What is retinol used for?

Retinol is used to reduce fine lines, treat acne, improve skin texture, and stimulate collagen production.

How should I use retinol?

Start by using retinol 1-2 times a week at night, gradually increasing frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Always follow with moisturizer.

Is retinol suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, but start with a lower concentration and use it less frequently to minimize irritation.

Doctor’s Note: Your Easy + Essential Guide to Retinol

As dermatologists, we often recommend retinol to help patients improve their skin health. Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is known for its anti-aging and acne-fighting benefits. It’s used to smooth out fine lines, even skin tone, and enhance skin texture, making it one of the most popular ingredients in skincare.

Click the video to the right, or read on for more!

Retinol

at a Glance

What it is: Vitamin A.

Key Benefits: Reduces acne, lightens dark spots, and boosts collagen.

Best For: Acne, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture.

How to Use: Apply at night after cleansing and before moisturizer. Start slowly (2-3 times a week) and increase as tolerated.

Concentration: Retinol ranges from 0.25% to 1%, starting lower for beginners or sensitive skin. Retinal is stronger. Tretinoin (the strongest) is prescription-only and 20x stronger than retinol.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a type of retinoid, which comes from Vitamin A. It’s used widely in skincare for its anti-aging and acne-fighting benefits. Retinol works by increasing cell turnover, boosting collagen production, and improving skin texture and tone. It’s often considered the gold standard in dermatology for reducing fine lines, evening out skin tone, and preventing breakouts.

Retinol products come in various forms, such as creams, oils, and serums. Sometimes it takes some experimentation to see what works for you!

Benefits of Retinol for Skin

Anti-Aging

Retinol boosts collagen, a protein that keeps skin firm and smooth. As we age, collagen naturally decreases, causing fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol helps make skin look firmer and younger by increasing collagen over time.

Improves Texture

Retinol speeds up cell turnover, helping the skin get rid of dead cells and make new ones. This process smooths the skin’s surface, improves texture, and evens out skin tone. People with rough or bumpy skin often see a smoother texture when they use retinol.

Lightens Dark Spots

Retinol can help fade dark spots, sun spots, and other skin discoloration by helping skin renew itself. This makes it a good choice for people with uneven skin tone or dark marks from acne.

Treats Acne

Retinol clears out pores and reduces oil, helping to prevent acne. By keeping pores clean, it lowers the chance of new breakouts and improves the look of acne-prone skin.

How Does Retinol Work?

Speeds Up Cell Turnover: Retinol helps skin shed dead cells faster and grow new, healthy ones. This leads to smoother, brighter skin and reduces dullness.

Boosts Collagen: Retinol increases collagen, which helps make skin firmer, reduces fine lines, and improves elasticity. This can make skin look younger.

Fades Dark Spots: Retinol helps fade dark spots, sun damage, and discoloration, leading to a more even skin tone. It can reduce the look of melasma and other uneven areas.

Clears Pores: Retinol keeps pores free of dirt and oil, helping to prevent blackheads and breakouts. It also tightens pores, giving skin a smoother appearance.

Check out how Retinol compares to Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Azelaic Acid!

Retinol Strength

Retinol products vary in strength, and it’s important to choose one that matches your skin type and goals. Here’s a quick guide:

There are different types of retinoids, each with its own strength and effect.

Retinol: This is the most common type you can buy without a prescription. It's gentler than stronger options, making it good for beginners or people with sensitive skin.

Retinal: Retinal is stronger than retinol but still doesn’t need a prescription. It turns into retinoic acid faster, which makes it more effective but may cause more irritation.

Tretinoin: Tretinoin is a prescription retinoid and is 20 times stronger than retinol. It’s often used for serious acne or to reduce signs of aging.

Starting with Retinol: Tips for Beginners

Retinol is a powerful ingredient, so it’s important to start slowly to avoid irritation. Here’s a simple guide to help you begin using retinol safely:

Choose the Right Product: If you’re new to retinol, start with a lower concentration, like 0.25% to 0.5%. Many over-the-counter products offer these beginner-friendly strengths.

