Must-Have Retinol Serums for Age-Defying Results in 2024
Retinol is a hero ingredient in most skincare routines. It uniquely targets multiple skin concerns such as acne, texture, fine lines, wrinkles, dull complexion and dark spots. However, one major downside of retinol is the increased sun sensitivity, dryness and potential irritation when beginning treatment.
In this article, you’ll learn how retinol works in skincare, what the different types are and their benefits. We break down the best retinol serums of 2024 and help you choose the perfect one for your skin type. Learn about the key ingredients and formulations to look out for and how to incorporate them into your daily skincare regime.
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Learn about the mechanisms behind retinoids and how they can benefit your skin
We explore the six best retinol serums for age-defying outcomes
New to retinoids? We help you make the most of your skincare products from day one
Protect your skin and enhance your results with these must-have ingredients to pair with retinol
The Science Behind Retinol and Its Anti-Ageing Properties
Decoding How Retinol Works on the Skin
Retinol (a form of vitamin A) is one of the most popular and effective anti-ageing treatments in skincare because of its high absorbance and the ability to target multiple skin concerns at once.
Retinoids deeply penetrate the skin and bind to nuclear receptors, modifying the local gene expression. This changes the cellular behaviour - particularly promoting cell turnover, collagen synthesis, hyaluronic acid replenishment and antioxidant action. Retinol is the ultimate ingredient to fight wrinkles, fine lines, damage, sagging skin and dark spots. Explore the benefits of retinol below:
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Boost cell turnover - Retinol primarily encourages cellular renewal which can help resurface old, or damaged skin cells and give the appearance of a younger complexion. They also compact the outer layers of skin which helps improve moisture barrier function and boosts skin radiance.
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Stimulate collagen production - Retinoids stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronate (HA), which are crucial for maintaining skin structure and hydration. They also slow the degradation of these compounds, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
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Free radical scavenging - retinol captures and neutralises free radicals which otherwise damage skin and protein structures.
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Boosts hydration - Retinol also boosts the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans which contribute to skin hydration and plumpness.
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Clogged pores, acne and scars - Retinol reduces excess sebum production and resurfaces the top layers of skin. It helps unclog pores prevent breakouts and smooth acne scars and pigmentation.
The Role of Concentration and Formula Stability
Retinol serums can cause initial skin irritation as a side effect. Some users experience skin flaking, dryness and susceptibility to sun damage but choosing the right formula can mitigate these risks.
Some plant-based extracts such as Magnolia, Ginkgo and Raspberry, have been shown to reduce retinol’s irritation on the skin. Choosing a lower concentration of retinol may be less irritating than stronger formulations. Moreover, some types of retinoids such as retinyl esters and adapalene are less potent than retinal or retinoic acid.
Potency of different types of retinoids:
- Retinol - standard potency is generally well-tolerated and effective for anti-ageing
- Retinoic acid - around 20x more powerful than retinol and may also be more irritating
- Retinal - this derivative of retinol is 10x more potent than retinol and can also be more irritating
- Retinyl Esters - the most gentle form of retinol may not be as powerful but can be more suitable to very sensitive complexions
- Adaptalene - this kind of retinol is usually mild and can be used to treat acne, age spots and lacklustre skin.
Best Retinol Serums for Exceptional Anti-Aging Effects
1. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum 30ml
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum gently buffs even the most sensitive skin, helping to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and pores. This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum contains encapsulated retinol to reach deep layers of the skin without causing excessive irritation. This cream-gel serum works to target impurities on all skin types, including dry skin and sensitive complexions. Formulated with three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and liquorice root extract, CeraVe also helps restore the protective skin barrier and improve the overall appearance of dull skin.
