
SEOUL 1988 Serum : Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng
Serum · 30 mL
Where to buy
YesStyle
30 mL
35%$14.30$22.00Buy at YesStyleStylevana
30 mL
30%$15.40$22.00Buy at StylevanaSkinSeoul
30 mL
13%$22.32$25.54Buy at SkinSeoulDODOSKIN
30 mL
47%$22.80$43.20Buy at DODOSKIN
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Key ingredients
Found in the full ingredient list below. Check how it layers with your routine
Made for
Full ingredients (40)
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract
- Water
- 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
- 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
- Bakuchiol
- SH-Oligopeptide-1
- SH-Oligopeptide-2
Listed from highest to lowest concentration. Formulas change, so check the packaging if you avoid an ingredient.
Product details

Retinal + ginseng
Liposomal retinal and a base led by black ginseng, for smoother texture, fewer visible lines and a more even tone.
The middle step of Ksecret’s SEOUL 1988 retinal line, made for retinoid beginners. Retinal Liposome 2% works on fine lines, wrinkles, tone and texture, while black ginseng extract, the very first ingredient, brings antioxidant care. It has a smooth texture that absorbs quickly.
- Black ginseng extract, the first ingredient
- #1
- Black ginseng extract, the first ingredient
- Retinal liposome, for retinoid beginners
- 2%
- Retinal liposome, for retinoid beginners
- Peptides, with bakuchiol and vitamin C
- 3
- Peptides, with bakuchiol and vitamin C

What’s inside
The ingredients doing the work
Black ginseng
The serum is built on ginseng root extract instead of plain water, chosen for its antioxidant benefits that help protect skin.
No. 1 of 40 on the list
Retinal liposome
Retinal is a retinoid one step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, so it works faster. Lecithin and cholesterol form liposomes, tiny capsules that keep it stable and deliver it gently, to help with fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and texture.
No. 11, 23, 27 of 40 on the list
Bakuchiol, vitamin C + peptides
Part of Ksecret’s anti-aging complex: plant-based bakuchiol, a stable vitamin C and peptides to support elasticity.
No. 37, 38, 39, 40 of 40 on the list
Niacinamide, adenosine + vitamin E
The trio Ksecret credits with smoothing texture. Niacinamide also helps with pores and evens tone.
No. 7, 18, 21 of 40 on the list
Supporting botanicals
- Burdock root
- Cnidium root
- Japanese yam root
- Tree peony root
- Rehmannia root
- Macadamia oil
- Sunflower oil

How to use
At night, after toner
- 1
Prep
In your evening routine, cleanse and tone, then let skin dry. Retinal can irritate more on damp skin.
- 2
Pump
Take a pea-sized amount. That covers the whole face and neck; more can cause irritation.
- 3
Massage
Gently massage it in until fully absorbed.
- 4
Seal
Follow with moisturizer. New to retinal? Start twice a week, move to every other night in weeks 3–4, then every night.

A gentle way into retinal
Steady, smoothing night care, with black ginseng at its heart.
Good to know
- Contains retinal, a retinoid. Use at night, wear SPF 30+ the next day, and patch test first. Ksecret recommends avoiding it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- If retinal feels strong, Ksecret suggests the “sandwich” method: a light moisturizer, then the serum, then a richer cream.
- Contains macadamia seed oil, a nut oil, and sunflower seed oil.
- Fragrance-free and dermatologist tested for skin irritation, per Ksecret.
- Store in a dry, shaded place; the fridge is recommended.
- 30 mL pump bottle.
