K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng

K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng
3.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
7.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Results you may expect from using K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.9 out of 10.
  • Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 7.1 out of 10, K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Lightly moisturizing: K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng has a moisturizing rating of 3.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a high humectancy of 7.2 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 7.1 out of 10.

It contains 3 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Retinal (est. ≈0.05%),
     also known as retinaldehyde, a potent ingredient of the retinoid group, with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.
  • Niacinamide (est. ≈1.3%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
Among others, K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng also contains some ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Adenosine, Bakuchiol, sh-Oligopeptide-1, and sh-Polypeptide-1. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Panax Ginseng Root Extract (est. ≈70.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Panax Ginseng Root Extract (est. ≈70.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
6
Water
4
Glycerin
3
Dipropylene Glycol
2
Caprylic Acid
1.5
1,2-Hexanediol
1.3
Niacinamide
1
Butylene Glycol
0.3
Methyl Gluceth-20
0.3
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
0.3
Hydrogenated Lecithin
0.3
Sorbitan Stearate
0.3
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
0.3
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
0.3
Carbomer
0.3
Tromethamine
0.3
Betaine
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Ethylhexylglycerin
0.3
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
0.3
Adenosine
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Cholesterol
0.3
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
0.3
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols
0.3
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
0.05
Retinal
0.3
Silica
0.3
Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
0.3
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
0.3
Cnidium Officinale Root Extract
0.3
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
0.3
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
0.3
Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
sh-Oligopeptide-1
0.3
sh-Oligopeptide-2
0.3
sh-Polypeptide-1
Est. %
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Gluceth-20
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Retinal
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Function:
Origin:
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cnidium Officinale Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
sh-Oligopeptide-1
Function:
Origin:
sh-Oligopeptide-2
Function:
Origin:
sh-Polypeptide-1
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.2
4
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.2 10
7.2
4
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.2 10
7.2
All humectants
7.2
4
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
5 /10 0.05 0.05 5
6 /10 4 1.3 2
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
7.1
Retinal
5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
5 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.05
Niacinamide
2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
sh-Oligopeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
sh-Polypeptide-1
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
7.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
70
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 72.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
72.8
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
70
Niacinamide
1.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
0.3
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
0.3
Bakuchiol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
70
1.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 10 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
10
70
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %70
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
Water
Est. %6
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Caprylic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Caprylic AcidDescription is coming soon
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Niacinamide
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Butylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.
Methyl Gluceth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Gluceth-20A humectant synthetically derived from glucose. It takes on the form of a clear, syrupy liquid.
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener with gelling properties. The products containing this ingredient frequently feature lightweight and refreshing aesthetics upon application to the skin.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient oil extracted from macadamia nuts. It is clear and pale yellow with a pleasant nutty aroma and contains oleic and palmitoleic fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and polyphenols.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 OleateDescription is coming soon
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) SterolsBrassica campestris sterols are a mixture of sterols (fat-like compounds) obtained from rapeseed oil. They are used as an emollient additive to the oil base of a cosmetic product. Read more about rapeseed oil here: Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil.
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl GlutamateDescription is coming soon
Retinal
Est. %0.05
Function
Origin
Retinal

A potent ingredient of the retinoid group with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.

Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide StearateDescription is coming soon
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateAn antioxidant that protects vulnerable ingredients from the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can also lead to the generation of damaging free radical species.
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arctium Lappa Root ExtractA soothing and antiseborrheic extract derived from the roots of the greater burdock.
Cnidium Officinale Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cnidium Officinale Root ExtractDescription is coming soon
Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dioscorea Japonica Root ExtractDescription is coming soon
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root ExtractA soothing extract obtained from a hybrid species of tree peony that contains various active compounds such as astringent tannins, terpenes, and paeonols.
Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rehmannia Chinensis Root ExtractDescription is coming soon
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Bakuchiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
sh-Oligopeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Oligopeptide-1

Also known as Human Epidermal Growth Factor. It increases metabolism in skin cells and is claimed to improves skin texture and elasticity.

sh-Oligopeptide-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Oligopeptide-2

Description is coming soon

sh-Polypeptide-1
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
sh-Polypeptide-1

Also known as Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor. It has collagen and elastin-boosting effects and can result in firmer, more elastic skin. It has been tested for scar healing, but its use in skincare products is still a bit controversial.