✨ Up to 50% off your first order when you subscribe ★★★★★100% five-star reviews 🎁 Free gift worth £44 with your first order over £50 🚚 Free delivery on every order

✨ Up to 50% off your first order when you subscribe 🎁 Free gift worth £44 with your first order over £50 🚚 Free delivery on every order

Protect · Retinol alternative serum

Protect Retinol-Alternative Pro-Ageing Serum

Name: Protect Retinol-Alternative Pro-Ageing Serum
Brand: Complete by Dr SCS
SKU: 5070004121334
Price: 37.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

A renewal serum built on 2% hydroxypinacolone retinoate and 2% bakuchiol, two retinol alternatives that soften fine lines and refine texture without the irritation of traditional retinol.

★★★★★100% five-star reviews

£18.50 £37.00

Billed quarterly (£55.50 / 3 months) · extra 10% off subscription

2% Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate2% BakuchiolThree-Ceramide Complex

Choose your plan

1

✓ Free UK delivery✓ Independently tested✓ 100% vegan

What's included

1× Protect Serum (30ml)

The detail

Everything you need to know

Benefits

Softens fine lines

Two retinol alternatives work overnight to smooth lines and refine texture, without the reaction retinol is known for.

Repairs and supports the barrier

A three-ceramide complex with cholesterol and phytosphingosine works with the skin’s own defence system.

Supports the look of firmness

Tripeptide-1, from a peptide category widely studied for firmer, more elastic-looking skin.

Defends against daily stress

CoQ10, green tea and Panax ginseng shield skin from pollution, UV and everyday environmental load.

Improves skin texture

A gradual renewal process, revealing a smoother surface over weeks rather than days.

Ingredients

Aqua, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Bakuchiol, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tranexamic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Tripeptide-1, Ubiquinone, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum.

How to use

Apply one pump to clean, dry skin in the evening, before moisturiser. A little goes a long way. Always follow with broad-spectrum SPF30+ the next morning.

For sensitive skin, start 2 to 3 times a week and build to nightly use as your skin adjusts. Avoid stacking additional exfoliating acids in the same routine.

Results build with consistent use. Smoother texture by weeks 2 to 4, firmness by weeks 4 to 8, visible reduction in fine lines by week 12.

Storage

The airless pump protects the actives and prevents oxidation, so no refrigeration is needed. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat.

On the skin

How Protect Serum works

On the skin · Protect Serum

Renewal, without the irritation

HPR + Bakuchiol

Two retinol alternatives that work gently, renewing the surface without the irritation of traditional retinol

CoQ10 + Multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid

Antioxidant defence and layered hydration

Ceramides + Tripeptide-1

Barrier repair and a skin-conditioning peptide

Green Tea + Panax Ginseng

Antioxidant botanicals

13 active ingredients

Independent 12-week trial

The data

Fewer lines, firmer skin and a stronger barrier, over twelve weeks.

84%

No new wrinkles appeared over twelve weeks

84%

No irritation or peeling from the serum

81%

Skin feels deeply hydrated

81%

The retinol alternatives work without irritation

77%

Fine lines and wrinkles visibly reduced

77%

Skin feels firmer

Independent 12-week consumer trial, n=31, zero adverse reactions. Serum and capsules were used together as a system. Irritation-from-serum figure at week 4, hydration and retinol-alternative figures at week 8, remaining figures at week 12.

What it does

Six things Protect Serum does

One gentle serum, renewing and protecting your skin at the surface.

Reduces fine lines

77% saw fine lines visibly reduce

Builds firmness

77% reported firmer, plumper skin

No new wrinkles

84% saw no new wrinkles in 12 weeks

Gentle

84% no irritation or peeling

Softens fine lines

HPR and bakuchiol at 2% each work overnight to smooth lines and refine texture. Traditional retinol has to be converted by the skin before it can act, and that conversion step is where most of the redness comes from. HPR skips it.

