Face Reality Age Adaptive Clearing Serum

Face Reality Age Adaptive Clearing Serum is a multi-level treatment serum built for adult skin that still breaks out but is also starting to show early signs of aging. Rather than forcing you to choose between clearing and anti-aging, this serum works on three distinct levels: inside the pore, at the skin's surface, and progressively over time to support long-term skin renewal.

Powered by β-ret Technology™, a combination of Adapinoid® (oleyl adapalenate) and salicylic acid, this formula delivers next-generation retinoid benefits that are compatible with acne-prone skin, something traditional retinoids often are not. In a 12-week clinical study, 97% of participants saw clearer skin, while 94% showed clinical improvement in fine lines and wrinkles after just 8 weeks.

Keeps Pores Clear from the Inside Out: Salicylic acid within β-ret Technology™ is oil-soluble, so it's drawn into the pore where it loosens and clears the buildup of oil and dead skin cells that lead to breakouts.

Smooths and Refines Surface Texture: Mandelic acid and lactic acid work together to gently dissolve the bonds holding dull, dead cells at the surface, revealing smoother-looking skin that stays tolerable for sensitized and acne-prone types.

Supports Cellular Renewal Over Time: The next-generation retinoid in β-ret Technology™ (Adapinoid®) progressively supports the skin's natural renewal cycle, helping visibly reduce early signs of aging without the harsh side effects of conventional retinoids.

Targets Post-Breakout Discoloration and Redness: Mandelic acid actively addresses post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while potassium azeloyl diglycinate, a derivative of azelaic acid, helps calm redness and reduce excess oiliness.

Balances Oil and Supports the Skin Barrier: Succinic acid offers antimicrobial and antioxidant protection while helping balance oil production, and xylitol acts as a prebiotic to support a healthy skin microbiome and provide hydrating benefits.

If you're dealing with adult acne and early signs of aging at the same time, this serum was designed specifically for that overlap. It's ideal for skin that still gets clogged pores and breakouts but is also showing fine lines, uneven texture, or post-breakout dark marks.

This is a strong fit if you've wanted to add a retinoid to your routine but have avoided it because traditional retinol or retinoids tend to irritate acne-prone skin. The next-generation retinoid in this formula is acne-safe and designed to work progressively, not aggressively.

It's also well-suited for oily or combination skin types that struggle with excess sebum, rough texture, and lingering hyperpigmentation from past breakouts.

If you're new to AHAs or retinoid actives, start by using this serum every other evening for the first two weeks. This gives your skin time to adjust to the exfoliating acids and the next-generation retinoid without over-stressing your barrier, then you can build up to nightly use as your skin acclimates.

Apply: After cleansing and toning, dispense a small amount onto fingertips and smooth evenly across the face, avoiding the eye area.

Frequency: Use once daily in the evening as part of your clearing routine. Follow with your moisturizer and apply sunscreen every morning, as AHAs and retinoids increase sun sensitivity.

We offer free shipping on every order $50+ (just $7 flat-rate below that). Orders placed before 1pm PST Monday through Friday ship out the same day. Orders placed outside of that window are shipped the very next business day!

Changed your mind? We get it. That's why our return window is generous: 30 days even if you've opened and tried it, or a full 60 days if it's still sealed. Some exclusions apply. See our full return policy for details.