Use Retinol at Night: Since retinol makes skin more sensitive to sunlight, apply it at night. Use a pea-sized amount for your whole face, avoiding the eye area.

Apply Moisturizer: Retinol can be drying, especially when you first start using it. To prevent dryness and irritation, apply a gentle moisturizer after retinol. The classic question: retinol before or after moisturizer? The answer is to use retinol before moisturizer if your skin can handle it. If your skin feels too dry or sensitive, try applying moisturizer before retinol to "buffer" it and reduce any side effects.

Start Slowly: Use retinol only 1-2 times a week at first, giving your skin time to adjust. If you don’t experience irritation, you can gradually increase the frequency to every other night, and eventually, you may use it nightly.

Always Use Sunscreen: Because retinol makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, it’s essential to wear sunscreen during the day.

How long until you see results from retinol? You may begin to see improvements in skin texture and fine lines within 4 - 6 weeks of consistent retinol use, with reductions in dark spots and deeper wrinkles appearing after 3 - 6 months.

Possible Side Effects of Retinol

Retinol is effective, but it can cause some side effects, especially when you’re just starting. Here’s what to look out for:

Dryness and Peeling: It’s common to have dry, peeling skin at first as your skin adjusts. Using a good moisturizer can help reduce this.

Redness and Irritation: Some people may notice redness, stinging, or irritation. If this happens, try using retinol less often or switch to a lower concentration.

Increased Sun Sensitivity: Retinol makes skin more sensitive to the sun, so wearing sunscreen is important to avoid sunburn and protect your skin.

If you have very sensitive skin or if side effects don’t improve, check with your dermatologist for advice.

Retinol for Beginners

If you’re starting with retinol, go for a product with a lower concentration, around 0.25% to 0.5%. This range is gentle enough for beginners but still effective for building tolerance. Choosing a retinol product with additional soothing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or niacinamide, can also help reduce irritation. These ingredients work to keep skin hydrated and calm, supporting your skin barrier as it adjusts to retinol. For added comfort, consider a formula that includes an oil base, such as squalane, which provides extra hydration and can help ease potential dryness or flakiness.

A313

Type: Pommade (ointment)
Retinol: 0.12% Retinyl Acetate (a gentle retinol ester)
Main Ingredients: Mineral Oil (moisturizes), Polyethylene Glycol (softens)
Best For: Beginners, sensitive skin, or dry skin

Cerave Skin Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Type: Serum
Retinol: Encapsulated retinol (exact percentage not specified)
Main Ingredients: Ceramides (restore and protect skin barrier), niacinamide (calms and brightens skin), and licorice root extract (lightens dark spots).
Best For: Beginners or sensitive skin

The Ordinary Retinol 0.2%

Type: Serum
Retinol: 0.2%
Main Ingredients: Squalane (provides hydration and strengthens the skin barrier)
Best For: Beginners or sensitive skin

Good Molecules Retinol

Type: Serum
Retinol: 0.1%
Main Ingredients: Glycerin (retains moisture), bakuchiol (“natural retinol”), Vitamin E (repairs), allantoin (soothes skin).
Best For: Beginners or sensitive skin

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream.

Retinol Correxion RoC

Type: Cream
Retinol: Unknown %
Main Ingredients: Glycerin (moisture retention), Vitamin C (brightens and provides antioxidant protection), and Vitamin E (antioxidant)
Best For: Beginners or sensitive skin

PCA Retinol

Type: Cream
Retinol: Unknown %
Main Ingredients: Niacinamide (calms and strengthens skin barrier), hexylresorcinol (brightens skin), ceramides (supports skin barrier), and bisabolol (soothes skin).
Best For: Sensitive or mature skin

First Aid Beauty Retinol

Type: Serum
Retinol: 0.3% Retinol Complex (blend of retinol and gentler retinol esters)
Main Ingredients: Peptides (smooth skin and reduce fine lines), glycerin (moisturizes).
Best For: Beginners or sensitive skin

Anua Retinol

Type: Serum
Retinol: 0.3%
Main Ingredients: 5% Niacinamide (brightening and skin barrier support), ceramides (strengthen the skin barrier), squalane (moisturizes), and centella asiatica extract (calms and soothes skin)
Best For: Beginners or sensitive skin

Best Retinol For Intermediate Users

For those who have already adjusted to beginner retinol products, intermediate users can step up to retinol concentrations around 0.5% to 1%. This range provides stronger anti-aging and skin-smoothing benefits without jumping to the most intense levels. Look for products with added peptides or antioxidants like vitamin E to further support skin health and enhance the effects of retinol. These ingredients help with collagen support and protect the skin from environmental stress. Intermediate formulas with hydrating elements, like glycerin or squalane, can keep skin balanced, minimizing dryness or irritation as you increase retinol strength.

Medik8 Retinol

Type: Serum
Retinol: 0.3%, 0.6%, or 1%
Main Ingredients: Climbazole (boosts retinol activity), squalane (moisturizes and strengthens barrier), vitamin E (antioxidant).
Best For: Intermediate users

Skinceuticals 0.5

Type: Cream
Retinol: 0.5%
Main Ingredients: Boswellia serrata gum (calms skin), bisabolol (soothes irritation).
Best For: Intermediate users

ZO Retinol

Type: Cream
Retinol: 0.5%
Main Ingredients: Ascorbyl glucoside (Vitamin C), glutathione (supports skin repair), and Vitamin E (antioxidant)
Best For: Reducing pigmentation

Best Retinol for Advanced Users

For advanced users who have built up tolerance, retinol products with concentrations around 1% or higher offer the most intense effects for reducing fine lines, evening out skin tone, and improving texture. These potent formulas are often best suited for targeting deep wrinkles or more stubborn skin concerns. Advanced retinols may include retinaldehyde, which works faster than standard retinol while maintaining stability. To support the skin, look for formulas with calming ingredients like bisabolol or allantoin, which reduce the chance of irritation at higher strengths. Remember to apply these products sparingly and always follow with a moisturizer to lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier.

Skinbetter Alpharet

Type: Cream
Main Ingredients: AlphaRet (improves texture and tone), glycolic acid (enhances retexturization), peptide blend (reduces wrinkles and firms skin), hydrating blend of ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid (provides moisture), allantoin and green tea (calms redness), and vitamins C & E, CoQ10 (antioxidant protection)
Best For: Advanced users

Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

Type: Serum
Retinol: Unknown % of Retinol + Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (newer form of retinol)
Main Ingredients: Ceramides (strengthens skin barrier), hyaluronic acid (deep hydration), and swertia chirata extract (supports skin firmness).
Best For: Advanced users

Drunk Elephant Retinol

Type: Cream
Retinol: 1%
Main Ingredients: Niacinamide (brightens and strengthens the skin barrier), marula oil (moisturizes), and peptides (support skin firmness)
Best For: Smoothing fine lines, brightening skin tone, and providing hydration; suitable for anti-aging and improving skin texture.

Skinmedica Retinol 1.0 Complex

Type: Serum
Retinol: 1.0%
Main Ingredients: PhytoShield™ (antioxidant blend), niacinamide (brightens and strengthens skin), and ceramides (supports the skin barrier)
Best For: Advanced users

Dermalogica Retinol

Type: Serum
Retinol: 3.5% Blend of Retinol + Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (newer form of retinol)
Main Ingredients: Squalane (moisturizes and supports skin barrier), sunflower seed oil (nourishes and provides antioxidants), and ceramides (strengthens skin barrier)
Best For: Advanced users

Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM

Type: Serum
Retinol: 1.5% Microencapsulated Retinol (time-released for minimal irritation)
Main Ingredients: Squalane (moisturizes and supports skin barrier), Vitamin C (antioxidant), Vitamin E (antioxidant + moisturizes)
Best For: Advanced users

Peach And Lily Retinol

Type: Serum
Retinol: 0.1% RETINAL (stronger than retinol)
Main Ingredients: Ectoin (prevents inflammation), bisabolol (soothes skin), and ceramides (strengthen the skin barrier)
Best For: Advanced users

Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Anti Aging Retinoid Serum

Sunday Riley Retinol

Type: Serum
Retinol: 6.5% retinoid solution (5% retinoid ester blend, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol, 0.5% blue-green algae retinol alternative)
Main Ingredients: CoQ10 (antioxidant for skin repair), Hawaiian white honey (soothes and hydrates), bisabolol (calms irritation)
Best For: Advanced Users

Retinol Night Cream

If you want to add retinol to your skincare routine but need something gentle, a retinol night moisturizer is a great option. These moisturizers combine the power of retinol—which helps smooth fine lines, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone—with ingredients that keep your skin soft and hydrated while you sleep. This blend helps prevent dryness and irritation, making it easier to get the benefits of retinol without the harsh side effects. These night creams are perfect for anyone who wants to wake up with smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

Type: Retinol night cream.
Main Ingredients: Retinol, Niacinamide, Amino Peptides.
Best For: All skin types; fragrance-free.

RoC Retinol Max Hydration Cream

Type: Retinol hydration cream.
Main Ingredients: Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin.
Best For: Dry skin needing moisture and anti-aging benefits.

Olay Retinol 24

Type: Night Cream
Retinol: Unknown %
Main Ingredients: Niacinamide (brightening and strengthening), peptides (reduces fine lines), glycerin (moisturizes).
Best For: Beginners or sensitive skin

Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream

Type: Retinol night cream.
Main Ingredients: Retinol SA, Hyaluronic Acid, Glucose Complex.
Best For: Aging skin; suitable for most skin types.

Retinol Eye Cream

If you’re looking to reduce fine lines, dark circles, or puffiness around your eyes, a retinol eye cream can be a great addition to your routine. These eye creams are designed to deliver the benefits of retinol—like smoothing wrinkles and improving skin texture—in a formula that’s gentle enough for the delicate skin around the eyes. They often include hydrating and soothing ingredients to help prevent dryness or irritation. A retinol eye cream is a good choice for anyone who wants to brighten and smooth the eye area, giving it a refreshed and youthful look. Be careful, though, because if you overdo it, you may get eyelid dermatitis.

Replenix Retinol Eye Cream

Type: Eye Cream
Retinol: 0.2%
Main Ingredients: Caffeine (reduces puffiness), Hyaluronic Acid (hydrates), Green Tea Extract (antioxidant)
Best For: Reducing puffiness and fine lines around the eyes; suitable for all skin types

Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

Type: Eye Cream
Retinol: Retinol (exact percentage not specified; check packaging)
Main Ingredients: Retinol (reduces fine lines and wrinkles), glycerin (moisturizes), and squalane (strengthens the skin barrier).
Best For: Smoothing fine lines around the eye area; suitable for sensitive eye areas.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

Type: Eye Serum
Retinol: Retinol Tri-Active Technology (retinol + time-released retinol + retinol booster)
Main Ingredients: Retinol Tri-Active Technology (texture and elasticity) + marine kelp extract (firmness).
Best For: Users seeking a high-performance retinol product for the delicate eye area.

Retinol Before and After

It’s hard to find studies specifically on over-the-counter retinol, as most research focuses on stronger, prescription retinoids. However, tretinoin, a prescription version of retinol, has been well-studied and shows great results. Tretinoin works by speeding up skin cell turnover, reducing fine lines, improving texture, and treating acne. In studies on tretinoin, people often see smoother, firmer, and clearer skin after a few months of regular use. While retinol is milder, it offers similar benefits; it just takes longer to see results but usually causes fewer side effects.

Can You Use Retinol with Other Active Ingredients?

