Potency without irritation: Derma Lab launches sensitive skin-friendly retinol serum

Derma Lab is the sensitive skin care line from Bio-essence, a Singaporean beauty firm founded in 2000. It joined India’s Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting in 2014 through the acquisition of its parent company L D Waxsons Group.

The brand, which is available in Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia, was founded in March 2020 with the aim of being the ‘serum expert’ for sensitive Asian skin.

“While there are many international brands available for sensitive skin, the scientific research team realised that there was a gap in sensitive skin products catered for Asian skin – especially for consumers who lived in tropical climates such as Singapore,”​ said head of marketing, Joanne Tan.

In June, the company expand its suite of serum with its sixth serum, a retinol-based anti-ageing product.

According to the in-vitro tests, the product is able to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in four weeks, increases overall skin firmness by 15.7% and amplifies skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid to reduce dryness by 55%.

Based on self-assessment tests, 75% of subjects reported that they observed a radiance boost while 92% reported firmer skin.

The company developed the product in response to the demand for potent and effective results that retinol-based products can offer.

“As consumers become increasingly educated about skin care ingredients, it is not surprising to see an uptick in demand for retinol-based products. Retinol is widely regarded as the golden standard active ingredient for anti-ageing. It also remains to be one of the most documented and researched topical ingredients,” ​said Tan.

However, given the potency of retinol, people with sensitive skin are usually advised to be cautious with it.

“Retinols are widely regarded as one of the most powerful and effective anti-ageing active compounds available. However, the primary reason why the use of retinol is not universal, is due to the irritation potential and instability concerns,” ​said Tan.

For this group of people, the company also developed the serum with two forms of ultra-stable retinol – Retinol Ester and Retinoic Ester – making it less irritating and more suitable for sensitive skin compared to conventional retinols in the market.

“Derma Lab Double Power Retinol Concentrate was developed to address such concerns. Our new breakthrough innovation delivers optimal efficacy without the dryness, irritation and redness often associated with conventional retinols, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin.”​

Furthermore, the company also released two more retinol-based products under the Bio-essence brand – a face cream and an eye cream with Retinoid-A, which the company claimed is the ‘golden standard’ ​of retinol that is ten times more stable and effective

In addition to the products, the company also launched the Duo-LED Eye Optimiser, which is available alongside Bio-essence’s new eye cream.

Now in its sophomore year, Derma Lab will be focusing on launching products that are designed specifically for hypersensitive skin, said Tan.

“Continuing our commitment to bioengineer products that provide optimal efficacy and tolerability, we are putting focus on launching products that are designed specifically for hypersensitive and intolerable skin this year. At the same time, we will also enter the body category by launching products for sensitive body.”​