Ultimate A Gold

Retinal at 0.1% with a polyhydroxy acid and niacinamide. The strongest Vitamin A in the ESK range, for skin already used to one.

A night treatment built on retinal (retinaldehyde) at 0.1% — a form of Vitamin A that converts to its active state in fewer steps than retinol, which is why it works at lower strengths. Lactobionic acid at 5% is a polyhydroxy acid: larger molecules than glycolic or lactic, so it exfoliates more slowly. Niacinamide sits alongside both to support the barrier while they work.

This is the top of the ladder, not the entry to it. If you have not used a Vitamin A before, start lower and come up — your nurse will tell you where to begin.

Made for skin that tolerates Vitamin A already. Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Actives: Retinal (Retinaldehyde) 0.1%, Lactobionic Acid (PHA, exfoliant) 5%, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 5%, Hyaluronic Acid 1.6%

Suits: Skin already established on Vitamin A. Normal to oilier skin.

Not for: Anyone new to Vitamin A. Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Skin that is currently reactive or healing.