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Posted: 21 October 2026
6 Minute ReadThe Anti-ageing Ingredients Guide
Retinal, PDRN, Matrixyl, NAD+: these words are on every serum and cream right now. But what do they actually do?
Ageing is natural, and the goal isn’t to fix it but to support skin so it keeps its bounce and glow. K-beauty favours gentle, hydrating formulas over harsh quick fixes, and the right ingredients matter more than any claim on the bottle.
Below, we break down four anti-ageing ingredients worth knowing. You don’t need all four: our quick chart helps you find your match in 30 seconds.
the four anti-ageing ingredients worth knowing
RetinoidsThe renewal classic
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that skin converts into retinoic acid. K-beauty formulas buffer them with soothing ingredients and liposomes to keep irritation low.
The family, from gentlest to strongest- Retinyl estersThe softest starting point
- RetinolThe most familiar name on the shelf
- Retinal (retinaldehyde)One step closer to retinoic acid, so it works faster
- HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate)A newer form that doesn’t need converting in the skin
What it does
Encourages cell turnover. Over time this smooths texture, softens the look of fine lines, evens tone and helps keep pores clear.
Who it suits
Texture, fine lines, uneven tone and breakout-prone skin (start low if sensitive).
How to use
Night only, two or three times a week to start, with daily SPF. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Speak to your GP first.
our picks
Retinal 0.05%
CELIMAX
The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Dual Cream (50ml)
A dual-chamber cream pairing 0.05% retinal, niacinamide and peptides with a soothing 5% panthenol base. A comfortable way to start with retinal.
£23.00Shop now ›
Retinal 0.025%
DR. DIFFERENT
VITALIFT-A Eye & Neck
A gentle 0.025% retinal with peptides and niacinamide, made for delicate skin and an easy first retinoid.
£21.00Shop now ›PDRNThe K-beauty ingredient everyone’s talking about
PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide, listed as Sodium DNA) is made of purified DNA fragments, traditionally from salmon, with plant-derived vegan versions now common too. It moved from Korean skin clinics into everyday serums and creams.
What it does
Helps skin feel replenished and calm, supporting hydration and the look of bounce.
Who it suits
Dull, dehydrated or stressed skin, and anyone avoiding irritating actives.
How to use
Morning and evening, after toner.
our picks
Salmon-derived
ANUA
PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum (30ml)
Salmon PDRN, collagen and 11 types of hyaluronic acid in a watery serum. A great first PDRN.
£20.00Shop now ›
Plant-derived
VT
PDRN Capsule Cream 100
Vegan PHYTO PDRN from Korean wild ginseng with peptides and ceramide. Fragrance-free and comforting.
£22.00Shop now ›MatrixylThe gentle firming peptide
Matrixyl is a family of signal peptides, trademarked by SEDERMA. Peptides are amino-acid chains that act as messengers, telling skin to stay firm and smooth.
The three forms you’ll see on labels
Matrixyl
palmitoyl pentapeptide-4The original
Matrixyl 3000
palmitoyl tripeptide-1 + palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7A two-peptide blend
Matrixyl synthe’6
palmitoyl tripeptide-38A newer form focused on the look of wrinkles
Good to know: reading Matrixyl percentages. When a brand says “10% Matrixyl 3000” or “2% Matrixyl synthe’6”, it usually means the percentage of the Matrixyl complex as supplied, not pure peptide. It’s a helpful sign of a generous dose, but the numbers aren’t directly comparable across different forms.
What it does
Supports the look of firmness, elasticity and smoothness.
Who it suits
Early fine lines, loss of bounce, sensitive skin, or anyone who finds retinoids too much.
How to use
Morning and evening, after lighter serums and before moisturiser.
our picks
Matrixyl synthe’6
EPII
HPT6 Ultra Drop 10% (30ml)
2% Matrixyl synthe’6 with 10% HPT, a sugar-derived firming active, plus calming ectoin and panthenol.
£37.00Shop now ›
Matrixyl 3000
SKIN1004
Madagascar Centella Matrixyl 10 Boosting Shot Ampoule (30ml)
10% Matrixyl 3000 (per the brand) with centella and panthenol. Its micro-spicules can tingle, so avoid the eye area.
