Best retinol on Reddit
165 reviews from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/SkincareAddiction, r/EuroSkincare and 19 more subreddits
165 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
The Ordinary
4.2
(24)
"Works like a dream and is super inexpensive."
"I had no issues at all while using that."
"Made wonders for me in just two weeks."
"Loved it."
"The Ordinary is very affordable!"
"I use retinol from The Ordinary which is oil based and my skin loves it."
"People on this sub poo poo on the ordinary but I've been using their retinoids for 7 years now and they're very effective."
"I've been really enjoying their 0.2% retinal, it really helps with redness, dullness and pigmentation."
"If you wanted to step up a bit."
"Both are gentle and effective!"
#2
Differin
4.5
(13)
"OR Differin Acne Treatment Gel with 0.1% Adapalene for her PM routine."
"The differin is truly a game changer for my skin. I see the difference immediately."
"Adapalene (doesn't have to be brand Differin) is OTC in some countries and will be the most affordable and effective option."
"It’s medical grade retinoid and you can purchase it over the counter for less than 20 bucks."
"Retinoid: Differin or Retinol: Cerave"
"My mother, who will be 69, swears by Differin and she looks great!"
"Has been working great for me."
"I think this might be the thing for your situation."
"I use Differin every other evening, over top of my moisturizer."
"It’s helped my acne a LOT."
#3
CeraVe
4.1
(13)
"Both of them are very good, would recommend."
"Retinoid: Differin or Retinol: Cerave"
"If your mom doesn’t want to start prescription tret then she can use CeraVe retinol."
"It's quite good. I've used one bottle."
"It's definitely a great beginner retinol and possibly a good one for sensitive skin."
"Either of the Cerave ones... they’re amazing."
"Cerave Skin Renewing Retinol Serum."
"I think a good beginner retinol would be CereVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum."
"Definitely Cerave’s resurfacing serum! I’m finding now though that I can probably take a step up from this."
"I am sensitive combo, mild acne in check."
#4
Medik8
4.5
(10)
"It is so gentle and effective."
"It has levels and good advice on introducing in stages."
"Medik8 Retinal is 12/10!"
"I just started with Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1. It is incredible."
"I’m seeing a difference with minimal side effects."
"I enjoyed Medik8 crystal retinal before I switched to tret."
"Haven’t gotten any issues from that."
"The medik8 crystal retinal or the bondi sands baby face."
"Medik8 Crystal Retinal! The “3” strength has been super gentle for me."
#5
Olay
3.9
(8)
"Let her try Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer cream, Fragrance free"
"Start with the olay or Neutrogena retinol night cream."
"The cream would be the Olay Retinol 24 Night Cream."
"Fragrance free, also has peptides and niacinamide."
"I use Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer 2x/week."
"I like the Olay retinol nightcream, it's super moisturizing for my combo skin."
"Retinol creams like Olay retinol 24."
"I started using Olay 24 w/ retinol last week and within a few days of using it at night my skin was burning, dry, and irritated."
#6
Tretinoin
5.0
(6)
"The best thing you could do is go to a derm and get a prescription for Tretinoin."
"My first 30gm (1 oz) tube of tretinoin.025% lasted a year."
"I use Tret now but have enjoyed both differin and A313."
"Tretinoin .0025 or if you've sensitive skin .001"
"Pharmaceutical tretinoin creams do wonders without breaking your wallet!!"
"Honestly nothing compares to tretinoin. Grab a script from your GP."
#7
Good Molecules
4.3
(7)
"She did not experienced break outs or irritation."
"One of my favorite starters!"
"I have had no problems with these."
"Just finishing the first tube of Good Molecules ($8) .. took forever to finish it."
"Good molecules gentle retinol cream."
"I used Good Molecules then Some By Mi. Mas bet ko Some By Mi."
"Good molecules retinol. Ok siyang retinol for beginners."
#8
Neutrogena
4.7
(6)
"Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ 0.3% Night Cream"
"Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ 0.5% Power Serum"
"If you liked the Neutrogena, they make a stronger version too!"
"That's the most beginner friendly."
"Has a track record of being effective."
"I used to use its Retinol Pro night cream."
#9
SkinBetter
4.8
(5)
"Skinbetter Alpharet is a very gentle yet effective retinol."
"Skinbetter alpharet is great for sensitive skin."
"I use the intensive one every night with zero irritation"
"The only retinol i can use is skinbetter alpharet. zero irritation or dryness."
"My intro to retinol was skinbetter’s alpharet and it was great."
#10
Adapalene
4.3
(4)
"If not breastfeeding, get Adapalene. It's science backed and available without a prescription."
"That’s the strongest without a prescription. Start slow, 2-3X a week and stay moisturized and use sunblock."
"If you’re in the US, adapalene can be purchased OTC."
"Skip it and get adapalene. apply to dry skin."
#11
The Inkey List
4.0
(4)
"Very effective and affordable!"
"I use the Inkey list retinol, the one without the percentage on the packaging."
"I've seen a noticeable improvement in my skin texture."
"I have been on the inkey list retinol, and I haven’t had any reactions, but I still haven’t seen any major difference."
#12
Byoma
3.8
(4)
"Byoma's sensitive retinol serum."
"I just started using the byoma retinol once a week."
"I just started using the byoma retinol once a week."
"I use the byoma retinol right now it's pretty affordable (20 ish bucks)."
#13
A313
7.0
(2)
"A313 from French Pharmacy. It’s 10000/10 the best."
"Not lux, but you should try A313."
#14
Foxtale
5.0
(2)
"I have been using foxtale one and it did not cause any breakouts"
"The Foxtale retinol is so good, it's lightweight and makes your skin so bouncy, my pores have visibly reduced in appearance and my scars are fading"
#15
Retinal
4.5
(2)
"Use retinal, its more gentle."
