Best Retinol Serums to Transform Your Skin
If you’re not already using retinol in your skincare routine, you’re missing out. Retinol is a powerful ingredient that can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dullness. When used correctly, retinol can be a game changer for your skin. Not sure where to start? This blog post will breakdown everything you need to know about retinol: what it is, what it does, why you should be using it in your skincare routine and how you could incorporate it in your skincare routine.
Retinol or Retinoid?
Let’s first clear the confusion. Retinoid is a scientific term for the active ingredient Vitamin A. Retinol is a derivative of Retinoid that converts to Retinoic Acid( an active form of Vitamin A) once absorbed into the skin. Studies have proven its ability to aid skin concerns such as the appearance of wrinkles, acne scars, dullness and other visible signs of ageing.
Why use retinol?
If you’re looking for something that can really transform your skin, retinol is the key. It’s a really effective ingredient that is known for being extremely potent and powerful. You should use a retinol product if you want to achieve firmer, smoother and brighter skin. It is proven to be a great anti-aging solution, as it is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also helping to boost collagen production and improve elasticity. If you have acne-prone skin, it can also be extremely beneficial as it is known to reduce the appearance of acne marks and reduce inflammation.
How does it work?
Retinol stimulates and accelerates cell turnover, which leads to a renewed, brighter and smoother skin. It also neutralises free radicals, helping boost the production of collagen and elastin. This creates that ‘plumping’ effect which reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. it also helps with acne by preventing clogged pores. It exfoliates skin surface cells, removing pigment and reducing hyperpigmentation.
How to use Retinol?
If you are new to Retinol, you may experience some redness, dryness, flaking and irritation on the skin. This tends to improve as your skin grows tolerance to the ingredient. Dermatologist recommend that you should start with a low-strength retinol (0.01% – 0.03%) and gradually increase the frequency of use. This will allow you skin to gradually increase its tolerance to the product and could help avoid the side effects.
It is also important to remember that the skin becomes sensitive and is also becomes more susceptible to sun damage. Hence, sunscreen (30 spf and above) and a healthy skincare routine are vital when using it.
Retinol is also NOT recommended if you are
- pregnant or breastfeeding
- regularly wax on the area of skin
- already using a prescribed retinol, in which case ask your dermatologist.
Best Retinol products for 2023
We have researched the most innovative and efficacious formulas to help start 2023 with transformed skin.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
Medik 8 Crystal Retinal offers a ground-breaking serum that utilises Encapsulated Retinaldehyde that works 11x faster than normal retinol. Retinaldehyde is a new form of Vitamin A that targets the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture. The formula also contains Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin for hydration and Vitamin E to quench free radicals on the skin, whilst stabilising Retinaldehyde for optimal power. The serum also utilises an innovative Stabilisation System to provide unmatched potency and long-lasting effectiveness. There is no artificial fragrance and no phthalates. It is also paraben free, alcohol free and cruelty free. What’s amazing about this brand and serum is that it comes in 5 available strengths: 1,3,6,10 and 20. 1 being ideal for very sensitive skin, 3 for retinol beginners and 6 for experienced users. Over time you can move up to 10 and 20 should only be used by those who have comfortable finished at least 2 tubes of Crystal Retinol 10, due to it containing a very high strength of Retinaldehyde(0.2%).
DrunkElephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
One of the best-selling retinols on the market. It’s vegan, cruelty free and you won’t find any of the ‘suspicious 6’ (SLS, fragrance and dyes, essential oils, chemical screens, drying alcohols, silicones) in it. The serum offers a clean, advanced formula that mixes 1% Vegan Retinol with supportive peptides to help firm and strengthen the skin whilst helping to improve the look and feel of uneven skin tone and texture. Vitamin F and a blend of passionfruit, apricot, marula and jojoba oils replenish essential lipids and moisture while antioxidant-packed kale, winter cherry and xanthophylls help defend against ageing environmental stressors
Kiehl's Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum.
Activated with Pure Retinol-Infused Powder
For those who need a higher concentration of retinol, this Kiehl’s Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum accelerates skin surface cell renewal and penetrates up to 15 layers deep into the skin. According to Kiehl’s research, this serum accelerates skin surface renewal in as little as 5 days, it shows a visible reduction of fine lines in as little as 5 days and a visible reduction of wrinkles, including deep wrinkles in 2 weeks. It also has a unique and innovative packaging system that separates the high concentration of 0.3% Pure Retinol powder to freshly mix for application, allowing the serum to remain fresh and potent for maximum results.
La RochePosay Retinol B3 Serum
This serum combines two powerhouse ingredients, retinol, and Vitamin B3 to leave your skin’s complexion brighter and more even. The mixture contains pure and gradual release 0.3% retinol to target fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. The Vitamin B3, a niacinamide, leaves the skin feeling soft, plump and supple by improving retention. The formula also contains Glycerin to provide intense hydration and restore the skin’s moisture barrier. According to clinical results, 76% said the skin felt soothed, 80% agreed that their skin felt nourished. After 4 weeks, 88% reported more supple skin, 86% agreed overall skin appearance was improved. After 8 weeks, 88% said skin felt firmer and 82% agreed the skin looked younger.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
This advanced-strength retinoid serum is formulated for those who want serious results without the unwanted side effects. Sunday Riley’s A+ High- Dose Retinoid serum offers a 6.5% solution of stabilised retinoid blends and botanical, retinol-alternative extracts into the skin to effectively improve the appearance of ageing or damaged skin. This mixture consists of Retinoid Ester Blend 5% + Liposome-encapsulated retinol blend 1% + 0.5% Blue-Green algae which work to help diminish the appearance of wrinkles, lines and encourage signs of clearer skin. The COQ10 helps improve appearance of ageing or damaged skin. While White Honey, Bisabolol, Cactus Extract and Ginger balance and soothe the skin for the appearance of a calmer, more even-toned complexion. But remember, it’s medium to high level strength so if you are a beginner, its best to try a softer Retinol beforehand.
