Summer Fridays GHG53-3 Serum Review
Our verdict
Summer Fridays brings a clean, well-formulated retinol serum with glycerin and licorice root extract at $46, positioned for sensitive, dry, and combination skin types. The ingredient story is focused and sensible, and the brand's clean-label credentials are consistent throughout.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Those with sensitive, dry, or combination skin who want a thoughtfully formulated retinol serum from a premium brand and are willing to pay more for a clean, soothing formula.
Skip if
You are on a tight budget, need a large-format bottle, or want a serum with a broader active ingredient stack beyond retinol and soothing agents.
- Form Liquid
- Skin type Combination, Dry, Normal, Sensitive
- Key ingredients Glycerin, Retinol, Licorice Root Extract
- Benefits Hydration, Soothing
- Free of Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
- Features Cruelty Free, Vegan
- Priced 109% above the category median ($22.00 across 291 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 109 owner ratings
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Popularity0.6/5
109 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Summer Fridays is a well-known premium skincare brand, and this liquid serum brings retinol together with glycerin and licorice root extract. Glycerin is a reliable humectant that draws moisture to the skin surface, pairing well with retinol to offset the dryness that can accompany regular retinol use. Licorice root extract is commonly included in formulas aimed at supporting a more even-looking skin tone.
The serum is formulated for combination, dry, normal, and sensitive skin, making it broadly accessible across skin types. It is paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. The stated benefits are hydration and soothing, which align with the glycerin and licorice root inclusion and suggest a gentler approach to retinol delivery than some other options on the market.
At $46 this is the most expensive product in this group, and the 109-rating count is relatively modest. The 4.3-star average is positive, though a larger review base would provide stronger confidence. No size is listed, which makes per-ounce cost comparisons difficult. Shoppers moving from drugstore retinol serums will notice the price step, but the clean formulation and brand reputation support the premium positioning.
Pros
- Retinol paired with glycerin for moisture balance during retinol use
- Licorice root extract targets the appearance of uneven skin tone
- Suitable for sensitive, dry, normal, and combination skin
- Paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and vegan
- 4.3-star rating from a credible buyer base
Cons
- $46 price point is the highest in this group
- Only 109 ratings, which is a relatively small sample
- No bottle size disclosed, making value-per-ounce comparisons impossible
- No scent or texture descriptor available
Specifications
- Form
- Liquid
- Skin type
- Combination, Dry, Normal, Sensitive
- Key ingredients
- Glycerin, Retinol, Licorice Root Extract
- Benefits
- Hydration, Soothing
- Free of
- Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulfate Free
- Features
- Cruelty Free, Vegan
Performance notes
Retinol is a well-documented topical ingredient that may support the appearance of skin texture, fine lines, and skin tone with consistent use. Glycerin is a first-line humectant that complements retinol by maintaining skin hydration, which can help minimize the dryness or flaking that sometimes accompanies retinol introduction. Licorice root extract contains compounds that may help with the look of dark spots and uneven tone. The combination suggests a formula designed for gradual, gentle improvement rather than aggressive exfoliation.
What buyers say
With 109 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, early buyer sentiment leans positive. The score is solid, but the review count is low enough that a single wave of feedback could shift the average meaningfully. Buyers who have left reviews seem to appreciate the formula's gentleness, consistent with a serum positioned for sensitive skin.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this serum gentle enough for sensitive skin?
Yes, the product is specifically listed as suitable for sensitive skin, and its formulation supports that claim. Glycerin helps maintain hydration and reduce dryness, while licorice root extract is generally well-tolerated. The paraben-free and sulfate-free profile removes additional potential irritants. That said, retinol can still cause sensitivity in some individuals, so starting with less frequent application and working up is a sensible approach.
What makes this serum worth $46 compared to cheaper retinol options?
The Summer Fridays serum pairs retinol with glycerin for moisture balance and licorice root extract for tone support, offering a more considered formulation than many budget retinol serums that pair retinol with few supporting ingredients. The brand also maintains paraben-free, sulfate-free, and vegan standards. Whether that premium is worth it depends on how much value you place on brand trust, formula specificity, and clean-label credentials versus raw active ingredient cost.
Can I use this serum during the day?
Retinol-containing serums are generally recommended for evening use because retinol can increase photosensitivity. Using it at night reduces UV exposure on freshly applied skin. If you do use any retinol product during the day, applying SPF 30 or higher is strongly recommended. The Summer Fridays listing does not specify morning or evening use, so following standard retinol usage guidance is the practical approach.