's definitely worth the ugly stage that retinol causes, to get to this stage.. For me that is.. The only down side, if this is even a down side, is it didn't help make my pores smaller which I had hoped for, but with the right primer and foundation it can hide them.. Especially now with super smooth skin. I recommend this for everyone to help with aging and prevent aging and I am so glad I started using it!

## Frequently Bought Together

- SkinMedica Retinol 1.0 Complex - Retinol Serum for Face, Age-Defying Advanced Retinol Cream That Renews Skin and Diminishes the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles, 1 Fl Oz
- SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex - Vitamin C Face Serum is Your Secret to a Glowing Complexion

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-02-07*