A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum — Reddit Reviews
Updated September 8, 2026
Retinal serum gently boosts cell turnover and fights acne but can irritate skin.
What the community says
This 0.05% retinal serum suits users starting retinoids or with sensitive skin due to its more gentle formulation. Reddit users report visible pore unclogging and acne fades, though irritation and dryness can occur, especially early on. Studies found retinol clears acne comparably to benzoyl peroxide but often with fewer side effects, backing community sentiment.
What this means for you
Backed by 28 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
Watch out for
Product details
Concerns
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
What the science says
Retinol
Some evidence for acne- Some studies found retinol improved acne, especially red, sore spots
- It worked about as well as benzoyl peroxide in one clinical trial
- A retinol-based combination cleared acne about as well as adapalene 0.1%
- 5 studies back this, but one did not clearly show acne improvement
- Side effects were generally milder early on than adapalene in one study
Studied at 0.03–1%this product: 0.05%
See 5 studiesWhat Reddit says
The why
Retinal unclogs pores and fades scars after initial dryness and flaking.
“A-game contains retinal and it does seem to do a good job unclogging pores for me.”
4 mentions for acne
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Which strength Reddit talks about
Three strengths of Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum come up on Reddit. Here’s where the 28 discussions actually land.
Real Reddit threads — 65 mentions across 28 threads
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum on Reddit, in one place — 28 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 5 more, summarized.
“Really wanted to try their retinal serums too”
Mentioned
“The Retinal stuff definitely sounds interesting!”
Mentioned
“their retinal serums”
Mentioned
“I have a cheap retinaldehyde from Geek & Gorgeous that I also sometimes use...”
Mentioned
“you can also try an affordable retinoid a few times a week after shower.”
Mentioned
“a cheap retinaldehyde from Geek & Gorgeous”
Mentioned
“When I do that regularly, I tolerate a very mild retinal 1-2xs/week Geek & Gorgeous A Game 5 (.05% retinal)”
Positive
“I found I have to have my skin really calm to use retinoids.”
Positive
“SPF every day.”
Positive
“I've been having great success with 0.05% retinal by Geek & Gorgeous (A-Game 5).”
Positive
“I can use it up to every 2 days by now.”
Positive
“Maybe that would be an option for someone who has problems with tretinoin”
Positive
“NON-AB Geek & Gorgeous 101 A-Game 10”
Mentioned
“i’ve changed to 0.1% retinal version now”
Mentioned
“And my complete current routine is the following”
Mentioned
“it’s so very good! really gentle but still effective.”
Mentioned
“helped fade and even out my scars, reduce sebaceous filaments and even out some wrinkles.”
Mentioned
“i’ve changed to 0.1% retinal version now”
Mentioned
“My current products are mostly: ... Geek & Gorgeous 101 A-Game 5”
Positive
“My current products are mostly:”
Positive
“feel free to ask me anything about these products or my overall routine”
Positive
