Retinol, to be precise, is the alcohol formulation of vitamin A, not to mention the version most commonly used in skin-care products, according to Dr. Chang. "Retinol has been shown to improve tone and texture, dyspigmentation, dryness, and fine lines," she says. But there's a catch. "It is less irritating than tretinoin, but also 20 times less potent because it needs to convert into retinoic acid." Boots’ No7 re-labelled its excellent No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Night Complex last year – the 1.5% it referenced is not the retinol concentration, but the total combination of retinol and peptides – so this newly rechristened No7 Retinol 0.3% Night Concentrate has exactly the same formulation as its predecessor: a 0.3% concentration of retinol with trademarked Matrixyl 3000+ peptides to boost cell regeneration, plumping skin cells for visible firming effects. 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. 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. As well as its original purpose of clearing acne, retinol boosts the skin’s own healing processes and is great for repairing scars that may have been caused by previous acne breakouts, as well as other kinds of skin damage such as dark spots from sun exposure. The benefits of retinol are well documented, which is the reason you will find the ingredient featuring prominently in so many creams and serums.

Retinol is great ingredient to incorporate into your night-time skincare routine. A form of Vitamin A, Retinol helps to treat a number of skin issues, from pigmentation and brown spots to acne and fine lines. Restore radiance to your complexion with the range of Retinol skincare at LOOKFANTASTIC. 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. 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. Zasada M, et al. (2019). Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.

When should you switch from retinol to retinal?

Although it might sound like a stronger formula with a higher percentage of retinol would be more efficacious, that’s not always the case. “With retinol, we’re always balancing strength, efficacy, with the potential of retinol to irritate the skin,” explains Dr. Mikailov, “In terms of drugstore retinol, we find that retinol can be effective at multiple concentrations.” He says that “while retinol creams with higher concentrations (0.2 percent or more) worked faster, at the end of 6 months, retinol creams at various concentrations, including below 0.2 percent, also had great benefits.” Look for keywords like "gentle" and "non-irritating" on the label.

But with so much choice available, which is the right retinol product for you? We’ve put together a buyer’s guide that includes helpful tips on how to use this hero ingredient; and we’ve tested a range of products to find the best to use with your skin type, skin needs and budget in mind. Best retinol cream: At a glance In addition to doing your research on the retinol creams out there, keep your budget in mind. You likely won’t want a product that will break the bank, especially if you’re unsure how your skin will respond to it. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

How we tested

Retinol can even strengthen the skin, helping protect it against further environmental damage. (Just keep in mind it can leave the top layer of skin thinner and more sensitive to sunlight, so you’ll want to apply sunscreen with extra vigilance.) The extras This can save you a lot of stress before shelling out cash on a product that may have unpleasant side effects. Skin type It can “treat fine lines, boost collagen production, and brighten and smooth the skin,” he says. It’s suited to anyone with a normal to dry skin type.

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 British brand Medik8 has been supplying professional skincare products over the counter since 2009, and this new addition to their range of anti-ageing products is particularly suitable for sensitive skins that don’t get on well with stronger concentrations of retinol. Retinol products are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. How we test retinol products Those who have sensitive skin, or conditions such as eczema or rosacea, would be wise to do a patch test first, or speak to a dermatologist before adding retinol to your skincare routine. Vitamin B3 and retinol work well together to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and the gentle formula is suitable for more sensitive skins or those new to retinol. Skin feels fresh and hydrated immediately after using and well into the next day, and the wrinkle-reducing effects are visible within 4-5 weeks.

How much retinol should I put on my face?

If you want to target deeper issues like fine lines and sun damage, you may eventually want to opt for a higher percentage. 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. So why is it so mystifying? Some people say retinol is the best thing that ever happened to them; others complain that it leaves their skin red and dry. Then there's the question of how to incorporate it into your skincare routine—you can't just slather it on willy-nilly or you could get burned, maybe even literally. Plus, with the hundreds of products on the market, how do you know which formula is right for you? Because of its exfoliating properties, it's best to use Retinol as a treatment on its own - we also recommend not to combine Retinol with another exfoliation product at the same time. Always be sure to apply SPF of at least factor 30 on your face the next day as Retinol can make the new skin surface more sensitive to the sun damage.