Retinol is a well-known powerhouse ingredient for anti-aging and acne treatment. However, its strength can also make it potentially irritating, especially if not combined with the right products.
In this guide, we’ll explore ingredients that work well with retinol, those that should be used cautiously, and recommend products to help you build an effective and balanced skincare routine.
Ingredients You Can Use with Retinol
1. Hyaluronic Acid
- La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum: Combines hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 to heal and replenish the skin barrier while hydrating and plumping the skin.
- Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum: A lightweight serum enriched with volcanic water and hyaluronic acid, ideal for strengthening and hydrating the skin.
- Filorga Hydra-Hyal Intensive Hydrating Plumping Concentrate: A luxurious serum with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and plumping effects.
- ISDIN Hyaluronic Booster: A dual-action serum that revitalizes and firms the skin while offering an intense hydration boost.
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5: A budget-friendly option combining hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 for effective hydration and soothing benefits.
- Collistar Pure Actives Hyaluronic Acid: A concentrated serum providing intense hydration and plumping effects for all skin types.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: A drugstore favorite known for its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that offers long-lasting hydration.
- Dr.Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Ampoule: A lightweight serum that hydrates and plumps the skin, leaving it refreshed and hydrated.
- CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum: A hydrating serum containing ceramides to help restore the skin’s barrier.
- Corsx Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule: A multi-layered hydrating serum that deeply moisturizes, leaving the skin supple and smooth.
2. Peptides
- Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream: An anti-aging cream packed with peptides, amino acids, and growth factors that improve skin firmness and texture.
- Algenist GENIUS Liquid Collagen: This serum is infused with vegan collagen and peptides, known for visibly plumping and firming the skin.
- Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream: Contains peptides and other anti-aging ingredients that help smooth wrinkles and improve skin texture.
- Filorga Time-Filler Absolute Wrinkle Correction Cream: Combines peptides with hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of wrinkles effectively.
- Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream: A highly effective drugstore option that firms and hydrates the skin with its peptide-rich formula.
- Paula's Choice Peptide Booster: A versatile booster that can be mixed with other products to deliver a concentrated dose of peptides for anti-aging benefits.
- Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules: These capsules offer a potent blend of ceramides and peptides to strengthen and rejuvenate the skin barrier.
- The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer: A budget-friendly option that hydrates and smooths the skin with a blend of peptides.
- Collistar Magnifica Plus Replumping Regenerating Cream: Contains peptides and ceramides for intensive anti-aging care, restoring skin firmness and elasticity.
- ISDINCEUTICS Melaclear Serum: A brightening serum with peptides to help with skin recovery and rejuvenation.
3. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster: A highly concentrated formula that reduces pores, improves skin tone, and refines texture.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%: A cult favorite for controlling oil production, reducing blemishes, and improving skin clarity.
- Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops: Combines niacinamide with watermelon extract for hydration, brightening, and a dewy glow.
- Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Serum: Blends niacinamide with snail mucin for skin repair, brightening, and scar reduction.
- CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: A gentle moisturizer containing niacinamide to restore the skin barrier while hydrating and soothing the skin.
- AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum: Contains niacinamide and plant-derived squalane for brightening and hydration, reducing dark spots.
- La Roche-Posay Mela-D Pigment Control Glycolic Acid Serum: Combines niacinamide with glycolic acid to target pigmentation and improve skin texture.
- Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Anti-Wrinkle Serum: Combines niacinamide with black rice extract to create a glowing, hydrated complexion while reducing fine lines.
- Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner: A soothing toner that contains niacinamide to brighten and calm irritated skin.
4. Ceramides
- SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2: A premium formula combining ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and improve texture.
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: A dermatologist favorite, combining ceramides and hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration and barrier repair.
- Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream: Known for its rich, creamy texture that nourishes the skin with ceramides, perfect for dry or sensitive skin.
