The Captain Thug Redux Retinol Serum.

Browsing on a popular retailers website in the UK i came across Captain Thug who present themselves as a reasonably priced natural skincare brand and offer products any skincare routine relies on. Currently in the range is a multi-active cleanser, a pore detoxifying clay mask, a body scrub and a de-tanning scrub, four beard oil conditioners, and four active serums to choose from. The natural skincare formulations contain proven ingredients that are known for benefits they provide to the skin and this is why i purchased one of the serums to discover how it performed. Disclaimer: The links highlighted are not affiliated and are there for you to discover the products quickier.

The Captain Thug Redux Retinol Serum is packaged in UV protective packaging with a pump dispenser which i found an added bonus because your not repeatingly opening the product exposing it to air like you have to with some pipette skincare products. Dispensing onto cleansed skin, the serum is clear in colour and quite thick in texture because its not overly watery, but glides over the skin really easy and absorbs quickly!  The ingredients do look promising but it does contain two essential oils which is entirely up to you where you stand on the love/hate relationship of them being used in skincare products, the full ingredients are:
Water - Used as a solvent to help ingredients mix.

Glycerin - Humectant that draws moisture from the air to keep skin hydrated.

Caprylic/Capric Glycerides - Polyethylene glycol that functions as an emollient to condition the skin.

Squalane - Found naturally in the skin, it helps stop moisture loss and has emollient and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract - Multi-beneficial by offering emollient, skin-brightening, soothing, and protects the skin from free radicals by acting as an antioxidant.

Carbomer - Provides any skincare product with a smooth and silky texture.

Vitamin E - Antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals and has been shown to reduce UV damage, though always wear a sunscreen!

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate - Retinoic acid ester that does not have to be converted like other retinoids and binds directly to the retinoid receptors within the skin to improve the skins structure.

Retinol - A form of vitamin A that helps cell turn-over, stimulate collagen, and overall improve the skins structure and health.

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol - Non-drying alcohol that helps to lubricate and have an emollient action.

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate - A natural antimicrobial preservative to keep the formulation bacteria free whilst also providing moisturising and conditioning benefits.

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil - Provides a natural moisturising layer over the skin to prevent moisture loss to keep skin hydrated.

Hyaluronic Acid - Retains moisture within the skin to plump fine lines and wrinkles by acting as an humectant that draws moisture from your surroundings.

Polysorbate 20 - A surfactant, emulsifier, and fragrance ingredient that has a soothing effect on the skin and can help mix oil and water in a formulation.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 - Synthetic peptide (part of Matrixyl 3000) that restores and replenishes the skins surface, ideal for anti-aging benefits.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 - Synthetic fatty acid-linked peptide that helps repair skin damage by signalling to the skin, ideal for anti-aging benefits.

Phenoxyethanol - Preservative to keep your product functioning at its best.

Rose Essential Oil - Emollient properties for drier skin types, whilst also being astringent for oilier and acne-prone skin.

Sandalwood Essential Oil - Antiseptic and astringent properties, this oil also gently exfoliates to improve skin tone and texture.

Applying retinol at night is essential to boost the skins cell-turnover (Exfoliates) whilst also it helps to boost collagen production because it can penetrate the many levels of the skin. Containing Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, this retinoic acid ester does not have to be converted like other retinoids before the skin is able to use it, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate binds directly to the retinoid receptors of the skin cells skipping the conversion method. Research is still needed on this new retinoid ingredient but combining it with retinol in the ingredients list is much more beneficial than if used on its own for now. The great thing i appreciate about this serum is that it can easily fit into your skincare routine because it works extremely well with other products when applying a gel, night moisturiser, or even an oil over the top of it. It does not leave the skin feeling tacky or slippery because it penetrates and dries down quickly, but if you are wanting a better hydration boost you can apply this over your current hydrating serum at night. Overall i really like how this helps support the skin overnight and improves skin tone and texture for a healthier complexion with continued use, checkout all the skincare products they have to offer on their website and available on amazon x Neil.