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The best entry-level retinol for maximum results – 6 picks to increase collagen and reduce fine lines
No irritation here, people!
Let's rewind. It's 2021 and I'm approaching my thirties. All of my beauty insider friends are telling me I need to start using retinol. 'You're losing collagen!' they would warn me. It was imperative that I start to use a good retinol to help with skin firmness and keep my bouncy, youthful skin a while longer, lest I start to look like the witch that gave Snow White the apple with the next five minutes. So, I went and I picked up the strongest vitamin A (retinoid) I could get my hands on and completely wrecked my skin barrier. I didn't realise that my skin couldn't handle that strength of active yet. I was throwing too much at it and I actually needed to start with a gentler, beginners product, because unbeknownst to me, there are levels to this ish.
How to pick your first retinol
"First of all, you need to have an understanding of what your skin is like," says Dr Mary Sommerlad, Consultant Dermatologist. The main thing to note is if you are someone who has reactive skin. Dr Sommerlad describes this as when you put a product on and you always either break out or flare up. "If that's you, you need to look for formulations that market themselves as being gentle. You probably are looking more for your retinaldehyde or HPRs (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate), rather than your straightforward retinol."
"If you're someone who doesn't have reactive skin at all, you know no skin issues, then always go low for a concentration [retinol]," says Dr Sommerlad. With retinols, they normally come in percentages going up to 1% but they could start at 0.3% or even 0.1% and then slowly going up. "You do not need to ever reach the highest percentage," she says, "You just need to reach what suits your skin, and you're seeing benefits." Whatever beginner strength you go for, make sure you are easing it into your routine, starting with evening used once or twice a week max, and ensure that while it's in your routine you are using SPF every morning.
Best beginner retinols
Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream 50ml
This cream is lightweight, but mighty. I love the pump that gives you just the right amount for your face and neck. There no tingling or stinging and the ceramides keep your skin hydrated and cushion-y while the retinol and HPR (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, a gentle retinoid).
Glowing customer review: "This moisturiser is just the best Ive ever used. Two to three pumps is all you need and it lasts for a good 3 to 4 months. Leaves skin soft and hydrated."
ROC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Aging Moisturiser 50ml
This is a straight up retinol but is enriched with hyaluronic acid for a hydrating and smoothing feel. The retinol is 'advanced' but you truly don't feel it. If you have extremely sensitive skin I would opt for another pick though to err on the side of caution, but if you have tolerable skin, it just feels like a luxe night cream. It promises smoother skin in one week – bold, yes but you do notice a plumper and juicier look in the first few weeks of use.
Glowing customer review: "I have used this product from Roc for many years and most of their other products. Wouldn’t be without them. Best moisturiser I’ve ever used."
Medik8 is know as one of the gold standard brands for retinols but too many people dive into the advanced formulas not realising that they start at Crystal Retinal 1 for beginners with more sensitive skin. As it's a serum, follow up with a soothing and hydrating night cream.
Glowing customer review: "I use as part of my skincare routine. I have been using it for quite while and i am happy with the results. Smoothes skin, reduces lines, perfect!"
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum with Ceramides
Like with all CeraVe products this serum is packed with ceramides which balances out the actives in it. This serum is particularly good for blemish-prone skin as it exfoliates, brightens and smoothes in one go without any adverse reactions.
Glowing customer review: "Bought based on previous reviews. Has a good retinol strength but still gentle on the skin which is a big plus for retinol based products. Have been using 2-3 times weekly and seeing an improvement in skin texture. Also the product has a nice consistency and a little goes a long way!"
Nordic berry pre-retinol complex and lingonberry extract are combined in this plumping night cream which feels incredible on the skin (and smells gorge). The complex isn't technically a retinol but it works in a similar way and is equivalent to bakuchiol.
Glowing customer review: "Wonderful cream, love how it absorbs easily and makes the skin feel so smooth. I normally have a very reactive skin but have never had any had reactions with the Lumene products. Definitely will try out the rest of the range as well."
Micro-dosing isn't just a wellness trend, it comes in clutch in beauty too! This Kiehl's serum was my second step on my retinol journey and I experienced zero irritation and 100% brighter, smoother skin. The addition of ceramides and peptides in the formula also helps keep your skin barrier strong as you introduce actives into your routine.
Glowing customer review: "This is the perfect product to start retinols. I have really sensitive skin and found this to be non irritating. I do use moisturiser before and sometimes after just to ensure it doesn’t dry my skin out so can’t say what it would be like without moisturiser."
Why trust Cosmo?
Keeks Reid is Cosmopolitan beauty director. As a beauty insider for over a decade, she has been at the front line of retinoid innovation, testing new formulas as they drop. Now, aged 34, she can see the affect for them more than ever (bye-bye collagen) and always incorporates one into her skincare routine alongside a good cleanser, SPF, a vitamin C and sometimes an eye cream.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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