Ingredients
What is retinol and what does it do?
Retinol belongs to the vitamin A family (retinoids). By speeding up cell renewal it works on fine lines, rough texture, dark spots and acne, but it can irritate skin if used the wrong way.
At a glance
- Best for
- Fine lines and wrinkles, rough texture, sun spots, adult acne-prone skin
- Typical strength
- Start with 0.1–0.3%; once used to it, 0.5–1%
- When
- Evening only; start with 2–3 nights a week
- Pairs well with
- Moisturiser, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide; sunscreen in the morning
- Caution
- AHA/BHA acids and benzoyl peroxide on the same night; not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding
What is retinol?
Retinoids is the umbrella name for vitamin A derivatives. The form that acts in skin is retinoic acid; retinol is converted into retinoic acid in two steps. That is why it is gentler than prescription retinoids such as tretinoin and is sold without prescription in cosmetics. Retinal (retinaldehyde) needs only one step and is slightly stronger than retinol.
Benefits for skin
Retinoids speed up skin cell turnover and support collagen production. With regular use, fine lines soften, texture becomes smoother, sun spots fade and clogged pores are reduced. That is why they are used both for signs of ageing and for acne-prone skin.
The effect is slow: texture and radiance improve within weeks, while changes in fine lines usually take 3–6 months.
How to use it
In the evening, a pea-sized amount on clean, dry skin is enough. Keep it away from the eye area, the sides of the nose and the corners of the mouth. Use it two or three nights a week at first and increase as your skin adjusts. If you get dry, applying moisturiser first and retinol on top (the buffering method) reduces irritation.
Retinol makes skin more sensitive to the sun. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning while you use it.
Things to watch out for
In the first weeks you may get dryness, flaking, redness and a temporary increase in breakouts (purging). Using AHA/BHA acids or benzoyl peroxide on the same night increases irritation; alternate them on different nights. Retinoids should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you have eczema, rosacea or very sensitive skin, talk to your dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should you start retinol?
There is no fixed age. For acne it may be used in the teens; to prevent signs of ageing people usually start after 25–30. What matters is starting low and slow.
Can you use retinol with vitamin C?
It is better to use them at different times: vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night. This lowers the risk of irritation and lets you benefit from vitamin C's antioxidant effect during the day.
Can you use retinol in summer?
Yes, as long as you apply sunscreen every morning and reapply during the day. Pausing it during holidays with long sun exposure is also an option.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, talk to a dermatologist before starting a new active ingredient.
Which ingredients suit you?
Answer a few questions and get a morning and evening routine for your skin type and goal.
Build my routine