New to Retinol? 5 Reasons to Start With This Body Cream
Curious about retinol but put off by stories of peeling and stinging? This fragrance-free evening cream pairs encapsulated retinol with bakuchiol and hydrators, with a simple plan for building up.
How should a beginner start using retinol? Patch test first, then apply a thin layer every second evening and build up to nightly as your skin gets used to it, with sunscreen on exposed areas the next day. The Retinol Intimate Renewing Cream is made for that kind of start: encapsulated retinol and bakuchiol in a fragrance-free cream with hydrators, for the bikini line, thighs, bum, hips, tummy and breasts.
The retinol is encapsulated
Retinol is fragile, and air and light break it down. In this cream it's microencapsulated: wrapped in tiny capsules that protect it in the bottle and release it as you massage the cream into your skin. You don't need to know the chemistry. It just means the retinol is there when you apply it.
It doesn't rely on retinol alone
Bakuchiol, a plant extract from babchi seeds, is often called a phyto-retinol because it's used for similar appearance benefits. Pairing the two means the formula isn't built on retinol by itself. Centella, niacinamide and CoQ10 round it out, for skin that looks smoother, firmer and more even over time.
Hydrators are built in
Retinol can leave skin feeling dry when you first start. So the cream also carries sodium hyaluronate, which draws water into the skin's surface, and oat beta glucan, which forms a light film that helps skin hold on to moisture. It's a cream, not a sharp serum, so skin feels soft and comfortable after you apply it.
A simple plan for building up
No guesswork. Patch test on a small area first. Then use a thin layer every second evening and move to nightly once your skin feels comfortable with it. Apply sunscreen to any areas exposed to the sun the next day. Give it at least 12 weeks of consistent use to see the difference.
Nothing extra you don't need
No added fragrance and no alcohol, just a subtle herbal scent from the botanical extracts. It's non-greasy and absorbs quickly, so it slots into your evening in a minute. Formulated by our own skincare chemist for intimate-area skin, and made in Australia.
Made in AustraliaChemist-formulated for intimate skin
Fragrance-freeAnd alcohol-free
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Prefer the full routine?
The Intimate Age-Defying Routine pairs the Renewing Cream with a gentle cleanser and a leave-on exfoliating serum, so every step of your evening is covered. It's $129, saves $20 on buying the three separately, and ships free.
Cleanse the areas you're using it on and pat completely dry.
Step 2, in the evening
Apply a thin layer
Massage it in with circular movements until fully absorbed. A little goes a long way.
Step 3, the next morning
Protect from the sun
Apply sunscreen to any areas you've used it on that will be exposed to the sun.
For visible results, use it consistently for at least 12 weeks. New to retinol? Start every second evening and build up to nightly. Patch test first and avoid broken skin. For external use only.
The Renewing Cream vs using your face retinol on your body
"I found Skin Federation to be a great product; I've had excellent results. I'm very happy."
Lyn, AU June 2025
★★★★★
"Very satisfied with this product."
Samaya, NZ July 2026
★★★★★
"Very prompt in confirming order and delivering"
Pearl Frost, AU October 2026
Reviews from across the Skin Federation range. Tried the Renewing Cream? Review us on Trustpilot.
Questions, answered
Will retinol make my skin peel or sting?
Some people notice dryness, flaking or tingling when they first start using retinol, especially if they use too much or too often. Patch test first, use a thin layer every second evening, and if your skin feels uncomfortable, use it less often. Stop using it if discomfort continues.
Where can I use it?
On the bikini line and hair-bearing bikini area, inner thighs, bum, hips, tummy and breasts. For external use only.
Do I really need sunscreen?
Yes. Retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so apply sunscreen to any areas you've used it on that will be exposed to the sun.
Can I use it with my other skincare?
Yes, on clean, dry skin in the evening. If you also use an exfoliating product on the same areas, apply them on different evenings while your skin gets used to retinol.
Can I use it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. As with other retinol products, we don't recommend using it while pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
How long until I notice a difference?
Everyone's skin is different. We recommend using it consistently for at least 12 weeks.
Do I get free shipping?
Orders over $100 ship free within Australia. The cream is $74 on its own. If you'd prefer, the Intimate Age-Defying Routine ($129) includes the cream, a cleanser and an exfoliating serum, saves $20 and ships free, but it's entirely optional. Every order includes a free sample, chosen at random from what we have in stock. Orders usually ship within 24 hours, and always within 2 business days.
What's your returns policy?
Faulty products can be returned free of charge within 30 days of delivery.
Start retinol the easy way
One fragrance-free evening step for $74. Free sample in every order, and free shipping from $100.
The full routine