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H&B experts recommend: best retinol serums
Expert-selected top picks for the best retinol products available at H&B. From fine-line reducing Vitamin A night serums to pro-ageing creams & masks.
Our top picks
Contains High Levels of Vitamin A
Vitaskin
Vitaskin Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Serum
Save up to 1/2 Price
£13.50
£18.00
Rich in Omega 3 and 6
Evolve
Evolve Bio Retinol Gold Mask 60ml
£30.00
Stimulates collagen
Dr Organic
Dr Organic Pro Collagen Plus Bakuchiol Moisturiser
Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price
£19.99
Have you heard some great stuff about retinol serums? Are you already using one and are curious to see if you’re using the best one?
Or perhaps you just can’t get enough of them and love reading all about them?
Or maybe, just maybe, this is your first venture into the world of retinol serums….and if is, then welcome!
Because once you discover the world of retinol serums, you’ll want to know all there is to know about them…
What is retinol serum?
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A that’s a major deal within the skincare industry. Pretty much everybody, the experts included, have raved or are raving about its abilities on fine lines and general skin quality.Back in the day, the main way of getting your hands on it was via a skincare professional. But over the years, it’s made its way into mainstream skincare ranges.
Because of this, it’s more readily available over-the-counter, and there’s lots of choice, ranging from retinol serums and creams, to retinol eye cream, oils and gels.
Just so you know, ‘pure’ retinol is only available via prescription, but there are lots of retinol products readily available online and on the shelves.1
How does it compare to retinoid creams?
Ah, yes, which one should you choose? Is there a difference between retinol serum and cream? Does it matter?
Generally speaking, if you have dry or sensitive skin, then you might want to opt for a retinol cream, which will contain some form of moisturising ingredients. Check out this article regarding the best serum for sensitive skin if you have a complexion that's easily irritated and prone to redness and itching.
Not to mention the fact that retinol can initially dry your skin out, so if you already have dry skin, then you’ll want to keep it as moisturised as possible.2
If you have oily or combination skin, then it may be worth using a retinol serum because most of them are water-based.
You may even want to use your retinol serum as a moisturiser, save having to put too many products on your skin.
An important note before we move on…
No matter what strength retinol serum, cream, gel or oil you’re putting on your skin, always, always wear an SPF 30 or higher.
This is because retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight can impact how effective it is.3
Note: this is one of the reasons why most retinol guidance recommends you apply it at night, so it won’t be broken down by being exposed to the sun).4
For more best practice advice on applying retinol read our beginner’s guide to retinol and retinoids.
Which retinol serum is the best?
Knowing which are the best retinol products isn’t easy because there are so many different retinol serums, creams, oils and gels out there, right?!
But it’s not impossible to find the best products, you’ve just got to know where to look (as well as know what you’re looking for).
In terms of knowing where to look, you’re definitely in the right place, especially now that we’re going to share some of the best retinol serums with you.
Summary
- Retinol serum is a derivative of vitamin A that is primarily used in skincare products for its pro-ageing effects and ability to help with blemish-prone skin.
- It works by increasing regeneration and unclogging pores.
- You can get retinol products in a range of concentrations, from 0.025% to 1%.
Some of the best retinol serums
This rejuvenating serum is packed with retinoid and carrot seed oil, containing high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E to help promote softer, smoother and visibly younger-looking skin.
Key benefit:
- Nourishing vitamin A and E to help bring about smoother and softer skin
How to apply it: It’s recommended you apply this night serum to your skin after cleansing as part of your night-time skincare routine and before you apply your moisturiser.
Vitaskin’s Vitamin A Intense Cell Renewal Oil is a lightweight oil that contains retinoid and carrot seed oil.
It contains high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E to help promote softer, smoother and visibly younger-looking skin.
Key benefit:
- Nourishing vitamin A and E to counteract any dryness
How to apply it: Apply as a final step in your skincare routine. For best results, combine with the full Vitaskin Vitamin A range.
Evolve combines both Bio Retinol and C Booster in one handy serum. With vitamins A, C, E and F blended into a base of rosehip oil.
Key benefits:
- Rosehip oil, vitamins A, C, E and F to help increase collagen production, hydration and skin radiance.
- Rich in bakuchiol oil and sea buckthorn oil which is packed with vitamin C, omega fatty acids and beta carotene
How to apply it: Apply 1 to 2 drops on cleansed skin or mix directly into your moisturiser or serum.
Okay, we know this isn't a serum, but this particular face mask works on skin to deliver the same rejuvenation benefits that retinols offer.
However, unlike retinol, which can make skin sensitive to the sun, Evolve’s Gold Mask can be used at any time, all-year round, making it the perfect way to nourish and protect your skin and enhance your summer glow.
It also contains rosehip oil and argan oil, making it rich in Omega 3 and 6 that help to look after and moisturise to create glowing skin.
Meanwhile, the gorgeous golden shimmers come from the mineral, mica, making it an extremely luxurious face mask.
Key benefits:
- Plant-based retinol-like extract from the Bidens Pilosa plant that helps rejuvenate the skin and promotes cellular renewal, without the sensitivity some other retinol-based products can cause.
- Rosehip oil and argan oil also feature in this mask, which are rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to help nourish and moisturise your skin.
How to apply it: Apply a thick layer on cleansed skin. Leave for 5 minutes. Rinse clean with warm water.
Packed with potent fatty acids to help moisturise the skin, this night oil provides all the benefits of retinol with the moisturising effect of rosehip oil too.
Key benefits:
- Regenerate while you sleep with Retinyl – a pure form of vitamin A that supports collagen and elastin production, boosting firmness and reducing the appearance of pigmentation
- Rosehip seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids (an impressive 80%!) to help maintain good skin texture and appearance
- Prebiotic burdock root supports good bacteria on the skin’s surface and helps control breakout-causing bacteria and free-radicals
How to apply it: Gently massage 3-4 drops into cleansed face and neck in the PM. Use SPF in the morning.
Designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this retinol oil from REN is suitable for sensitive skin, with nourishing and replenishing qualities.
Key benefits:
- Plant alternative to retinol Bidens Pilosa help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with less chance of sensitivity
- Rosehip oil provides the essential fatty omega acids 3 & 6 to support skin renewal
- Sea buckthorn oil helps to visibly improve skin firmness and reduce roughness
How to apply it: At night, warm 5 drops in the palm of your hand and apply by gentle patting over the face, neck and décolleté. Sediments may appear, shake well before use.
And last but by no means least, this collagen stimulating moisturiser from Dr Organic is perfect if you’re looking for the best retinol cream rather than serum. Plus, it’s derived from retinol’s plant-derived sister – bakuchiol! Not heard of this?
Check out our article on everything you need to know about bakuchiol for more details.
Key benefits:
- Moisturising pro-collagen complex is rich in hyaluronic acid, biotin, blackberry leaf extract and other skincare favourites
- Bakuchiol oil (plant-based retinol alternative) supports collagen production, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improves skin tone
How to apply it:
Apply morning and evening as part of your daily skin care regime
Is retinol good for skin?
Best serum for sensitive skin
The final say
There are a wide range of retinol serums for you to try – from differing concentrations to added beneficial ingredients and vitamins.
But just remember to start small, and gradually build up your concentration and increase your use slowly over time.
Feeling all raring to go with retinol now?
We hope this article has helped you get your head around it and given you a useful steer on some of the retinol serums that are already working wonders for some people.
Or if you’re looking for a complete low down on this wonder ingredient, read our beginner’s guide to retinol for more information and advice.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Last updated: 4 August 2022
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