A-Game 5
A silky, light emulsion containing a medium-strength amount of stabilized Retinal to help against all signs of aging, while being gentle on the skin.
30 ml
Skin type: all skin types
Skin concern: lines & wrinkles, loss of firmness, uneven skin, pigmentation, dullness, lack of radiance
Cruelty-free | Vegan | Breastfeeding-safe | Fragrance & Essential oil free | Gluten-free
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A-Game 5
description
Retinal is the "big brother" molecule of the better known anti-aging superstar, Retinol. While Retinol needs two metabolic conversion steps to reach the active form, Retinoic Acid (aka Tretinoin), Retinal is the direct precursor only one conversion step away from the active form the skin cells understand. It is estimated that Retinal can convert more than 10x faster to Retinoic Acid than Retinol, making Retinal an outstandingly effective member of the retinoid family (Vitamin A family).
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Once converted, Retinal helps the skin cells to produce more collagen and other structural elements, making the skin more youthful, firm and elastic. It also speeds up the renewal process of the upper skin layers making it smoother and more even. A-Game is a smart-aging must-have, but it is also useful as an adjacent product for fading pigmentation, as well as helping acne-prone skin.
In terms of strength and knowledge, we would compare our 0.05% Retinal serum to a mid-strength Retinol product (typically in the 0.2-0.5% range), but with less irritation potential and possibly quicker results.
who is it for?
how to use
Apply a pea sized amount to the face in the PM. In your evening routine, apply liquid and gel-type products first (for example a toner, our exfoliants or our other serums such as HA 5 or B-Bomb), then A-Game. Follow with a moisturizer. Wear a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater in the morning.
If your skin is sensitive, start using A-Game every other day and if well-tolerated, move up to every evening in two weeks. You can try using A-Game around the eye area, but please only use a small amount, adjusting frequency based on your skin's individual level of tolerance.
Do not use if pregnant. Topical use of retinoids during breastfeeding is considered low risk, however, please consult your physician first.
Good to know: A-Game has a bright yellow color due to the high concentration of Retinal in it. Based on our experience, it dissipates on the skin and does not leave a yellow tint on surfaces. If you still experience residual color, you can minimize it by leaving time for the product to fully absorb & using a moisturizer on top. Any marks can be removed by washing your clothes & fabrics with your regular detergent.
Shelf life: 18 months from production (unopened), 6 months PAO (period after opening)
ingreds & research
key ingreds:
Retinal (0.05%) – An anti-aging superstar ingredient that is the direct precursor of Retinoic Acid (the active form that the skin cells understand) and shows an outstanding activity/tolerance ratio among topical retinoids.
Allantoin & Panthenol – A classic ingredient duo known for their skin soothing and skin protecting abilities.
Biosaccharide Gum-1 – A carbohydrate molecule that has nice skin soothing and moisturizing abilities, and makes A-Game even more gentle and silky.
full inci list:
Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleyl Erucate, Glycerin, Triheptanoin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cyclodextrin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Allantoin, Retinal, Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium Edta, Pentylene Glycol, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
research:
Creidi, P., and Ph Humbert. "Clinical use of topical retinaldehyde on photoaged skin." Dermatology 199.Suppl. 1 (1999): 49-52.
Siegenthaler, G., J. H. Saurat, and M. Ponec. "Retinol and retinal metabolism." Biochemical Journal 268.2 (1990): 371-378.
Fluhr, J. W., et al. "Tolerance profile of retinol, retinaldehyde and retinoic acid under maximized and long-term clinical conditions." Dermatology 199.Suppl. 1 (1999): 57-60.
Creidi, Pierre, et al. "Profilometric evaluation of photodamage after topical retinaldehyde and retinoic acid treatment." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 39.6 (1998): 960-965.
Mukherjee, Siddharth, et al. "Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety." Clinical interventions in aging 1.4 (2006): 327.
Dréno, B., et al. "Topical retinaldehyde with glycolic acid: study of tolerance and acceptability in association with anti-acne treatments in 1,709 patients." Dermatology 210.Suppl. 1 (2005): 22-29.
Pechere, M., et al. "The antibacterial activity of topical retinoids: the case of retinaldehyde." Dermatology 205.2 (2002): 153-158.
Gentle even for beginners, neither drying nor greasy. As for the results, I don't notice dramatic changes, but I do have clear skin with few darker spots, probably from old pimples. It does, however, keep my skin nice and clear. As for the collagen effects it is difficult to say. I hope it works on that level, too! I will keep using it. Expensive brands are not any better, so, don't throw your money away!
Really happy with this first step of my retinal journey. Very smooth formula, no irritation (I tried retinol before and could not tolerate it). After 30days of use, my skin looks noticeably better: pigmentation has faded, my skin radiated, no blemish. Looking forward to step up after this bottle to a higher concentration.
I'm 42 yo woman with not so much wrinkles, but have melasma. I don't know if it is this product or other, or all together, but now for a while I've been using G&Gs C-glow, A game 5 and A Pad. And my melasma is noticably(!) better. Still darker than my skin tone, but it is the closest to my original skin colour as ever. I've been using (other) retinols and vitamin c for a year now and I got to the point where things got better but then improvements stopped. And now I see they have moved on again! I have good feeling for this and hope it helps even more. Also I love this retinal is so gentle. Previously I used one other European brand's retinal night cream, but it had (I guess a lot) niacinamide in it and my skin was always red and burning after it. I even tried it after I used up 2 Korean retinals but it still burned my face, so that €40 product just went to the trash. Thank you for the reasonable price and simple yet effective formulas and not putting that damn niacinamide in everything! I'm trying the A-Game 10 next!
This product is really light, barely there matte textured which is perfect for my oily and acne prone skin. I can use it around the eyes without any issues making it perfect. Couldn’t have asked for more as someone starting retinoids! Thank you for such amazing products
Pour débuter il est très bien, ce n est pas la force du retinol qui fait le boulot mais le retinol, le retinal convient très bien pour débuter doucement mais efficacement, j ai commencé à débuter avec 2 applications/ semaine pendant un 1 an, puis 3 applications/semaine, j ai la peau fragile et sèche.
Au bout de 8 mois j ai vu la différence et le changement de ma peau.
Je l'ai acheté en boutique et j en suis très content.
Le lot 08/10/25