The bottle arrived with the kind of product name that makes beauty editors wince: “Retinol Collagen Serum for Face: Anti Aging & Anti Wrinkle Repair Peptide Serum with Boost Hydration Formula.” Twenty-three words crammed into a title that reads like SEO keyword soup. At $19.99, I wasn’t expecting Augustinus Bader, but I was curious whether this serum could deliver even a fraction of what its overwrought name promised.
After six weeks of testing—including two weeks of exclusive use on my left side to compare directly with my usual routine—I have thoughts.
What This Serum Actually Is
Despite the cluttered branding, this is fundamentally a lightweight retinol serum that combines retinyl palmitate (a gentler retinol derivative) with hydrolyzed collagen and peptides. The 1.7-ounce bottle comes with a dropper that dispenses evenly, though the packaging feels more drugstore than the “luxury” results it advertises.
The texture surprised me. Instead of the thin, slightly sticky consistency I expected from a budget retinol serum, this spreads like a lightweight essence—almost watery, but with enough substance to feel like you’re applying something purposeful. There’s no scent, which I appreciate in retinol products where fragrance can increase irritation potential.
The Formula Breakdown
Retinyl Palmitate: This is the gentlest form of retinol, requiring conversion in the skin to become active. While less potent than prescription retinoids or even over-the-counter retinol, it’s also less likely to cause the redness and peeling that can derail a routine.
Hydrolyzed Collagen: Here’s where the marketing gets ahead of the science. Topical collagen, even in hydrolyzed form, doesn’t actually replenish your skin’s collagen structure—the molecules are too large to penetrate meaningfully. What it can do is provide temporary plumping and hydration, which this serum delivers modestly.
Peptides: The formula includes several peptide complexes, though the concentrations aren’t disclosed. In my experience, peptides at this price point are usually present in amounts too small to create dramatic change, but they can support hydration and provide subtle firming over time.
Six Weeks of Real-World Testing
I tested this serum both as a standalone treatment and layered under my usual night routine. My combination skin tends to be forgiving with retinol, but I still introduced it gradually—every third night for the first week, then nightly once I confirmed no irritation.
Week 1-2: The most noticeable effect was hydration. My skin looked plumper in the morning, particularly around my eyes where I’ve started noticing the very beginning of fine lines. No irritation, but also no dramatic retinol “purging” that signals active ingredient penetration.
Week 3-4: I started seeing subtle texture improvements. The rough patches along my jawline—a combination of hormonal breakouts and early 30s skin changes—began smoothing out. Nothing revolutionary, but consistent progress.
Week 5-6: The hydrolyzed collagen’s temporary plumping effects became more apparent with consistent use. While this isn’t true collagen building, the daily moisture boost did create a subtle “bouncy” feeling that lasted most of the day.
Honest Assessment: The Pros
Gentleness: This is genuinely non-irritating. For retinol newcomers or those with sensitive skin, the mild formulation provides introduction to vitamin A without the typical adjustment period.
Hydration: The serum layers beautifully and adds moisture without heaviness. In my temperate climate, it worked well under both lightweight day moisturizers and richer night creams.
Price Point: At $19.99 for 1.7 ounces, the value is undeniable if you’re looking for a gentle retinol with added hydrating benefits.
Packaging: The dropper bottle protects the formula from light and air exposure, which is crucial for retinol stability.
The Reality Check: The Cons
Mild Results: This serum operates at whisper volume. If you’re dealing with established sun damage, deeper lines, or significant texture issues, the gentle formulation won’t provide the intensity needed for noticeable improvement.
Marketing Oversell: The claims about “firming neck” and “plump skin care” set expectations that the formula can’t meet. The temporary plumping from hydrolyzed collagen isn’t the same as actual firming or anti-aging repair.
Limited Active Concentration: While the gentleness is a feature for some, those accustomed to stronger retinol formulations will find this almost ineffective by comparison.
Inconsistent Results: About 30% of the Amazon reviews mention minimal to no visible changes, which aligns with what I’d expect from a retinyl palmitate formula at this concentration.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Against Other Budget Retinols: The Ordinary’s Retinol 0.2% in Squalane ($7.90) provides more potent vitamin A activity for less money, though without the hydrating peptide complex. For pure retinol efficacy, The Ordinary wins. For a gentler, more hydrating experience, this serum has merit.
Against Mid-Range Options: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol Serum ($55) offers significantly more potent results with better research backing, but at nearly triple the price. The jump in effectiveness justifies the cost if your budget allows.
Against Luxury Retinols: Comparing this to something like SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 ($112) feels almost unfair. The luxury options provide clinical-strength results that this serum simply cannot match, regardless of how consistently you use it.
Who This Serum Actually Works For
This product succeeds for a specific user: someone new to retinol who prioritizes gentleness over dramatic results, or someone looking to add mild vitamin A activity to an already solid routine without spending significantly.
It’s particularly suitable for combination skin types in temperate climates where the lightweight texture won’t compete with seasonal moisturizing needs. The hydrating properties make it less ideal for very oily skin types who might find it unnecessarily emollient.
If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s and want to begin preventive retinol use without the commitment (financial or dermatological) of stronger formulations, this provides a reasonable entry point.
The Bottom Line
This retinol-collagen serum delivers exactly what $19.99 should buy: a gentle, hydrating treatment that provides modest skin texture improvement over time. The problem isn’t the product—it’s the inflated expectations created by the marketing copy.
Strip away the promises of dramatic anti-aging and neck firming, and you’re left with a pleasant, non-irritating serum that offers beginner-friendly retinol activity with added moisture. That’s not revolutionary, but it’s honest value.
If you’re looking for your first retinol or want something gentle enough for nightly use without any adjustment period, this serum succeeds. If you need visible anti-aging results or have experience with stronger retinol formulations, your money will work harder elsewhere.
Final Rating: 3.5/5 stars. A solid entry-level retinol that overpromsies but delivers consistent, gentle results for the right user at an accessible price point.