KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum is a 30ml anti-ageing serum that combines 2% encapsulated retinal liposome with black ginseng extract. Retinal smooths the look of fine lines and refines texture, while antioxidant black ginseng revitalises tired, dull skin and helps restore elasticity and glow. The fast-absorbing serum is designed to be gentle, so it suits mature and sensitive skin starting vitamin A. Genuine KSECRET, shipped from Seoul with Cash on Delivery across the UAE and GCC.
| Brand | KSECRET (Korea) |
|---|---|
| Size | 30ml |
| Best for | Fine lines, uneven texture, dullness, loss of elasticity |
| Key ingredients | 2% retinal liposome, black ginseng extract |
| Texture | Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum |
| Use | Evening; build up slowly; SPF by day |
What does KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum do?
It is the "seoul 1988 serum" Korean-retinol fans search for. Encapsulated retinal works on lines and texture with a gradual release, and black ginseng, a classic Korean antioxidant, brings back radiance to tired skin.
- 2% retinal liposome – smooths fine lines and refines texture.
- Black ginseng extract – antioxidant revitalising care.
- Gentle delivery – liposomes help limit irritation.
Is KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum good for combination skin?
Yes. The lightweight serum suits combination and normal skin and layers easily under moisturiser. As with any retinoid, start two to three evenings a week and wear sunscreen every morning under strong Gulf sun.
How to use KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum
Evening routine
Apply
After cleansing and toner, apply a few drops over the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth, and pat until absorbed.
Seal
Follow with the KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Cream, and use the SEOUL 1988 Eye Cream around the eyes.
Morning
Wear sunscreen every day while using retinal.
KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum vs CELIMAX Retinol Shot
| KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum | CELIMAX Retinol Shot | |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 2% retinal liposome | 0.1% retinol |
| Extra | Black ginseng | 9 peptides |
Compare the CELIMAX Retinol Shot, and shop Korean retinol skincare and the full KSECRET range.
Genuine KSECRET from Seoul: how we source and ship
Korean Skincare Arabia is an authentic seller of KSECRET products in the UAE and GCC. We source all stock directly from official brand channels in South Korea, verify that every delivery is a fresh batch, receive it into our Seoul warehouse and ship each parcel directly from Korea by air, with delivery in 5–7 days across the UAE and GCC — so you always get fresh K-beauty with batch codes you can verify.
Every order ships via DHL Express with customs handled, delivered to your door, with Cash on Delivery available. Verify your product with our authenticity check guide. Our group is rated 4.7 on Trustpilot from 18,000+ reviews.
In short
- 2% retinal liposome + black ginseng serum.
- Smooths lines, refines texture, restores glow.
- Evening use; build up; SPF every morning.
KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum FAQs
Where can I buy authentic KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum in the UAE and GCC?
You can buy authentic KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum from Korean Skincare Arabia. We source stock directly from official brand channels in South Korea, check that every batch is fresh, and ship each parcel by air from our Seoul warehouse, arriving in 5–7 days across the UAE and GCC with Cash on Delivery. You can verify the batch code on your pack with our authenticity check guide.
Is KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Serum retinol or retinal?
It uses retinal, also called retinaldehyde, which is one step closer to the active form of vitamin A than retinol and tends to work faster. The 2% retinal is encapsulated in liposomes for gradual release, which helps keep the serum gentle enough for many sensitive and mature skin types.
Can I use it every night?
Start two to three evenings a week, then increase gradually as your skin adjusts. Once your skin is comfortable, many people use it nightly. Reduce frequency if you notice dryness or peeling, and always wear sunscreen the following morning. Patch test any new product first, especially if your skin is sensitive or reactive.
Does it help dark circles?
It is designed for the face, focusing on fine lines, texture and glow. For the eye area, use the dedicated KSECRET SEOUL 1988 Eye Cream with 4% retinal liposome, which is formulated for the more delicate skin around the eyes. Patch test any new product first, especially if your skin is sensitive or reactive.
Can I use it with vitamin C or acids?
Use vitamin C in the morning and this serum at night, and avoid exfoliating acids on the same night while your skin adjusts. Keep the rest of your routine hydrating and gentle to limit irritation. Patch test any new product first, especially if your skin is sensitive or reactive.
Can I use it during pregnancy?
Retinoids are generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using any retinal or retinol product, and choose a retinoid-free serum instead. Patch test any new product first, especially if your skin is sensitive or reactive.
