Both Differin Gel and CeraVe retinol serum are retinoid products. Their retinol percentage is at 0.1%, which dermatologists recommend for all skin types.
CeraVe's retinol products are gentle enough to use every day. Whether you're wondering how to use retinol for acne, or looking to add an anti-aging serum to your skincare routine, or minimize the look of hyperpigmentation, we have a retinol formula just for you.
High-strength retinol – 0.3%-1%
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. Look for those with a retinol percentage of between 0.3% and 1%.
“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,” Dr. Rogers explains. When choosing a retinol product for the first time, it's best to start with the lowest concentration before moving up.
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (previously known as Advanced Retinoid 2%) is a water-based serum with two next-generation retinoids. Please note that you may receive a bottle marked Advanced Retinoid 2%, as packaging updates are still in progress. The formula is the same.
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.
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
The brand makes a handful of retinol products, but the Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is the one that really packs a punch. It contains 1% pure retinol, making it one of the strongest over the counter retinol options on the market.
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 retinol product to your routine such as 0.03% to 0.2% retinol products. Start by using 2-3 nights a week and build usage to see how your skin responds.
Later studies evaluated Tretinoin 0.05%. 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.
25%, which may not give you the full benefits of retinol. “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.”
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.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream is a non-comedogenic, anti-aging moisturizer with SPF and encapsulated retinol that is gradually released into your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without irritation.
If any side effects or irritation occur, it's best to space out applications until your skin adjusts. This might mean applying a retinol serum every third evening, and gradually increasing application to every other night and then every night as the skin's tolerance increases.
“The new generation of products release retinol slowly into the skin to minimize irritating effects, giving flexibility of use whenever it fits into your daily routine,” Zeichner said.
Tretinoin usually comes in three strengths, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%. The stronger 0.05% and 0.1% creams are usually used to treat the appearance of wrinkles. The 0.1% cream may have better results for some people, but it can be harsher, so if your skin is sensitive, you may find the 0.05% cream is best for you.
005% (low strength) tretinoin cream, which provides an optimal combination of effectiveness and tolerable side effects for most patients. If this cream isn't effective, your doctor might recommend switching to a stronger tretinoin cream.
'However, a skin with no retinol experience should always start low (with 0.3%) and increase the level (to 0.5% and then 1%) with each bottle. If the skin is quite sensitive just stay with 0.3%.
Hyaluronic acid is best if they're looking to moisturize dry skin, while retinol works better by encouraging better skin by boosting collagen production. They have several benefits that can work in tandem for better results, though patients need to be careful with the exact formulations they use.
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 truth: You can use vitamin C with retinol and retinoids. Get them as separate products so you can tailor the concentration of each and use them at the right time of day. Although vitamin C can be used day or night, it is ideal for daytime use, while retinol and retinoids should be applied at night.
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.
Roc Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream
RoC doesn't list a percentage on the cream, meaning it could be anywhere from 0.1-1%. If your skin is acclimated to a very low amount of retinol, apply this slowly at first. Why you'll love it: Affordable.
No7 Retinol Night Concentrate has a unique combination of 0.3% Retinol + Retinol Optimiser AND our powerhouse Matrixyl 3000 plus™ to deliver age-defying results.