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If there is one product, I love more than anything; it has to be retinol because you can achieve so much with this. If you’re looking for actual results, then retinol is for you.
I know a lot of people can be somewhat wary of using retinol, but there is honestly nothing to worry about so long as you approach it correctly instead of just blitzing your skin.
The first retinol I ever used was Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, which is a trans-retinoic ester (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate), and I loved it was what got me obsessed with retinol. (If you are interested in starting using retinol check out my So you want to start using retinol?” post)

Sunday Riley recently launched an all-new retinoid serum called A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum (£70), while I think the product is alright the name is a bit misleading as someone who doesn’t use retinol might believe this is a potent retinol, but it isn’t.
Sunday Riley claims this is a 6.5% serum but its more like 0.05% as it is a trans-retinoic ester, it would be comparable with The Ordinary 5% Granactive Retinoid.
As you can see from the ingredients it is said to contain 5% trans-retinoic ester, retinoid-like botanical extracts, stabilised retinol blend (1 %), and blue-green algae with retinoid-like activity (0.5%)
To me personally, this is bullshit I would never consider “retinoid-like botanicals” as effective as retinol. You will notice that they don’t even describe what botanicals are retinoid-like and since I can’t see Bakuchiol in the INCI list which is the only botanical that’s shown to have retinol potential you can count this out of the formula.

Ingredients:



















While the formula itself is fine it’s going to work, I do like that they have included ingredients like CoQ10, Honey, Sodium Hyaluronate (water-soluble salt form of hyaluronic acid) and 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol which is also known as SymSitive, a soothing molecule whose unique feature is to decrease stinging and burning sensations instantly, as well as the formula is packed full of antioxidants. I honestly don’t have a problem with the formula. I have been using this every night for the past few months and while I think its an alright retinol I wouldn’t say you have to go out and get it now as there are others similar on the market with the same technology but more affordable.
I can’t honestly tell you to go out and buy this when I wouldn’t buy it for myself. I did expect more from this, but the more I researched it, the more disappointed I got. While this retinol might tick boxes in terms of anti-ageing and antioxidants, it certainly isn’t as potent as it’s claimed to be.

You can find the Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum online and instore at spacenk.com for £70*
What do you think of A+?
What retinol do you use?
Leave a Comment!
6 Comments
I love you for this honest review, Andrew. Sounds like an okay product but for the price, I expect it to deliver more.
Sounds like I won’t be swapping it for my Paula’s Choice Clinical retinol. I hate when brands try to mislead you with product titles or lack lustre “botanicals” so I appreciate your review.
Angela | BlushandPearls.com
Sunday riley has been on my wish list for years. I’ve been wanting to try them but didn’t know where to begin. This serum sounds absolutely incredible, it definitely looks extremely effective. x
http://www.themakeupaficionado.com
I was curious about this product but I think after reading this – I will stick to more affordable options. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts 🙂
Jasmine xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty
Thanks for your honest review! I love Luna, but more as a kind of treatment oil with a touch of retinol rather than an actual retinol product. I am a total retinol convert (I use Obagi mostly) and I genuinely think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for my skin xx
Beauty Geek Beauty Blog
Totally agree. That formula is not worth the money.