Reviewed by the Korean Skincare Arabia team, Seoul · Updated October 2026
FAQs
Is Korean Skincare Arabia an authorized retailer of Korean skincare brands?
Yes. Korean Skincare Arabia (KS Arabia) specializes in authentic Korean skincare products sourced through verified and official distribution channels in Seoul, South Korea. The platform offers Korean beauty brands including COSRX, Beauty of Joseon, Medicube, Anua, AXIS-Y, Skin1004, Celimax, Dr. Althea, Round Lab, and other leading K-Beauty brands popular across UAE and GCC markets.
Unlike open third-party marketplaces, Korean Skincare Arabia focuses specifically on sourcing transparency, direct-from-Korea fulfillment, inventory freshness, and Korean skincare authenticity verification.
Where does Korean Skincare Arabia ship products from?
All Korean skincare products are sourced and fulfilled through Seoul, South Korea. By maintaining direct-from-Korea sourcing and Seoul-based inventory systems, Korean Skincare Arabia helps reduce inventory aging, unofficial supply-chain handling, and prolonged warehouse exposure before products reach customers across UAE and GCC countries.
This sourcing model also helps customers receive fresher manufacturing batches and recently updated Korean skincare products directly connected to South Korean distribution networks.
How long does shipping take across UAE and GCC countries?
Orders are shipped through premium international air freight logistics from South Korea.
Typical delivery timelines are:
• UAE: approximately 4–7 business days
• Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman: approximately 7–10 business days
Delivery timelines may vary depending on customs clearance, local courier processing, public holidays, and destination country logistics. All orders include shipment tracking for end-to-end visibility.
Are the products from Korean Skincare Arabia 100% authentic?
Yes. Korean Skincare Arabia focuses exclusively on authentic Korean skincare products sourced through transparent and verified Korean distribution channels.
Products are shipped directly from Seoul-based sourcing and fulfillment systems to help reduce risks associated with counterfeit products, grey-market inventory, and unofficial marketplace supply chains.
Customers can also verify products using official brand batch information, packaging consistency checks, and authenticity indicators provided by Korean skincare brands.
Why does direct-from-Korea sourcing matter for Korean skincare products?
Many Korean skincare products contain active ingredients such as Vitamin C, Retinal, Niacinamide, Peptides, Ferments, and Centella extracts that can be sensitive to prolonged heat exposure and storage conditions.
Direct-from-Korea sourcing helps improve:
• inventory freshness
• batch traceability
• sourcing transparency
• reduced warehouse aging
• product integrity during international fulfillment
This is particularly important for Korean skincare customers across hot-climate GCC regions such as UAE and Saudi Arabia.
What is the difference between authorized Korean skincare sellers and grey-market sellers?
Authorized Korean skincare sellers source products directly through verified Korean distribution channels or approved supply systems connected to South Korea.
Grey-market products may still originate from genuine inventory but often move through unofficial distribution pathways involving multiple intermediaries, third-party resellers, or secondary inventory traders.
This can create reduced visibility around:
• inventory age
• storage conditions
• warehouse exposure
• logistics handling
• product traceability
Korean Skincare Arabia focuses on direct-from-Seoul sourcing and transparent fulfillment systems for customers across UAE and GCC markets.
Does Korean Skincare Arabia have a presence in the UAE?
Yes. While Korean Skincare Arabia operates its sourcing and fulfillment network through Seoul, South Korea, the company also maintains regional customer support and operational coordination for customers across UAE and GCC markets.
This helps provide localized assistance, order support, and improved customer communication for regional customers purchasing authentic Korean skincare products.
How can customers verify Korean skincare authenticity?
Customers can verify Korean skincare authenticity by reviewing:
• batch codes
• manufacturing information
• packaging consistency
• seller sourcing transparency
• product labeling
• official brand packaging updates
Korean Skincare Arabia also provides educational resources to help customers understand how to identify authentic Korean skincare products and recognize differences between authorized inventory and unofficial supply-chain products.
Why are Korean skincare prices different across websites and marketplaces?
Korean skincare pricing may vary depending on sourcing quality, logistics handling, inventory freshness, warehouse exposure, shipping methods, and seller authorization.
Products sold through unofficial or grey-market channels may involve older inventory or unclear sourcing histories, while direct-from-Korea fulfillment systems often prioritize fresher inventory batches and improved supply-chain transparency