"I would go for retinAl instead of otc retinol."
#16
Paula's Choice
4.5
(2)
"I love Paula’s Choice, I’ve been using it for years now."
"I heard the Paula’s choice one is the highest concentration after prescription products."
#17
Versed
4.5
(2)
"I've absolutely loved it. It's formulated for retinol beginners."
"Versed Press Restart!"
#18
Summer Fridays
4.5
(2)
"1000% Summer Fridays! That retinol eye serum is phenomenal."
"I’ve been using the Summer Fridays one for a while and like it!"
#19
La Roche-Posay
4.5
(2)
"LRP retinol + B3, it's 0.3%."
"Both are gentle, fragrance-free, and good for acne scars and pores."
#20
Sunday Riley
4.5
(2)
"I've been using Sunday Riley high dose retinoid 3 days a week and tazorac (Rx) 4x/week while my skin becomes completely retinized."
"Sunday Riley."
#21
Geek and Gorgeous
4.0
(2)
"It’s a pretty beginner friendly strength as retinaldehyde is stronger than retinol."
"Geek and Gorgeous A Game 5 is 0.05% retinal, which is a gentle form."
#22
Skinmedica
4.0
(2)
"I tried skinmedica 0.3 retinol as a beginner and it has been great."
"Skinmedica 0.25 is moisturizing as well as not harsh."
#23
EGA
3.5
(2)
"Ega night cream is really good!"
"I am presently using EGA night cream but its heavy i dont like it."
#24
Beauty of Joseon
3.5
(2)
"Beauty of Joseon Revive with Ginseng and Retinal. People use it as an eye cream but you can use it all over your face."
"Haven’t started using it personally but planning on working it into my own routine"
#25
Drunk Elephant
5.0
(1)
"It’s the best OTC Retinol I’ve ever used."
#26
nø cosmetics
5.0
(1)
"Nø cosmetics Nachtcreme Vitamin A"
#27
Eau Thermale Avene
5.0
(1)
"I’ve never looked back! It is the most expensive skincare item I use by a mile but is truly worth it."
#28
Naturium
5.0
(1)
"Naturium Retinal is great."
#29
Adapco
5.0
(1)
"Adapco gel. Cheapest plus works the best for starters"
#30
Jm Solution
5.0
(1)
"I've been using Jm solution skin boost retinol serum consistently, and it’s worked really well for me."
#31
Leahlani
5.0
(1)
"Very sensitive skin. She formulated this like a wizard!"
#32
Enprani
5.0
(1)
"Is truly the best."
#33
Sesderma
5.0
(1)
"Sesderma Retises"
#34
Curology
5.0
(1)
"If you can get a prescription for Tretinoin from your doctor, it would be much more effective."
#35
phdoctorlab
5.0
(1)
"This one is brilliant, currently using it. Once the skin is used to it it can be used on your eyes too, and everyday."
#36
Musely
5.0
(1)
"You can do an online consultation with a dermatologist and they will prescribe a compounded Tretinoin cream."
#37
Innis Free
5.0
(1)
"I highly highly suggest it, especially for beginners."
#38
Alpha
5.0
(1)
"Alpha ret - its a game changer."
#39
Skin-A
5.0
(1)
"If you have a budget of 2k for retinol, go to a derm and get a prescription instead. skin-a, adapco, tracnesan are all cheap and available easily on pharmacies."
#40
Vichy
4.0
(1)
"I like the Vichy retinol serum, but it’s 0.2%... that being said, I think too much attention shouldn't be given to the percentage; in my opinion, the formula and stability are more important."
#41
IOPE
4.0
(1)
"I'd recommend either IOPE or Mary&May."
#42
Primera
4.0
(1)
"I like the primera vitanol serum- it has both vit c and retinol and is fairly gentle imo!"
#43
Obagi
4.0
(1)
"My Derm recommended Obagi’s Retivance."
#44
ROC
4.0
(1)
"Is really quality stuff."
#45
Walgreens
4.0
(1)
"It’s pretty gentle and has other ingredients like niacinamide, squalene, ceramides."
#46
Arazlo
4.0
(1)
"I’ve been really enjoying it."
#47
Cantabria Lab
4.0
(1)
"They leave your skin smooth and didn't have any issue."
#48
AccuFix Cosmetics
4.0
(1)
"A good place to start would be AccuFix Cosmetics’ Retin-oil 0.2% Serum."
#49
SVR
4.0
(1)
"Has 0.1% of retinol and contains novectin a proven retinol precursor."
#50
L'Oreal
4.0
(1)
"I use it for anti-aging along with their glycolic acid."
#51
Some By Me
4.0
(1)
"It's a nice place to start."
#52
K SECRET
4.0
(1)
"My skin has been loving it! Definitely slight purging to begin with but nothing crazy."
#53
Maelove
4.0
(1)
"Maelove."
#54
SkinMedica
4.0
(1)
"SkinMedica."
#55
Allies of Skin
4.0
(1)
"Allies of Skin Midnight Courage Oil."
#56
G&G
4.0
(1)
"G&G A game retinal serum is nice, has a 0.05 and a 0.1 strength."
#57
Paula’s Choice
4.0
(1)
"It’s a gentle beginner retinol."
#58
Superdrug
4.0
(1)
"It was a very good retinol."
#59
Goldbond
4.0
(1)
"Ppl rave about goldbond retinol lotion being inexpensive and effective, just bought it myself."
#60
L’Oreal
4.0
(1)
"I’ve used this with no peeling etc."
#61
Korean Brand
3.0
(1)
"Went down a Korean brand retinol alternative rabbit hole recently."
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