A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum — Reddit Reviews
Updated September 25, 2026
0.05% retinal for acne, lines, and pore unclogging; surprisingly gentle.
What the community says
A light lotion retinal serum that Redditors use for acne, wrinkles, and clogged pores. It’s the starter-strength pick in this line, and studies back acne improvement. Sensitive skin often likes it, but some still need every-other-night use.
What this means for you
What people love
Watch out for
- Can still trigger a rough purge or cysts
- Dryness and barrier damage show up fast
- Eye area can sting, so keep it away from lids
Product details
Where to buy
What the science says
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Retinol: 5 studies tested it on its own. See all 14 studies
What the studies found
- All of these studies found retinol helped fade dark spots or patches
- Most studies found retinol made facial dark patches lighter
- Some studies found retinol worked about as well as other common dark-spot treatments
- A large review found retinol worked better than some other treatments for dark spots
Studied at 0.1–10%this product: 0.05%
Acne
Not proven yet
Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
Retinol: 1 study tested it on its own. See all 4 studies
What the studies found
- It helped acne in the available study
- Retinol 0.2% reduced acne when used on its own
- The study was in people with red, sore spots
Studied at 0.03–1%this product: 0.05%
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 41 mentions across 17 threads
Geek & Gorgeous A-Game 5 0.05% Retinal Serum on Reddit, in one place — 17 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/Rosacea and 2 more, summarized.
“I currently use the Geek & Gorgeous retinal serum and find it effective and gentle.”
Positive
“Retinal is normally encapsulated and that can make it much more gentle than retinol.”
Positive
“The last three aren't OTC”
Positive
“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
“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
“Night: - Geek & Gorgeous 0.05% retinal”
Positive
“Many people with sensitive skin can eventually tolerate 0.1% retinal”
Positive
“If you prefer to stay non-injectable for now, consistent retinal use ... are the most evidence-based topical strategies.”
Positive
“it's 0.1% retinal, i've previously used the 0.05% version of the same line.”
Mentioned
“i've previously used the 0.05% version of the same line.”
Mentioned
“(not pictured) NON-AB Geek & Gorgeous 101 A-Game 10”
Mentioned
