In partnership with OSEA. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
Retinol has been in steady rotation in my nighttime skincare routine for the last few years. While I’m not trying to Benjamin Button my way through life, I simply like what it does: softening my encroaching fine lines and dark spots on my face.
And, while my face has always enjoyed the gold standard treatment, my body got whatever lotion was within reach—and my lips got a swipe of an old lip balm circa 2020.
It wasn’t until I came across OSEA’s Dream Collection that something clicked for me: if I was investing in actives for my complexion, shouldn’t the rest of my skin get the same treatment?
OSEA’s Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum and Dream Lip Mask with Bio-Retinol extend that same intentional care, beyond your jawline. Both formulas rely on bio-retinol, a plant-derived, more stable alternative that delivers smoothing benefits without the synthetic harshness traditionally associated with retinol.
I put OSEA’s two Dream products to the test. Here’s what I found:
We like
- The star ingredient in both products is bio-retinol, a plant-based, more stable alternative than traditional retinol. With bio-retinol, there’s no ramp up period when you first start using it and it won’t cause any irritation, and you walk away with the same anti-aging effects.
- Both products smooth and hydrate, all while you sleep!
- The Lip Mask is the perfect consistency and glides on smooth and effortlessly
- Similarly, the Body Serum absorbs instantly, and doesn’t leave any tacky feeling after application
- Magnesium in the Body Serum is an added perk, promoting calm before bed
We don't like
- The Body Serum comes in a beautiful frosted glass bottle; while aesthetically pleasing, it’s not the best container for traveling.
- Both products are scented and while not overpowering, they are not ideal for those who prefer their skin and bodycare unscented.
Newest from OSEA: An Overnight Lip Reset
Once upon a time my skincare collection was full of face- and body-specific treatments. These days I want fewer steps and smarter formulas. My 12-step routine pre-kids was good while it lasted (RIP), and if a product can multitask while I sleep, even better.
OSEA’s new Dream Lip Mask fits my lifestyle and skincare needs perfectly. Beyond its alluring purple hue and subtle passion fruit scent, it's really what’s inside that makes it worthy of becoming a permanent fixture on my nightstand: bio-retinol and seaweed working together—all while I sleep—to smooth lines, soften lips and lock in moisture.
After one night, I immediately ditched my very old, very dry lip balm. Passion fruit oil brings antioxidant-rich nourishment, while the plant-based bio-retinol gently refines and softens without irritation. The result? Lips that look smoother and feel conditioned.
It’s worth calling out that I’ve used so-called lip masks before and unlike others, which were thick, sticky and gooey, this one glides on evenly and effortlessly. It feels indulgent without being heavy, and I went to dreamland knowing that this Lip Mask does exactly what a good overnight treatment should: quietly and effectively works, so you wake up better.
We like
We don't like
A Body Serum That Made Me Toss My Drug Store Standbys
I’ve historically gravitated towards convenience when it came to my bodycare routine, and it honestly worked for me—mainly because up until now, I didn’t really know a difference.
The Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum has me singing a new tune. At first pump, I was hooked. The lavender scent is intoxicating without veering into that overpowering perfumey scent some lotions give off. It smells like a spa day: subtly herbal and luxurious.
Texture-wise, the Body Serum is lightweight and silky, closer to a true serum than a traditional body cream. It sinks in quickly and leaves your skin hydrated without that coated, slightly tacky finish I’ve been used to.
OSEA notes that in consumer testing, 83% of users saw visible improvements in fine lines and wrinkles within four weeks, while 100% report showing improvement in skin firmness—and I understand why. The algae-derived bio-retinol and red seaweed work to visibly tighten and smooth from neck to chest to knees, often-overlooked areas, all without the dryness I’ve come to expect from traditional retinol formulas.
And then there’s the magnesium, which is an unexpected but welcome addition. It adds a subtle soothing element to the formula, turning my nighttime routine into a grounding experience after a long day. I won’t definitively credit it for better sleep…but I will say my bedtime routine and overnight sleep feels noticeably calmer.
The Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum is the first body product I’ve used in a long time that feels like it belongs in my skincare lineup—not just as an afterthought.
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Skin and Lipcare That Go Above and Beyond
Retinol shouldn’t be a VIP reserved just for your face. OSEA’s Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum and Dream Lip Mask proved this point for me a million times over. That boundary was clearly arbitrary because skin is skin. And, whether I’m treating fine lines on my forehead or smoothing skin around my collarbone, OSEA made me realize I should treat my bodycare—not just my skincare—with the same thoughtful approach.
And, for those especially sensitive to retinol or worried about how synthetic retinol will affect their skin, they’ll especially appreciate that the prime ingredient is bio-retinol, a plant-based retinol alternative. In the Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum, it’s derived from green microalgae, while in the Dream Lip Mask, it comes from the Bidens pilosa plant. In both formulas, bio-retinol has the same anti-aging effects, but without the harsh chemicals.
But even the best ingredients wouldn’t get my stamp of approval if they didn’t actually deliver results. Both products work as I sleep and leave my lips and skin hydrated, smooth and conditioned the next day. Now, that’s a dream!
Shop OSEA’s Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum and Lip Mask.
