The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution.

Retinoids

About this product

A retinoid serum from The INKEY List that combines retinol with Novaretin, formulated to help visibly improve the look of scars, marks and wrinkles.

Guru Score

81%

Yay

5 experts · Moderate agreement

What the gurus are saying

Gentle or strong? The takes go both ways, and that's the story. Newcomers, sensitive skin and even the eye area get a friendly nod for the blend of retinoids, while the 1% true retinol is called much stronger than the brand's original serum. Sandwiching it between two thicker moisturizers is the suggested route if you're new or dry, and there isn't much research yet on Novaretin.

Synthesized from 5 expert reviews · most recent take November 2025

What they liked

Lotion texture, no moisturiser needed on top
True retinol at maximum over-the-counter strength
Helps with hyperpigmentation and fine lines

What they flagged

Strong irritation potential for sensitive or dry skin
Acne scar claims limited to certain scar types

Best for

Mature skin

Type

RetinoidsDrops & dropper

Where to buy

Sephora → Ulta → Amazon → Google →

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Scan it in the shopFree iPhone app. Scores in the aisle.

What the experts use it for.

The concerns the experts tie this product to, in their own words. Paid and founder takes don't count.

Breakouts and acne1 expert

“This has retinol and Novaretin and it's a scar, mark and wrinkle solution, but it uses ingredients that are medically proven to help with acne.”

Cassandra Bankson, watch at 13:18

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.

All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

No BS Beauty

89k subs

✓Yay

"And it's got 1% retinol acetate, which is a form of retinoids. It's got 5% granactive retinoid and [squalane] as well as soybean oil. It's fragrance-free. It's very gentle. So if you're new to retinoids, it's a nice option, or if you have sensitive skin or if your skin is acclimating to retinoids, it's a nice option. There's also a great method sandwiching in between two thicker moisturizers. If you're new to retinoids or if you have dry skin, that's the way to go."

Mad About Skin

733k subs

✓Yay

"I always go for retinal because that's my perfect, I feel that just works best for me. [...] This has retinal which is great, it's also got granactive retinoid which is the favorite of my over-the-counter retinoids. It's just a really nice blend. [...] Because this is super gentle I can actually use this under the eye as well. On my tretinoin nights [...] I would use a separate eye cream, but on the non-tretinoin nights I'll use this everywhere."

Doctor Anne

56k subs

✓Yay

"The Inkey List Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution is a 1% Retinol serum. The first thing you'll notice is the yellowish color of the product, and despite being called a serum, it looks and feels like a lotion, with a faint scent similar to many retinol products. It should be used in the evening. I found it to be much stronger than the original Retinol Serum, because it uses true retinol at the highest concentration available over the counter, rather than an encapsulated slow release form."

Cassandra Bankson

2.46M subs

✓Yay

"It's in a retinoid family, it used to be prescription but now it's over the counter. This has retinol and Novaretin and it's a scar, mark and wrinkle solution, but it uses ingredients that are medically proven to help with acne."

All 3 takes from Cassandra Bankson

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"There isn't a ton of research on Novaretin and even though this is the product that I've been trying from the INKEY List, this is made for acne-prone skin. Novaretin could be an awesome option if you want something that promotes your own body to make more of the good stuff, or if you just don't want to use a retinoid in your routine."

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The Budget Dermatologist

724k subs

✓Yay

"The Inkey List actually has a couple retinol products in their lineup, but it is specifically this one here that I recommend: it is the Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution because it has one percent retinol in it. If you use this one consistently, this level of retinol, which is converted in your skin to retinoic acid or the prescription form of retinoid, you will improve your skin. Consistency is key. This one by The Inkey List is $24.99."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Frequently asked.

What is The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution?

A retinoid serum from The INKEY List that combines retinol with Novaretin, formulated to help visibly improve the look of scars, marks and wrinkles.

Is The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution worth it?

Yes. All 5 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 81%.

What is The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution's Guru Score?

The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution holds a Guru Score of 81%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 5 expert reviewers we have collected.

Who is The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution best for?

The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution is generally suited to mature skin.

What is The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution good for, according to the experts?

In their reviews, experts say The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution is good for breakouts and acne (1 expert).

The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution.

81%

What the experts use it for.

Breakouts and acne1 expert

What the gurus are saying.

What the evidence says.

Frequently asked.

What is The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution?

Is The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution worth it?

What is The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution's Guru Score?

Who is The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution best for?

What is The INKEY List Retinal and Novaretin Scar, Mark and Wrinkle Solution good for, according to the experts?

Cheaper alternatives the gurus rate.

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