In 2013 Verso set out to start and lead a skincare revolution, and we have been faithful to that mission ever since.

Every revolution needs a starting point, but what sets Verso apart is that ours was never intended to fast-track the brand and then be let go of. Where we started is also where we are progressing and finding new paths on the science-based skincare journey we have been on since day one. We aspire to be one of the top pioneers and industry leaders in the cosmetic field of Vitamin A.

At the very core of our brand and mission is Vitamin A. This journal will dig deeper into our skincare philosophy, our products, and how it all comes back to pioneering Vitamin A by giving you everyday simplicity and quality of life.

WHAT IS VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is a small molecular, oil-soluble vitamin that the skin can receive. Hence, it can make a difference in our skin, such as visibly rejuvenating and clarifying unbalanced skin to promote a fresh and healthy-looking appearance.

Retinol, the most known form of Vitamin A, is a type of retinoid. Some of the most common retinoids are retinol esters (Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Propionate), Retinol, Retinaldehyde, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, and Retinol 8. NEAR 1 is a novel form of Vitamin A; a molecule patented by Verso.

A GOLDEN STANDARD HISTORY

Vitamin A has been used in skincare for many years. It is well-studied with so many proven benefits that we now call it "the golden standard in skincare."

Initially, it was used for various medical conditions. In the early 1980s, Vitamin A began to be used for cosmetic and skin-enhancing purposes. However, it was not uncommon with side effects such as profound peeling that not everyone could handle, especially if you had sensitive skin.

THE START AND A NEW BEGINNING

Putting science first, we have never waited for the latest breakthroughs and innovations; we want to create them! Our ambition during research and development was, and constantly is, to provide effective and stable Vitamin A products based on a technology with minimal irritation - without compromising on the result.

And so, new scientific insights about the visibly rejuvenating properties of the vitamin A derivative Retinol 8 propelled Verso into existence. By clinically testing Retinol 8 under the supervision of doctors from Karolinska University Hospital in the early 2010s, Verso´s founder Lars Fredriksson ensured that the formulations delivered the expected results and what had been proven in other published studies.

Our inaugurating products containing Retinol 8 (including Night Cream, Super Facial Serum, Super Eye Serum, and Day Cream) came to life in 2013. Since then, they have been followed by an exclusive suite of skincare products that meet different needs and deliver various benefits to the skin.

THE HERO AMONG INGREDIENTS

Verso’s mission is to help improve the health of all skin types with easy-to-use, multifunctional, and effective products verified by science. We do that by making high-quality products with a low ingredient count. Significant, functional ingredients are what we call hero ingredients. The hero among heroes in the Verso universe is Vitamin A, and we dare say we pioneer it.

Here are some of the benefits for your skin when using products with Vitamin A:

• Visibly rejuvenating to strengthen, visibly firm, and enhance the skin’s natural glow.
• Clarifying unbalanced skin to promote a fresh and healthy-looking appearance.
• Brightening for a radiant, glowing complexion that promotes an even skin tone.
• Visibly soothing to lessen the appearance of temporary redness and leave the skin soft and smooth.
• Protecting from visible effects of outdoor elements to help maintain beautiful skin with its antioxidant properties.

All in all, Vitamin A is a multifunctional ingredient that can fit into most skincare routines.

To help you make the most out of your Vitamin A-driven routine, we have a bit of guidance below:

WHEN CAN I START?

If you are new to functional ingredients, you first need a solid base, including hydration and sun protection. When you have a basic daily routine going, you can introduce skincare products with functional ingredients, including Vitamin A.

Vitamin A is usually not included in skincare routines to help visibly tighten and firm your look before the age of 25. Some are using the ingredient at an earlier age, mainly to reduce the appearance of unbalanced and oily skin. If that’s the case, you could start using it a couple of years earlier.

WHAT CAN I COMBINE WITH VITAMIN A? 

You should avoid mixing too many different functional products at once. Instead, focus on products that provide hydration that will maintain healthy-looking skin and enhance the effects of Vitamin A. Excellent choices to provide hydration, nourishment, and moisturization are the Verso Hydration Serum and Verso Nourishing Mask. Verso Super C Serum is another ideal option that helps to protect the skin from the visible effects of environmental stressors and ensures radiant, healthy-looking skin. It may further improve the visible results of Vitamin A when paired together.

We always recommend using daily sun protection, at least SPF 30, along with your Vitamin A product.

WHEN SHOULD I AVOID VITAMIN A? 

We do not recommend using Vitamin A during pregnancy due to the overall hormonal change in the body. Also, shortly after a stronger chemical peel, we recommend avoiding Vitamin A. Instead, suitable choices are skincare products that visibly soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin. Verso Hydration Serum, Verso Super C Serum, and Verso Nourishing Cream are beneficial for strengthening and hydrating the skin. Don’t forget to add sun protection, at least SPF 30, during the daytime. If you have very sensitive skin, it may be best to seek advice from your dermatologist or doctor.

CAN I USE VITAMIN A DURING THE SUMMER?

