Skip to product information
1 of 10

COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

-22%
Regular price £17.97 GBP
Regular price £22.95 GBP Sale price £17.97 GBP
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size

Product details

Brand
COSRX
Size
20ml
Scent
Fragrance-free formula
Skin type
All main types; suits retinol beginners & sensitive skin
Item form
Oil
Texture & finish
Light oil that sinks in fast
Product benefits
Smooths fine lines, refines pores, evens tone with less irritation
Active ingredients
Retinol 0.5%, Squalane, Vitamin E
Special ingredients
Soybean oil, tocotrienols
When to use
PM, 2-3x weekly at first; every other night from week 3
Free from
Fragrance Free, Paraben Free, Sulfate Free
Claims
pH Balanced, SCPN Notified, CPNP Notified
Made in
Made in Korea

About this item

  • Retinol without the harshness: 0.5% retinol is cushioned in squalane and soybean oil, so skin gets renewal benefits with less redness and dryness.
  • Smooths and firms over time: supports collagen to soften fine lines, refine the look of pores and even out skin tone.
  • Barrier-friendly oils: squalane feels like the skin's own oils and locks in moisture, while vitamin E helps guard against signs of ageing.
  • Gentle, fragrance-free formula: pH balanced with no parabens or sulfates.
  • Ease in with drops: tap 1-2 drops into clean, dry skin 2-3 nights a week, building to every other night; wear sunscreen each morning.
£17.97(£89.85/100ml)
Return within 61 days of receipt — hassle-free refund Returnable within 61 days of receiptItem can be returned in its original condition for a full refund within 61 days of receipt.Read full return policy
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Klarna
  • Maestro
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Union Pay
  • Visa
View full details
  • Fragrance Free
  • Paraben Free
  • Sulfate Free
  • pH Balanced
  • Made in Korea
  • SCPN Notified
  • CPNP Notified

Description

COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil offers a gentle way to help with fine lines and wrinkles. This light oil formula combines retinol with soothing squalane to improve skin texture without harsh side effects. Perfect for those new to retinol or with sensitive skin, it helps boost collagen, even out skin tone, and refine pores while keeping skin hydrated. Unlike many retinol products, this oil's gentle approach means less redness and irritation as your skin gets used to it. Add this to your evening routine to wake up with smoother, more radiant skin.

Why Your Skin Will Love This Gentle Retinol

The COSRX Retinol 0.5 Oil is made for people who want retinol benefits without the usual harshness. The 0.5% retinol works to smooth fine lines and help skin look firmer over time. What makes this oil special is how it blends retinol with skin-friendly oils like squalane and soybean oil. These oils help your skin stay soft and calm while the retinol works its magic. If your skin gets red or dry with other retinol products, this one might be your perfect match. It's like getting all the good stuff from retinol with a big dose of comfort built right in.

This oil doesn't just work on wrinkles - it helps with many skin needs. It can make pores look smaller, even out skin tone, and add a healthy glow. The formula is free from things that might bug your skin, like fragrance, parabens, and sulfates. COSRX made this oil to be kind to your skin while still giving real results you can see.

Key Ingredients That Make It Work

The star of this oil is retinol at 0.5% - strong enough to work but gentle enough for most skin types. Retinol helps your skin make more collagen, which keeps skin firm and smooth. But retinol alone can be harsh, which is why COSRX paired it with squalane - a super-hydrating oil that feels light and sinks in fast. Your skin knows squalane well because it's like the oils your skin makes on its own.

  • Squalane: Locks in moisture and helps protect your skin
  • Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil: Adds deep hydration and helps skin bounce back
  • Vitamin E: Fights signs of aging and helps heal skin damage
  • Palm Oil: Helps skin stay soft and supple

These oils don't just make the retinol more gentle - they add their own skin benefits too. The mix works to keep your skin barrier strong while the retinol helps renew your skin.

How to Use It for Best Results

Using retinol right makes all the difference in how your skin responds. Start slow with The Retinol 0.5 Oil - just 1-2 drops two or three times a week at night. This gives your skin time to get used to it. After a few weeks, you can try using it every other night if your skin feels good.

Always put this oil on clean, dry skin. Wait for your face wash to fully dry, then warm 1-2 drops between your fingers and press it gently into your skin. You can use it alone or add your night cream on top. In the morning, be sure to use sunscreen since retinol can make your skin more sun-sensitive. For best results, keep your bottle in the fridge after opening - this helps the retinol stay strong longer.

  • Start with 1-2 drops, 2-3 times weekly
  • Apply to clean, dry skin at night
  • Follow with moisturizer if needed
  • Always use sunscreen during the day
  • Store in the fridge to keep it fresh

Who This Oil Works Best For

The COSRX Retinol 0.5 Oil is great for many skin types, but it shines for certain people. If you're in your mid-20s or older and starting to see fine lines, this is a good place to start. It's also perfect if you've tried other retinol products but found them too harsh. The oil base makes it extra good for dry or normal skin that needs more moisture.