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| Reduces the appearance of post-acne marks and pores, Buffs away textural irregularities, Improves skin tone, Lightweight and fast absorbing, Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free |
| Possible Downsides |
| Initial dry skin or irritation (all retinol products are associated with risks of irritation), Sensitivity to UV damage (requires sun protection), Retinol may cause initial purging |
| Active Ingredients |
| Encapsulated Retinol, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Liquorice Root Extract, Hyaluronic Acid |
| Price |
| €24.00 |
2. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum 30ml
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum is an anti-ageing concentrate that combines pure and gradual-release retinol with vitamin B3 (niacinamide). This formulation helps to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, smooth out impurities, and improve overall skin radiance. This formulation uses 0.3% retinol and has been shown to improve texture on all skin types including sensitive skin. Moreover, this serum helps to target premature damage and make your skin appear more youthful.
“Very Effective - could feel a difference in one night. Skin was smoother next morning”
| Benefits |
|---|
| Reduces deep wrinkles, Smooths uneven skin tone, Improves skin radiance, Suitable for sensitive and combination skin, Minimises irritation |
| Possible Pain Points |
| Potentially irritating on dry skin, Requires consistent use of sunscreen, Possible purging phase |
| Active Ingredients |
| Retinol (vitamin A), Retinyl Palmitate (retinyl ester), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Hyaluronic acid |
| Price |
| €48.00 |
3. Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 30ml
Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum is a potent yet gentle formula that accelerates the renewal process for smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. It features a tri-active retinol technology that delivers a fast-acting and a time-released retinol, in addition to a retinol booster to maximise efficacy while minimising irritation. 92% of users said they had smoother skin after eight weeks and 99% said it was gentle enough for nightly use.
| Benefits |
|---|
| Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, Improves skin firmness and elasticity, Smooths skin texture, Fast-acting yet gentle, Clinically proven results |
| Possible Pain Points |
| Initial irritation or dryness, Sun sensitivity (requires sun protection), Higher price point |
| Active Ingredients |
| Tri-Active retinol technology (fast-acting Retinoid, time-released retinol and retinol booster), Hyaluronic acid, Swertia Flowe extract |
| Price |
| €99.00 |
4. The Inkey List Retinol Serum 30ml
The Inkey List Retinol Serum offers an affordable, effective option for those looking to incorporate retinol into their skincare routine. It features 1% stabilised retinol combined with 0.5% granactive retinoid to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This is an excellent serum to get started with retinol, it contains a gentle, yet effective dose and also includes squalane and a dual complex of collagen-boosting peptides. For the price tag, it's a no-brainer that the product is worth a try.
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| Beginner serum helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, Improves skin texture, Affordable, Contains a blend of retinoids for gentle but effective treatment, Lightweight and easy to layer |
| Possible Pain Points |
| Potential for initial irritation or dryness, Requires sun protection, Retinol purging period, Some users find the formula sticky |
| Active Ingredients |
| 1% Stabilized Retinol, 0.5% Granactive Retinoid, Squalane, Hyaluronic acid |
| Price |
| €15.99 |
5. Skingredients Retinol 1% + B3 Anti-Ageing Night Serum
Skingredients Retinol 1% + B3 Anti-Ageing Night Serum is designed to target signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. This serum combines 1% retinol with niacinamide and HA to enhance skin comfort, reduce irritation and boost the efficacy of skin-transforming retinol. Achieve a brighter, smoother and more even tone with the improved delivery system.
| Why We Love It |
|---|
| Reduces fine lines and wrinkles, Smooths skin tone, Boosts skin radiance, Combines retinol with niacinamide to reduce irritation, Supports the moisture barrier function and reduces moisture loss |
| Possible Pain Points |
| Initial irritation or dryness - take care to use a small amount first and sandwich with moisturiser, Increases sun sensitivity (requires sun protection), Retinol usually has a purging period |
| Active Ingredients |
| 1% Retinol, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Hyaluronic acid, Emollients (soothe and hydrate) |
| Price |
| €55.00 |
How to Integrate Retinol Serums into Your Skincare Routine
Retinol is one of the more challenging ingredients to incorporate into your routine because of possible irritation, increased sensitivity to the sun and other possible side effects. Learn about how to choose the most appropriate formula for your skin type before starting a liquid retinol.
