K-SECRET Seoul 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng Explained

Who This Serum Is For

The K-SECRET Seoul 1988 Serum with Retinal Liposome 2% and Black Ginseng is designed for anyone whose skin concerns sit in the anti-aging category: fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and dull or rough texture. It suits all skin types but will feel most at home in a routine built around mature or aging skin that is ready for a retinoid active.

If you have reactive skin, this is not a serum to jump straight into at full frequency. The brand recommends a patch test before first use, and new users should introduce it gradually rather than reaching for it every night from the start. The brand also notes it should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If your skin is recovering from a procedure or you use prescription products, check the brand's current guidance and ask your doctor before adding it.

What It Is and How It Feels

This is a liquid serum with medium absorption — not instantly vanishing on contact, but not sitting heavily on the skin either. A pea-sized amount is enough to cover the face and neck, which is the kind of economy you want from a serum containing actives at meaningful concentrations.

The formulation centers on two headline ingredients: retinal encapsulated in liposomes at 2%, and black ginseng extract, which the brand states at 58%. The liposome delivery format matters here because it affects how the retinal reaches the skin — the encapsulation is designed to improve stability and tolerability compared to unencapsulated retinal applied directly.

The Ingredients That Matter

Retinal is the retinoid active in this serum. It sits closer to retinoic acid on the conversion chain than retinol does, which is why it is considered more potent — and also why gradual introduction is recommended for new users.

Panax Ginseng Root Extract is the ginseng component in the ingredient list; the brand states a 58% black ginseng concentration. Black ginseng is a more intensively processed form of ginseng, and the extract here is positioned as a key player in the serum's approach to elasticity and texture.

Niacinamide is a well-established ingredient for brightening and working on uneven tone. It appears early in the ingredient list, suggesting a meaningful presence rather than a trace amount.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is a stable form of vitamin C, included here to work on pigmentation and luminosity alongside the niacinamide.

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient often discussed in the context of retinoid routines. Its inclusion here complements the retinal, particularly for users who are building up tolerance or dealing with sensitivity.

How to Use It and Where It Sits in a Routine

This is a PM-only serum. Use it after cleansing and toning: apply a pea-sized amount to the face and neck, massage gently until absorbed, then follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration. That sequence matters — the moisturizer step is not optional when you are using a retinoid active, as it supports the skin barrier through the adjustment period.