What are the new EU rules for retinol?

Author: Gustave Kub  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

What are the new retinol legislations? The new rules which will be rolled out over 36 months and starting at the end of 2024 state that there will be a 0.3% retinol limit for skincare and face products and a 0.05% limit for bodycare going forward.

What is the 1 2 3 rule for retinol?

This is especially important when applying retinol for sensitive skin or dry skin. We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening.

What do Asians use instead of retinol?

Bakuchiol extract comes from the Babchi plant, known for its purple blossoms and its use in Chinese and Indian medicine. The extract can be found in daily moisturizers, serums and creams. “Bakuchiol is often used as a gentler alternative to retinol.

What are the rules for retinol?

Use retinol every other day rather than every day. Wait 30 minutes after washing your face before applying your retinol product. Avoid retinol products if you have a sunburn, broken skin or other skin irritations. Use SPF 30 and wear sun protective clothing and hats to reduce your exposure to the sun.

What are the side effects of long term use of retinol?

In addition to the 4 symptoms listed above, 10 other symptoms were classified as possibly related to retinol ingestion: alopecia, conjunctivitis, dysuria, epistaxis, exanthema, menstrual changes, musculoskeletal stiffness and pain, nausea or vomiting, peeling palms or soles, and skin infections.

ALTERNATIVES TO RETINOL - 2 X Better Anti-Aging

Which retinol is best for aging skin?

Retinol for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
  • Paula's ChoiceCLINICAL Anti-Aging 1% Retinol Treatment. ...
  • Kiehl's Since 1851Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide. ...
  • Sunday RileyA+ High-Dose Retinol Serum. ...
  • StriVectinSuper-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum.

Why are retinoids banned in Europe?

Because body products are used on larger areas of skin, they may contribute to higher levels of vitamin A in the bloodstream. By limiting the retinol concentration in body products to just 0.05%, the EU hopes to prevent higher concentrations of vitamin A from accumulating in the body.

What retinol does Jennifer Aniston use?

At night, Aniston treats her skin with a dose of retinol, specifically the Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum ($90).

What do Koreans use in place of retinol?

So what the Koreans actually use in place of retinol is red ginseng, which is a natural herb sourced skincare ingredient that does the job for them pretty well. Retinol serves an age reversing purpose, Koreans use ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants instead.

What is the best moisturizer to use after retinol?

The Best Moisturizers to Use After Retinol

Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrator, she says, while products with ceramides help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture. She also suggests using a formula that's fragrance-free (to prevent further irritation) and non-comedogenic (to avoid clogging pores).

Is 1% retinol too strong for me?

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.

Does CeraVe retinol work?

The verdict: CeraVe resurfacing retinol serum

Our tester loved the results and, after one month, they can really notice a difference in the fading of light marks. Plus, they're confident that these results will only improve with continued use.

What is the EU limit for retinol?

Effective from August 2022, the regulation limited the maximum concentration of Retinol in face and body care products. The maximum Retinol concentration is now 0.3% for face products and 0.05% for body products. It also completely bans use of Retinol in products intended for application on mucous membranes.

Can tretinoin worsen aging?

Tretinoin can indeed make your skin look younger since it works by increasing cell turnover, boosting collagen production, and reducing the breakdown of collagen. These actions help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improve tone and skin texture, and promote a more youthful complexion.

What percentage of retinol is in CeraVe?

This CeraVe serum retinol percentage is 0.3% encapsulated retinol..."

What retinol does Kim Kardashian use?

The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid is about to take your beauty routine to the next level. Back in January 2018, Kardashian said this retinoid had “so many benefits, like reducing dark spots, preventing wrinkles, smoothing fine lines and so much more,” according to Allure.

Does JLO use retinol?

Consistency is key for J. Lo. She incorporates retinol into her routine regularly to maintain her youthful glow.

What does Jennifer Aniston use under eyes?

Tatcha The Serum Eye Brightener Stick

Tatcha is beloved not just by Aniston but by a slew of celebrities with amazing skin, including Meghan Markle, Drew Barrymore and Selena Gomez.

Are retinoids bad for your liver?

Several retinoids (acitretin, etretinate, retinal acetate) have been associated with a clinically apparent acute liver injury which typically arises during the first 3 months of therapy, has many features of hypersensitivity and can be severe and even fatal.

What is the best retinol alternative?

We break down our list into serums, eye creams and moisturizers so you can find the retinol alternative that best fits into your skin care routine.
  • Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum. ...
  • Naturium Azelaic Acid Serum. ...
  • Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Resurfacing Serum. ...
  • Kora Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum.

Do you need prescription for tretinoin in Europe?

Tretinoin (also known as Retinoic-Acid) is the gold standard of Vitamin A and has always been available only by prescription in the UK. It's the most well-evidenced retinoid approved for the treatment of photodamage and acne, which in turn has many other skincare benefits. That's why we use it in our Klira Specials.

Is 70 too old to start retinol?

The good news is that it is never too late to start incorporating retinol into your skin care routine. People in the 60s and beyond have begun using retinol and still experienced results. Unsure of where and when to start using retinol? Let's get more specific.

Is 2.5% retinol too strong for wrinkles?

2.5% is quite a high percentage of retinol, therefore it could be too strong for beginners and cause the skin to become irritated. As mentioned above, if you're new to retinol we always recommend that you begin on the lowest strength and gradually work your way up for progressive visible results.

Is vitamin C or retinol better for older skin?

If you have dull and dry skin then you should try Vitamin C first. If your problem is fine lines and wrinkles then you should start incorporating Retinol into your daily skincare routine. Using both of these products together can work significantly fast in improving your skin and its texture.

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