77%

fine lines and wrinkles visibly reduced

84%

no new wrinkles

Improves skin texture

A gentle renewal process, gradual rather than aggressive, revealing a smoother surface over weeks rather than days. No purge, no peeling phase to get through first.

77%

skin surface significantly smoother

74%

skin elasticity noticeably improved

Supports the look of firmness

Tripeptide-1 comes from a peptide category widely studied for its role in supporting firmer, more elastic-looking skin, and sits alongside the retinol alternatives rather than replacing them.

77%

skin feels firmer

77%

skin appears plump and full

Repairs and supports the barrier

A three-ceramide complex, AP, EOP and NP, with cholesterol and phytosphingosine. These are the lipids skin already uses, so the formula works with its own defence system rather than substituting for it.

81%

moisture barrier feels supported

77%

skin barrier function strengthened

Defends against daily stress

Ubiquinone, green tea at 5% and Panax ginseng at 3% help shield skin from pollution, UV and the environmental load it meets every day. Antioxidant defence is the part of ageing that is easier to prevent than to undo.

77%

skin looks radiant and glowing

Strong enough to work, gentle enough to keep using

Vitamin A results usually arrive with redness, flaking and a week of regret. 81% of trial participants said the retinol alternatives worked without irritation, including people who had abandoned retinol entirely.

84%

no irritation or peeling

81%

retinol alternatives work without irritation

Strong enough to work, gentle enough to keep using

Independent 12-week consumer trial, n=31, zero adverse reactions. Irritation-from-serum, barrier and texture figures at weeks 4 and 8, remaining figures at week 12.

★★★★★

"My skin was rough and very dull before. It lacked glow, but now it is much smoother and I’m loving my skin. I’ve gone from a seven-step routine to just three steps."

Participant 10 · Week 8

★★★★★

"Using the serum every night before I go to bed, the lines on my face have faded and my skin feels softer, and I have more colour in my face."

Participant 12 · Week 4

★★★★★

"Less dehydration, and I don't have to use as many skincare products. I used to use an oil, a day cream and a night cream. Now I don't need to."

Participant 29 · Week 12

★★★★★

"Applying serum at night has made me make time for my skincare routine. My skin would normally be dull and lack lustre. It is looking healthier."

Participant 31 · Week 4

★★★★★

"Less dry patches and firmer skin. I use less foundation."

Participant 17 · Week 4

★★★★★

"My skin is less tight and dry in the morning. I use less daily moisturiser"

Participant 9 · Week 4

★★★★★

"My skin feels lovely and hydrated, and has a glow. It makes my make-up easier to apply."

Participant 26 · Week 8

★★★★★

"No irritation. It makes me confident using it. I thought I wouldn’t be able to include a retinoid in my skincare routine."

Participant 7 · Week 8

★★★★★

"My skin feels more elastic and my skin barrier feels better. I used the serum and a moisturiser rather than incorporating other products too."

Participant 16 · Week 4

★★★★★

"It was easy to add into my daily routine without much disruption or hassle."

Participant 23 · Week 4

★★★★★

"Love the serum on my skin, it makes a good base for daily make-up. I use it every day and my make-up stays on much better."

Participant 25 · Week 12

★★★★★

"Brighter, tighter and smoother. It is easy to apply and use."

Participant 21 · Week 12

★★★★★

"My skin feels brighter and plumper. I find putting make-up on less necessary and can wear a lighter coverage."

Participant 14 · Week 4

★★★★★

"My skin was rough and very dull before. It lacked glow, but now it is much smoother and I’m loving my skin. I’ve gone from a seven-step routine to just three steps."

Participant 10 · Week 8

★★★★★

"Using the serum every night before I go to bed, the lines on my face have faded and my skin feels softer, and I have more colour in my face."

Participant 12 · Week 4

★★★★★

"Less dehydration, and I don't have to use as many skincare products. I used to use an oil, a day cream and a night cream. Now I don't need to."

