According to Rajani Katta, MD, a board certified dermatologist who serves as voluntary clinical faculty at the Baylor College of Medicine and the McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Houston, retinol is a skin care ingredient that’s derived from vitamin A. Retinol is also a type of retinoid that is commonly available in various strengths in the form of gels, creams, and serums. Retinol works by penetrating the deep layers of the skin, promoting cell turnover and elasticity.

Best retinol cream for acne: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment | Skip to review Whichever retinoid serum you choose, start with a low dose of around 0.2% and increase the strength slowly, as side effects like tingling and flakiness are common. Retinol can also treat mild scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” Kobets adds. “Another great benefit is collagen production from topical retinoid use over time.” Retinoids can cause burning, stinging and peeling when first applied,” says Dr Mahto. “Build up their use slowly – a few times weekly – until you are able to use them nightly. If the product makes your skin sore, give it a break; if not, you are OK to continue using it. There are many buzzworthy skin care products and ingredients on the market these days, and retinol is one of the most well-known.

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Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, et al. (2017). Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) — final version of the opinion on vitamin A (retinol, retinyl acetate and retinyl palmitate) in cosmetic products.

Once only found in dermatology clinics but now available over-the-counter, retinol can speed up skin cell regeneration and boost collagen production to smooth, firm and take years off your complexion. Ever the multi-taster, it can also help to unclog pores and prevent acne.

Limit sun exposure, always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and wear protective clothing and accessories outdoors. As with most skin care products, not all retinol creams are created equal. Key ingredients to look for include tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene, Kobets says. Additionally, it’s often not recommended to use retinol with certain other skin care products, such as acne treatments that contain prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin. Adding retinol to this regimen will lead to excessive and unnecessary irritation.

If you want to use both retinol and brightening vitamin C in your skincare routine, apply the latter ingredient in the morning to give your skin a breather. Some brands do blend the two together, but these products have been carefully formulated to not cause irritation, so don't take a DIY approach. How we test retinoid serums Don’t forget to do a patch test when testing it out to confirm that it’s a good match. To do a patch test, you’ll apply a small amount of the cream on the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. If you notice any signs of irritation or an allergic reaction — like swelling or a rash — do not continue using the product. Cost verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Since topical retinoids increase the skin cell turnover of the skin, they increase the glow and smoothness of the skin,” she says. “Moreover, topical retinoids can also help penetration of other active ingredients like topical lightening creams.”

How we tested

Below, you’ll find products with 0.15% retinoid for beginners, through to 1% blends for more experienced users. Is it okay to use retinol every night? Going too strong, too soon, can cause dryness and make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced – not the aim of the retinoid game! Patience is key. “You will not see results overnight and it may take up to 12 weeks before any benefit is noticed,” says Dr Mahto. Talk with your dermatologist about ingredients to look for or avoid. How different additives affect skin will vary from person to person. Because retinol can be irritating for certain skin types, it’s best to consult a dermatologist about whether it’s the right treatment for you. You can also speak with them about what strength to start with and how often you should apply it prior to purchasing any retinol products. Depending on the concentration and formulation, retinol is generally a milder choice than retinal. This is because it takes longer to convert to the most potent retinoic acid in your skin, reducing the risk of irritation. Experienced retinol users, however, may prefer the faster results of retinal.

Retinol comes in strengths ranging from 0.0015% to 1% or higher. Many creams fall in the middle of this range, at around 0.1% to 0.3%. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety suggests that 0.3% is the maximum safe concentration for face or hand creams. First-timers and those with sensitive skin may wish to try a gentler retinyl ester – look for retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate in the ingredients list. What is the best retinol for beginners? With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work. Zasada M, et al. (2019). Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.Retinol has multiple benefits, including improvement in the visible signs of skin aging,” Katta says. “ Research studies have shown that it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin roughness and dark spots.” It’s important to note that retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. You may burn more easily, which can lead to more skin damage.