Ksecret Seoul 1988 Advanced Shot : Retinal Liposome 12% + Black Rice – 15ml

This is K-beauty’s most concentrated retinal treatment in a single-use shot format. The KSecret Seoul 1988 Advanced Shot is formulated with 12% Retinal Liposome — delivering 0.12% pure retinal encapsulated in a liposome system for controlled, deep-skin penetration with minimal irritation.

Unlike standard retinol products, retinal is 11 times more potent than retinol and requires only one conversion step to become active in the skin. This means faster, more visible anti-aging results — reduced fine lines, improved skin firmness, and smoother texture — at a fraction of the irritation caused by prescription-strength tretinoin.

The formula is amplified by 22,275 hydrolyzed sponge spicules — microscopic structures that gently create micro-pathways in the skin surface, enhancing absorption of active ingredients while simultaneously exfoliating dead skin cells for visibly refined pores and smoother texture. A mild tingling sensation upon application is normal and signals the spicules activating.

Brightening actives including Niacinamide and Black Rice Extract work alongside the retinal to even skin tone, fade hyperpigmentation, and restore radiance to dull, ageing skin. Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate provide hydration and support the barrier throughout the renewal process.

Note: This is a high-strength formula recommended for those with existing retinal tolerance. New to retinal? Start every other night for the first two weeks and build up gradually. Always follow with a moisturiser and SPF 50+ the following morning.

Key Benefits

✦ Visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles — 12% Retinal Liposome triggers collagen production and accelerates cell turnover, the most proven mechanism for smoothing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.

✦ Firms and plumps skin — Adenosine works alongside retinal to improve skin firmness and restore a youthful, bouncy texture over time.

✦ Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation — Niacinamide blocks melanin transfer while Black Rice Extract provides antioxidant protection, targeting uneven tone, post-acne marks, and age spots.

✦ Refines pores and smooths texture — 22,275 micro-spicules gently exfoliate dead skin cells and tighten the appearance of enlarged pores, leaving skin visibly smoother after each use.

✦ Enhanced deep absorption — The liposome delivery system and spicule technology carry actives deeper into skin than conventional serums, maximising results with every application.

✦ Hydrating and barrier-supporting — Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, and Shea Butter maintain hydration and protect the skin barrier throughout the retinal renewal process.

Who It’s For

Best for:

∙ Mature or ageing skin concerned with fine lines, wrinkles, or loss of firmness

∙ Dull skin that needs a radiance and tone reset

∙ Anyone with dark spots, melasma, or post-acne pigmentation

∙ Advanced retinoid users ready to step up from retinol to retinal

∙ Those wanting professional-grade anti-aging results at home

Suitable for: All skin types including combination and normal skin

Use with caution: Sensitive skin — patch test first and start every other night. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Not recommended for: Complete beginners to retinoids (start with 0.1% retinol first) or anyone currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use

1. Use as the last step of your evening skincare routine, after cleansing and toning.

2. Dispense a pea-sized amount and apply evenly to the face, avoiding the eye area.

3. Gently pat — do not rub — until absorbed. A mild tingling is normal as the spicules activate.

4. Follow immediately with a soothing moisturiser to seal in hydration.

5. The following morning, apply SPF 50+ without fail.

Frequency:

∙ Week 1–2: Every other night

∙ Week 3–4: Four to five nights per week

∙ Month 2 onwards: Nightly, as tolerated

Pro tip: Apply to completely dry skin — wait 10–15 minutes after toning — to reduce irritation and maximise absorption.

Key Ingredients

Retinal Liposome 12% (0.12% Pure Retinal)

Retinal is 11× more potent than retinol and just one step away from becoming fully active in skin. The liposome encapsulation ensures controlled, deep release that minimises surface irritation while maximising anti-aging results — promoting collagen synthesis, accelerating cell turnover, and visibly smoothing wrinkles.

22,275 Hydrolyzed Sponge Spicules

Microscopic marine sponge-derived structures that gently penetrate the outer skin layer, dramatically improving ingredient absorption, refining pore appearance, and exfoliating dead skin cells from the surface.

Black Rice Extract (Oryza Sativa)

Rich in anthocyanins and Vitamin E — powerful antioxidants that protect skin from free radical damage, support collagen preservation, and visibly brighten uneven skin tone.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Inhibits melanin transfer to skin cells, reducing dark spots and pigmentation. Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces redness, complementing and softening the retinal renewal process.

Adenosine

Clinically proven to reduce the depth of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. Works synergistically with retinal to amplify firming and anti-aging benefits.

Sodium Hyaluronate

A low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper than standard HA, providing lasting internal hydration that plumps skin and reduces the visible appearance of fine lines.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

Deeply hydrates, soothes, and supports barrier recovery — essential for calming any retinal-induced sensitivity and maintaining healthy, resilient skin.