Participant 29 · Week 12

★★★★★

"Applying serum at night has made me make time for my skincare routine. My skin would normally be dull and lack lustre. It is looking healthier."

Participant 31 · Week 4

★★★★★

"Less dry patches and firmer skin. I use less foundation."

Participant 17 · Week 4

★★★★★

"My skin is less tight and dry in the morning. I use less daily moisturiser"

Participant 9 · Week 4

★★★★★

"My skin feels lovely and hydrated, and has a glow. It makes my make-up easier to apply."

Participant 26 · Week 8

★★★★★

"No irritation. It makes me confident using it. I thought I wouldn’t be able to include a retinoid in my skincare routine."

Participant 7 · Week 8

★★★★★

"My skin feels more elastic and my skin barrier feels better. I used the serum and a moisturiser rather than incorporating other products too."

Participant 16 · Week 4

★★★★★

"It was easy to add into my daily routine without much disruption or hassle."

Participant 23 · Week 4

★★★★★

"Love the serum on my skin, it makes a good base for daily make-up. I use it every day and my make-up stays on much better."

Participant 25 · Week 12

★★★★★

"Brighter, tighter and smoother. It is easy to apply and use."

Participant 21 · Week 12

★★★★★

"My skin feels brighter and plumper. I find putting make-up on less necessary and can wear a lighter coverage."

Participant 14 · Week 4

87% said the serum spreads evenly and glides effortlessly (27/31, week 4). 84% experienced no irritation or peeling from the serum (26/31, week 4). 81% said the retinol alternatives work without irritation (25/31, week 8).

The full formula

Every active, explained

Thirteen actives chosen for skin longevity. Here is exactly what each one does.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

A retinol alternative that is active as it is, with no conversion step required by the skin. This is the reason it works without the redness and flaking traditional retinol is known for.

2%

Bakuchiol

A plant-derived active that works alongside HPR on lines and texture. Included at the same strength, not as a token addition.

2%

Ceramide AP, EOP and NP

The three ceramide types skin already uses, in one complex. Barrier repair rather than barrier substitution.

Three-ceramide complex

Phytosphingosine + Cholesterol

The two lipids that sit alongside ceramides in the skin’s own barrier. Ceramides without them do only part of the job.

Barrier lipids

Tripeptide-1

From a peptide category widely studied for its role in supporting firmer, more elastic-looking skin.

Skin-conditioning peptide

Multi-weight Hyaluronic Acid

Different molecular weights sit at different depths rather than all on the surface, so hydration is layered rather than superficial.

Layered hydration

Ubiquinone (CoQ10)

The same antioxidant working inside the Protect Capsules, here applied topically. Levels of it fall with age.

Cellular antioxidant

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

A polyphenol antioxidant at a meaningful concentration, included for daily environmental defence.

5%

Panax Ginseng Root Extract

A botanical antioxidant with a long record of use in skin conditioning.

3%

Tranexamic Acid

Works on the look of uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks alongside the renewal actives.

Tone

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Calms and hydrates without heaviness, so the formula stays comfortable nightly.

Hydrating soother

Before & after

12 weeks, untouched

No filters. No retouching. Twelve weeks apart.

⇆ Before After · week 12

Independent 12-week consumer trial participant. Individual results vary.

Real results · video

Hear it from them

★★★★★

"My skin looks firmer"
Meg · 12 weeks

"Fine lines softened"
Anjalee · 10 weeks

"No irritation at all"
Felicity · 8 weeks

The difference

Most retinol serums versus Protect Serum.

Renewal without the retinol trade-off. No conversion step, no purge, no week of peeling before results.

84% saw no new wrinkles appear across the full twelve weeks.

