K-Secret SEOUL 1988 Serum is a Korean night serum with a 2% retinal liposome and black ginseng. Retinal is a vitamin A form generally faster-acting than retinol, so with steady use it helps fine lines, rough texture and dull, uneven-looking skin look smoother. It suits normal, combination and oily skin. This Seoul 1988 retinal serum is the original from K-Secret in 30ml, shipped from Seoul with Cash on Delivery.
K-Secret Retinal Serum 2% at a glance
| Brand | K-Secret |
|---|---|
| Size | 30ml |
| Product type | Retinal face serum (night use) |
| Key ingredients | Retinal liposome 2% and black ginseng |
| Best for | Fine lines, rough texture, dullness and uneven-looking tone on the face |
| When to use | Evening only; start 2–3 nights a week |
| Sun care | Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen every day while using it |
| Pregnancy | Contains a retinoid: if pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor first |
| Sold in Pakistan by | Korean Skincare Pakistan — an Official Authentic seller of K-Secret in Pakistan |
Is K-Secret Retinal Serum 2% right for your skin?
Best for
- Early fine lines and loss of smoothness on the face
- Rough or uneven texture and dull-looking skin
- Post-acne marks and uneven-looking tone, as part of a routine with daily sunscreen
- People who have used a gentle retinol and want to try retinal
Skip it, or patch-test first, if
- You are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding: ask your doctor before using any retinoid
- Your skin is irritated, sunburnt or freshly waxed, or you use a prescription retinoid or strong peels: hold off and ask your doctor
- You have rosacea, eczema or very sensitive skin: patch-test and start once or twice a week
- You will not wear sunscreen every day: retinoids make skin more sensitive to the sun
How do you use K-Secret Retinal Serum 2%?
Evening
- Cleanse and pat your skin completely dry; damp skin can make retinoids sting more.
- Apply toner and let it absorb.
- Smooth 2–3 drops over the face, avoiding the eye area, the corners of the nose and the lips.
- Wait a minute, then apply a moisturiser such as COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream.
- For the eye area, use a product made for it, such as K-Secret SEOUL 1988 Retinal Eye Cream.
Start 2–3 nights a week for the first few weeks, then build up to every other night or nightly if your skin stays comfortable. Some dryness or flaking at first is common; slow down if it stings. Do not use AHA, BHA or other retinoids on the same night. Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen every morning.
What are the key ingredients in K-Secret Retinal Serum 2%?
- Retinal (retinaldehyde) — a vitamin A ingredient that skin converts to retinoic acid in one step (retinol needs two), so it is generally faster-acting; it helps texture, fine lines and tone look smoother and more even over time
- Liposomes — tiny fat-based capsules that carry the retinal, so it is released more gently; the 2% on the label refers to this retinal liposome ingredient
- Black ginseng — ginseng that has been steamed and dried; it adds antioxidant, skin-conditioning care
Retinal vs retinol: which is right for you?
Both are vitamin A. Skin turns retinol into retinal, then retinal into retinoic acid, the form it actually uses. Retinal skips one step, so it generally works faster and can feel stronger than retinol at the same strength. If you have never used a retinoid, a gentle retinol such as the celimax Vita-A Retinol Shot Tightening Serum is an easy place to start; if retinol already suits you, retinal is a natural next step. Use one retinoid per night, start slowly, and wear sunscreen every day.
K-Secret Retinal Serum 2% vs K-Secret Retinal Eye Cream: which should you choose?
| K-Secret Retinal Serum 2% | K-Secret Retinal Eye Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Whole face | Around the eyes |
| Retinal liposome | 2% | 4% |
| Paired ingredient | Black ginseng | Fermented bean |
| Format | Serum | Eye cream |
| When to use | Night | Night |
Choose the serum for overall face texture, fine lines and dullness. Choose the eye cream if lines around the eyes are your main concern. Once your skin is used to retinal, you can use both on the same night: the serum on the face, the eye cream around the eyes, never both in the same spot.
How can you tell if your K-Secret Retinal Serum 2% is original?
