Name: Acni Derm Retinol Active Serum
Brand: SkinQ Rx

Indication

Active comedonal and inflammatory acne. Concurrent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) on Indian and wheatish skin tones. Indicated as Step 2 in the Acne Protocol — PM only. Encapsulated Retinol normalises follicular keratinisation; Salicylic + Azelaic Acid target active lesions and PIH in the same step.

Composition

Active	Form / Type	Purity	Function
Retinol Liposomes	German encapsulation	—	Normalises follicular keratinisation; collagen synthesis
Salicylic Acid	Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA)	99.7%	Dissolves comedonal plug; anti-inflammatory
Azelaic Acid	Dicarboxylic Acid	99%	Bacteriostatic on C. acnes; tyrosinase inhibitor (PIH)
Niacinamide	Vitamin B3	99.4%	Sebum regulation; melanosome transfer inhibition
Allantoin	Botanical extract	—	Moderates retinol-associated transient sensitivity
Centella Asiatica	Madecassoside + Asiaticoside	—	Post-acne scar remodelling; barrier support

No free-radical retinol. No artificial fragrance. Encapsulated for maximum tolerability.

Mechanism of Action

Four actives, four mechanisms — no redundancy. Each addresses a distinct driver of acne and post-acne marks, working in parallel in a single PM step.

Retinol Liposomes (German encapsulation) — controlled-release into the follicular canal. Normalises abnormal keratinisation that causes comedone formation — the upstream fix preventing new lesions. Significantly reduced irritation vs free retinol.

Salicylic Acid (99.7%) — oil-soluble BHA, penetrates sebaceous follicles. Dissolves comedonal plug from inside. Anti-inflammatory action reduces papule redness on contact.

Azelaic Acid (99%) — dual-action: bacteriostatic on C. acnes + tyrosinase inhibitor reducing PIH concurrently. Critical for Indian/wheatish skin tones where PIH is the primary patient complaint.

Niacinamide (99.4%) + Allantoin + Centella — sebum regulation, retinol-adaptation moderation, scar remodelling. Supports the formula's tolerability through the adaptation phase.

Dosage & Administration

Cleanse thoroughly with Skin Balance Gentle Cleanser. Pat dry — apply to clean, dry skin.
Dispense 2–3 drops, warm between fingertips. Press gently over affected areas, forehead, cheeks, and chin.
Allow 60 seconds to absorb before applying Hydra Fix Balm as the barrier seal.
Do not apply near eye contour — retinol should not contact the periorbital area.
Use PM only. Mandatory SPF (Photo Defense SPF50+) the following morning.

Frequency

PM Daily. If patient is new to retinol, introduce on alternate nights for the first 2 weeks before moving to daily — reduces probability of significant purging response. Skip serum on nights when Acni Derm Clarifying Mask (Step 3) is used — mask provides sufficient exfoliation.

Protocol Position

Step 1Cleanse

Step 2 PMThis Product

Step 3 · 2× wkMask

Step 4 AMSPF

Step 5 PMBalm

Step 2 in the Acne Protocol, PM only. The first active treatment step — sets the foundation before clarifying mask and barrier seal.

Retinol Adaptation Phase

Weeks 2–4: A mild purging phase — transient increase in comedone visibility as follicular contents are expelled — is expected and indicates the retinol is working. Allantoin and Niacinamide in the formula moderate this. Advise patients in advance and pair with Hydra Fix Balm (Step 5 PM) for barrier support. Purging typically resolves by week 4.

Mandatory AM SPF

Photo Defense SPF50+ is non-negotiable. Retinol increases photosensitivity. Failure to use SPF significantly increases the risk of retinol-induced PIH — particularly on Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types.

Clinical Evidence

N=32 · IN-VIVO · Dermatologist-led · Oily & sensitive skin · Corneometer · Sebumeter · Mexameter · Tewameter · 30 min · 1 hr · 48 hr · 72 hr

+51%

Hydration · Corneometer · 30 min

72 hr

Sustained moisturisation

−18.2%

Sebum · Sebumeter · 1 hr

+16%

Barrier (TEWL) · Tewameter

−16%

Erythema · Mexameter · 48 hr

0 AE

Across all 32 subjects

View full clinical study: 72-Hour Sebum Control & Anti-Erythema Study →

Adverse Events

0 AE across all 32 subjects on oily and sensitive skin. No sensitisation observed despite active retinol content — encapsulation provides controlled-release tolerability.

Storage

Store below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight — retinol degrades on light exposure. Use within 6 months of opening. Do not freeze.

Acni DermRetinol Active Serum

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Retinol your patients will actually stay on.

Acni Derm
Retinol Active Serum