FAQs
Q1. What is Hydrogenated Retinol in Dermatica RetiPRIME and how does it differ from standard retinol?
A1. Hydrogenated Retinol is a stabilised, chemically reduced form of retinol in which the double bonds are saturated (hydrogenated). This makes it significantly more stable against oxidation than standard retinol, and it converts to retinoic acid more slowly in the skin — producing gentler, more sustained retinoid activity. For individuals with sensitive, reactive, or mature skin that finds standard retinol too harsh, Dermatica RetiPRIME provides the collagen-stimulating and skin-renewal benefits of retinoids with a substantially lower risk of irritation, redness, or peeling.
Q2. What is Crambe Maritima Leaf Extract in RetiPRIME, and why is it used in an anti-ageing formula?
A2. Crambe Maritima — also known as Sea Rocket or Sea Kale — is a succulent coastal plant adapted to survive salt, wind, and intense UV exposure. Its leaf extract is rich in glucosinolates (sulphur-containing compounds also found in cruciferous vegetables) that support skin cell detoxification and renewal pathways. In Dermatica RetiPRIME, Crambe Maritima Leaf Extract is used for its ability to stimulate skin regeneration at the cellular level, complementing the retinoid activity of Hydrogenated Retinol with a botanical pathway that is gentler but supports the same structural skin renewal outcome.
Q3. What is Dictyopteris Membrane Extract in Dermatica RetiPRIME Night Cream?
A3. Dictyopteris is a genus of brown marine algae found in warm ocean regions. Dictyopteris Membrane Extract is rich in phlorotannins (marine polyphenols with strong antioxidant activity), omega-3 fatty acid analogues unique to marine organisms, and bioactive polysaccharides. In skin research, phlorotannins have been studied for their ability to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) — enzymes that break down collagen and elastin in ageing skin. Including this extract alongside retinoid activity makes RetiPRIME a formula that both stimulates collagen (retinoid) and helps protect existing collagen from degradation (phlorotannins).
Q4. Who is Dermatica RetiPRIME Night Cream best suited for?
A4. RetiPRIME is particularly well suited for individuals who are new to retinoids and want a gentle introduction, those with sensitive or reactive skin that reacts to standard retinol, and those whose primary concern is skin firmness, texture, and anti-ageing rather than pigmentation. Its marine-derived actives (Crambe Maritima, Dictyopteris) give it a firming and structural focus that RetiBRIGHT — which is formulated specifically around brightening and pigmentation correction — does not have.
Q5. Can Dermatica RetiPRIME Night Cream be used every night from the start?
A5. Start with 3 nights per week for the first 4 weeks, then increase frequency as the skin adapts. Even with the gentler Hydrogenated Retinol, retinoic acid activity causes increased cell turnover that can manifest as mild dryness or flaking during adaptation. Layering a hydrating moisturiser over RetiPRIME on the nights you use it helps buffer this. Sunscreen the following morning is non-negotiable — retinoids increase UV sensitivity and must always be paired with daily SPF.