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The Reverser I

Gentle Renewal Serum for Sensitive & First-Time Retinoid Skin

Regular price: $145.00
Regular price
Sale price: $145.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Dr. Colombo's Clinical Promise

"This is the retinoid I reach for when a patient has always wanted one but couldn't tolerate the burning and peeling. It's very well tolerated, it doesn't sting on application, and it's the ultimate collagen booster for perimenopausal and postmenopausal skin."

Dr. Morgana Colombo, MD · Board-Certified Dermatologist · Reston, VA

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE
Receive a $100 credit toward any non-subscription product when you sign up for a 12 month subscription. Check your email for credit code after purchase.

Not Sure Where to Start? Take the 60-Second Skin Quiz

A gentle retinoid acid ester HPR and niacinamide ester serum.

🛡 30-Day Skin Improvement Guarantee. If you don't see a visible difference in 30 days of consistent use, Dr. Colombo will personally make it right — full refund or exchange, no hoops.

🌿 Tretinoin-level results, a fraction of the irritation. HPR binds directly to skin's retinoid receptors — so you get renewal without the redness, peeling, and "retinol purge."

⚕️ The retinoid for people who couldn't use retinoids. Formulated by Dr. Colombo for sensitive skin and first-time users who've been shut out of retinol for years.

Suitable for all skin types except extremely sensitive skin.

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5★ Across All Reviews
4–6wk To Smoother Texture
8–12wk To Softer Fine Lines
HPR Next-Gen Retinoid

You wanted retinol. Your skin said no.

Traditional retinol works — but for sensitive skin, the price has always been weeks of redness, flaking, and the dreaded "purge." So most people quit before they ever see results, convinced retinoids just aren't for them.

The Reverser I is built on Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR), a next-generation retinoic-acid ester that binds directly to the skin's retinoid receptors. It delivers renewal comparable to prescription tretinoin — with significantly less irritation. Paired with niacinamide to fortify the barrier, it's the retinoid designed for people retinol left behind.

Comparable to prescription tretinoin · Niacinamide-buffered · For all skin types except extremely sensitive

What It Does
Renewal that respects a sensitive barrier.

01
Smooths Fine Lines
HPR accelerates cell turnover and supports collagen production — softening the look of fine lines and crepey texture, with visible smoothness in 4–6 weeks.
02
Refines Pores
Regular renewal helps clear and tighten the appearance of enlarged pores, leaving skin looking more polished and even from the surface.
03
Firms & Lifts
By stimulating collagen, The Reverser I makes skin look tighter and more lifted over time — retinoid-level firming without the downtime.
04
Evens Tone
Cell turnover plus a stabilized vitamin C ester fade the look of uneven tone and dullness, restoring a brighter, more radiant complexion.
05
Calms & Buffers
Niacinamide and bisabolol strengthen the barrier and soothe, so the renewal happens without the redness and peeling of conventional retinol.
06
Built for Beginners
Lightweight and fast-absorbing, formulated to be tolerable enough for first-time retinoid users and sensitive skin that's been shut out of retinol.

A smarter retinoid, buffered for comfort.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

A next-generation retinoic-acid ester that binds directly to retinoid receptors — accelerating cell turnover and collagen production with potency comparable to prescription tretinoin, but far less irritation. The active that makes this formula work for sensitive skin.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Strengthens the skin barrier, calms redness, and regulates oil — buffering the retinoid so first-time and sensitive users can build tolerance comfortably while improving tone and resilience.

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

A stable, oil-soluble vitamin C ester that penetrates deeply to brighten tone, defend against free-radical damage, and amplify the renewing effect of the retinoid.

Bisabolol

A soothing extract derived from chamomile that reduces the look of redness and irritation — keeping the skin calm as it renews.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

A nourishing antioxidant that protects the barrier and works alongside vitamin C to defend skin from daily oxidative stress.

Silicone Glide Base

A lightweight ethyl trisiloxane and dimethicone base that absorbs quickly to a smooth, non-greasy finish — one reviewer no longer needs setting spray under makeup.

The Gentle Entry Point to Retinoids

Developed for the patients Dr. Colombo sees who've always wanted retinol but couldn't tolerate it — a serum with the results of a prescription, formulated to be kind to a reactive barrier.

HOW TO USE

Start slow. Let your skin lead.

01 CLEANSE & DRY

Begin with a gentle cleanser in the evening. Pat skin completely dry before applying — damp skin can intensify any retinoid.

