When it comes to products that get as much hype for their effective formulas as their aesthetically-pleasing packaging, Soft Services delivers top of class on both fronts every time.
The cool girl body brand already offers a curated selection of body products that customers—and Byrdie editors—can’t get enough of. Most notably, its gorgeously packaged retinol and colloidal oatmeal-packed hand cream, Theraplush, which just got a total revamp. However, the brand’s Buffing Bar and Smoothing Solution Gel are also serving lifelong sentences as bathroom essentials.
Although the hand cream includes retinol, there wasn’t a full-body anti-aging product in the brand’s offering of viral products. Well, until now.On January 23, Soft Services released its Software Update Performance Retinol Serum ($44) for anyone whose skin needs a little update. Ahead, all the details on the new release.
The Product
As you may be able to tell from the name, Software Update was inspired by the natural cycles of skin regeneration. While a topical treatment isn’t part of the skin's natural cycle, Software Update aims to help speed up the collagen regeneration process that can take anywhere from 28 to 90 days depending on age. Basically, its an update that helps your skin operate at peak performance—just like an iOS update.
Similar to the rest of the brand’s products, the serum comes in packaging you want displayed. The bottle is a soft yellow shade. similar to the hue of retinol, with an airless pump and minimalistic branding. The specially-designed pump helps keep the product at peak freshness, and is fully recyclable unlike standard pumps.
The Formula
Inside the packaging is an expertly-formulated retinol serum that packs a punch compared to other leading body retinoids. Most on the market have a concentration of 0.1, while Software Update contains 0.25% pure retinol along with a host of other skin-loving ingredients.
Retinol is a world-class anti-aging and all around skin-preserving ingredient that has been proven to increase collagen, decrease wrinkles, and prevent signs of aging. Not to mention, it can help decrease frequency of acne and help keep breakouts at bay—making this a great addition to your butt or back acne-prevention routine.
Alongside the retinol, the product also contains 5% niacinamide and 3% glycerin. Niacinamide, like retinol, is a multi-use ingredient that helps with a plethora of skin concerns. It helps brighten the skin while at the same time preventing signs of aging, improving redness, and helping soothe sensitive skin.
Soft Services Softwear Update Performance Retinol Serum $44.00
Glycerin, on the other hand, is a world-class moisturizer that helps skin retain moisture while giving it a dewy finish. It can also help counteract the dryness and redness associated with retinol, helping your body absorb and tolerate the ingredient better.
The brand recommends using Software Update at night on clean, dry body skin before bed. For best results, sleep in a thin layer of the serum no more than four nights a week layered under moisturizer. Since retinol can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, it's always recommended to wear a SPF of 30 or more during the day while using the product.