It’s the buzzword that’s been on every Beauty Editor’s lips since the beginning of the year, but do you actually know what this skincare acid actually is? We’re getting all the info and sharing the best Retinol products for you to start using RN.
What is Retinol?
You might know Retinol as Vitamin A. It’s an ingredient widely used in skincare to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst helping to boost collagen – essentially helping along the anti-ageing process.
It also promoted healthy skin cell turnover – AKA exfoliating – meaning that it can be extra beneficial for those with acne-prone skin. Newer cells mean unclogged skin, which can in turn help with medication efficacy. Plus, with the cell turnover are lower chances of acne scarring.
When should I use Retinol?
Generally, Dermatologists recommend starting with Retinol in your 30s, when fine lines may be considered to be a concern, however in small doses Retinol may be used by people younger.
As with any acid, we’d recommend using an SPF the next day just to protect your skin against sun as you’re likely to be much more receptive to the effects of sun damage.
Retinol may also be used as part of your bodycare routine, as opposed to just your face and neck.
Best Retinol Products 2018
-
£6.90 Buy now with HQhair The Ordinary Retinol Serum 1% in Squalane 30ml
Buy now with free deliveryWe couldn’t write a blog post on the best Retinol products without mentioning The Ordinary. Known, and loved, for their high-impact skincare products without the eye-wateringly expensive price point, the Ordinary Retinol Serum has a cult following.
1% is a pretty high concentrate (you can also get it at 0.5%), so expect intense results. Skin may appear red after the first few uses, so start slow at once or twice a week, before building up to more regular use.
–
Continue reading: our guide to the best The Ordinary products
-
£132.00 Buy now with HQhair ALGENIST RETINOL FIRMING AND LIFTING SERUM
Buy now with free deliveryAdd a serum step to your skincare routine with this Retinol serum by Algenist. Lightweight and silky, this will help to penetrate deep beneath the skin’ outer layers to make sure you’re getting the most out of your skin products.
Plus, this one’s gentle enough for daily use, so you can reap the benefits slowly over a long period of time.
-
£18.00 Buy now with HQhair PIXI RETINOL TONIC
Buy now with free deliveryHands up who uses the original Pixi Glow Tonic? You’re gonna love this lilac update.
Pixi are in on the Retinol game by including it as an extended part of their Glow Tonic range. Used like the original by soaking into a cotton pad and applying to a cleansed face, this is a simple step to add to your skincare routine that’ll pay dividends.
-
£51.00 Buy now with HQhair FIRST AID BEAUTY SKIN LAB RETINOL SERUM 0.25% PURE CONCENTRATE
Buy now with free deliveryA dead cert to add to our list of the best First Aid Beauty products, their relatively new Retinol Serum contains a concentrate of 0.25%.
Aimed at people new to using acids as part of their skincare routine, this is a gentle serum formula that may be used daily to build up to a higher concentrate. Plus, it’s a completely Gluten-free beauty product.
-
£75.00 Buy now with HQhair Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Buy now with free deliveryAnother serum to add to our list of the best Retinol products, but one we loved since very first application. The Murad Retinol Serum is a fast-absorbing formula which slowly releases Retinol over a longer period of time, meaning the product has more time to work its magic.
Plus, with added Hyaluronic Acid this will help to maintain moisture levels without stripping skin of its natural oils.
-
£53.00 Buy now with HQhair PAULA'S CHOICE CLINICAL 1% RETINOL TREATMENT
Buy now with free deliveryPotentially the cult Retinol product, Paula’s Choice made a name for their 1% Retinol Treatment among Beauty Editors and Influencers, and we’ve never looked back.
A worthy addition to our list of the best Retinol products, this treatment is aimed at those in their 30s and older to help reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles and eliminate brown spots. It will also work to combat any signs of irritation with infused oats.
-
£6.99 Buy now with HQhair SKIN REPUBLIC HYDROGEL FACE SHEET MASK RETINOL
Buy now with free deliverySkin Republic easily made its way onto our list of the best face masks, but did you know that Retinol-infused face masks were a thing? Your skincare routine is about to be revolutionised…
By incorporating Retinol into this serum-infused face mask (it’s one you don’t have to wash off), this gives your skin an intense burst of Retinol. Definitely use suncream the day after, but expect visibly smoother and brighter skin after just one use.
-
£36.00 Buy now with HQhair VERSO REVIVING EYE MASK
Buy now with free deliveryInstagram brand Verso have developed Retinol-infused eye masks, meaning that the delicate skin of your eye area can benefit from its cell renewal properties.
By helping to stimulate the natural production of collagen with the Retinol 8 Complex and Hydrogel, expect eyes to look more awake with fine lines, puffiness and dark circles reduced.
-
£25.00 Buy now with HQhair THIS WORKS SLEEP PLUS DREAM BODY
Buy now with free deliveryLike we mentioned, it’s not just your face that can get in the action. This Works have developed a Retinol body cream, that gets to work on smoothing skin while you sleep.
Mixing the key ingredient with amino acids and essential oils means that the cell turnover in your skin is renewed and you get the benefits of the signature This Works scent to help you drift off in no time at all.
–
Continue reading: our guide to the best This Works products.
-
£45.00 Buy now with HQhair Tria Age Defying Skincare Finishing Serum
Buy now with free deliveryLast on our list of the best Retinol products is this killa’ serum by Tria. Designed to be used after using their Age-Defying Laser, this serum is purposefully designed and developed to help as part of your anti-ageing skincare routine.
Including antioxidants like sea fennel and olive and avocado oils, this serum will get to work on your deep wrinkles and fine lines, while helping to promote firmer and more elastic skin long-term.
Reckon you’ve found the best Retinol products to add to your beauty collection?
Shop Skincare
–
Looking for more information? Read our guides to the best of beauty in our “into it” feature