£24.00Shop now ›NAD+The one to watch
NAD+ is a coenzyme every cell uses for energy, and levels decline with age. Skincare uses NAD+ itself or precursors like NMN and niacinamide. It’s the newest ingredient here and the research is still early, so think of it as an exciting extra, not a replacement for SPF and retinoids.
What it does
Positioned to support skin’s natural renewal, helping tired skin look more vibrant.
Who it suits
Dull, tired-looking skin and anyone who loves trying new ingredients.
How to use
Morning or evening, in place of or alongside your usual serum.
our picks
NAD+ bestseller
NUMBUZIN
No.9+ NAD+ Bio Lifting-sil Essence (50ml)
The NAD+ bestseller, with peptides and antioxidants in a fun, stretchy texture.
£25.00Shop now ›
Two-in-one
EPII
Double Up Cream NAD+・NMN & TXA (50ml)
Two creams in one jar: NAD+ and NMN on one side, TXA and niacinamide on the other. Blend them to suit your skin each day.
£24.00Shop now ›find your anti-ageing ingredient match
You don’t need a ten-step routine to age well. Start with your main skin goal, find your match below, and build from there.
| If you’d like... | Your ingredient match | Why it works | Shop the match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softer-looking fine lines | Retinoids + Matrixyl | Retinoids support renewal, and Matrixyl supports firmness | CELIMAX Dual Cream, EPII HPT6 Ultra Drop |
| More bounce and firmness | Matrixyl + PDRN | Both are gentle and work well together, day or night | SKIN1004 Matrixyl 10 Ampoule, VT PDRN Capsule Cream |
| A glow for dull, tired skin | NAD+ | It supports the look of energised, vibrant skin | NUMBUZIN No.9+ Essence |
| A more even tone and fewer dark spots | Retinoids + TXA | Retinoids support renewal at night, and TXA helps even the look of tone | CELIMAX Dual Cream, EPII Double Up Cream (TXA side) |
| Smoother eye and neck area | Retinoids (gentle dose) | A low-dose retinal suits delicate skin | DR. DIFFERENT VITALIFT-A Eye & Neck |
| Calmer, more hydrated skin | PDRN | It replenishes and soothes | ANUA PDRN Capsule 100 Serum |
| A gentle start with actives | PDRN or Matrixyl first | Results without irritation, so you can build up from there | VT PDRN Capsule Cream, SKIN1004 Matrixyl 10 Ampoule |
morning
- PDRN or Matrixyl
- Moisturiser
- SPF
evening
- Retinoid
- Matrixyl or PDRN
- Moisturiser
Good to know: don’t layer retinoids with strong exfoliating acids on the same night.
Prefer some one-to-one advice? Visit our Tottenham Court Road store for a skin consultation.
frequently asked questions
What are the best anti-ageing ingredients?
Four of the most useful anti-ageing ingredients are retinoids, PDRN, Matrixyl peptides and NAD+. Retinoids support renewal, PDRN replenishes and calms, Matrixyl supports firmness and NAD+ supports skin energy. Most people only need one or two, matched to their main skin goal.
What’s the difference between retinol and retinal?
Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one conversion step closer to retinoic acid, the form skin uses, than retinol. That means retinal tends to work faster, while retinol is often a gentler place to start. Both are used at night and need daily SPF.
Is PDRN skincare vegan?
Not always. Traditional PDRN comes from salmon, but plant-derived “PHYTO PDRN”, such as the ginseng-based PDRN in VT’s Capsule Cream 100, is vegan. Check the product page if this matters to you.
Can I use retinoids and Matrixyl together?
Yes. Matrixyl is gentle and pairs well with retinoids, and some formulas, like the CELIMAX retinal booster, combine them. Apply your retinoid first in the evening, then your Matrixyl serum or ampoule.
Does NAD+ in skincare actually work?
NAD+ is a newer skincare ingredient and the research is still early. It’s positioned to support the look of energised, vibrant skin, so treat it as an exciting extra alongside proven basics like SPF and retinoids.
What does Matrixyl do for skin?
Matrixyl is a family of signal peptides, trademarked by SEDERMA, that supports the look of firmness, elasticity and smoothness. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used morning and night, on its own or alongside retinoids.