How Protect Serum compares

Most serums

Protect Serum

Vitamin A form

Traditional retinol, which the skin must convert before it can act

HPR with bakuchiol at 2% each, active without conversion

Barrier

Stripping, drying, sensitising

Three-ceramide complex with cholesterol and phytosphingosine

Peptides

Rarely included, or unstated

Tripeptide-1, a skin-conditioning peptide

Antioxidant defence

Minimal or none

Ubiquinone, green tea at 5% and Panax ginseng at 3%

Hydration

Single-weight hyaluronic acid, or none

Multi-weight hyaluronic acid, layered through the skin

Tolerability

Redness, peeling, photosensitivity

81% reported no irritation from the retinol alternatives

From Dr SCS

"Most people who give up on vitamin A do it in the first fortnight, before it has had a chance to work. I wanted the results without the irritation and with full barrier support. That is how the Protect Serum was born."

Dr Sonal Chavda-Sitaram · PhD, MRPharmS ·

Your timeline

Results that build over time

This is not an overnight fix. Genuine improvement develops progressively, with consistent nightly use.

01

Weeks 1 to 4

Absorption begins

Skin feels more hydrated and comfortable. Texture begins to smooth as the serum settles into your routine.

84% praised the texture and absorption

02

Weeks 4 to 8

Surface changes appear

Smoother texture, a stronger barrier and visibly calmer skin. Fine lines start to soften.

77% reported smoother, firmer skin

03

Weeks 8 to 12

Firmness builds

Deeper change as surface renewal compounds. Fine lines visibly reduced, firmer and plumper skin.

84% saw no new wrinkles over 12 weeks

*Independently Tested · 12 weeks · Untouched photographs

Why Protect Serum

Three reasons to choose it

Renewal without the conversion step

HPR and bakuchiol at 2% each, active as they are, so results arrive without the peeling phase.

A full barrier complex

Three ceramides with cholesterol and phytosphingosine, repairing rather than substituting.

Independently trialled

84% saw no new wrinkles and 81% reported no irritation from the retinol alternatives across twelve weeks.

Your ritual

One step, every evening.

On the skin · PM

Apply your serum

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is in the Protect Serum?

Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, a sophisticated retinol alternative, with bakuchiol. Together they work on fine lines, texture and firmness without the sensitivity traditional retinol can bring.

Is it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin?

Yes, it was built specifically to deliver retinol-level results without retinol-level irritation, and it has been dermatologically tested and confirmed suitable for sensitive skin. At twelve weeks, 84% of participants experienced no irritation or peeling.

If your skin is reactive, start two to three times weekly and build gradually, and patch test on the inner forearm for twenty-four hours before first use.

How does it compare to prescription treatments?

Prescription treatments are medicines, prescribed and supervised by a clinician for a diagnosed condition, and they work differently from a cosmetic serum. Protect Serum is a cosmeceutical formulated for tolerance and daily long-term use. If
you are using a prescription treatment, speak to the clinician who prescribed it before adding anything.

Do I need to use SPF with Protect Serum?

Yes. Always follow with broad-spectrum
SPF30+ the next morning.

Do I need the capsules as well?

The serum works on its own. The capsules work on the cellular processes underneath: mitochondrial energy, antioxidant defence and the barrier lipid matrix, none of which a topical reaches.

Used together over twelve weeks, 84% of participants agreed no new wrinkles had appeared and 77% reported visible improvement across fine lines, firmness, plumpness, hydration, radiance and barrier strength.

Build your routine

Pairs beautifully with.

Protect Capsules

CoQ10, lycopene and pine bark antioxidant complex

From £44.00

Protect System Retinol-Alternative Serum & Antioxidant Supplement

Protect System

The complete serum + capsule system

From £72.90

100% Vegan·Cruelty Free·Dermatologically Tested·Clinically Formulated·Independently Trialled·100% Vegan·Cruelty Free·Dermatologically Tested·Clinically Formulated·Independently Trialled·

Protect Retinol-Alternative Pro-Ageing Serum

From £31.45 · Subscribe 15%

Complete by Dr SCS Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 15859836. Registered office: 9-13 Holbrook Lane, Coventry, CV6 4AD, United Kingdom. VAT registration number GB 475411294. Correspondence address: Oak House, Watford, WD24 4QN.