I finally gave the $18 Korean retinal shot with more than 100,000 Amazon purchases a month a try to see if it could actually earn a place in my anti-aging routine.

I just recently began using retinol, so I’ve been taking a gradual approach to introducing more active ingredients into my skincare routine. Along with Anua’s viral gua sha cream, I’ve been curious about Korean skincare formulas that promise visible results without making my skin feel overwhelmed.

So, when I came across the celimax Retinal Shot for just $18 — and noticed the K-beauty formula had racked up more than 100,000 purchases on Amazon in the past month — I couldn’t resist adding it to my cart.

One detail that immediately stood out to me was the ingredient lineup. The celimax Retinal Shot features retinal, a vitamin A derivative that’s known to work more efficiently than traditional retinol while still being suitable for many people when introduced slowly. It’s also formulated with peptides, including Matrixyl, to help support firmer-looking skin, which makes it especially appealing if you’re focused on smoothing fine lines and improving elasticity.

Since I was still easing into retinoids, I started by applying a small amount at night just a couple of times each week, making sure to follow with a moisturizer. I also skipped using other strong exfoliating products on those evenings to keep my routine simple.

My first impression? The texture felt lightweight and absorbed quickly without leaving behind a greasy finish. I expected at least a little tingling, but my skin stayed comfortable after application. By the next morning, my under-eye area looked well hydrated, and I didn’t notice any redness or flaking, which was encouraging as someone still new to retinal products.

It does come out a bit yellow, but blends in with a few gentle pats. I always pat and rub gently with my ring finger (the most delicate finger — take this as your beauty rule of thumb!). You’ll notice a subtle tightening effect, which honestly was a joyous experience. I felt the retinol working, and I instantly knew I wanted to make space for this product in my nightly routine.

After continuing to use it consistently, I began to notice subtle improvements. The skin around my eyes appeared a bit smoother, and my concealer seemed to sit more evenly instead of settling into fine lines as much as it usually does. I haven’t experienced dramatic changes overnight, but my skin has gradually looked a little firmer and more refreshed, which is exactly the kind of steady progress I was hoping for.

Truthfully, I think it yields a better firming and brightening result compared to other “tightening and anti-aging” products I have tried. It’s even better than the Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye Tightener that’s double the price.

Another reason I’ve continued using it is how easy it’s been to incorporate into my routine. As someone who’s only recently started exploring retinoids, it fit naturally into my evening regimen without making me feel like I needed to completely rethink the rest of my skincare lineup.

Of course, you can expect some temporary redness and the inevitable breakout — that just means the retinol is working. (Retinol accelerates cell turnover, bringing hidden congestion to the surface.) This happened a bit to me, but gradually went away. Side note: the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Pimple Patches help!

For $18, I understand why the celimax Retinal Shot has become such a popular Amazon find. While no skincare product can completely erase signs of aging, my experience has been positive enough that I’ll keep reaching for it alongside my growing routine. If you’re looking for an affordable way to introduce retinal into your regimen and you’re willing to be patient with the results, I think this one is well worth trying.

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.