6 Of The Best Retinols To Try Right Now
Retinol is the skincare ingredient for targeting signs of ageing and acne. For years only dermatologists could prescribe it, but now you can buy this sometimes potent active online and over the counter, and it can transform your skin. In this edit, we'll help you understand the benefits of using retinol, how to use it safely and share our top retinol recommendations for your skin concerns.
What is retinol?
Retinol, also called vitamin A1 is a type of retinoid that derives from vitamin A.
Tip: Don't confuse retinol and retinal. Retinal is a stronger form of vitamin A.
What are the benefits of using retinol?
Retinol helps your skin make more collagen, softening wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps to increase cell turnover and reduce inflammation, removing dead skin cells, and improving the skin's tone and texture.
Who should use retinol?
We recommend retinol to anyone who is 25+ and wants to slow down signs of ageing and/or treat acne.
What are the side effects of using retinol?
Depending on its potency, retinol can cause redness, irritation, and inflammation. That's why it's important to ease into retinol use. Retinol will also make skin more susceptible to sun damage so it's important to wear SPF after.
6 Best Retinols To Try Now
1. The Retinol For Beginners
Redermic R's low dose (0.3%) of retinol makes it an excellent choice for anyone starting with retinol. It's also been through rigorous dermatologist testing to ensure it's suitable for sensitive skin. The creamy treatment is concentrated with 0.3% retinol, a retinol booster complex and 0.3% LHA (Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, a brilliant exfoliant similar to salicylic acid). It’s a gentle but effective formula that works to transform the texture of your skin, reduce fine lines and fade dark spots.
2. The Retinol For Experts
Don't let its price point fool you, this retinol serum contains 1% retinol. It's The Ordinary's highest retinol concentration formula on the market. The serum effectively reduces wrinkles, evens skin tone and rejuvenates its overall appearance. Plus, it contains soothing squalane which comforts and hydrates the skin to counteract its potency.
3. The Retinol For Acne
The Dermalogica Active Clearing Retinol Clearing Oil is the perfect skincare partner for oily and combination skin types struggling with acne, breakouts and scarring. Its ultra-lightweight formula helps to manage oil production. It unclogs pores thanks to salicylic acid, combined with slow-release retinol, which helps to increase the healing conditions and help with any residual scarring, pigmentation, and wrinkles.
Note: It has a strong clinical odour, but I like this as it reminds me that powerful ingredients are hard at work inside the formula!
4. The Retinol For Your Eye Area
If your eye area is looking tired and signs of ageing are getting you down, the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Eye Cream is the perfect choice. It combines retinol with a blend of peptides and niacinamide to smooth, de-puff and hydrate the eye area. You’ll also find the dispenser convenient; one pump delivers the perfect dose, so you won't overdo it or waste any.
5. The Retinol For Sensitive Skin & Vegans
For those conscious of the irritation and redness often associated with retinol, the REN Bio Retinoid Youth Concentrate Oil is what you’re looking for. The lightweight oil is made from incredible 99% natural ingredients, so you can be sure there are only kind-to-skin ingredients inside the formula. Its ultra-gentle plant-based retinol formula helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while also nourishing and plumping thanks to a formula rich in omega 3 and 6.
6. The Retinol For Your Lips
The skin on the lips is much thinner than other areas of the face so it can start to show signs of ageing much earlier. That also makes it more susceptible to irritation. Because of this, it's important to choose a gentle formula and ease in. The bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Lip Balm offers a plant-based alternative to retinol that smooths and softens lips while reducing the appearance of fine lines. Its creamy balm also works to hydrate and plump lips thanks to an infusion of hyaluronic.
