There are few brands that launch a new product where I just know I’m going to love it before it’s even hit my skin. Kate Somerville is one of those brands, and they’re just launching their new Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum.
They already have a Vitamin A based serum in the form of the +Retinol Vita C Power Serum Firming and Brightening Treatment (read my review here). Where they differ is all in the ingredients. The +Retinol Vita C Power Serum contains Retinol, where as the new Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum contains Retinal. Both Retinal and Retinol are forms of Vitamin A which encourage skin cell turnover, promoting a more youthful skin by fading fine lines and wrinkles, reducing pigmentation and preventing breakouts. Retinal is a kinder to the skin, since it only has one conversion step away from becoming retinoid acid on the skin.
What is it?
An anti-ageing serum designed to target fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, breakouts and loss of elasticity.
What Do I Think?
If there’s one thing you can expect from a Kate Somerville product, its impressive formulations and results. Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum boasts a potent cocktail blend of Retinal, Dual-Weight Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane.
Retinal, a form of Vitamin A, works 11x faster than traditionally used Retinol and is your gold-star ingredient when it comes to well-ageing. It softens fine lines and wrinkles, smooths and firms skin, and tackles pigmentation as well as preventing breakouts. They’ve excitingly formulated the Retinal within a micro-carrier system to ensure it remains stable and potent, and gradually releases on the skin to minimise irritation. The Dual-Weight Hyaluronic Acid provides intense hydration and gives the skin a plumpness and radiance. And Squalane moisturises, fortifies the skin’s moisture barrier whilst promoting a balanced skin microbiome.
It’s gentle enough for daily use, designed for those with sensitive skin. I’m not usually one to use a retinoid every day, but I thought I’d give it a try and so far no irritation whatsoever.
It has a lightweight, milky-like texture with the striking yellow tint you usually get from any retinoid serum. You might want to apply this about an hour or so before you hit the pillow, since it will likely leave yellow marks on your pillowcases if you don’t allow it to fully absorb before lying down.
It layers well with other products, whether you’re using other Kate Somerville products or not. I personally love using it with the Goat Milk Moisturising Cream and the KateCeuticals SuperCell serum.
It’s also fragrance-free for those of you who don’t like fragrance.
Interestingly, this can be used in the daytime. Though I’m a stickler for routine and prefer using it just at night. No matter where you chose to use it in your routine, always follow with a good sunscreen the next day.
Would I recommend?
Yes! Overall, I’m loving the results so far and it’s another hit from Kate Somerville. I can see it being a repurchase once it’s emptied.
If you’re not sure which one to go for between the Kate Somerville Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum or the +Retinol Vita C Power Serum, I’d personally say go for
- the +Retinol Vita C Power Serum if one of your main concerns is pigmentation. The added Vitamin C really helps brighten and fade uneven skin tone.
- the Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum if you’ve been using retinol for a while and want to step it up a notch. Or even if you’re skin is more sensitive.
Brands Product Description
More powerful than Retinol and gentle enough for daily use? No, you’re not hallucinating. Our MEGA-A Skin Transforming Serum is powered by clinical-grade Retinal, proven to be 11x more effective than Retinol. But just wait – it gets better… Actives like Retinol often cause dryness and irritation. This powerhouse serum blends skin-enhancing Retinal with Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane to increase hydration and elasticity while smoothing the look of fine or deep lines. Perfect for all skin types (even sensitive girlies) whether you’re experienced with retinoids or just getting started.
Key Ingredients
- Retinal – Softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firms and smooths skin, prevents breakouts and reduces hyperpigmentation. Works faster and more effectively than Retinol on the skin.
- Dual-weight Hyaluronic Acid – A deep hydrator works synergistically with Retinal, boosting skin bounce + suppleness.
- Squalane – Enhance radiance with an additional layer of moisture, while promoting firmness and a balanced skin microbiome.
How I Use It
As mentioned above, you can use this day and night but I prefer to use it in the evenings. I’d cleanse, apply a hydrating mist, then this, followed by a peptide serum and then moisturiser.
Would I Repurchase/Buy?
Absolutely! I will definitely be buying this once this is emptied.
How Much?
£72 for 30ml. Available to buy now exclusively at SpaceNK and it will be
available to buy at KateSomerville.co.uk from 17 September.
