Dr.different

Dr.Different is a vitamin-A focused Korean brand. Where many lines spread across dozens of actives, this one centres retinol and builds a small, clear ladder around it, from a starter Vitalift-A up to the stronger Forte. The rest of the range exists to support that: barrier moisturisers to offset dryness, calming masks for the adjustment phase, and a gentle cleanser. If you want to add retinol to your routine without guesswork, this is a brand designed for exactly that.

Vitalift-A (20g) is the entry point. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that encourages skin renewal and is one of the best-studied ingredients for smoothing texture and fine lines over time. The standard Vitalift-A gives you a manageable starting strength, which matters because retinol works best when you let your skin build tolerance rather than rushing it. Use a pea-sized amount at night a few times a week to begin.

Vitalift-A Forte (20g) is the higher-strength step for skin that has already adjusted to the standard formula. Moving up only once your skin tolerates the starter is the safest way to get more from retinol without triggering peeling or redness. Treat Forte as a graduation, not a starting point. If you have used retinol elsewhere and know your skin handles it, you may be ready for Forte sooner, but easing in still pays off.

The Vita A Cream (20g) delivers vitamin A in a richer, more cushioned base. A cream texture can suit drier skin or anyone who finds a straight retinol too drying on its own. It is a way to keep vitamin A in the routine while giving the skin more comfort and slip. Slot it in on the nights you want the benefit with a softer feel, and follow with a barrier moisturiser if you need extra protection.

The 113, 131, and 311 Moisturisers (100ml each) are the barrier-support side of the range, sized generously for daily use. Pairing a moisturiser with retinol is not optional; it offsets the dryness that vitamin A can cause and keeps the skin barrier intact while it adjusts. Apply your Vitalift-A first, let it settle, then seal with one of these. Check each listing for the texture that suits your skin, since the numbers mark different formulations.

The Derma Relaxing Mask and Calming and Moisture Mask are made for the weeks when your skin is settling into retinol. A soothing mask floods the skin with moisture and helps quiet the tightness or flush that can come early in a vitamin A routine. Use one on a rest night when you skip the retinol, or after a stretch of dry weather, to give your barrier a reset before the next active night.

The First Cleanser (200ml) keeps the start of the routine mild. A gentle cleanser matters more than usual when you use retinol, because a harsh, stripping wash undoes the barrier work the rest of the routine is doing. Use it to take off the day without leaving skin tight, then move on to your treatment and moisturiser steps on a clean, calm base.

Begin with the standard Vitalift-A two or three nights a week, on dry skin, with a pea-sized amount for the whole face. Always follow with one of the numbered moisturisers, and consider buffering by applying moisturiser first if your skin is reactive. Build frequency up over several weeks before you think about the Forte. Wear sunscreen every morning, since retinol makes skin more sun-sensitive, and pause the actives if you get persistent stinging.

Drier or more reactive skin does best easing in with the Vita A Cream and a richer numbered moisturiser, leaning on the calming masks during the adjustment. More resilient or experienced skin can move to the standard Vitalift-A and then Forte with a lighter moisturiser. Whatever your skin, go slow at first; retinol rewards patience, and pushing strength too fast is the usual cause of irritation.

Dr.Different is a Korean brand, and the Vitalift-A line and moisturisers here are the same formulas sold on the Korean market. We import them so you get genuine product with the original strengths intact, which matters with an active like retinol where the formulation is the point. You get a clear retinol ladder from a brand that built its reputation on doing vitamin A well.