Element Eight O₂ Retinol

Element Eight O₂ Retinol Resurface & Refine Serum is an advanced nighttime treatment combining patented liquid oxygen with 1.25% microencapsulated pure retinol.

Designed for controlled, progressive renewal, the encapsulated retinol is gradually released as the skin’s natural enzymes break down its protective membrane. This time-release system allows the formula to work throughout the night while helping minimize the irritation commonly associated with high-performance retinol.

Bakuchiol complements the retinol, while blue tansy helps soothe visible redness and gives the pillowy serum its signature pale-blue colour. With continued use, skin appears smoother, firmer, more even and visibly refined.

Formulated with OATH™ Oxygen Amplified Therapy. No added fragrance. 30 ml.

Benefits

• Visibly softens fine lines and wrinkles
• Refines uneven texture and the appearance of pores
• Supports firmer, more elastic-looking skin
• Improves the appearance of uneven tone and discoloration
• Encourages a smoother, more luminous complexion
• Uses time-released retinol for controlled delivery
• Helps minimize visible redness and discomfort
• Supports skin renewal while you sleep
• Leaves a weightless, cushioned finish

Best For

Element Eight O₂ Retinol Serum is best suited for:

• Fine lines and visible wrinkles
• Loss of firmness and elasticity
• Uneven or rough skin texture
• Enlarged-looking pores
• Uneven tone and discoloration
• Dullness and loss of luminosity
• Skin already familiar with active ingredients
• Anyone seeking an advanced nighttime retinol treatment

Those new to retinol may still use this formula, but it should be introduced slowly. Do not apply to actively irritated, sensitized or barrier-impaired skin.

How It Works

• OATH™ Oxygen Amplified Therapy: Element Eight’s patented OATH™ technology uses topical oxygen carriers that hold dissolved molecular oxygen. The system is designed to support the skin’s natural renewal environment and complement the performance of the formula’s active ingredients.
• 1.25% Microencapsulated Pure Retinol: The retinol is enclosed within natural polymer microspheres. Once applied, skin enzymes gradually break down the capsule membrane, releasing controlled amounts of retinol throughout the night.

This progressive delivery helps improve the appearance of wrinkles, firmness, pores, uneven texture and tone without releasing the full concentration onto the skin at once.

• Bakuchiol: Derived from babchi seeds, bakuchiol provides antioxidant support and complements the visible smoothing and tone-refining effects of retinol.
• Blue Tansy: Naturally rich in aromatic compounds including azulene, blue tansy helps comfort the skin and reduce the appearance of redness. It also gives the formula its natural pale-blue hue.
• Supporting Peptides and Botanical Oils: Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 support firmer-looking skin, while rosehip, pomegranate, oat and shea help cushion the formula and maintain skin comfort.

How to Use

Use in the evening after essence and before moisturizer.

1. Cleanse and dry the face and neck.
2. Apply one pump, approximately 0.5 ml.
3. Smooth the formula evenly over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
4. Follow with a barrier-supportive moisturizer.
5. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.

Begin two to three evenings per week. Gradually increase frequency as the skin acclimates.

Avoid using another retinol or retinoid during the same routine. If irritation develops, reduce frequency and allow the skin barrier to recover before resuming.

Loshen & Crem’s Recommendation

This is a serious retinol formula, even with the elegance of microencapsulation.

Begin with two evenings per week and resist the temptation to rush toward nightly use. Microencapsulation helps control delivery, but it does not make 1.25% retinol beginner-proof. Your skin will gain more from a consistent, well-tolerated routine than from pushing through redness, burning or excessive peeling.

On retinol evenings, keep the rest of your routine quiet: a gentle cleanser, hydrating essence if tolerated, this serum and a supportive moisturizer. Skip exfoliating acids, scrubs and other retinoids.

Healthy skin is never built by fighting the barrier.

Ingredients

• OATH™ Patented Liquid Oxygen Technology: Designed to support the skin’s natural renewal environment and complement active ingredient performance.
• 1.25% Microencapsulated Pure Retinol: A time-released form of vitamin A that visibly improves wrinkles, uneven texture, pores, firmness and tone.
• Bakuchiol: A plant-derived antioxidant that complements retinol and supports smoother, more even-looking skin.
• Blue Tansy: Helps soothe visible redness and gives the serum its natural blue colour.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: Peptides that support firmer, smoother-looking skin.
• Rosehip Seed Oil: Provides nourishing fatty acids and antioxidant support.
• Pomegranate Seed Oil: Helps maintain skin comfort and resilience.
• Oat Kernel Oil: Supports moisture retention and helps comfort dry or reactive-feeling skin.
• Shea Butter: Cushions and nourishes the skin while reducing moisture loss.
• Vitamin E and Green Tea Extract: Provide antioxidant support against environmental stressors.

Full Ingredients List 

Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Stearic Acid, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Bakuchiol, Cetyl Alcohol, Oxygen, Retinol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Tanacetum Annuum Flower Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Pinus Radiata Bark Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Glycine Soja Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate, Benzyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Alginate, Carbomer.

Ingredients may be updated by the manufacturer. Always consult the product packaging for the most current ingredient list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the strength of Element Eight O₂ Retinol Serum?

Element Eight identifies the formula as containing 1.25% pure retinol delivered through a microencapsulation system.

Does it contain retinol or retinal?

It contains retinol, not retinaldehyde. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that supports skin renewal and visibly improves fine lines, texture, firmness and uneven tone.

What does microencapsulated retinol mean?

The retinol is enclosed within microscopic polymer membranes. Skin enzymes progressively break down these membranes, allowing the retinol to be released gradually instead of all at once.

Is Element Eight O₂ Retinol suitable for beginners?

It may be introduced by someone new to retinol, but 1.25% is a significant concentration. Begin with two evenings per week, use one pump only and increase frequency according to skin tolerance.

Can sensitive skin use this serum?

The formula includes bakuchiol, blue tansy and cushioning botanical oils to support comfort. However, sensitive skin should introduce it carefully. Do not use it while the skin is irritated, inflamed or barrier-impaired.

How often should I use it?

Begin two to three evenings per week. If the skin remains comfortable, gradually progress toward alternate-night or nightly use.

Can I use it with exfoliating acids?

Avoid combining it with strong AHAs, BHAs, exfoliating lotions or peels in the same routine, particularly while introducing the product. Alternating evenings helps reduce unnecessary irritation.

Can I use Element Eight O₂ Vitamin C Serum with it?

Element Eight recommends skipping its O₂ Vitamin C Serum during evenings when retinoids or exfoliating acids are used. Apply vitamin C the following morning instead.

Should retinol be applied before or after moisturizer?

Element Eight recommends applying the serum after essence and before moisturizer. Highly sensitive skin may apply moisturizer first as a buffering step, followed by the retinol, if advised by a skincare professional.

Can this retinol be used during pregnancy?

No. Retinol and other topical retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy. If breastfeeding, consult your physician before use.

Do I need sunscreen while using retinol?

Yes. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning and limit unprotected sun exposure.

How long does one bottle last?

The 30 ml bottle contains approximately 60 one-pump applications. Longevity depends on how frequently it is used.

Does it contain fragrance?

The formula has no added fragrance. Its natural colour and any subtle aroma may come from its botanical ingredients, including blue tansy.

Where can I buy Element Eight O₂ Retinol Serum?

Element Eight O₂ Retinol Resurface & Refine Serum is available online through Loshen & Crem and through our boutique, where our team can help you introduce retinol safely and intentionally.