IOPE

IOPE is a Korean anti-aging skincare brand. It was launched in 1996 by Amorepacific, the Seoul-based beauty group that also owns Sulwhasoo, Laneige and Hera. From the start, IOPE focused on research into skin and active ingredients. In 1997 it released Retinol 2500, which the group describes as Korea's first functional retinol cosmetic. Retinol is a fragile ingredient that breaks down quickly in air and light, so keeping it stable in a cream was a real technical challenge at the time. That launch set IOPE up as an expert skincare brand, and retinol has stayed at the heart of its identity ever since. In 2026 IOPE arrived at Sephora in the US, its second market after Korea.

• Retinol: the original retinol line, with the Retinol Super Bounce Serum and the Retinol Expert 0.1% and 0.3% tubes for targeted fine lines.
• Super Vital: the all-round anti-aging line, from toner to cream. According to the brand, the cream contains the ingredient Senomune.
• XMD Stem3: a serum and cream built on the PDRN H.A. Liposome complex, for skin that looks plumper.
• PDRN Caffeine: an ampoule pairing PDRN and caffeine to wake up your skin.
• Vitamin C: concentrated vitamin C care for glow.
• Bio Essence and Bio Conditioning Cleansing: the prep essence and the oil-in-gel cleanser of the routine.
• UV Shield: SPF 50+ sunscreens, as a cream or an ampoule.
• Hydro Lift and Brightening: hydration and elasticity on one side, dark spots and uneven tone on the other.
• Men: simple skincare for men, from all-in-one to gift set.

If you want to work on fine lines and you're new to retinol, start with the Retinol Super Bounce Serum two or three evenings a week, then build up as your skin allows. If your skin is already used to retinol, the Retinol Expert 0.1% or the Retinol Expert 0.3% target specific areas. For mature or dry skin, build your routine around the Super Vital line: Super Vital Softener, Super Vital Emulsion, then Super Vital Cream. If your skin looks tired and lacks bounce, the XMD Stem3 Clinical Recovery Serum or the PDRN Caffeine Shot are good picks. For dull skin or dark spots, go for the Vitamin C Expert 25% Toning Ampoule and the Brightening Spot Essence. Skin that mostly needs water will like the Hydro Lift Emulsion or the Hyaluronic Cream. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen like the UV Shield Sun Ampoule SPF 50+ or the UV Shield Sun Protector SPF50+, especially if you use retinol or vitamin C. Cosmetic advice, not medical advice.

To round out your routine, browse our Korean serums, creams, essences and toners. If you have mature skin, our mature skin edit helps you go further. And for the full story of the brand, read our guide on the blog.

IOPE now presents itself as a "Clinical Grade" brand. According to the brand, this means its products are tested on human skin, not only in the lab. IOPE highlights around thirty years of skin research and 26 Korean patents behind its retinol stabilization technology. Rather than launching lots of small ranges, the brand keeps upgrading its key formulas, generation after generation. Amorepacific calls the Retinol Super Bounce Serum the eleventh generation of its retinol care since 1997. IOPE skincare speaks mostly to people who want to work on fine lines, firmness and glow, with textures designed for a full Korean routine.

The most popular IOPE product on Ma Petite Coree is the Retinol Super Bounce Serum, the brand's retinol serum. Right behind it, the Super Vital Cream wins over anyone who wants a rich cream and a complete anti-aging routine. The XMD Stem3 Clinical Recovery Serum is one of the most searched IOPE products in the shop, and so is the PDRN Caffeine Shot, often found through a simple "IOPE PDRN" search. For men, the Men Bio Anti-Aging Set brings three products together in a ready-to-gift set. And if your skin is already used to retinol, take a look at the Retinol Expert 0.1%.