Understanding Your Skin Type and Retinol
Sensitive or dry skin may be more susceptible to the side effects of retinol usage. It can cause dryness, flaking and irritation exacerbating your skin concerns. You should opt for moisturising agents and barrier-boosting ingredients to help your skin hold moisture and reduce irritation. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the perfect retinoid for dry and sensitive skin as it contains three essential ceramides and HA to hydrate and support the moisture barrier.
Another suitable product is the La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum. It contains a gentle concentration of retinol (0.3%) and is effective on sensitive skin complexions. The Inkey List Retinol Serum contains peptides to enhance skin hydration and a gentle dose of slow and fast-acting retinol for gentle yet effective treatment.
If you’re looking for a retinol for oily, acne-prone skin, you should consider a non-comedogenic formula. Although popular, Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil, designed to target imperfections, contains skin-clogging ingredients and should be avoided for oily or acne-prone skin. Lightweight formulas such as the The Inkey List Retinol serum or the La Roche Posay Retinol + B3 serum can help to clear textural irregularities and pigmentation in acne-prone skin. For more severe acne, build your way up to the Skingredients 1% retinol night serum for the ultimate skin renewal treatment.
How to start using a retinol serum
Whatever retinol product you decide on, safety is the number one priority. Retinol can cause initial skin irritation, dryness, flakiness and increased sensitivity to the sun. Here’s our advice for incorporating retinol into your skincare routine
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Retinyl esters and adaptalene are gentler forms of retinol with retinoic acid and retinal being stronger formulations. Choose these if you have sensitive skin.
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A concentration of 0.3-0.6% is more appropriate for first-time retinol users, stronger formulations can cause irritation and should only be used when your skin can tolerate lower concentrations.
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To slow down the absorbance of retinol (ideally when starting a new formula) sandwich it with a moisturiser to reduce irritation.
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To increase absorption, apply to clean, damp skin (be cautious with higher concentrations)
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Pair with hydrating serums to fight the initial irritation
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Don’t pair with skincare acid serums or another retinol cream
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Always use sun protection when using a retinol treatment
Skincare Products to Use with Retinol Serums
Hydrators and Moisturisers: Enhancing Retinol Efficacy
The key ingredients to pair with retinol are hydrators, barrier-boosting ingredients, emollients and peptides.
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Hydrators draw moisture into the skin and help reduce water loss, skin flaking and irritation. Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin or polyglutamic acid.
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Barrier-boosting ingredients help prevent water loss. Look for high molecular weight HA, ceramides, fatty acids and beta-glucans.
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Emollients are fat-based components which nourish and hydrate the skin. Use a face cream, lotion or salve to supply the skin with much-needed hydration.
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Peptide serums are helpful for quenching skin and reducing water loss and enhancing the skin’s natural resilience.
For an all-in-one anti-ageing radiance serum, try the Skingredients Skin Protein Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum which contains peptides, micronised hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, emollients, lipids, retinol and antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and resveratrol.
Antioxidants to Boost the Benefits of Retinol
Retinol has antioxidant properties but it’s common to pair it with other antioxidants like vitamin C serums, ferulic acid or CoQ10 serums - they work with retinol to fight the signs of ageing and slow down further skin damage. Here are our favourite antioxidant serums to pair with retinol.
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Vitamin E
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Resveratrol
Questions:
What's the Ideal Frequency for Applying Retinol Serums?
Start using retinol 2-3 times a week and gradually increase the frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Adjust usage based on specific product guidelines and your skin's reaction to avoid irritation. It’s safe to use retinol nightly but apply sunscreen daily to avoid UV damage.
Can Retinol Serums Be Used Under the Eyes?
Use retinol serum with auction around the eyes. Start with lower concentrations and apply a very small amount.
How Long Does It Take to See the Effects of Retinol?
Skin irregularities reduce after 4-6 weeks, with more significant results appearing after consistent use for 2-3 months. Continued use for 6+ months often targets deep wrinkles and firms tired skin.
Is It Necessary to Use Retinol Every Day?
You don’t need to use retinol every day initially; start with 2-3 times a week and increase frequency as tolerated. Daily use can be beneficial once your skin has adjusted and shows few signs of irritation long-term.
