The Best Retinol Cream for Face

Buying Guide

Retinol has become one of the top beauty trends in recent years. You’ll see it listed on moisturizers, lotions and serums. But retinol isn’t just a buzzword — its claims are backed by science, with multiple studies showing that it is effective in reducing wrinkles, fading age spots, and softening skin. With prolonged use, retinol has been found to thicken the epidermis and boost collagen production. Using retinol regularly can improve your skin in numerous ways.

Perhaps the best thing about retinol is that it’s more or less a topical form of vitamin A. It’s used not only for reducing fine lines, but also to help lessen the appearance of blemishes and spots. Prescription versions called retinoids are more potent, but as an over-the-counter product, retinol is pretty powerful in itself.

Retinol products can come with side effects, though, especially if you start out using it aggressively. Some experience red skin or peeling skin and itchiness after using them. It’s best to try small amounts every few days at first, then use it more often once you’re comfortable that you won’t have a reaction.

To counter the drying effects of retinol products, many of them build in moisturizers. If you’re concerned about chemicals, you’ll want to look for one that uses natural oils and vitamins for hydration, such as the humectant hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in your eyes and joints. Since hyaluronic acid production slows with age, many anti-aging products build this ingredient in.

For additional moisture, aloe vera and natural oils like jojoba oil and shea butter are popular add-ins. Some products claim a proprietary mix of vitamins and oils designed to nourish the skin.

Over the years, researchers have looked into retinol’s effectiveness in wound healing. The ability to thicken the epidermis and boost collagen production can be a great help when you’re waiting for skin to repair itself. However, if this is important to you, please consult a physician for proper retinol use.

• Retinol can work well to improve skin appearance. If you have a blemish you’re concerned about, though, make sure you consult a physician.
• If you’re worried you may react badly to retinol, test a small patch of skin and wait a day or two to make sure all is good before expanding to a wider area.
• Retinol makes skin more sensitive to UV rays. Most products are designed to be used at night, but you should still wear sunscreen during the daytime while you’re using retinol regularly. If you’re leaving for a sun-filled vacation soon, take a break from retinol treatments until you return.
• Clogged pores can be a problem with some moisturizers. Make sure you choose moisturizers marked non-comedogenic, which means they’re designed not to clog pores.
• Some products build retinol in, but if you’re looking for noticeable results quickly, you’ll need something more concentrated. These are often sold in 1- to 2-ounce bottles or tubes. A great thing about this smaller format is that it’s easy to slide into a pocket of your overnight bag or into a corner of your makeup kit.
• You can find retinol products that are free of parabens and other synthetic substances. You can also find retinol products that promise no animal cruelty was involved in their manufacture along with ones that use sustainable packaging.
• Fragrance can be a problem, especially if you have sensitivities. Some retinol products promise to be fragrance-free but may still have a light scent to them.