Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum 1.0 oz — 6.5% multi-formula with encapsulated retinols

Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum is a potent, multi-formula retinoid serum designed to deliver a 6.5% concentrated blend of stabilized retinoids and plant-derived retinoid alternatives to target signs of aging and surface congestion.

This serum pairs fast-acting, encapsulated retinols with gentler retinoid esters and algae-derived alternatives so you get visible refinement without relying on a single ingredient. Formulated with encapsulated CoQ10 and calming botanicals such as Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, cactus extract, and ginger, the A+ concentrate is intended to smooth texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and help even tone while offering balancing, soothing support.

How does this high-dose retinoid serum deliver results without excessive irritation?

Sunday Riley A+ uses a layered approach: a 5% retinoid ester blend for sustained action, a 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol blend for targeted release, plus a 0.5% blue-green algae ingredient that acts like a natural retinoid alternative. Encapsulation and multiple retinoid forms help control release and minimize peak irritation compared with a single, high-strength retinol.

• 5% retinoid esters for steady, prolonged activity
• 1% liposomal encapsulated retinol for controlled delivery
• 0.5% blue-green algae as a plant-based, retinoid-like component
• Soothing botanicals to calm and balance the skin

What visible improvements can I expect and how soon?

Users often notice smoother texture and a more refined pore appearance after consistent use, while tone and the look of fine lines typically improve over weeks. Individual timelines vary; gradual, consistent application supports better tolerance and reliable outcomes.

• Smoother skin texture with ongoing use
• Reduced appearance of pores and fine lines over weeks
• Improved brightness and more even tone
• Supportive antioxidants that protect and renew visually

How should I incorporate this serum into my routine safely?

Introduce the serum slowly—start with a few nights per week and increase frequency as your skin adjusts. Use sunscreen during the day, limit other strong actives on application nights, and pair with hydrating, calming products to maintain barrier health.

• Begin with 1–2 nights weekly, build up gradually
• Apply at night after cleansing and before moisturizers
• Use broad-spectrum SPF each morning while using retinoids
• Avoid layering multiple exfoliating acids on the same night

What additional ingredients enhance performance and comfort?

This formula blends targeted actives with supportive botanicals: encapsulated CoQ10 addresses signs of environmental damage, while Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, cactus extract, and ginger soothe and condition. The result balances efficacy with comfort for many skin types seeking advanced renewal.

• Encapsulated CoQ10 for antioxidant support
• Hawaiian white honey for conditioning and balance
• Bisabolol and ginger to calm sensitivity
• Cactus extract to hydrate and support barrier resilience

Who this is for: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum is aimed at people wanting a clinically minded, high-strength retinoid solution that combines multiple retinoid formats with botanical support. It suits those concerned with texture, enlarged pores, early to moderate lines, or uneven tone who are ready to introduce a potent night treatment with a gradual build-up. Not recommended for anyone with severe active irritation, those using contraindicated prescription retinoids without professional guidance, or users seeking immediate overnight fixes—this is a high-performance, progressive treatment intended for consistent, careful use.

Ingredients

Water/Eau/Aqua, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Propanediol, Triheptanoin, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disiloxane, Hexyldecanol, Diheptyl Succinate, Phenylpropanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Honey Extract/Extrait de Miel, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear) Fruit Extract, Bisabolol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ubiquinone, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, 4-t-Butylcyclohexanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phospholipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sorbitol, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Polysilicone-11, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Phosphate, Benzyl Alcohol, Decyl Glucoside, Algae Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate