Otherwise known as Vitamin A, retinol is one of the most potent ingredients you can use in your skincare routine. A powerful anti-ageing active, retinol is brilliant at smoothing out fine lines, reducing the appearance of blemishes and refnining uneven skin texture.
We have put together an edit of the best retinol products to use in your skincare routine, discover more about each of them below. If you're new to retinol and want to discover more about what makes it such a great skincare ingredient, you can read more here.
I have been using retinols a long time. They are easily the best products for fighting signs of ageing - Caroline Hirons
11 of the best retinol products
- Clinique Fresh Pressed Vitamin Retinol Duo
- 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil
- Zelens Power A Treatment Drops
- The Ordinary Retinol 0.5%
- Pixi Retinol Tonic
- Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
- La Roche-Posay Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 Serum
- Lancer Advanced C Radiance Cream
- Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules
- Dermalogica Retinol Oil
- SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3% Cream
Which are the best retinol products for me?
1. Clinique Fresh Pressed Vitamin Retinol Duo 6ml
Clinique's Fresh Pressed Vitamin Retinol Duo contains everything you need for glowing, healthy and clear skin. The set contains the brand's bestselling Vitamin C Booster, which contains a base of 10% Vitamin C to brighten and invigorate fatigued skin. Because Vitamin C is highly unstable, Clinique has packaged it to isolate it from oxygenation, therefore preserving its potency and powerful properties.
2. 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil 30ml
Perfect for those with acne, scaring, large pores and texture, the
111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil is the perfect serum to help revitalise your skin. Formulated with 1% retinol, the formula works to resurface your skin whilst helping to reduce the look of imperfections, age spots and fine lines.
4. The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane 30ml
One of the best less expensive retinol products,
The Ordinary's 0.5% Retinol Serum is a great introductory option into retinol-based serums. Thanks to its squalane-base, the serum is super hydrating, helping to reduce the chance of dryness and irritation that can occur with some retinols. The retinol is however still powerful enough to reduce blemishes, age spots and fine lines.
5. PIXI Retinol Tonic 250ml (Worth £25.00)
Cited by Caroline Hirons as one of her most-used beauty products of 2018,
Pixi's Retinol Tonic is certainly up there in the retinol Hall of Fame. Perfect for sensitive skin-types and retinol beginners, Pixi's Tonic contains a base of retinol to smooth out uneven skin tone and reduce blemishes, while a blend of jasmine flower and peptides help to soothe, calm and nourish.
6. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream 50ml
Murad's Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream has been specially formulated to work as you sleep, so you awake with a revitalised, smooth and glowing complexion. Powered by a very unique tri-Retinol complex, which includes a fast-acting retinoid, retinol booster and time-released retinol to help prove both short-term and long-term skincare benefits.
7. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum 30ml
Achieve a more radiant and youthful complexion with the
La Roche-Posay Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 Serum. Infused with B3, the serum works to leave your skin feeling smoother and more hydrated with a healthy looking glow. Added retinol also helps to minimise fine lines and wrinkles leaving you with a flawless canvas!
8. Lancer Skincare Advanced C Radiance Cream (50ml)
If you're looking for a retinol treatment that is specially-designed to brighten and illuminate, you will love
Lancer's Advanced C Radiance Cream. It contains a base of 10% Vitamin C to target dark spots, and retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For those worried about it being too drying, don't panic. It's also infused with shea butter to intensely hydrate and nourish without making the skin feel oily.
9. Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum - 60 Pieces (Sleeved Version)
The
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules each contain a blend of retinol, ceramides and peptides, which are specially formulated to smooth out wrinkles and target dark spots and pigmentation. Suitable for all skin types, unlike some retinol treatments, the capsules have a non-drying formula so won't cause any dehydration or irritation.
10. Dermalogica Retinol Oil 30ml
From the experts in skin health,
Dermalogica Retinol Oil is ideal for those who suffer from acne and blemishes. The product contains retinol and Salicylic Acid to help banish signs of ageing and put breakouts at bay. As it's in an oil form, the product will also work to give you a radiant finish over time.
11. SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Corrective Treatment for Mature Skin 30ml?
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3% Cream is a concentrated retinol formulated, specially-designed to reduce blemishes, fine lines, pigmentation and age spots. Powered by pure retinol, the cream helps to promote cell turnover without irritating your skin.
As a beauty fanatic I'm always on the lookout to try and experiment with new products! I’ve been writing about everything beauty for over 3 years and specialise in skincare so have plenty of tips and tricks to help put blemishes at bay and get your complexion glowing.
Whilst being a content writer at LOOKFANTASTIC I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with incredible brands including Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana and La Mer, taking my understanding of the industry to the next level.
In the past I’ve been a freelance makeup artist and have collaborated with brands including NYX and Revolution Beauty on a personal level, sharing my makeup creations for the world to see.
My ride or die brands have to be PIXI, Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown and I can’t live without my trusty MAC Velvet Teddy!
