The Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream formula contains a strong 1% concentration of retinol, which is one of the highest concentrations you can get over-the-counter.
While an OTC retinol (0.5%-2% concentration) isn't quite as effective or speedy as prescription strength, it's less likely to cause irritation, redness, and peeling so better for anyone with sensitive or drier skin. But, proceed with caution. Dr.
OTC retinoids are widely available at your local drugstore or beauty product outlet. Here are some of the options to consider: Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream: Ideal for drier skin, this cream-based retinol helps reduce wrinkles while also improving skin tone.
In general, retinoids are stronger than retinol. They contain a higher concentration of the product, and the molecular structure of vitamin A in this form allows it to turn over skin cells at a faster rate than retinol.
Both Differin Gel and CeraVe retinol serum are retinoid products. Their retinol percentage is at 0.1%, which dermatologists recommend for all skin types.
Yes, retinol can do all that, which is why derms hand out prescriptions Oprah-style to patients with all kinds of skin concerns. While Rx products tend to have more powerful retinoids and more noticeable results, there are plenty of drugstore retinol creams you can buy—without a prescription and usually for less money.
The drug is available in three forms: Cream: 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% strength. Gel: 0.01% and 0.025% strength. Liquid: 0.05% strength.
The strongest of topical retinoids is tazarotene (also known as Tazorac), a retinoid that binds to both the beta and gamma retinoic acid receptors in the skin. It's used to address concerns such as acne, psoriasis, and photo damage of the skin.
This is a low but effective dose which is enough to provide skin with all the benefits of retinol without the irritation. The 1.5% on the packaging refers to the formula it sits in, which includes ingredients such as matrixyl 3000, a protein thought to increase collagen production and promote plump skin.
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
This pick boasts 1% retinol—the highest concentration without a prescription.
If you have mild or moderate acne, both tretinoin and adapalene are likely to produce a lasting, significant improvement if used consistently. On the whole, studies comparing tretinoin and adapalene typically find that tretinoin is slightly more effective as an acne treatment.
025% tretinoin cream produced similar results in overall improvement in photoaging of the face, the stronger concentration of tretinoin had “statistically significantly greater” side effects, including redness and skin peeling.
Tretinoin strength studies
While both were equally effective over a one year period, Tretinoin 0.1% was able to achieve cosmetic improvement in 6 months while 0.05% required closer to 12 months. Finally, 0.025% was compared to 0.1% and it was found that both produced similar improvements in photoaging.
Insurance coverage of a prescription retinoid, like Retin-A, varies by plan, and a 20-gram tube will cost about $75. But generic tretinoin costs about $40—not bad for a product guaranteed (by decades of science) to work. (For now, only tretinoin is available in a generic version.)
Retinol is a gentler derivative of vitamin A and can be found in lots of over-the-counter skin care products (i.e. moisturizers, serums, eye creams). Because retinol is milder, the enzymes in our skin must first convert it into retinoic acid. Once it's been converted, then it will be become effective.
“Studies suggest you need to use at least 0.25% retinol or 0.025% tretinoin to be effective, so I recommend using a product that specifies the percentage.” When choosing a retinol product, Dr. Rogers says it's best to start with the lowest concentration before moving up.
Try Neutrogena® Rapid Wrinkle Repair® Retinol Oil. This lightweight, fast-absorbing retinol oil is enriched with 0.3% retinol SA which provides more benefits than other forms of vitamin A for visible results in just 1 week.
Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel, for example, can help treat acne. Studies have found evidence to suggest adapalene is just as effective as stronger retinoids, but the skin tends to tolerate it better.
Retinoids work best if you use them daily. Specifically, they should be used at night because some types are deactivated by light and air. It's important to start slowly and allow your skin time to adjust. Using too much too quickly can cause redness, dryness, and irritation.
Tretinoin (aka retinoic acid) is a prescription retinoid you can get from a doctor. It's 20 times more potent than OTC retinol and achieves faster results 1. Tretinoin is also the only FDA-approved retinoid to treat photoaging (i.e., premature skin aging due to long-term sun exposure).
Tazarotene 0.1% gel (once daily) is more effective than tretinoin 0.025% gel (once daily) in reducing the numbers of papules and open comedones, and achieves a more rapid reduction in pustules in mild to moderate facial acne. Alternate-day tazarotene 0.1% gel is as effective as once-daily adapalene 0.1% gel.
"You can use tretinoin or [over-the-counter] retinols forever."