The Beauty Expert Edit of the Best Retinol Products
What is Retinol?
One skincare ingredient that is always talked about in the beauty world is retinol, a form of Vitamin A. Its popularity stems from the incredible anti ageing benefits that are gained when applied as a topical treatment. Concentration varies per individual product, so we’ve sourced the best retinol products to help you find the perfect option for your skin type and your skincare regime.
What are the Benefits of Retinol?
- An active ingredient for problem skin, retinol reduces the skin’s production of sebum. This helps to balance the skin and prevent sudden breakouts.
- It is a dermatologist-approved over the counter treatment for acne.
- Retinol also helps to maintain the health of blood vessels, elastin and collagen which contribute to the visible signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles. This makes retinol highly beneficial for mature skin.
- It stimulates the blood flow and cell regeneration, making the complexion appear more youthful and supporting skin healing.
- Retinol helps to diffuse pigmentation on the skin by resurfacing and evening out the skin tone. This can actively reduce the effects of sun damage.
When should I use Retinol products?
It is advised that the best time to see the effects of retinol is from the ages of 30 and above. There is no harm in using retinol from a younger age, however the effects may not be as transformational, and there are minor potential side effects to consider such as skin dryness and heightened sensitivity to the sun. For this reason, you need to choose the right dilution of retinol, and the right complementary products to ensure effective skincare layering.
How should I apply Retinol products?
As retinol is an active ingredient, it is important to be careful when using retinol and abide by the following rules..
- In most cases, retinol products should be applied at night as your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun.
- You should apply a facial SPF the next morning. We’ve written a useful guide to help, ‘How to Find the Best Sunscreen for Face’
- You should build up your skin’s tolerance to retinol, beginning with weekly use.
- Avoid harsh ingredients such as AHA and BHA acids, in favour of antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid. To learn about which skincare ingredients should never be used together, read our blog post ‘The skincare ingredients you should never use together’.
Top 8 Best Retinol Products
- Indeed Labs Retinol Skin Resurfacer
- Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
- The Ordinary Retinol Serum 1% in Squalane
- Algenist Retinol Firming and Lifting Serum
- La Roche-Posay Redermic (R) Anti-wrinkle Retinol Treatment
- Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
- Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Retinol Pads
- First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25%
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Indeed Labs Retinol Skin Resurfacer
Buy now with free deliveryThe Indeed Labs Retinol Skin Resurfacer contains slow-release retinol encapsulated in a cream serum formula that helps to reverse the visible signs of ageing and smooth the complexion. Promising minimal-to-no redness, dryness or peeling, this is the ideal choice for combination skin types.
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Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
Buy now with free deliveryThe skincare experts at Murad have released a core Retinol collection including a serum, a night cream and an eye serum. The night cream is powered by Murad’s Tri-Active Technology, minimising the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. As an added benefit, the night cream delivers intense hydration and moisture.
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The Ordinary Retinol Serum 1%
Buy now with free deliveryIn a high pure concentration of 1%, the Retinol Serum 1% by The Ordinary is a multi-use product that is more targeted towards anti-ageing benefits. Smoothing lines and resurfacing the complexion, this truly is a miracle skincare product.
For those who have never used retinol before, The Ordinary recommend their milder counterpart Granactive Retinoid Serum 2% in Squalane which is a moderate strength with less risk of irritation. The A lightweight formula that should be applied at night after your cleansing routine, after water-based serums and before heavier night cream. Use an SPF daily for the week following application.
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Algenist Retinol Firming and Lifting Serum
Buy now with free deliveryDescribed as a lightweight silky formula, the Algenist Retinol Firming and Lifting Serum has been designed to lift and firm the complexion, as well as restore skin elasticity. Suitable for daily use and all skin types, we consider this to be one of the best retinol products for a retinol starter kit.
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La Roche-Posay Redermic (R) Anti-wrinkle Retinol Treatment
Buy now with free deliveryContaining 0.3% pure Retinol, the La Roche-Posay Redermic (R) Anti-wrinkle Retinol Treatment is a gold standard solution to treat wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven skin tone. It’s suitable for sensitive skin as the Retinol Booster Complex inhibits the effects of skin irritation. Apply to cleansed skin and follow with a hydrating night cream.
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Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Buy now with free deliveryPart of the ‘Clinical’ range at Paula’s Choice, the 1% Retinol Treatment is a blend of pure retinol, antioxidants, liquorice and oat extracts which work in harmony to promote younger looking skin and minimise irritation. As a travel size option, discover the trial size.
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Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Retinol Pads
Buy now with free deliveryWe love the Ultimate Miracle Worker Retinol Pads from Philosophy because they are a new format that makes retinol easy to slot into your existing skincare routine. To use, pour the bottle of retinoid solution into the jar of pads, then apply the saturated pad onto the face as a treatment each night for seven days. After this time, the complexion will appear rejuvenated and visibly firmer.
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First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25%
Buy now with free deliveryThe First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% is one of the most gentle retinol products that deliver the benefits of retinol without any harsh side effects on the skin. With complementary ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Aloe Vera, this is the retinol product that is a healthy cocktail for the skin.