Ah retinol; we love it, but we have to admit we’re still a teensy bit afraid of it. Because while it can obviously work wonders in the wrinkle-reducing and skin-smoothing stakes (more on its impressive benefits here), anything that dermatologists say can only be used at night tends to sound a little scary.
Here’s the thing, though: it’s not that retinol should only come out at night because it’s the vampire of your skincare stash, it’s just that it doesn’t get along super well (or like at all, don’t test this theory) with the sun.
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But while we’re in self-isolation, and seeing the sun about as often as we’re seeing our friends on anything other than Facetime (welp), it’s actually a great time to give it a go – even during the day. Live dangerously, right? And by dangerously, we do of course mean as safely as humanly possible, ideally with the doors closed and blinds down.
Here are our retinol favourites, perfect for trialling while we’re in the safe (sunless) confines of our own homes.
Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster
This concentrated formula stimulates collagen production, works to repair sun damage and can also be used to effectively treat adult acne.
SkinCeuticals
If you’d categorise your complexion as ‘problematic’, this pure dose of retinol could be for you. Bear in mind, however, that it’s designed to deliver maximum efficacy, and so is suited to pre-conditioned skin already adjusted to the effects of retinol.
Essano
Essano Concentrated Serum Wrinkle Rescue – Natural Retinol
After a natural option? This plant-based retinol serum triggers the release of collagen to protect skin against future damage while reversing signs of damage accrued in the past.
Neutrogena
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair® Retinol Oil
Lightweight and fast absorbing, this oil is awesome for helping to reduce the appearance of those dark spots and deep, stubborn wrinkles getting on your nerves.
Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
Not sure how much is too much? It’s a slippery slope, we know. These clever capsules divvy out just the right amount, so you never go OTT.
Ultraderm
Ultraderm Rapid Retinol Concentrate
Packed with a blend of retinol and peptides, this complexion-reviving concentrate rejuvenates, refines and brightens skin, while also aiding in protecting your face from blue light damage caused by your electronic devices.
Nutrimetics
Nutrimetics Super C & Retinol Serum
Teaming retinol with another of our ingredient faves, vitamin C, this gentle yet effective serum delivers a supercharged dose of skin renewal in the form of some serious smoothing, firming and illuminating action.
Olay
Olay Eyes Collection – Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
The eye area is often the first part of our faces to show signs of ageing, so this eye-specific retinol is definitely worth trying if you’re looking to smooth it out and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
I've been scared of retinol in the past due to sensitive and reactive skin. The plant based retinol in the Essano serum might be worth a try.
Ya! Love. Tried and used 3 from the list. Was shocked (looking at ing…blah…but!), cheap version from Neutrogena paired with matching cream worked fastest and could actually see visible results in couple of weeks…instead of waiting for a year or so. PC is too exxy for 15mL. Saw no difference for super short time of usage. EA is super gentle and makes skin feel just healthy and smooth. Want to go on prescription though. Strongest stuff. My skin became too resilient
Would like to try the Neutrogena oil.
The Neutragena looks very good for the price
Looove a good retinol treatment!!! Have used Olay retinol eye treatment, its okay.
Very keen to try Essano's retinol offering and most of these on this list
I've used the Elizabeth Arden capsules and The Ordinary retinoid/retinol emulsion. Both were absolutely amazing and I still switch up between the 2. Will definitely give the Neutrogena a try once I run out of my current products
I want to give the Essano natural retinol a try
I use Skin Republic Retinol eye masks, and despite my skin being a bit on a sensitive side, I’ve never had any issue with them. I’d love to try the Elizabeth Arden capsules.
The EA capsules are fab!
I love the Olay Eyes. Its very awesome.
I really want to love retinols but I've been using Skinceuticals 1.0% for months and have not seen the amazing results?
Would love to try the EA capsules
I would love to try the Elizabeth Arden capsules – one day I will!
I am so overdue for a good scrub/mask moment – must do that tomorrow!
I have to say I have not tried any of these products with retinol. I wouldn't mind trying the Olay Eyes.
I love using a retinol serum
I've tried some of those pictured so I expect I've definitely used some retinol.
Another thing I think I'm missing! This site really complicates my beauty routine 😉
Definitely need to try all of those products so many to choose from.
Staring at a screen too long. I need the Olay eyes.
Would love to try
I'm trying to use up a tube of retinol, but I keep forgetting to use it. Yes, this is the perfect time to try retinol!
I've just finished The Ordinary Retinoid 2% and looking for something to replace it.
I also am liking the Elizabeth Arden capsules!
I've used the EA capsules in a trial and really liked them, they made my skin feel so soft and smooth 🙂
I do want to try the Neutragena retinol oil
I haven’t used Retinol before. I’m interested to try it but I’m not sure which one to go for
My favourite is the Neutrogena range – even over the Elizabeth Arden capsules. I get by far the best results from Neutrogena.
Im keen to try the Essano one.
Or just get the real deal from your GP and follow Dr davin recommendation it works cheaper in the long run and that what I'm doing awesome result. Tretinoin .025 mg and you get to go.
I have tried Neutrogena Retinol you only need a drop it goes a long way and feels a bit tingly but it feels great on nearly running out of it waiting for it to go on sale.
Love the sound of essano
Hi Bebe, have you tried the Drunk Elephant a-passioni? I have tried many retinol formulas and they all resulted in the creation of texture on my face, so I had given up. But, when I received a sample of the DE it completely changed for me. Within a month my lines and the size of my pores was greatly reduced. Mecca is selling a 10mL tube, which is a good size to try and has lasted me close to three months using it every other night.
Of course I don't actually have a massive understanding of retinol and when or how it conflicts with the sun and what not but doesn't this sort of contradict the idea of wearing sunscreen in self isolation? The article I was reading earlier was talking about how important it is to wear sunscreen in self isolation even if the lights and blinds are down, electronics can get in the way.
I guess I have to more undestand the mechanics behind retinol. Nonetheless awesome article and some great suggestions 🙂
I'm all about 1% these days. Need the strong stuff!
I I’ve been really happy with the Neutrogena retinol oil, best applied at least an hour before bed, it might just be me, but it feels a little sticky at first, then once it seeps in, its great. I finish off with the night cream
The EA worked well for me especially as I was new to retinol and wasn't sure what to expect. My skin was left so soft and smooth.
The neutragena oil does look good, I am still keen to try it
the Elizabeth Arden retinol capsules sound interesting , has anyone tried them?