Regular use of a product with Vitamin A can strengthen the skin's natural protection against environmental stressors in the long term. You can use Vitamin A-based products all year round to retain the skin-enhancing benefits it provides. Keep in mind that it is important to apply your Vitamin A product in good time before exposure to the sun. Thus, when a Retinol 8 product is applied right before sun exposure, it may lose efficiency as the ingredient breaks down in sunlight.

We always recommend ending your daily skincare routine by applying sunscreen, at least SPF 30, to maintain healthy-looking skin and preserve your achieved results.

RETINOL 8 – A UNIQUE VITAMIN A COMPLEX

Retinol 8 (Retinyl Retinoate) is a unique Vitamin A complex and a true Verso hero ingredient that has been essential to the Verso Skincare family since the start. Retinol 8 has an outstanding ability to communicate with your skin and make it act as if it were younger. It is eight times as effective as traditional Retinol, yet half as irritative. Thereby it outperforms the effectiveness of standard Retinol while reducing the risk of irritated skin by 50 percent. Think of Retinol 8 as your gym instructor who conditions tired skin and helps it get into great shape.

The multifunctional ingredient helps to slough off old skin cells faster from the upper layer of the skin. This will improve the look of younger and more plumped skin while reducing the appearance of dryness and fine lines. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from the visible effects of environmental stressors that can visibly irritate the skin and cause the appearance of premature aging.

Other benefits of using Retinol 8 include its ability to help keep the skin pores unclogged from oils and old skin cells. It may improve the appearance of oily skin and leave it fresh and healthy-looking.

The Retinol 8 complex is powerful yet mild, making it compatible with all other ingredients. This makes it easy and safe to combine with other skin care products. Due to its efficacy, Retinol 8 is very effective, even in low concentrations. Unlike most traditional retinol, Retinol 8’s usage is not only limited to nighttime treatment but can also be used during the day in combination with a sun protectant.

"Retinol 8 is a Vitamin A complex that turbocharges the benefits of traditional retinol without causing discomfort."

NEAR 1 – A PATENTED MOLECULE BUILT ON IMPACTFUL & VERSATILE TECHNOLOGY

NEAR 1 (Niacinamidoethyl Retinoate), our very own patented molecule, is so much more than just an ingredient. It harnesses the essence of our philosophy – a science-first mindset – and our core ambition to offer skincare with real impact. With NEAR 1, we are introducing something genuinely innovative, on par with the Vitamin A complex Retinol 8. For us, it is a triumph for science-based skincare.

NEAR 1 combines Vitamin A and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) in one impactful, versatile technology. Thus, a groundbreaking and self-evident complement to Retinol 8.

NEAR 1 is the result of eight years of research and development. It started as a project to create an effective and stable form of Vitamin A that would cause little to no irritation. By using a unique link to add Niacinamide to the Vitamin A molecule, we managed to stabilize and enhance the effects of Vitamin A.

Our ambition during research and development was to create an effective and stable Vitamin A technology causing little to no irritation. After combining these ingredients with a unique link, a new Vitamin A derivative (an ester of Vitamin A) is produced. The technology uses Niacinamide to help further stabilize and enhance the benefits of Vitamin A. This results in Vitamin A being more stable, effective, and gentle. NEAR 1 is a unique molecule and the first of its kind.

NEAR 1 provides Vitamin A´s visibly rejuvenating and brightening benefits and its ability to effectively slough off old skin cells faster from the outermost layer of the skin. This can improve the look of a fresh, even skin tone with a healthy radiance. Studies show and confirm that NEAR 1 has outstanding brightening properties and is highly efficient at creating a glowing complexion. In short, NEAR 1 brings out the best of Vitamin A in a powerful, versatile technology.

Verso Super Elixir, the first product with NEAR 1, is a brightening, moisturizing, and nourishing facial serum formulated and developed to target the appearance of uneven skin tone.

"NEAR 1 - The result of eight years of research and development."

FINAL TIPS WHEN USING VITAMIN A

• Start Slow. Go Low. Build up the use so you avoid getting any side effects. It is better to slowly increase the usage than initially applying your Vitamin A product daily. Every other or every third night can be a good start.
• To enhance the results, we recommend combining your Vitamin A product with products including supporting and boosting ingredients, e.g., Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C.
• Don’t use too many functional products at the same time.
• Only increase the use if you think that your skin can tolerate it.
• With continued use, most people usually experience a visible result after 2-3 months.
• Contact your Verso Skin Expert if you have questions about your skin.
• Always finish your daily skincare routine with sun protection, at least SPF 30. This is an important step to maintain the results and healthy-looking skin.

TAKING PRIDE IN PIONEERING VITAMIN A

Our science-first philosophy is infinite, and since 2013 we have been pioneering Vitamin A. At that point in time, we started a passionate journey to develop skincare products that help promote everyday simplicity and quality of life. Retinol 8 propelled Verso into existence and inspired the 8-year-long process to develop NEAR 1, a worthy cousin of Retinol 8, to further improve the efficacy and usage of Vitamin A.

We take great pride in pioneering Vitamin A.