{"product_id":"vt-cica-reti-a-essence-0-7-30ml","title":"VT Cica Reti-A Essence 0.7 30ml","description":"\u003ch2\u003eVT Cica Reti-A Essence 0.7: Retinal at 0.7% With Centella Calming Buffer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRetinal (retinaldehyde) is a retinoid that converts to retinoic acid in the skin faster than retinol, meaning it's more potent but still tolerable (unlike prescription tretinoin which is retinoic acid directly). 0.7% is a meaningful retinal concentration, sitting between beginner retinals (0.05 to 0.1%) and prescription-level strengths. VT's Cica Reti-A Essence 0.7 pairs this active concentration with centella asiatica (cica) as a calming buffer, in a 30ml essence at $90.00. The goal: deliver aggressive anti-aging without the irritation window that unbuffered retinals produce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the retinal option for users who've graduated beyond basic retinol and want stronger results without a prescription. The cica buffer makes a meaningful difference: centella's anti-inflammatory compounds reduce the characteristic retinal redness and flaking by 30 to 50% in most users' real-world reports. Not unheard of to see noticeable anti-aging benefit in 6 to 10 weeks, which is faster than standard 0.3 to 0.5% retinol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat It Does\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetinal at 0.7% converts rapidly in the skin to retinoic acid, which stimulates collagen synthesis, accelerates cell turnover, and reduces hyperpigmentation. Centella asiatica provides anti-inflammatory buffering, reducing the initial adjustment phase discomfort. Panthenol calms. Over 8 to 16 weeks of consistent PM use, expect fine line softening, firmness improvement, and tone evenness. Results are faster than retinol, slower than tretinoin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRetinol graduates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Users who've used retinol successfully and want stronger results.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerious anti-aging seekers (30s+):\u003c\/strong\u003e Real anti-aging step.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrescription-averse users:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong without a derm visit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHyperpigmentation concerns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Retinal is effective on pigmentation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUsers with tolerated cica history:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cica buffer benefits most who already tolerate centella.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Specs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVolume: 30ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePrice: $90.00\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHero actives: retinal (retinaldehyde) 0.7%, centella asiatica, panthenol\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTexture: lightweight essence\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePackaging: opaque bottle (retinal is light-sensitive)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePM only. After cleansing and toning, apply 3 to 4 drops to clean skin. Start with 2 to 3 nights per week for the first 2 weeks, build to 4 to 5 nights by week 4, daily if tolerated from week 6. Always follow with SPF 30+ the next morning. Do not use during the day. Store in a cool, dark place (retinal degrades with light and heat).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eHow is retinal different from retinol?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetinal is one conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, which means it acts faster and stronger at the same percentage. 0.7% retinal is roughly equivalent in effect to 1.0 to 1.5% retinol, but with a different tolerance profile. Generally faster results, similar irritation level when buffered properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eIs 0.7% too strong for a retinal beginner?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot necessarily for experienced retinol users. For complete beginners to retinoids, start with a 0.05 to 0.1% retinal or a 0.3% retinol first. 0.7% is intermediate to advanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eHow does this compare to Medicube AGE-R retinal or Avene Retrinal?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimilar category. Avene Retrinal is a reference retinal with extensive dermatological validation. Medicube is another Korean retinal option. VT's differentiator is the cica buffer at this concentration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eHow soon will I see results?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjustment phase: 2 to 4 weeks. Texture and tone: 6 to 10 weeks. Fine lines: 10 to 16 weeks. Faster than retinol at comparable concentrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eSafe during pregnancy?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Retinoids are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRelated Products\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair with a calming moisturizer. Browse the \u003ca href=\"\/he\/collections\/vt-cosmetics\"\u003eVT collection\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/he\/collections\/best-retinol-serum\"\u003eKorean retinol\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"VT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53812800848244,"sku":"9439946993","price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0899\/8862\/8852\/files\/web_final_1_e04222f6-4072-46fe-9c3a-748620b4b837.jpg?v=1776251554","url":"https:\/\/www.mirai-skin.com\/he\/products\/vt-cica-reti-a-essence-0-7-30ml","provider":"Mirai Skin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}