Island Refresh | Smoothing Serum

Resurfacing, without the drama.

You've heard of retinol. You may have tried it. You may have the flaking, the redness, the two-week purge period to prove it. Island Refresh is what you reach for instead. Bakuchiol — a plant-derived botanical that targets the same pathways as Vitamin A — delivers retinol-level results without any of the irritation, sun sensitivity, or downtime. Paired with a stabilizing dose of THD Vitamin C and a broccoli seed oil that blurs like nothing else in nature, this is resurfacing reimagined. Gentle enough for every day. Effective enough to be the only one you need.

Island perfection.

What it does

Resurfaces without the burn Bakuchiol is what retinol wishes it was — plant-derived, gentle, and just as effective. It clinically targets fine lines, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and loss of elasticity. No peeling, no purge, no waiting two weeks to see your face again.

Brightens and defends 1% THD Vitamin C works alongside bakuchiol — neutralizing daily environmental damage and supporting a more even tone without competing with the resurfacing actives.

The satin finish Broccoli seed oil is the quiet hero of this formula. Rich in natural Vitamin A and a unique fatty acid profile, it provides a natural silicone-like finish that blurs imperfections and leaves skin with a sophisticated, non-greasy satin texture. You'll notice it immediately.

Sun-safe resurfacing Unlike synthetic retinol, bakuchiol is stable in sunlight. Island Refresh can be worn during the day without UV-sensitivity risk. Resurface in the morning, protect with SPF, and never choose between results and safety again.

The scent

You'll notice it the moment you press the drops into your skin. Fresh, clean, subtly tropical — straight from the cold-pressed liliko'i and cucumber oils. It's what cucumber melon always wanted to be.

The Kula standard

• Concentrated formula
• Sensitive skin friendly
• Preservative free
• Fragrance free*
• Sun-safe formula

The subtle aroma you'll notice is from the active botanical oils — not added fragrance.

Key ingredients

Bakuchiol — The gentle giant of skin resurfacing. A plant-derived retinol alternative that clinically targets texture, fine lines, and elasticity without any of the irritation, sun sensitivity, or downtime. Effective from day one, dramatically so by week four.

1% THD Vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) — A stable, penetrating dose of antioxidant protection that brightens tone and defends against environmental damage while letting bakuchiol take the lead.

Broccoli seed oil — Rich in Vitamin A and a unique fatty acid structure that creates a natural, non-greasy satin finish. Think of it as nature's silicone — but better, because it's also feeding your skin.

Hawai'i-harvested macadamia oil — A regenerative lipid that helps actives penetrate deeper while nourishing the skin beneath.

Organic liliko'i (passion fruit) oil — High in Vitamins A and C. Nourishing, brightening, and paired with cucumber the source of that fresh, sweet tropical scent.

Full ingredient list

Transparency is our standard. Liliko'i (passion fruit) oil*, macadamia oil**, cucumber oil, broccoli oil, bakuchiol, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (vitamin C), vitamin E. *Organic · **Hawai'i Harvested

The Kula Ritual

Press 3–5 drops into clean, damp skin using your palms. The warmth of your hands activates the botanical oils and helps them absorb more deeply. Use morning and/or night. Always seal with a Kula Essentials balm to lock in the resurfacing actives. Apply SPF during the day to protect your new, smoother skin.

For best results: apply to damp skin, not dry. The oils absorb differently — faster, deeper, more evenly — when there's a little water on the skin to meet them.

Pairs with

•  Midnight Magic (the ideal evening routine — resurface, then seal) 

•  Jet Set (morning: Island Refresh first, Jet Set to seal)

•. Tropical Glow (alternate mornings, or layer both for maximum brightening and resurfacing)