AlumierMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum vs IntelliRET™ 0.3+
Updated Aug 20, 2026
The Verdict
These are two different routes to the same ingredient, not a strong option and a weak one. Retinol Resurfacing Serum is the ladder: start at 0.25%, step up over months as skin builds tolerance, with niacinamide and hydrators doing the supporting work. IntelliRET™ 0.3+ is the fixed dose: 0.3% encapsulated retinol layered with a botanical booster, MATRIXYL® Synthe'6® and antioxidants, aimed at comfort from the first application rather than a percentage climb. Absolute first-time users are usually better starting on 0.25% Retinol Resurfacing Serum, since it's the lower of the two concentrations and the ladder gives an obvious next step. IntelliRET™ 0.3+ suits people who've already used a retinol before, or who want more supporting actives in the formula from day one.
AlumierMD sells two separate retinol serums rather than one. Retinol Resurfacing Serum is a strength ladder — 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% microencapsulated retinol, sold as three distinct products so you choose (and can move between) strengths as your skin adjusts. IntelliRET™ 0.3+ is a single fixed-strength serum built around 0.3% encapsulated retinol plus a bio-inspired botanical booster, niacinamide, MATRIXYL® Synthe'6® and antioxidants. Both are evening-only, both need daily SPF, and both belong to the same retinoid ingredient class — the difference is in how each product is built and positioned.
The headline difference
Retinol Resurfacing Serum is about the concentration: pick your strength, then progress upward once your skin has tolerated the one below it comfortably. IntelliRET™ 0.3+ doesn't offer a strength choice at all — it's 0.3% every time, with the formulation effort spent on the supporting cast (the botanical booster, peptides and antioxidants) rather than on a route to a higher percentage.
| Retinol Resurfacing Serum | IntelliRET™ 0.3+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Retinol format | Microencapsulated, three strengths (0.25% / 0.5% / 1.0%) | Encapsulated, single fixed strength (0.3%) |
| Supporting actives | Niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate; MATRIXYL Synthe'6 added at 0.5% and 1.0% | Bio-inspired botanical booster, niacinamide, MATRIXYL® Synthe'6®, sodium hyaluronate |
| Positioning | A ladder to climb as tolerance builds | A single comfort-focused formula, no strength decision needed |
| Best for | First-time retinol users starting at 0.25%; those wanting to progress to higher strengths over time | Those who've used a retinol before, or want more antioxidant/peptide support without choosing a percentage |
| Format | 30ml, sold per strength | 30ml |
Which should you start with?
If you've never used a retinol before, AlumierMD's own strength positioning points to 0.25% Retinol Resurfacing Serum as the lower-risk entry point — it's the lowest concentration either serum offers, and the ladder above it (0.5%, then 1.0%) gives a defined next step once you've built tolerance. IntelliRET™ 0.3+ sits at a slightly higher 0.3% concentration and is positioned by AlumierMD as suited to those new to retinol or wanting a more progressive, tolerance-focused approach — so it's a reasonable choice too, but it isn't the lowest-strength option in the range.
If you've already used a retinol and tolerated it well, either serum is a fair next step. The genuine decision at that point is formulation, not strength: do you want the option to keep climbing in percentage (Retinol Resurfacing Serum), or a single formula with a heavier antioxidant and peptide supporting cast built in from the start (IntelliRET™ 0.3+)?
How to use either one
- When: Evening only, on cleansed skin — retinol increases sun sensitivity.
- Introducing it: Start at one to two applications a week and build up gradually, whichever serum you choose.
- Order: Apply after cleansing, before your regular moisturiser.
- Next morning: Daily broad-spectrum SPF is not optional with either product.
- What to expect: Mild redness, peeling or tingling can occur as skin adjusts to any retinol, particularly in the first few weeks.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use. This applies to both serums, and to every retinol product in the AlumierMD range.
Our verdict
These are two different routes to the same ingredient, not a strong option and a weak one. Retinol Resurfacing Serum is the ladder — start at 0.25%, step up over months as skin builds tolerance. IntelliRET™ 0.3+ is the fixed dose — 0.3% with a heavier supporting cast, aimed at comfort from the first application rather than a percentage climb. Absolute first-time users are usually better starting on 0.25% Retinol Resurfacing Serum, since it's the lower of the two concentrations and the ladder gives an obvious next step. IntelliRET™ 0.3+ suits people who've already used a retinol before, or who want more supporting actives in the formula from day one. If you're unsure which fits your skin history, our team can talk it through before you buy.
FAQs
Is IntelliRET™ 0.3+ stronger than Retinol Resurfacing Serum 0.25%?
In terms of retinol percentage, yes — 0.3% is marginally higher than 0.25%. But IntelliRET™ 0.3+ also includes encapsulation and a heavier supporting cast of antioxidants and peptides, so the percentage alone doesn't fully describe how each serum performs on skin.
Can I switch from Retinol Resurfacing Serum to IntelliRET™ 0.3+, or the other way round?
Yes — both are retinol serums from the same ingredient class, so if you're already tolerating one, switching to the other doesn't mean starting the introduction process from scratch in most cases. If you're moving to a noticeably higher strength (for example, from 0.25% straight to IntelliRET™ 0.3+ after struggling with irritation), ease back in gradually and speak to our team if you're unsure.
Do I need to choose a strength with IntelliRET™ 0.3+?
No — IntelliRET™ 0.3+ is sold at a single 0.3% concentration, unlike Retinol Resurfacing Serum's three-strength range. That's part of its appeal if you'd rather not decide between 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0%.
Which one is better for sensitive skin?
Retinol Resurfacing Serum's 0.25% strength is the lowest concentration across both ranges, which is generally the safer starting point for reactive skin. IntelliRET™ 0.3+'s botanical booster and antioxidant cast are formulated with comfort in mind, but neither product is irritation-proof — introduce either one gradually regardless of skin type.
Can I use both products together?
No — use one retinol serum at a time on the same area of skin. Layering two retinol products increases irritation risk without adding benefit; pick the one that fits your current tolerance and stick with it.
Are both safe to use during pregnancy?
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use — this applies to both serums.