What it does
Vitamin A derivative; gold standard for aging, photo-damage.
Performance by skin type & concern
| Skin type | Concern | Efficacy | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any | aging | 95/100 | 55/100 |
| Any | pigmentation | 80/100 | 55/100 |
Pairs well & pairs poorly with
Conflicts
- Glycolic Acid high Stacking high-strength acids with retinol can compromise the barrier.
- Salicylic Acid medium Combine cautiously; alternate nights for sensitive skin.
- Benzoyl Peroxide medium BPO can oxidize retinol; alternate AM/PM rather than mixing.
- Tea Tree Oil medium Both can sensitize; combination raises irritation risk.
- Mandelic Acid medium Even gentler AHAs add irritation risk on top of retinol.
Featured in products
See all →- Olay — Retinol24 Night Serum serum · premium
- Pilgrim — Retinol Night Serum serum · mid
- Sunday Riley — A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum serum · luxury
- The Derma Co — 0.3% Retinol Face Serum serum · mid
- The Ordinary — Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion serum · budget