How to unlock your best skin with vitamin A

Superstar and Superstar+ are both powered by HPR — a next-generation retinoid that delivers visible vitamin A results without the irritation most people associate with retinol. The difference between them is concentration: Superstar contains 0.2% HPR, formulated for beginners and sensitive skin; Superstar+ contains 1% HPR, for skin that has already adapted to vitamin A and is ready for a deeper renewal step.

Both combine HPR with a blend of barrier-supporting botanical oils — tamanu, black cumin seed, and pomegranate — to improve skin texture, tone, and clarity without disrupting the skin barrier.

What’s your Superstar status?

I’M A RETINOL BEGINNER

Choose SUPERSTAR

Contains active retinoid at 0.2%. This gentle formula is ideal for:

• Skin prone to sensitivity
• Retinol beginners
• Transitioning from another brand

I’M A RETINOL PRO

Choose SUPERSTAR+.

Contains a potent 1% active retinoid. This advanced formula is ideal if:

• You’ve already seen success with Superstar
• You’re ready to move onto the next level
• You want to maintain results following a prescription-strength retinol treatment.

How to layer Superstar in your routine

Both Superstar and Superstar+ are used the same way. After cleansing, apply one pump to your face and décolletage as the final step in your evening routine. Start with twice-weekly applications and increase frequency as your skin adapts.

Superstar contains 0.2% HPR. It delivers gentle overnight skin renewal, minimising pores and dark spots and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's ideal for sensitive skin, retinoid beginners, and anyone starting or restarting their vitamin A journey.

Superstar+ contains 1% HPR. It works more intensively overnight to dramatically resurface the complexion and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It's suited to mature skin or skin that is already accustomed to retinoids and looking to take their vitamin A routine further.

Powered by HPR

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) is a next-generation retinoid that offers the potent benefits of retinol without the common side effects of irritation and sensitivity. It is fast-acting, and works quickly to improve skin texture, diminish wrinkles, and promote a youthful complexion.

New to vitamin A? Read our guide to retinol, retinal, and retinoid

Natural retinoid boosters

Inspired by the simplicity of Indian Natural Healing, Superstar and Superstar+ are blended with a host of natural retinoid boosters.

“The Superstar lineup combines cutting-edge science with the time-tested wisdom of Indian Natural Healing. I wanted to create the perfect balance of age-defying retinol with exceptional healing and hydrating benefits.” - Sonia Deasy, founder

Superstar and Superstar+ are blended with three nourishing botanical oils that support the skin barrier and complement the action of HPR throughout the renewal process.

Tamanu oil enhances skin repair and healing, reduces acne and scarring, and improves elasticity. Black cumin seed oil works to calm redness and irritation, reduce fine lines, and enhance skin elasticity. Pomegranate seed oil stimulates skin regeneration, fights inflammation, and provides antioxidant protection against the environmental factors that accelerate skin ageing.

Most asked vitamin A questions

What age should I start using retinoids?
Mid-20s is a sensible starting point — collagen production begins to slow around this time. That said, the right time depends more on your skin than your age. If you're noticing early fine lines, uneven texture, or post-breakout marks, it's worth starting regardless of where you are in your 20s or 30s.

Will I experience irritation or peeling?
Some mild flaking in the first few weeks is normal — it's your skin adjusting to an accelerated cell turnover cycle. If you experience persistent discomfort, reduce application frequency and build back up gradually.

How long before I see results?
Most people notice improvements in texture and tone within four to eight weeks of consistent use. More significant changes — softer lines, refined pores, improved clarity — typically develop over two to three months.|

For a full guide on introducing retinoids without irritation, see How to Start a Retinoid Routine.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Vitamin A is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you have questions.

Does retinol expire?
Yes. Check the expiry date on your product — efficacy diminishes over time.

I'm currently using another brand's retinoid. Can I switch to Superstar?
Yes. We recommend starting with Superstar regardless of the concentration you've been using elsewhere. Different formulations behave differently on skin, and a short reset at 0.2% HPR allows your skin to adjust to the formula before stepping up to Superstar+.

Vitamin A is one of the most effective ingredients in skincare. It's also one of the most abandoned. Most people who give up on retinoids do so in the first few weeks — before the results have had a chance to show — because the introduction was too fast, the concentration too high, or the formula too harsh on the skin barrier. Starting correctly makes the difference between a routine that works and one that gets written off. Here's how to do it.

The secret to long-term retinol results (and how to stay on track)

Vitamin A delivers some of the most significant long-term results available in skincare. Smoother texture, refined pores, softer lines, improved elasticity and more even tone. Used consistently over months and years, vitamin A works at a cellular level to keep skin renewing, collagen synthesising, and the processes that maintain healthy, vital skin functioning well for longer. The secret to getting there is understanding what your skin is doing at each stage, and staying consistent long enough to let it happen.