- The serum should be smooth and even, with no separation, grainy bits or sour smell.
- The box should be sealed, with the K-Secret name, the SEOUL 1988 line name and the ingredient list printed clearly; blurred printing or spelling mistakes suggest a copy.
- A price far below other trusted sellers usually means old stock or a fake.
- Check the batch code printed on the box and the bottle: the two must match, and the code should look printed, not stuck on. Every unit we sell is batch-code checked on arrival in Seoul, and we verify any code for free — see how to check if Korean skincare is original.
Similar products to consider
- K-Secret SEOUL 1988 Eye Cream: Retinal Liposome 4% + Fermented Bean 30ml
- celimax The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster 15ml
- Purito Seoul TXA 6% + Niacinamide 10% Retinal Serum 30ml
- celimax The Vita-A Retinol Shot Tightening Serum 30ml
Related guides and collections
- All K-Secret products in Pakistan
- Is Korean Skincare Pakistan an official authentic K-Secret seller?
- Retinol and retinal skincare
- Best Korean serums and ampoules in Pakistan
- K-Secret SEOUL 1988 retinal serum guide
- Retinal vs retinol explained
Korean Skincare Pakistan is a Seoul-based authorised seller of major 40+ K-beauty brands. Every product is 100% original, batch-code verified on arrival and shipped from our Seoul warehouse, delivered to your door in 5–7 days nationwide with Cash on Delivery.
K-Secret Retinal Serum 2%: frequently asked questions
Is the K-Secret SEOUL 1988 Retinal Serum at Korean Skincare Pakistan original?
Yes. Korean Skincare Pakistan is an Official Authentic seller of K-Secret in Pakistan. Our stock is bought from official K-Secret channels in Seoul, every unit is batch-code checked on arrival and shipped from our Seoul warehouse. If a product is ever not original, an old batch or near expiry, you can return it free within 7 days.
Is Seoul 1988 retinal serum 2% too strong for beginners?
It can be used by beginners who go slowly, but it is not the gentlest first retinoid. The 2% refers to the retinal liposome ingredient, not 2% pure retinal. Start 2–3 nights a week, apply to completely dry skin, follow with moisturiser and wear sunscreen daily. If your skin is very sensitive, a gentle retinol serum is an easier place to begin.
What are the main ingredients in K-Secret SEOUL 1988 Serum?
The two featured ingredients are retinal, carried in liposomes at 2% of the formula, and black ginseng. Retinal is a vitamin A ingredient that helps texture, fine lines and tone look smoother over time; the liposomes release it more gently; black ginseng adds skin-conditioning care. For the full ingredient list, read the box of the unit you receive, as formulas can be updated.
Can I use Seoul 1988 retinal with niacinamide or vitamin C?
Yes, with some planning. Niacinamide pairs well with retinal and can go on before it, or in the morning. Vitamin C works best in the morning, under sunscreen, with the retinal serum at night. Keep AHA, BHA and other retinoids off your retinal nights. If your skin turns red, flaky or starts to sting, use fewer actives and give it a few nights off.
How long does K-Secret retinal serum take to show results?
Skin often feels smoother within a few weeks. Changes in fine lines, texture and uneven-looking tone usually take two to three months or more of steady use, together with daily sunscreen. Some dryness or flaking in the first weeks is common while skin adjusts. If you stop using it, the skin gradually returns to how it was.
Is K-Secret retinal serum safe in pregnancy?
Like other retinoids, retinal is usually avoided during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using this serum. Your doctor can suggest a retinoid-free routine for that time, for example a gentle cleanser, a niacinamide or hyaluronic acid serum and a daily sunscreen.
Where can I buy original Seoul 1988 retinal serum in Pakistan?
The original is sold here by Korean Skincare Pakistan, an Official Authentic seller of K-Secret in Pakistan. Orders ship from our Seoul warehouse and reach you in 5–7 days, with Cash on Delivery. The live price and stock for the 30ml size show right under the Add to Cart button, and similar retinal serums are listed on this page.
