Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum

Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum is a retinoid treatment aimed at congested, marked skin. Instead of one retinoid, Glow Recipe uses three — retinol, retinal and a retinyl ester — at a combined 0.16%, buffered with glycerin and ectoin so the formula stays usable on sensitive, blemish-prone skin. It is a serum step, used at night.

Format	Serum
Skin types	Normal · dry · combination · oily
Targets	Blemishes · uneven texture · fine lines and wrinkles
Key actives	0.16% triple-retinoid blend · blackberry extract · 8% glycerin · ectoin

What it actually does

• Clears out pores. Glow Recipe positions the serum as a pore-declogging treatment — that is the mechanism behind fewer new blemishes over time.
• Resurfaces rough texture. The brand credits the three-retinoid blend with visibly smoothing texture and softening the look of pores.
• Fades the marks blemishes leave behind. Discoloration and post-blemish shadows are named targets, alongside fine lines.
• Supports the barrier while it works. Blackberry extract is included to back up skin's own repair process and strengthen the barrier, per Glow Recipe.
• Keeps hydration up. Glycerin at 8% plus ectoin calm and soothe reactive, blemish-prone skin and hold moisture in — the usual missing piece with retinoid serums.

Tested results

Glow Recipe ran consumer use studies on 29 participants. Over four weeks, 97% agreed the serum was gentle enough for nightly use. In an eight-week study with participants who described their skin as acne-prone, 97% agreed texture looked and felt smoother, and 86% agreed their skin was clearer.

Brand-reported consumer studies, 29 participants each. Self-reported, small sample — treat as directional, not a guarantee. Individual results vary.

How to use

1. Night only, on clean dry skin. Retinoids and daylight are a bad pairing.
2. Start with two or three nights a week. Build up as your skin tolerates it rather than going nightly from day one.
3. A few drops is the whole face. More product does not speed anything up.
4. Moisturiser on top. Even with the glycerin and ectoin in here, a cream over it reduces flaking in the first weeks.
5. SPF every morning. Non-negotiable while you are using any retinoid.

Is it right for you?

Questions

Why three retinoids instead of one?

Glow Recipe's stated reasoning is that combining retinol, retinal and a retinyl ester maximises the clarifying and resurfacing effect you get from retinoids, while keeping the total concentration low at 0.16%.

Is 0.16% strong enough to do anything?

The number looks small because it is a blend of three different retinoid forms rather than a single high-percentage retinol. The brand describes it as potent but gentle, and that trade-off is deliberate for blemish-prone, sensitive skin.

Can I use it with acids or vitamin C?

Keep them on separate nights while you are still building tolerance. Vitamin C in the morning and this at night is the simplest split.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery takes 3 to 21 working days, depending on availability. Stock we hold moves at the short end of that range; anything ordered in for you takes longer. Working days exclude weekends and official holidays.

How can I pay?

Credit card, debit card, Instapay and mobile wallets. There is no cash on delivery.

What if it arrives damaged or expired?

Report it within 1 day of delivery with a photo. Returns cover defective, damaged or expired items only; once verified, we refund to your original payment method within 15–30 days.