CELIMAX Retinal Shot Tightening Booster — Booster Rétinal Ciblé

This concentrated booster combines four active ingredients designed for firmness and precise application.

Retinal 0.1% nano-encapsulated : unlike classic retinol, retinal (retinaldehyde) requires only one conversion step to become active in the skin, which speeds up visible results on wrinkles and texture. Liposomal technology protects this fragile molecule and limits irritation.

Matrixyl 3000 (3%) : this peptide duo combines Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. Their role: to stimulate collagen production and modestly improve skin texture as well as the appearance of wrinkles.

A-Shot™ (20,250 microparticles) : these hydrolyzed sponge spicules measure 16 times smaller than the size of a pore. They create a slight tingling sensation — a sign that they stimulate microcirculation and facilitate the penetration of active ingredients.

Panthenol 1% (provitamin B5) + Niacinamide : this duo soothes and repairs the skin barrier, essential when using a powerful retinoid every evening.

🌙 Evening routine only

Retinal sensitizes to light: never use in the morning.

1. Cleanse and tone your face as usual
2. On dry skin, take a pea-sized amount (2 mm depending on the brand) and apply as a targeted treatment on concern areas: forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, enlarged pores
3. Gently tap to absorb — you may feel a slight tingling (the A-Shot™ at work)
4. Wait 2-3 minutes then layer your usual moisturizer to lock in hydration
5. If you’re new to retinoids: use this booster every other night for 2 weeks, then switch to every night once your skin is accustomed

☀️ The next morning

1. Minimum SPF 30 required — retinal increases skin photosensitivity

Tip: you can combine it with the Retinol Shot Serum (another CELIMAX product): apply this booster first on targeted areas, then the serum over the entire face.

This booster is intended for the following profiles:

• Mature skin with established wrinkles, sagging, or loss of density — retinal works faster than classic retinol
• Experienced retinoid users seeking a more effective active ingredient without a prescription
• Combination to oily skin with enlarged pores and uneven texture — targeted treatment avoids overloading already balanced areas
• Fans of scientific layering who want to precisely target certain areas (excluding the eye contour, which is too sensitive)

Avoid if

• You have never used a retinoid: start with a gentle retinol (or the CELIMAX serum with 0.1% retinol) before this booster
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing dermatological treatment (isotretinoin, strong acids)
• Your skin is currently inflamed, damaged, or post-aesthetic procedure

The first signs appear gradually — retinal is fast, but not instantaneous.

From 7-10 days : texture refinement, slight plumping effect to the touch. Some users notice "firmer" skin from the first week.

After 3-4 weeks : visible reduction of fine lines, firmer and smoother skin. Pores begin to tighten thanks to accelerated cell renewal.

At 8-12 weeks : measurable improvement in skin density, reduction of expression wrinkles, more even complexion. Matrixyl peptides reach their peak effectiveness in collagen synthesis.

The 15 ml size is designed to last 2-3 months with daily localized use — ideal for assessing results over a full epidermal renewal cycle (28 days).

What is the difference between this Retinal Shot Booster and CELIMAX's Retinol Shot Serum?

The Booster contains retinal and the Serum contains retinol. Retinal is more powerful and effective but can be more irritating.The Booster (15ml, 20,250 spicules) is used as a targeted treatment on problem areas, while the Serum (30ml, 162,000 spicules) is applied to the entire face. You can combine them for a stronger effect.

Why is the texture bright yellow?

Retinal is naturally yellow. This can give the skin a slight yellowish tint just after application, but it is temporary and disappears completely with cleansing.It is a sign of a formula concentrated with pure, undegraded active ingredient.

How long does the bottle last with daily use?

With localized application (a 2mm hazelnut-sized amount each evening), the 15ml tube lasts between 2 and 3 months. If you use it on the entire face, expect about 4 to 6 weeks.

Can I use it with other actives (AHA, vitamin C, niacinamide)?

Niacinamide is already in the formula, so it is compatible. Avoid exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) on the same evening to limit irritation. Vitamin C should be reserved for the morning under sunscreen. If in doubt, space out strong actives on different evenings during the adjustment phase.

Is the tingling normal?

Due to its very effective formula, it is normal to feel a slight tingling sensation during use.These are the A-Shot™ microparticles stimulating the skin. If the sensation becomes painful, reduce the frequency of application or the amount used.

Should I do a patch test before first use?

Yes, especially if you have sensitive skin. Apply a small amount on the inside of the wrist or behind the ear, wait 24 hours. If no reaction appears, you can gradually incorporate it into your nighttime routine.

CELIMAX is a South Korean brand founded in 2019 by CEO Kim Min-seok. It started with a single product, the Jiwoogae Heartleaf BHA Peeling Pad, and has since established itself as a globally recognized name. The name "CELIMAX" combines "cell" and "climax," symbolizing optimal skincare solutions for all skin types.

What sets the brand apart: radical transparency. Each product clearly states the active ingredients and their concentrations, without approximation. No vague marketing: CELIMAX shows 0.1% retinal, 3% Matrixyl, 1% panthenol. Period.

The philosophy? Properly solving skin problems by creating products that truly address customers' concerns, involving them throughout development via surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Each formula spends at least one year in R&D before launch.

The result: clean products, free of parabens and artificial dyes, designed for sensitive and demanding skin. The Retinal Shot Booster embodies this approach: pure science, proven effectiveness, total honesty.

Discover the entire CELIMAX range

INCI (full list)

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Diisostearyl Malate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Panthenol, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Lecithin, Carbomer, Arginine, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Retinal, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Lactate, Hydrolyzed Sponge, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Ascorbic Acid, Glucose, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Star ingredients explained

• Retinal : high-performance retinoid, just one step before the active form (retinoic acid)
• Niacinamide : vitamin B3 regulator, anti-inflammatory, barrier-strengthening
• Panthenol : moisturizing and soothing provitamin B5, compensates for retinal-induced dryness
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 + Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 : the Matrixyl 3000 duo stimulating collagen synthesis
• Hydrolyzed Sponge : the famous A-Shot™ spicules, penetration enhancers
• Tocopherol : antioxidant vitamin E, protects retinal from oxidation
• Lecithin : phospholipid forming liposomes that encapsulate retinal

Free from : parabens, sulfates, essential oils, synthetic fragrance, drying alcohol, artificial colorants.

Dermatologically tested formula, non-comedogenic. The full INCI list is on the product packaging — always check before purchase if you have specific allergies.