A glowing retinol review

Retinol has long been hailed as the gold standard in skincare - but for many it comes with a caveat; irritation. Redness, flaking, sensitivity...the results often come with a price.

So, when IMAGE Skincare launched their new AGELESS+ range, promising all the performance of high-potency retinol without the unpleasant side effects, I was intrigued — and hopeful.

As someone whose skin tolerates retinol well, I opted to trial the AGELESS+ 0.3 Retinol and the Overnight Retinol Masque, both formulated with IMAGE’s patent-pending XOSM Technology. This clever encapsulation system delivers retinol in a more skin-friendly way, allowing it to penetrate effectively while buffering the skin with soothing antioxidants like ectoin, vitamin C, and astaxanthin-rich micro-algae.

First impressions

The 0.3 Retinol formula felt lightweight and elegant on the skin — no stickiness, no tingling. I applied it at night as recommended, following it with a gentle moisturiser. By morning, my skin looked refreshed with no signs of redness or irritation. Over the course of two weeks, I noticed improved tone and clarity, with pores looking visibly refined. It delivered exactly what I expect from a retinol — smoother texture and a subtle glow — without any downtime.

The Overnight Masque

This was the real surprise star. Rich yet breathable, the AGELESS+ Overnight Retinol Masque felt instantly comforting and indulgent. I used it twice weekly in place of my night cream. By morning, my skin was bouncy, radiant, and noticeably more even. It’s the kind of product that makes your skin look like you’ve had a facial — even if you’ve only had six hours of sleep. It’s smart, sophisticated skincare — and my skin is glowing proof.

If you’re looking to start strong with retinol, look no further than one of my favourite Irish formulations: the Skingredients Retinol 1% Serum (€55). Created by Irish skincare expert Jennifer Rock, this results-driven serum is perfect for refining skin texture, minimising fine lines, and restoring that radiant, bouncy glow. What makes it stand out is the clever combination of four powerhouse actives — pure vitamin A (retinol) to accelerate cell turnover, niacinamide to soothe and balance, hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, and moisture-locking humectants for lasting comfort. Clinically approved and panel-tested, it delivers ten skin-enhancing benefits in a single sleek bottle. If you’re serious about your skincare and love supporting homegrown Irish brands, this one deserves a place in your nighttime routine.