KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 18 Reddit threads · Updated November 5, 2026
2% liposomal retinal starter serum; gentle enough for sensitive skin, sometimes too mild. The catch: too mild for some users. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall Alternative0.06% retinal; a bridge toward stronger retinoids · $87.00 · 29.6 ml
Best Cheaper AlternativeFeatherlight, watery texture; layers cleanly under makeup · $6.00 · 30 ml vs $15.40 for the original
Same Active: Retinaldehyde0.05% retinaldehyde; gentler tretinoin step-down
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Key actives: retinaldehyde 0.06%
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $2.94/ml (original $0.51/ml)
The why
This 0.06% retinal cream gives retinoid beginners a structured on-ramp, with glycerin, squalane, and sodium hyaluronate in the formula. Redditors report smoother texture and easier acclimation; studies found retinoid creams help acne, though peeling remains the catch.
One minus
Pricey when cheaper retinal alternatives perform similarly
Good forSensitive Skin, Oily Skin
“I have used Medik 8 crystal retinal”
— Reddit, r/tretinoin
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Beginner-friendly retinal; no peeling at three-times-weekly use
- Price
- $15.40 · 30 ml · $0.51/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
Skin1004·Serum
See alternativesFeatherlight, watery texture; layers cleanly under makeup
- Size: 30 ml
- Price per ml: $0.20/ml (original $0.51/ml)
The why
A watery centella-and-glycerin ampoule for calming redness and adding light hydration around tretinoin or acids. It suits sensitive, oily, or combination skin, but dry skin may need moisturizer and acne-prone users report closed comedones.
One minus
Closed comedones and cystic breakouts hit some users
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
Both recommended for Redness / Irritation.
#3
Same Active: Retinaldehyde
Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%
Naturium·Serum
See alternatives0.05% retinaldehyde; gentler tretinoin step-down
- Key actives: Retinaldehyde 0.05%
The why
A 0.05% retinaldehyde cream-serum for people stepping down from tretinoin or starting a stronger retinoid routine. Its cushioned texture suits dry, sensitive skin, though some users report dryness or closed comedones, and the lower strength may disappoint.
One minus
Drying compared with other retinal and retinol formulas
Good forDry Skin
#4
Best for Redness / Irritation
Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Anua·Serum
See alternativesResearch-backed acne active; Reddit’s go-to for redness
- Key actives: Azelaic Acid 10%
- Size: 29.9 ml
- Price per ml: $0.66/ml (original $0.51/ml)
The why
This watery 10% azelaic acid serum adds panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, and centella for a beginner-friendly active targeting breakouts, redness, and leftover marks. Redditors call it gentle; studies support acne results, but sensitive or barrier-damaged skin can sting.
One minus
Can trigger burning, peeling, flushing, or whiteheads
Good forDry Skin
Both recommended for Redness / Irritation.
Other alternatives worth a look
Barrier-support staple for retinoid recovery nights · 98 recs
RosaceaCruelty-Free
Multi-form hyaluronic acid for water-light hydration · 154 recs
Combination SkinOily Skin
10% OTC azelaic acid, below prescription 15% strength · 53 recs
Oily SkinK-Beauty
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