Collection: K-SECRET

Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one step closer to retinoic acid (the active form of vitamin A) than retinol — it requires only one conversion step in the skin instead of two, which makes it stronger and faster-acting than retinol but with less irritation than prescription tretinoin. The K-SECRET Advanced Shot Retinal Liposome 12 uses encapsulated (liposome-delivered) retinal at 12% concentration, paired with black rice for antioxidant support. The result: visible smoother fine lines, firmer skin and brighter tone within 4–8 weeks, with significantly less peeling than retinol.

The Seoul 1988 line is K-SECRET's heritage-meets-modern range, named in reference to the 1988 Seoul Olympics — a transformative period for Korea that introduced its culture to the world. The line pairs traditional Korean ingredients (rice, ginseng, yuja, pine bark, snail mucin) with modern clinical actives (niacinamide, peptides, ceramides). Each product names its hero ingredient and percentage directly, making the line transparent and easy to build a complete routine around. The aesthetic and storytelling are rooted in Korean culture and heritage.

Calamine is a heritage skincare ingredient (zinc oxide + ferric oxide) with documented anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and soothing properties. K-SECRET's Calamine line — Serum, Toner, Sunblock and Cleansing Bar — uses calamine alongside other calming actives to target redness, sensitivity, oily skin and active breakouts. The pink-tinted formula calms inflammation while also absorbing excess sebum and giving an instant matte finish. Particularly suitable for combination, oily and reactive skin types in humid UAE/GCC weather.

The '93%' refers to the percentage of snail secretion filtrate in the formula — meaning the cream is overwhelmingly composed of pure snail mucin, with the remaining 7% containing additional supporting ingredients like rice extract, ceramides, peptides and emulsifiers. This high concentration delivers maximum repair, hydration and post-acne mark fading benefits. Snail mucin contains allantoin, glycoproteins, and growth factors that stimulate fibroblast activity. Use morning and evening for visible repair over 4–8 weeks.

Typical AM routine: Seoul 1988 Pine Cica Cleansing Foam → Calamine Toner → Glow Serum (Niacinamide 15% + Yuja) → Boosting Serum (Collagen + Ginseng) → Seoul 1988 Capsule Cream → Seoul 1988 Sun (Pine + Ceramide). PM routine: Pine Cica Cleansing Oil → Cleansing Foam → Calamine Toner → Advanced Shot Retinal Liposome 12 (3–4 nights/week) → Snail 93% Cream as the final sealing step. Alternate retinal nights with non-active nights for skin recovery. Always pair with daily SPF50+.