This oil works well for sensitive skin that gets red or flaky with stronger retinol. The squalane and plant oils help buffer the retinol so your skin can adjust more easily. It's also good for people with uneven skin tone or texture who want a smoother look. While it can help those with larger pores or mild blemishes, it's not made to be a main acne treatment. If you have very oily skin, you might prefer a lighter retinol serum instead.

How It Fits Into Your Skincare Routine

Adding The Retinol 0.5 Oil to your routine is simple. Use it at night after cleansing when your skin is fully dry. If you use toners or water-based serums, apply those first and let them sink in. Then warm 1-2 drops of the oil between your fingers and press it gently over your face, avoiding the eye area.

If your skin feels dry, you can add a night cream on top of the oil. On nights when you don't use the retinol oil, you can focus on hydrating or soothing products to keep your skin happy. During the day, keep things simple with a gentle cleanser, light moisturizer, and SPF 30+ sunscreen. This oil pairs well with COSRX's other gentle products like their snail mucin line or their low-pH cleansers. Just avoid using other active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C at the same time as your retinol oil.

  • Morning: Gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, moisturizer, sunscreen
  • Evening with retinol: Cleanser, water-based serums (if used), Retinol 0.5 Oil, night cream if needed
  • Evening without retinol: Cleanser, hydrating products, moisturizer

Ready to see what gentle retinol can do for your skin? Try COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil and watch as your skin becomes smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking with each use. Your skin deserves this kind, effective care - add it to your cart today and take the first step toward your calmest, most radiant skin yet!


Disclaimer: Packaging and product images may be updated by the manufacturer without notice. The item you receive may differ in appearance from the images shown, and colours may vary slightly between screens.

How to Use

Start with a small amount, applying 1-2 drops 2-3 times a week. Gradually increase to every other night as your skin develops tolerance. Apply after cleansing and before moisturizer or serum. For optimal results, incorporate broad-spectrum sunscreen in your daytime routine to protect against increased sun sensitivity. Store the product in the refrigerator after opening to maintain its efficacy. The product typically lasts for several months with regular use, especially when using 1-2 drops per application, three times a week. Suitable for adults aged 25 and above, particularly those with sensitive, dry, or intermediate skin types. For best routine integration, use in the evening after cleansing and toning, and follow with moisturizer. This ensures proper hydration and maximizes the benefits of the active ingredients.

Ingredients

Ingredients List

Squalane, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Retinol (0.5%), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, BHT, Tocotrienols, Tocopherol, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Trehalose, Panthenol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Sulfite, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Allantoin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Beta-Carotene, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Key Ingredients

Retinol (0.5%), Squalane, Vitamin E

Disclaimer: Ingredients may be updated by the manufacturer without notice. For the most current and accurate list, always refer to the product packaging.

Complete Your Calm Ritual

Better together

COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

20ml

£17.97

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

£6.97

Complete Ritual

£43.91 £41.72

BUILD YOUR CALM RITUAL

Routine Recommendation

Step 1
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

Cleanser

COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser

£7.47

Step 2
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Toner

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

£12.97

Step 3
COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

Serum

COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

£17.97

Step 4
COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream

Cream

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream

£13.97

Step 5
BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Sunscreen

BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

£13.97


Retinol 0.5% · Squalane · Fragrance-free

Retinol, delivered in oil.

0.5% retinol carried in squalane and soybean oil — the format for skin that finds retinol creams drying.

Dry skinNight useFragrance-free
COSRX Facial Oil 20ml COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil

What does it do?

The oil does the buffering.

Retinol's reputation for dryness comes as much from the base as the active. This one starts from oil.

Works on texture over time

0.5% retinol targets the look of fine lines and rough-feeling skin, used consistently.

Cushioned by squalane

Squalane is close to skin's own oils — it keeps the formula comfortable on dry skin.

Nothing extra

Free from fragrance, parabens and sulfates, so there's less to react to.

What's in it?

One active, an oil base.

A short list where the carrier is doing real work.

0.5%

Retinol

The strongest step in COSRX's retinol line, in the gentlest carrier.

02

Squalane

A lightweight oil close to skin's own — the reason this doesn't feel harsh.

03

Soybean oil

A second nourishing oil, keeping the texture silky rather than heavy.

COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil - experience

How does it feel?

A few drops, pressed in.

Two or three drops at night, pressed rather than rubbed. Silky rather than greasy, and it layers under a cream if skin wants more.

TextureSilky oil
FeelCushioned
FinishSoft, faintly dewy

Choose your strength

Which retinol are you ready for?

Three strengths, two textures — start low and move up slowly.

Is it for you?

For dry skin that gave up on retinol.

Same active, kinder carrier.

  • Dry or mature skin
  • Anyone who found retinol creams drying
  • Fine lines and rough texture
  • Night use — daily SPF is essential alongside
Happy with it, uses it every night

I was happy with it, I use it every night.

Three drops a night, and patience.

COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil £17.97