
Lactic acid, glycolic acid, peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, vitamin C, and vitamin E | 1 ounce (Approx. We’ve noted how much you’re getting and the cost per ounce, so you can pick the best option for your budget. Price: Retinols can get pricey, but there are plenty of affordable options that work well too. Other active ingredients: While prescription retinoids tend to be vitamin A dominant, many over-the-counter retinols incorporate other ingredients to augment the effectiveness of the retinol (think added exfoliants, like glycolic or lactic acid) or contain soothing, hydrating ingredients to help combat any sensitivity, dryness, or irritation, like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. This information isn’t always readily available in a formulation, but we’ve noted when it is.
#RETIN A FOR WRINKLES SKIN#
Once your skin is adjusted, you can work up to stronger formulations, but you should pay close attention to how your skin reacts to the ingredient. The general recommendation is to go low and slow - using the mildest formulation necessary to reduce the chances of irritation and introducing it to your routine over time. You don’t want to go all in when you introduce the ingredient to your routine, as retinol is known for having an adjustment period, when skin is irritated, peeling, and sensitive. The higher the concentration, the more potent it is and thus the more dramatic the results. Retinol concentration: Retinols come in different strengths. Here are their suggestions.īest overall | Best less-expensive | Best for beginners | Best less-expensive for beginners | Best for longtime users | Best less-expensive for longtime users | Best for oily and acne-prone skin | Best for combination skin | Best less-expensive for combination skin | Best for sensitive skin | Best for dry skin | Best less-expensive for dry skin | Best for dark spots | Best less-expensive for dark spots | Best for neck To find the formulas that are effective without causing redness or peeling, we talked to ten dermatologists about the best over-the-counter retinol products for every skin type. one that’s much too harsh), and pretty much all of our experts agree you shouldn’t use it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, but other than that, Mitchell thinks that if you “start low and integrate retinols slowly into your skin-care regimen,” you should be in the clear.Įven though retinols are weaker than prescription retinoids, it can still be tricky to find the right one for your skin, especially if it’s hypersensitive. It’s true that it can exacerbate conditions like eczema if you use the wrong kind (a.k.a.

Hope Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Dermatology in Perrysburg, Ohio. And “contrary to some beliefs, retinol is perfectly safe to use on all skin types,” says Dr. Retinols, on the other hand, are a weaker form of vitamin A (which means they can be sold over the counter).

Retinols are a type of vitamin A called retinoids, and many retinoids - like Retin-A - do require a prescription. “It’s even been shown to increase collagen production and brighten and exfoliate skin,” she says.Īnd you don’t need a dermatologist to get the stuff.
#RETIN A FOR WRINKLES PLUS#
Retinol breaks down into retinoic acid on the skin, which acts like an antioxidant that helps reverse skin damage plus premature signs of aging and acne, says New York City–based dermatologist Dr. R etinol, a form of vitamin A that’s found in many anti-aging products, is considered amongst experts to be the gold standard for combating wrinkles and fighting acne. Photo-Illustration: The Strategist Photos: Retailers
