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?
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 anti-ageing abilities.
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 work?
Retinol works its magic by increasing how quickly skin cells rejuvenate and repair, making it a force to be reckoned with for all sorts of skin. It’s widely used to help prevent the signs of ageing, e.g. fine lines, wrinkles and creases, as well as to help fade pigmentation, fight blemishes and help reduce sun damage.
As for how it actually works, retinol works its magic in our skin, reducing pore congestion, stabilising and balancing pigments.
For more insight on retinol read, ‘Is retinol good for skin?’
What percentage of retinol is most effective?
Just as they’re available in different forms, retinol products, retinol serums included, come in lots of different strengths.
Retinol in itself is a powerful active ingredient, which means it can irritate skin if you use the wrong strength. Always start low and then gradually work your way up to using higher levels of retinol, which will enable your skin to get used to it, and to avoid it becoming over-aggravated.2
- If you’ve never used retinol before or have fair or sensitive skin – you should start with a retinol serum that has a really low percentage, so around the 0.025% mark.
- If you have normal or combination skin – you can start with a higher strength retinol product, one that contains 0.25% retinol, with a view to working up to 0.5%
- If your skin is darker, thicker and tougher – then you may be able to 0.4% retinol to begin with, and work up to 1.0% retinol
The highest concentration of retinol you can get without a prescription is 2.0%.
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, ‘How to use retinol.’
Is retinol cream or serum better?
Ah, yes, which one should you choose? Is there a difference? Does it matter?
Generally speaking, if you have dry or sensitive skin, then you should go for a retinol cream, which will contain some form of moisturising ingredients. 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.5
If you have oily or combination skin, then it’s probably best you use 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.
Which retinol serum is the best?
Knowing which are the best creams with retinol 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 customer-rated retinol serums with you…
5 of the best retinol serums
Customer rating: 4.4 stars
Egyptian Gold Retinol Serum will help stimulate the production of new skin cells leaving your skin looking super youthful with an amazing shining glow.
How to apply it: Drip a little bit of Egyptian Gold Retinol serum on to the face and neck and massage it in, making sure to rub the serum into the skin. Then leave it on to work its magic.
JadeA says: “Smooth cool serum that helps smoothness and clarity to skin. Retinol made my sensitive neck and chest flaky, so do buffer with moisturiser in that area if you have similar skin sensitivity.”
Tab H says: “Love, love, love this product, it’s a little bit of heaven in a bottle! My skin feels amazing! I have pigmentation on my face, this product has helped to reduce the colour, forehead lines are less visible, and over all texture of my skin smooth and soft!”
Other creds: Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Customer rating: 4.4 stars
Suitable for vegans, this rejuvenating serum is packed with retinol and carrot seed oil, containing high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E to help promote softer, smoother and visibly younger-looking 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.
Anonymous says: “Absolutely love this product. Results are brighter, clearer and tighter skin. On my third bottle!”
Lizzie22 says: “Really nice lightweight serum that absorbs into the skin quickly I’ve already noticed a difference in the redness in my skin and will defo carry on using it my skin feels fab after using it!! Will be buying again as it’s great for my sensitive skin.”
Other creds: 99% natural, 100% vegan.
Customer rating: 4.3 stars
Vitaskin’s Vitamin A Intense Cell Renewal Oil is a lightweight oil that contains retinol and carrot seed oil, both containing high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E to help promote softer, smoother and visibly younger-looking skin. 100% natural and 100% vegan friendly.
How to apply it: Apply as final step in your skincare routine. For best results, combine with the full Vitaskin Vitamin A range.
Tashie says: “I’m in my early 40s and my skin is dryer than before. This serum is rich and a small amount goes a long way. My skin soaks it up. It leaves a gentle sheen on my face, this could be because I use too much! Love it.”
Roadster says: “I bought this about 2 weeks ago. I’m noticing the difference on my face. I would recommend this Vitaskin Vitamin Intense Cell Renewal oil. It’s not very oily on your face.”
Other creds: Suitable for vegans
An anti-ageing oil serum for mature skin that helps reduce the appearance of lines and age spots. Developed using a gentle yet potent mix of ingredients, this deeply hydrating oil helps improve the appearance of wrinkles, as well as leaving the complexion visibly younger-looking, smoother and brighter, while being gentle to skin.
How to apply it: At night, warm 4 to 5 drops in the palm of your hand and apply by gently patting over the face, neck and décolleté. Follow with night cream.
Other creds: Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Oleus Retinoid Serum is a 100% vegan and natural lightweight serum that’s known for aiding collagen production to encourage a youthful-looking complexion.
How to apply it: Massage 2 to 3 drops of Oleus Retinol Serum on to cleansed skin on face, neck and/or body. Can be combined with the Oleus moisturiser.
Other creds: Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
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. Which of the retinol serums above have caught your eye and are potentially going to be working their way into your skincare regime?…
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Last Updated: 11th January 2021
Sources:
1 https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a31278199/best-retinol-cream/
2 https://www.byrdie.com/best-retinol-for-your-skin-type
3 https://www.vogue.com/article/retinol-retinoids-guide-fine-lines-sun-damage-healthy-glow#:~:text=Use%20Retinol%20Only%20at%20Night,or%20higher%20during%20the%20day.
4 https://www.self.com/story/retinol-cream-and-serum-tips
5 https://www.retinol.com/topical-retinoid-cream-vs-topical-retinoid-serum/