02 APPLY AT NIGHT, AS TOLERATED

Smooth a small amount over the face every other night to start. As your skin adjusts, you can build toward nightly use — or stay at 2–3 nights a week if you're very sensitive.

03 ALTERNATE WITH VITAMIN C

For best results, use a vitamin C product in the morning and The Reverser I at night — or alternate nights between the two.

04 SPF EVERY MORNING

Retinoids increase sun sensitivity. Always follow with The Tint or Dewy Tint Sunscreen to protect — and preserve — every result.

Sensitive skin?

Twice a week is plenty to start. Several reviewers with reactive skin found 2–3 applications a week gave them full retinoid benefits with zero irritation. Not recommended for extremely sensitive skin.

Full Ingredients

Ethyl trisiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Myristyl nicotinate, Glyceryl oleate, Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, Bisabolol, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and Tocopherol

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Real Reviews. Real Results.

Sensitive Skin Review

I started using The Reverser I as part of a skincare challenge and I loved it so much I have incorporated it into my daily routine. I have very sensitive skin, so I was unable to use this daily, but I found that reducing the usage to around 2 times a week allowed me to continue using this product with ease! I've always wanted to use retinols and have been unable to due to my extreme sensitivity, but this has made it possible for even someone like me to be able to get the same benefits without worrying about brreakouts and irritation. It absorbs quickly, which I also love. My skin is brighter and I see fine lines and wrinkles gradually disappearing before my eyes! My face feels so soft and smooth, i find myself touching it sometimes in disbilief... I also love the texture of the products, you can immediately feel the quality difference is supirior to other products and the ingredient list shows how much care and thought Dr. Colombo has put into this to make it more natural and healthy compared to other beauty brands as well as making it stand out against top shelf products with its unrivaled skincare results.

Love this!

I’ve been really happy with The Reverser I. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t cause the irritation I usually get from retinol.

After a few weeks, my skin looked smoother and more even, with a nice glow. Great option if you’re new to retinoids or want something effective but gentle.

Glass Skin

🌿 Serum:
The reverser serum is a game changer. It absorbs quickly, hydrates deeply, and noticeably reduces the look of irritation and flushing. It gives my skin a healthy, even glow—something I haven’t seen in years. Added bonus, I no longer using setting spray when i apply under my makeup. .

Everything you need to know before buying.

What type of retinoid is in The Reverser I?

The Reverser I and II use Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR), a more stable and tolerable retinoic-acid ester. It's comparable in potency and efficacy to prescription tretinoin, but causes significantly less irritation — making it ideal for sensitive skin and first-time retinoid users.

Should I choose Reverser I or Reverser II?

The Reverser I is ideal for beginners or anyone with sensitive skin. The Reverser II is best for experienced retinoid users or those seeking stronger anti-aging benefits. If you've never used a retinoid, or retinol has irritated you in the past, start with The Reverser I.

Is HPR really less irritating than retinol?

Yes. Studies show HPR causes less redness and peeling than traditional retinol, because it binds directly to the skin's retinoid receptors — without the conversion step that drives much of retinol's irritation. It maintains potency similar to prescription tretinoin while being far gentler.

When will I see results?

Most users notice smoother texture within 4–6 weeks of consistent use. Improvements in fine lines typically become noticeable by 8–12 weeks. Brightness and a more even glow often appear earlier, within the first few weeks.

What if it doesn't work for my skin?

We offer a 30-day skin improvement guarantee. If you don't see a visible difference with consistent use, Dr. Colombo will personally make it right — full refund or exchange, no questions asked and no hoops to jump through.

How often should I use it if my skin is very sensitive?

Start with every other night, or even just 2–3 nights a week. Several reviewers with very sensitive skin found that twice-weekly use gave them the full benefits of a retinoid with no irritation. Build frequency gradually as your skin adjusts. The Reverser I is suitable for all skin types except extremely sensitive skin.

How does the subscription work?

You can subscribe for delivery every 3 months (15% off, $119), 6 months (20% off, $112), or 12 months (25% off, $105). The 12-month subscription also includes a $100 credit toward any non-subscription Vidaderma product — your code is emailed after purchase. Subscriptions auto-renew and can be skipped or cancelled anytime.

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The retinoid for people retinol left behind.

The gentle, fragrance-free cleanse that calms as it works — formulated by the dermatologist who treats sensitive and rosacea-prone skin every day in her practice.

90-Day Money Back Guarantee · Physician Formulated · Free Shipping