6 Best Retinol Creams For Beginners – 2023
Collagen synthesizing formulas that delay the aging process and offer a youthful glow.
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
If you are new to the whole self-care game and don’t know what to buy, start with the best retinol cream for beginners. Retinol has been used in several creams and gels to slow down the process of aging by penetrating the deeper layers of skin, which stimulates collagen production and regeneration. To say ‘goodbye’ to those fine lines and ‘hello’ to healthy and glowing skin, take a look at some of the best retinol creams to get you started. What are you waiting for? Scroll down to check them out!
Note: Be cautious while selecting a retinol cream as some of them can irritate your skin.
In This Article
6 Best Retinol Creams For Beginners
1. Best Overall:RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream
The Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream by RoC is an ideal choice for beginners. It is an overnight skin repairing cream that leaves your skin smooth and soft and reduces scars and wrinkles while you are sleeping. This cream is enriched with retinol that accelerates the removal of old skin cells that make your skin look dull, making your skin look vibrant and healthy. It also contains hyaluronic acid that hydrates and plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Check out this review of the retinol cream on YouTube if you require more details about this product!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Value for money
- No harsh chemicals
- No artificial fragrance
Cons
- Strong scent
2. Best Dermatologically-Tested:Baebody Retinol Moisturizer
This dermatologically tested cream from Baebody is ideal for combination, oily, and dry skin types. It is infused with accelerated retinol and other potent ingredients like vitamin B5, shea butter, and jojoba oil that form a powerful formula to fight skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation. This cream possesses anti-aging properties and helps visibly fade wrinkles and fine lines. If you are still unsure about this retinol product from Baebody Beauty, you can check this personal review video.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Color-free
- Sulfate-free
- Value for money
- Cruely free
- Gluten-free
- GMO-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- Contains alcohol
3. Best Against Wrinkles:Obagi Medical 360 Retinol Moisturizer Cream
The Obagi Medical 360 Retinol Moisturizer Cream helps to revive your skin and improves dull skin tone. This premium retinol formula is made using Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 Technology. Retinol 1.0 gently refines skin texture while drastically decreasing the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines. Obagi’s Retinol has entrapment technology, allowing it to be effective without irritating your skin. It also improves skin elasticity and discoloration, resulting in a more even complexion. It is dermatologically tested and is suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- SLES free
- Phthalate-free
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
None
4. Best Lightweight:Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
Image: Neutrogena The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream is a beginner-friendly night cream suitable for all skin types. It is infused with accelerated retinol and hyaluronic acid that regenerate, moisturize, and smoothen the skin. The Glucose Complex in the formula strengthens the skin barrier and visibly fades wrinkles and fine lines. This super-effective moisturizer helps hydrate your skin and protects it from further damage. The repairing cream leaves your skin feeling younger and smoother. This retinol cream from Neutrogena can truly work wonders on your skin. You can take a look at a review of the product if you require more convincing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- A little goes a long way
- Absorbed quickly
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
- Can irritate the skin.
5. Best Sensitive Skin:La Roche–Posay Redermic Retinol Eye Cream
The La Roche–Posay Redermic Retinol Eye Cream visibly reduces the appearance of crow’s feet, wrinkles, and dark circles around the eyes. It contains retinol and caffeine that reduce puffiness, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate deeply hydrate the skin to make it soft, plump, and supple. The retinol cream is lightweight, quick-absorbing, and does not leave any greasy or sticky feeling post-application.
Pros
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Preservative-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- Expensive
6. Best Non-Greasy:LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream
The LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream is specially formulated for acne-prone skin. It is infused with botanical hyaluronic acid, organic green tea, vitamin E, organic jojoba oil, shea butter, and retinol – nourishing ingredients known to fade signs of aging. The formula improves your skin’s texture and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. The cream penetrates deep into your skin to enhance your skin tone and restore its radiance. It can be used both day and night for optimal anti-aging benefits.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- SLES free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
If you are new to retinol, the prospect of using it for the first time can be daunting. You may worry about several factors related to retinol products such as consistency, ingredients, or formula. Never fear! We’ve put together a helpful guide to get you started on your retinol journey.
Things To look For In Retinol Creams For Beginners
- Strength: When choosing a retinol cream, the most important factor is strength. Retinols come in a variety of strengths, from 0.25% all the way up to 2%. If you’re new to retinol, it’s best to start with a lower strength and work your way up as your skin becomes accustomed to the ingredient. Otherwise, you may experience dryness, redness, and irritation.
- Ingredients: Some retinol creams also contain other active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide which can help boost its efficacy. Choose one that contains ingredients that will benefit your skin type and needs.
- Skin Type: If you have dry skin, look for a retinol cream that also contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help hydrate your skin. If you have oily skin, look for a retinol cream that is oil-free or contains ingredients like salicylic acid to help control oil production.
Always read the labels carefully before purchasing any skincare product, including retinol creams. This will help you avoid any potential allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
- Price: Finally, don’t forget to factor in price when choosing a retinol cream. While some of the higher-priced options may offer more potent formulas, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re right for everyone. There are plenty of excellent retinol creams available at more affordable prices. It really just depends on what you’re looking for and what your budget allows.
Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that has been used in many skincare products. The best retinol creams will slow down the process of aging by penetrating the layers of your skin and stimulating collagen production. The sooner you start incorporating retinol products into your skincare routine, the better for your skin. These creams are non-greasy, non-comedogenic, and do not contain harsh chemicals or fragrances. Incorporating retinol creams into your skincare routine will help you achieve flawless skin in no time.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this post, has a certification in skin care coaching. Retinol creams are one of the most effective ways to reduce signs of aging. So if you’re new to using retinol creams, she eagerly recommends using the products mentioned above. She spent a substantial amount of time researching these creams and their reviews on many user forums. With benefits, like lightweight consistency, absence of harsh elements, dermatologist-tested, and value for money, these creams are sure to leave your skin looking and feeling youthful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to use retinol every day?
Yes, it is safe to use retinol every day once the skin has adapted and developed tolerance. First-time users might experience irritation, dryness, and peeling upon use.
Should I use retinol every night?
Yes, it can be used every night. Initially, it should be applied once or twice to check the reaction of the skin. Retinols are photosensitive and should be applied only during the night.
Do you apply retinol before or after moisturizer?
If you have sensitive skin, apply moisturizer before retinol to reduce the chance of inflammation or redness.
Does retinol really get rid of wrinkles?
Yes, retinol reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It stimulates collagen production and exfoliates dead skin. It helps reduce wrinkles, dark spots, and breakouts.
Do I have to keep using retinol once I start?
Yes, keep using retinol to achieve optimal results. If you stop using the ingredient, underlying conditions like premature aging signs may reappear and damage your skin.
Recommended Articles