- Corsx Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream: Rich in ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and provide intense moisture, ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate: A luxury serum that boosts the skin’s defense system with ceramides and botanical extracts, enhancing overall skin health.
- Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules: These single-dose capsules deliver a potent blend of ceramides, helping to restore the skin’s moisture and elasticity.
- Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream: A budget-friendly option that effectively hydrates and repairs the skin with ceramides and urea.
- Dr.Ceuracle Pro Balance Biotics Moisturizer: Contains ceramides and probiotics to balance and strengthen the skin barrier, promoting healthy, resilient skin.
- Collistar Pure Actives Ceramides + Peptides: Combines ceramides with peptides for maximum skin barrier reinforcement and anti-aging benefits.
- Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Cream: A lightweight cream with ceramides and hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier.
5. SPF (Sunscreen)
- EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: A top choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin, offering broad-spectrum protection with a lightweight, non-greasy formula.
- ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+: A water-based sunscreen that provides excellent protection without leaving a greasy residue.
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100: Offers one of the highest levels of sun protection available with a non-greasy finish.
- Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+: A luxury sunscreen that offers superior protection and a lightweight, water-resistant formula.
- Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: A cult favorite for its invisible, weightless finish that works well under makeup.
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55: A drugstore staple that provides effective sun protection with a non-greasy finish.
- Coola Mineral Sun Silk Crème SPF 30: A clean beauty favorite that offers mineral-based protection with a silky, lightweight texture.
-
Nuxe Sun High Protection SPF 50: Combines sun protection with skincare benefits, offering a pleasant scent and hydrating formula.
Ingredients to Be Cautious With or Avoid When Using Retinol
1. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: A highly regarded vitamin C serum that combines ascorbic acid with ferulic acid and vitamin E for maximum antioxidant protection.
- Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum: A potent vitamin C serum that brightens and firms the skin while providing antioxidant protection.
- Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%: Known for its high concentration of vitamin C, this serum is highly effective at brightening and improving skin tone.
- Filorga C-Recover Anti-Fatigue Radiance Concentrate: A vitamin C-packed serum that brightens and revitalizes dull skin, providing a radiant complexion.
- La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum: A dermatologist-recommended serum that brightens and smooths the skin with a gentle yet effective formula.
- Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum: A budget-friendly, natural vitamin C serum that brightens and evens out skin tone.
- Some By Mi Galactomyces Pure Vitamin C Glow Serum: Combines vitamin C with galactomyces ferment filtrate to brighten and improve skin texture.
- Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum: A highly effective and affordable vitamin C serum that delivers antioxidant protection and brightening effects.
- Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster: A potent vitamin C booster that can be added to any moisturizer or serum for an extra brightening and protective boost.
- Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum: A powerful serum that targets dark spots and brightens the skin with a stabilized form of vitamin C.
2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
- Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: A cult favorite that gently exfoliates, unclogs pores, and smooths skin texture with salicylic acid.
- Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment: A powerful exfoliating serum that brightens and refines skin with lactic acid, revealing a smoother complexion.
- Filorga Oxygen-Glow Clean Mask: A multi-action mask that exfoliates and detoxifies the skin, leaving it radiant and smooth.
- Pixi Glow Tonic: A gentle yet effective toner that exfoliates and brightens the skin with glycolic acid.
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: An affordable and potent exfoliating toner that improves skin texture and clarity.
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum: A cult favorite that combines AHA/BHA to refine skin texture and brighten the complexion.
- Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid: A BHA exfoliant that penetrates deep into pores to clear congestion and prevent breakouts.
- Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner: A gentle toner that combines aloe with BHA to exfoliate and soothe the skin.
- Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine: An innovative product that combines chemical and physical exfoliation to brighten and smooth the skin.
- Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads: Pre-soaked pads containing AHA and BHA to exfoliate and unclog pores, perfect for acne-prone skin.
