Kiehl's

Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum.

Retinoids

About this product

A gentle retinol serum designed to introduce retinol gradually to skin, formulated with retinol, peptides, and ceramics for anti-aging benefits.

Best for

Mature skin

Type

RetinoidsDrops & dropper

Key actives

Retinoid Niacinamide Hyaluronic acidVitamin ECeramidesPeptides

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Full ingredients

Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Alcohol, Isohexadecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Adenosine, Ceramide NP, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Lauroyl Lysine, Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Retinol, Tocopherol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycine Soja Oil / Soybean Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lecithin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Poloxamer 188, Polycaprolactone, Sorbitan Laurate

Guru Score

78%

Approved

4 experts · Moderate agreement

4Gurus

4Approved

0Mixed

0Skip

What the gurus are saying

The gradual retinol release earns consistent praise for easing skin into the active without harsh irritation, making it a solid stepping stone for those new to retinol rather than absolute beginners. Dermatologists value it as one of the gentlest retinol options available, and the formula's wide availability in pharmacies and Sephora locations worldwide is a practical bonus. A few gurus note it works best once skin has some retinol experience under its belt.

Synthesized from 4 expert reviews · most recent take February 2026

Where to buy

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How it works Independent by design. Every take comes from a creator we have no relationship with. We do not ask anyone to review, and affiliate links never move a score.

Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

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The Style and Beauty Doctor

220k subs

✓Approved

"There's the Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum. That one's really nice too because it slowly introduces the retinol to your skin."

Dr. Shereene Idriss

1.71M subs

✓Approved

"Kiehl's Micro-Dose retinol for $65 is a gentle formula, but it is a tried and true for people who use retinol. Not necessarily for beginners, but something that you may want to check out."

All 2 takes from Dr. Shereene Idriss

Top Derm Picks for Sephora Holiday Savings Event 2025 | Dr. Shereene Idriss

"Kiehl's Micro-Dose retinol for $65 is a gentle formula, but it is a tried and true for people who use retinol. Not necessarily for beginners, but something that you may want to check out."

Best of Sephora Spring Sale 2025 | Dermatologist Picks by Dr. Shereene Idriss

"Kiehl's Micro-Dose Retinol is, I believe, around 0.1%, though they don't disclose it. It has retinol, peptides and ceramides in it and it's a very great beginner's retinol product, the lightest one I found at Sephora."

Dr. Daniel Sugai

718k subs

✓Approved

"Kiehl's makes a fast release serum but there's also a micro dose serum for those who are beginners. Those are both really good."

Nipun Kapur

401k subs

✓Approved

"The Kiehl's formula is fabulous. The good news with Kiehl's is also that you get it pretty much everywhere in the world."

Common questions

Frequently asked.

What is Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum?

A gentle retinol serum designed to introduce retinol gradually to skin, formulated with retinol, peptides, and ceramics for anti-aging benefits.

Is Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum worth it?

Yes. All 4 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 78%.

What is Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum's Guru Score?

Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum holds a Guru Score of 78%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 4 independent expert reviewers we have collected.