Kiehl's Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum with a Precise, Daily-Strength Concentration of Pure Retinol, Peptide and Ceramides
Kiehl’s is a brand you can trust for their innovative and advanced formulations, The Skin-Renewing Micro-Dose Anti-Ageing Serum is great for beginners. The fast-absorbing serum uses a daily-strength dose of 0.1% Pure Retinol to visibly reduce the look of wrinkles, firm the skin’s feel and refine skin’s texture. The potent anti-wrinkle serum is formulated with a trio of Pure Retinol, Peptide and Ceramides to accelerate skin turnover, promote a stronger skin barrier function whilst minimising the likelihood of discomforting side effects.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
With 3 Essential Ceramides, Licorice Root Extract & Niacinamide
Best for those looking to reduce appearance of post-acne marks and pores. Developed with dermatologists, a gentle and effective formula that uses encapsulated retinol to help smooth the skin’s texture by reducing the appearance of acne marks (aka post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), minimising the look of pores and improving the skin’s surface. The Licorice Root Extract helps brighten the appearance of skin, and the 3 Essential Ceramides work together to seal in skin’s moisture and help restore the skin’s protective barrier. There is also Niacinamide that helps calm the skin. CeraVe’s MVE technology continually releases moisturising ingredients. The serum overall helps achieve a more even skin tone and a healthy looking complexion.
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Cream
This retinol comes in the form of a moisturiser. When a retinol comes in the form of a moisturiser it has ingredients that help hydrate the skin. One of the most talked about, due to its effectiveness, is the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Cream. Recommended to those with dry skin and do not want to experiment with serums. The cream is formulated with powerful retinoid complex and Vitamin B3(Niacinamide). It hydrates your skin and shows visible improvements of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots and pores, It delivers its active ingredients 10 layers deep into the skin surface.
BeautyPie Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-Aging Serum
Suitable for all skin types and fragrance-free. A powerful serum perfectly balanced to both revive and replenish. This encapsulated retinol serum is infused with lactic and hyaluronic acids, and a concentrated, barrier-repairing ceramide blend to help protect, brighten, hydrate, smooth fine lines and soothe your skin. It is formulated with Retinol that’s encapsulated within a complex, which allows it to be absorbed by the skin BEFORE releasing. So, you get maximum efficacy, without the irritation, at a lower level. It has a 3% encapsulated Retinol complex, which works on the skin at 0.09% Pure Retinol.
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules
Elizabeth Arden changed the skincare game when they introduced the single-dose capsule format. One easy-to-use biodegradable capsule contains two active ingredients: Retinol, which tackles the signs of ageing and Ceramides, which boost moisture. Retinol in these capsules are not exposed to light and air, allowing the retinol to be 76% more potent than Unencapsulated Retinol. the use of capsules also means there is no guess work involved and that it’s great for those constantly travelling. This targeted treatment is effective in visibly diminishing lines and wrinkles, whilst improving skin texture and tone. Suitable for all skin types.
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is one of the products that comes highly rated in this segment of skincare. Paula’s Choice offers a powerful treatment that combines 1% Pure Retinol, Peptides, Vitamin C and Liquorice Root Extract to target wrinkles & fine lines, enlarged pores, loss of firmness, uneven tone, dullness and bumpy texture. Perfect for normal, dry oily, combo and acne prone skin.
Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Many retinol formulas use a single form of retinol, which takes several weeks for results to show and can cause irritation. However, the Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum utilises their advanced Tri-Active Technology that balances a fast-acting retinoid, delayed- release retinol and a retinol booster for rapid results while still being gentle on the skin. Their innovative, fast acting serum shows a visible improvement in signs of ageing in just 2 weeks. Additionally, the formula combines the Retinol with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid to make it gentle enough to use at nights. The serum is suitable for balances, oily, combination and dry skin.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary can always be relied upon for budget friendly products that are able to compete with their more expensive alternatives. The Ordinary’s answer to retinol is the water-free, high-strength, solution with with 1% Pure Retinol in Squalane. Innovatively formulated to refine pores, reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles, and improve skin texture. The Squalane is a known moisturising agent, traditionally used to help protect the skin barrier and seal in moisture to help combat the dryness that is usually associated with retinol use. The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane is also offered in strengths of 0.2% and 0.5%, if you want to start at a lower tolerance and build your way up.
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
The Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum is a creamy, gentle retinol serum specifically formulated for sensitive skin and first-time retinol users. The microencapsulated retinol sends the active ingredient deep into the skin without surface irritation. The retinol is combined with natural retinol alternative, bakuchiol, as well as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to reform skin texture, refine skin tone, support healthy skin functions and keep pores clear. An effective serum at an affordable price.
Retinol is a great anti-aging solution, as it is known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also beneficial for people with acne-prone skin, as it is known to reduce the appearance of acne marks and reduce inflammation. It is completely safe for skin, but you should only use a low-strength product that is suitable for your skin type and start out with a low frequency and amount of use. If you experience any irritation after using it, you can apply a soothing cream or take a break from using it for a few days.