3. Benzoyl Peroxide
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo: A targeted treatment that combines benzoyl peroxide with exfoliating ingredients to clear breakouts.
- PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide: A potent face wash that targets acne with high-strength benzoyl peroxide.
- Filorga Age-Purify Mask: A detoxifying mask that combines benzoyl peroxide with exfoliating ingredients to clear and prevent breakouts.
- Differin Daily Deep Cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide: A gentle cleanser that fights acne with benzoyl peroxide without causing excessive dryness.
- Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment: A drugstore favorite that targets breakouts with a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide to minimize irritation.
- Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Acne Medication: A strong benzoyl peroxide treatment that effectively targets stubborn breakouts.
- Paula’s Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment: A lightweight treatment that uses benzoyl peroxide to clear acne without irritating the skin.
- Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment: A fast-acting spot treatment that reduces the size and redness of pimples with benzoyl peroxide.
- Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Lotion: A dermatologist-recommended treatment that targets acne with benzoyl peroxide and hydrates the skin with glycerin.
- AcneFree Terminator 10 Acne Spot Treatment: A high-strength benzoyl peroxide treatment that targets severe acne breakouts.
4. Exfoliants (Physical and Chemical)
- Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment: A cult-favorite physical exfoliant that brightens and smooths the skin in just two minutes.
- Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: A gentle rice-based exfoliant that brightens and smooths the skin without causing irritation.
- Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant: A lightweight exfoliating gel that refines skin texture and promotes radiance with glycolic acid.
- Filorga Scrub & Detox Exfoliating Mousse: A double exfoliating treatment that combines mechanical and enzymatic exfoliation for smooth, radiant skin.
- Tatcha The Rice Polish: A gentle exfoliating powder that transforms into a creamy foam, leaving the skin soft and smooth.
- Some By Mi Super Miracle Spot All Kill Cream: A powerful spot treatment that combines AHA/BHA/PHA to exfoliate and treat acne-prone skin.
- Neogen Dermalogy Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon: An innovative exfoliant that combines chemical and physical exfoliation with vitamin C to brighten and refine skin texture.
- REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask: A fruit-acid-based mask that gently exfoliates, brightens, and smooths the skin.
- Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser: A multi-tasking cleanser that gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin, improving texture and radiance.
- Drunk Elephant Juju Bar: A soap-free cleansing bar that gently exfoliates and removes impurities, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed.
5. Essential Oils and Fragrances
- Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil: A nourishing, fragrance-free facial oil that hydrates and restores the skin without irritation.
- Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil: A lightweight oil that hydrates and brightens the skin with a fragrance-free formula.
- Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate: A botanical-based facial oil that restores and replenishes the skin overnight, available in a fragrance-free version.
- Herbivore Botanicals Phoenix Rosehip Anti-Aging Face Oil: A rich facial oil that rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin with a blend of rosehip oil and other natural oils.
- Filorga Oil-Absolute Ultimate Anti-Aging: A luxurious anti-aging oil that hydrates and nourishes the skin, available in a fragrance-free option.
- Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Facial Oil: A lightweight, fragrance-free oil that hydrates and protects the skin barrier with black rice and natural extracts.
- Tatcha Gold Camellia Beauty Oil: A luxurious, fragrance-free oil that nourishes and adds a subtle glow to the skin.
- Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil: A nutrient-rich oil that hydrates and nourishes the skin without added fragrance.
- Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil: A fragrance-free, organic rosehip oil that repairs and revitalizes the skin, reducing the appearance of scars and pigmentation.
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil: A budget-friendly, fragrance-free oil that nourishes and regenerates the skin with rosehip oil.
By carefully selecting the products you use alongside retinol, you can create a balanced skincare routine that minimizes irritation and enhances the effectiveness of all the ingredients.
Whether you’re looking to tackle acne, reduce signs of aging, or improve overall skin texture, retinol can be a powerful tool when paired correctly with other skincare products.
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