Seoul 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng

2% retinal liposome (liposome‐encapsulated retinal, a derivative of vitamin A) formulated to improve fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture.

Black ginseng extract (58% in some claims) delivering antioxidant and collagen‐booster effects.

The product is marketed as suitable for “all skin types, especially ageing/mature skin” and addresses concerns of wrinkles, pigmentation / dark spots, texture.

How to Use

Use after cleansing and toning your skin, typically in the evening. For example: cleanse → tone → this serum → follow with a moisturizer. Many retailers list this guidance.

Since this includes a vitamin A derivative (retinal) which can increase skin sensitivity, it’s usually advised to use at night only and ensure you follow with sunscreen next morning.

Because of its potency and possible skin adjustment, some users introduce it gradually (e.g., 1-2 nights a week at first) and then increase frequency if skin tolerates it.

A tip from one listing: If you’re new to retinal, apply moisturizer before and after the serum to sandwich it and reduce irritation.

What Skin Is It Suitable For?

If your skin concern includes fine lines, uneven tone/texture, dullness, then this product is very relevant.

If your skin is very sensitive or you've never used retinoids/retinal/retinol before, you’ll want to proceed slowly (patch test, lower frequency) because retinal is stronger than typical retinol.

If you prefer extremely minimal skincare with very few actives and want zero irritation risk, this might be more “active” than you’re comfortable with—but it still fits a minimalist routine if used carefully (one product doing multiple roles: anti-age + tone + texture).

How Long to Use / Day & Night

Because this is a high-performance serum with a retinal derivative, it is designed for night use. Day use is not appropriate since retinal can increase photosensitivity and you’ll want to follow with sunscreen.

Start slow: Use maybe once or twice a week for the first few weeks, then increase to every night or on alternate nights if your skin tolerates it.

As part of your routine (you mentioned a 9 AM–7 PM office schedule and preference for minimalist look): you could incorporate this on nights when you want “next morning better skin” and maintain simpler product use on other nights.

Morning after using: Make sure to apply an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen (especially given Australian UV) because using retinal increases the need for protection.

Key Actives & Their Benefits

Retinal Liposome (2%) – A form of vitamin A derivative (retinaldehyde) encapsulated in liposomes for enhanced delivery/absorption and potentially less irritation than retinol. Helps with fine lines, texture, tone.

Black Ginseng Extract (~58%) – Antioxidant, collagen-stimulating, supports skin barrier and resilience.

Niacinamide – Helps with even skin tone, barrier support, smoothing texture.

Bakuchiol – A plant-based retinol alternative/adjunct, included for ageing/firming.

Peptides – (eg SH-Oligopeptide-1, SH-Polypeptide-1) for skin firmness/anti-wrinkle.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C derivative) – Brightening / antioxidant.

 Ingredient List

Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Betaine, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Retinal, Silica, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Bakuchiol, SH-Oligopeptide-1, SH-Polypeptide-1.

Benefits Summary

Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (via retinal + peptides).

Improves skin texture and smoothness (via retinal, peptides, liposomal delivery).

Helps even out skin tone and reduce pigmentation/unevenness (via black ginseng, niacinamide, vitamin C derivative).

Enhances firmness and elasticity (via black ginseng, peptides, retinal).

Provides antioxidant protection and supports skin barrier (via ginseng, niacinamide, others).

Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum form, fits minimalist routines.