By Phyllis Pan
I’ve always been curious about homegrown Singapore skincare brands, especially ones formulated for our heat and humidity. So when Nano Skinz launched its 5-step retinol set ahead of Lunar New Year, I decided to see how it would hold up on my skin.
The limited-edition Youth Renewal Lunar Glow Set includes a cleanser, toner, serum, day moisturiser, and night moisturiser, each formulated with 1% encapsulated retinol. It’s positioned as a structured renewal routine rather than a standalone treatment, and developed locally with Southeast Asian skin types in mind.
Built around three highlighted actives — SPECKARE® RRT Retinol (1%), WINPEP® Decatide (10X Peptide Complex), and Derma-Clera® (Korea) — the system focuses on balancing renewal with comfort. It uses 1% encapsulated retinol delivered through a slow-release system to help minimise irritation, supported by a peptide complex aimed at boosting collagen and a plant-derived extract formulated to calm and strengthen the skin barrier. That combination may explain why the overall experience felt gentler than I anticipated.
I incorporated the full routine into my skincare routine for a week to see how my skin would respond, particularly given that every step contains retinol.
Starting with the cleanser, this was the most pleasant surprise. The scent is light and clean without being overpowering, and it doesn’t leave that tight, squeaky feeling some active cleansers do. Instead, my skin felt soft and comfortable after rinsing, which made the rest of the routine feel less intimidating.
Next came the toner, which was lightweight and fast-absorbing, with no stinging or sticky residue. My skin felt balanced rather than stripped.
The serum has a slightly richer texture but spreads easily — two pumps were sufficient for my face and neck. There was mild warmth during the first two nights, but no redness or peeling. By mid-week, my skin texture felt smoother, especially around the cheeks.
For daytime use, the moisturiser layered well under sunscreen and didn’t feel heavy in Singapore’s humidity. It provided hydration without greasiness.
At night, the moisturiser felt more nourishing yet still breathable. I didn’t wake up oily, which can happen with richer creams. After a week, my skin looked slightly brighter and felt softer, though it’s too early to comment on fine lines.
What stood out most wasn’t a dramatic transformation — it was comfort. I didn’t experience peeling, redness, or flaking despite layering multiple retinol-based products. My skin remained stable throughout the week, which I appreciate in our climate.
Despite being five steps, the routine felt surprisingly straightforward. Each product layered well without pilling, and once I got into the rhythm, it felt structured rather than excessive.
Most importantly, I enjoyed using it — and that matters more than overnight results. If a routine feels pleasant and easy to stick to, I’m far more likely to continue with it.
The Nano Skinz Youth Renewal Lunar Glow Set is available online at nanoskinzshop.com at a promotional price of $138.88 (U.P. $220.50) until 3 March 2026. First-time buyers can enjoy an additional 10% off by signing up for the newsletter, and all orders above S$40 receive free shipping. International shipping is available during the CNY promotion period.