Both products contain retinoids, but different types: Differin Gel contains 0.1% adapalene, whereas Cerave Retinol serum contains 0.3% encapsulated retinol.
Those with stubborn skin concerns, like deep wrinkles and pronounced uneven skin tone may want to consider a high percentage retinol cream, serum or treatment. But what percentage of retinol is effective? Look for formulations with a percentage between 0.3% and 1%, with retinol 1% being the strongest option.
Young agrees that it's best to start with a low percentage of retinol and then increase based on your skin's sensitivity. “If your skin tends to be sensitive and dry, then start with a lower strength like 0.3%, increase to 0.5% and then ultimately 1%, if you can tolerate it, over weeks to months," said Young.
The most effective of all the available retinoids is tazarotene 0.1%- which is available only by prescription.
Peace Out Retinol Face Stick
Packed into this easy-to-use stick is an effective three-percent blend of encapsulated retinol to soften fine lines, a blend of papaya and pumpkin enzymes to minimize pores, and bakuchiol to even out texture.
A 0.5-percent concentration is a good baseline.
For beginners, most dermatologists recommend a retinol with a concentration of 0.25 percent to one percent to see results. If your skin is not sensitive, you can usually tolerate something right in the middle; Dr.
1. SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream. Formulated with the highest concentration of 1.0% pure retinol and botanical extracts, this cream is enhanced with the latest stabilization and delivery technologies to preserve retinol potency and ensure maximum efficacy and stability.
The Ordinary Tip: Start with Retinol 0.2% in Squalane and slowly work your way up to Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and Retinol 1% in Squalane. That said, if you are prone to sensitivity, you may prefer to use newer retinoid technologies, such as those found in our Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion.
SkinCeuticals has retinol creams in three different concentrations. 0.3% retinol is the lightest cream and is the best one to start with. 0.5% retinol is a common starting point for many but it's a stronger dose of retinol. 1.0% retinol is the highest concentration of retinol.
Is it safe to use retinol every day? For most people, yes — once your skin is used to it, that is. That said, there are some people who may not want to use it frequently or at all.
0.3% – a relatively low but effective dose of retinol. "0.3% retinol is enough to give a good effect but also enough not to put the skin at risk or irritate the skin," continued Abi. "There are creams out there formulated at 1% and 2% but in my experience consumers don't always use retinol properly.
Use alone or under makeup once or twice per day. It may take your skin some time to get used to retinol, so plan to slowly work your way up to daily use.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is one of the most effective skincare products we've reviewed for improving the quality of skin and reducing visible skin damage. It contains many research backed ingredients at a relatively low price (compared to many other skincare brands).
“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.
If you're new to retinol, start off with a low dose of around 0.025%. If your skin has no adverse reactions, you can slowly move up to a higher percentage. (The highest percentage available without a prescription in Canada is 1%.)
What does retinol do for your skin? Retinol increases skin cell production (proliferation). It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
Houshmand recommends RoC's Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, which is one of the highest-strength retinol you can get over the counter, meaning you may see its resurfacing effects sooner than with other products.
Once your skin gets used to the low strength retinol it is time to move onto the medium strength retinols (concentrations from 0.04% to 0.3%). As we increase the concentration of retinol so you can expect to see added benefits especially with pigmentation marks, fine lines and even wrinkles.
What is the highest percentage of retinol available over the counter? According to Zeichner, most over-the-counter retinol products don't contain more than 1% retinol, though some products have up to 2% or higher. It's also important to keep in mind that a retinol concentration below 0.25% won't be effective.
Retinol and vitamin C products
Make sure to leave some space in your fridge for your retinol and vitamin C skincare, as these antioxidants can degrade much quicker and become unstable when exposed to heat and sunlight. Storing these products in the fridge keeps the formulas stable and helps with preservation.
Moderate-strength retinol – 0.03% to 0.3%
If you experience skin concerns like uneven skin tone or texture and a visible loss of firmness, try adding a stronger product to your routine: around 0.2% retinol is ideal. Start by using it for two or three nights every week, then build usage to see how your skin responds.
This is a very potent product and you should definitely not use it every day. I personally recommend using it 2 times a week if you are still in your mid to late twenties. Always remember to apply a sunscreen during the day if you have used this product in your PM routine.
The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion ($9.80) is a retinoid active, part of the family of age-defiers that helps reduce wrinkles. While retinoids (a.k.a. a vitamin A derivatives) often get a bad rep for being irritating, The Ordinary's formula is designed to make the serum gentle while still being effective.
The fact is, most topical retinoid serums tend to contain higher concentrations of the active ingredient. They also tend to be light to the touch and rarely leave behind a sticky residue. So in that case, it does appear that a serum is the “better” choice over a topical retinoid cream.
RETINOIC ACID (TRETINOIN)
Remember: Retinoic acid is the purest form of retinol. Since it doesn't need to be converted, it gets to work right away. That also means it can be harsh, drying, and irritating for most skin types. Because of this, it requires a prescription known as Retin-A or Retirides for the UK.