“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.
Moderate percentages of retinol (0.03% to 0.3%) give you results faster than lower percentages of retinol. Research shows that retinol concentrations of 0.03% and greater could counteract the visible effects of environmental damage and visible thinning of skin.
There are three standard percentages of prescriptive retinoic acid: 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%. Most dermatologists will start you on a 0.025% and slowly advance the concentration over time, with visible results seen as early as six weeks or as late as six months. It all depends on how your skin reacts and acclimates.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Both Differin Gel and CeraVe retinol serum are retinoid products. Their retinol percentage is at 0.1%, which dermatologists recommend for all skin types.
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.
Pairing the two ingredients is safe and can make retinol easier to use. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin, which reduces the risk of irritation caused by retinol. Niacinamide and retinol can be combined in one product or used as separate products.
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.
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.
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.
'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%.
Retinal + Retinaldehyde
Retinal is stabilized and is known to help provide clearer looking and feeling skin. “Retinal is more effective than retinol and less irritating than a prescription Rx, which makes it reliable at delivering swift results,” says Cline.
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.
This supercharged concentrate actively targets the visible sign of ageing and dullness to kick start surface skin renewal from the very first application, working night after night to deliver visibly younger looking skin.
It's 0.3% retinol (a percentage specifically chosen because No7's trials showed it produced effective results with little irritation) mixed with other milder retinoids and active ingredients.
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.
Designed to minimise fine lines and reduce the signs of aging, Retinol 0.2% In Squalene is a water-free, solution that should be used daily as part of your evening skincare regime. Thin and lightweight, use sparingly to build skin's retinol tolerance and create effective results.
The Ordinary also have a Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalene or Emulsion formulas. These are more suitable for people with already sensitive or compromised skin and can also be used around the sensitive eye area, unlike the Retinol formulas.
It's best to apply Vitamin C before Retinol, as Vitamin C has a lower pH than Retinol. Once your skin absorbs the Vitamin C serum, your skin will return to its regular pH levels after 30 minutes or so. (You want your skin to return to its normal pH levels so vitamin C doesn't lower the pH of retinol.)
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
A combination of retinoids and humectants such as niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid can help slow down TEWLs during application of retinoid. Hyaluronic Acid is an excellent ingredient to alleviate some of these concerns.