Retinol works well with some ingredients but can be too harsh when paired with others. Here’s how it interacts with popular skincare ingredients:

Lactic Acid vs Retinol: Lactic acid exfoliates and brightens skin, while retinol boosts cell turnover. But using them together can be too strong, causing dryness or irritation. To enjoy both, try using lactic acid on one night and retinol on another.

Hyaluronic Acid vs Retinol: Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin by drawing in moisture, making it a great match for retinol. Apply hyaluronic acid after retinol to lock in moisture and reduce dryness.

Niacinamide vs Retinol: Niacinamide is a soothing ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and reduce redness, making it a great match for retinol. Using niacinamide with retinol can help reduce irritation or dryness, giving you smoother skin with less chance of sensitivity.

Hydroquinone and Retinol: Hydroquinone is a strong ingredient used to lighten dark spots on the skin. When combined with retinol, it can be even more effective, but this mix can be too harsh for some skin types. Only use them together if a dermatologist recommends it, as the combination can increase the risk of irritation.

Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ingredient for fighting acne, but when used with retinol, it can cause a lot of dryness and irritation. It’s best not to use them at the same time. Instead, try alternating nights or use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night.

Retinol FAQ

What is micro retinol?

Micro retinol refers to a form of retinol that is made up of very tiny particles, allowing it to penetrate the skin more effectively and work gently.

Can you use retinol and red light therapy together?

Yes, retinol can be used with red light therapy, but it’s best to do red light therapy first and then apply retinol afterward to avoid potential irritation.

Can you use copper peptides with retinol?

Copper peptides and retinol can be used together, but it’s best to alternate them. Copper peptides help with skin repair, and retinol increases cell turnover. Using them on different nights may help prevent irritation.

Can I use retinol after Botox?

Yes, but wait at least 24 hours after Botox to use retinol. Applying retinol too soon can irritate the skin around the injection sites.

Does retinol exfoliate?

Yes, retinol promotes cell turnover, which helps remove dead skin cells, similar to exfoliation. However, it works differently than traditional exfoliants.

What is encapsulated retinol?

Encapsulated retinol is retinol wrapped in a special coating that allows it to release slowly, making it less irritating and more effective over time.

Can I use Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum with retinol?

Yes, the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum can be used with retinol. It contains calming ingredients that can reduce irritation from retinol.

What is natural retinol?

Natural retinol refers to plant-based ingredients, like bakuchiol, that offer similar skin benefits to retinol but are gentler on the skin.

Can I use retinol if I wax?

If you use retinol, it’s best to avoid waxing the same area, as it can make the skin more sensitive. Consider stopping retinol a few days before waxing to reduce the risk of irritation.

Does retinol expire?

Yes, retinol products do expire. They can lose effectiveness over time, so check the expiration date on the packaging.

Can you use retinol while breastfeeding?

It’s generally recommended to avoid retinol while breastfeeding. Check with your doctor for safer alternatives.

What is a retinol alternative?

Bakuchiol is a popular natural alternative to retinol that is gentler on the skin.

Is it okay to use retinol with exfoliants?

Retinol and exfoliants can both be strong, so it’s best to use them on different days to avoid irritation.

Granactive Retinoid vs Retinol?

Granactive retinoid is a newer, less irritating type of retinoid that provides similar benefits to retinol without as much dryness or redness. It’s a good option for those with sensitive skin or those who find traditional retinol too harsh.

Retinaldehyde vs Retinol?

Retinaldehyde (retinal) is a form of Vitamin A that is stronger than retinol but gentler than tretinoin. It can give faster results than retinol with slightly less risk of irritation than tretinoin. If you’re looking for quicker results, retinaldehyde may be a good alternative.

Tretinoin vs Retinol?

Tretinoin is a prescription-strength form of retinoid that is more potent than over-the-counter retinol. While both boost cell turnover, tretinoin typically works faster and is stronger, which may lead to more irritation. Beginners may want to start with retinol and switch to tretinoin if needed, under a dermatologist’s guidance. Tretinoin is 20x stronger than retinol.

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