Retinol, also known as retinoic acid, is a powerful skincare ingredient that can improve blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. This overnight serum contains a low concentration of the ingredient in a moisturising formula that also contains soothing frankincense and is suitable for those new to retinol, starting with two nightly applications then gradually increasing to every other night.
- No7 Retinol Night Cream
Retinol isn’t just about ageing concerns – it’s also known to clear acne and reduce oil production, brighten sun damage, refine pores and improve collagen levels. It’s no wonder Boots’ own brand amassed a 100,040 waitlist for its first-ever retinol product when it dropped last week (although it’s currently PS34 so you might want to add it to your cart today).
It has an intelligent slow-release oil encapsulation to help reduce common irritation and is blended with soothing shea butter and anti-inflammatory bisabolol. It also contains No7’s anti-ageing peptide technology Matrixyl 3000+ and a hydrator called hyaluronic acid which is good for plumping the skin. The hydrator is what helps it absorb so quickly into the skin and gives you a gorgeous, fresh-faced glow. It’s also hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested and free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, sulphites, fragrance and silicones, making it gentle enough for all skin types (but not fungal acne or malassezia-prone). Use it every night after cleansing and toning and massage in gently.
- La Roche Posay Retinol Serum for Sensitive Skin
Despite its prickly reputation, this vitamin A derivative is a beauty powerhouse with major anti-aging prowess. It can also cause irritation and peeling if introduced too quickly or at the wrong strength – especially in sensitive skin types.
This serum has been formulated with sensitivity in mind and features a pure, gradual release of retinol. It’s also packed with 2% niacinamide, known for brightening and barrier-repairing and 10% glycerin to help keep the complexion soft, smooth and hydrated.
This serum is a dream for sensitive skin as it’s completely free of the’suspicious 6′ ingredients including SLS, phthalates, chemical sunscreens, fragrance, silicones and drying alcohols. The formula is boosted with soothing botanical extracts such as passionfruit, kale and apricot to calm the complexion while helping to speed up surface renewal and boost collagen production. It’s a great place to start for newbies who are yet to experience the full effects of retinol.
- Drunk Elephant Crystal Retinal Overnight Serum
With a million different retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid products out there it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why British brand Medik8 created their Crystal Retinal ladder of products – you simply move up a concentration once your skin is used to it (we recommend starting with the gentle Crystal Retinal 1, containing 0.01% retinaldehyde).
It’s formulated by facialist Shani Darden who has an impressive list of gorgeous celeb clients including Emily Ratajkowski, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jessica Alba, and it combines a low 1% retinol dose with soothing ingredients like bisabolol, honey and cactus extract. The naturally peach-coloured serum-cream sinks in easily and helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, clarify the complexion, and boost radiance.
It’s free from the ‘suspicious 6’ – SLS, fragrance, dyes, chemical screens and drying alcohols – and contains skin barrier superstars jojoba, avocado and olive oils. It’s also packed with skin-nourishing peptides and antioxidants like passionfruit, kale and apricot that help firm and strengthen.
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1
Discover youthful-looking skin with the one-of-a-kind serum that reinvented vitamin A skincare. It features’retinaldehyde’, a super-charged form of vitamin A that is faster-acting than retinol (up to 11 times faster) and less irritating as it requires just one conversion step to reach the skin. Plus, Medik8’s encapsulation technology – they call it ‘crystal encapsulation’ – releases the retinaldehyde into your complexion slowly over time rather than all at once which helps to minimise side effects. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin help to hydrate the skin whilst this happens too, making it a good choice for dry skin types too.
This high-performance night cream is formulated with 0.01% retinaldehyde to visibly address fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and rough texture. It is enriched with a multi-blend of ceramides, which are optimised to work with your skin and a blend of antioxidants including saskatoon berry and dragon fruit extract. It also contains glycerin, which works as a natural humectant to draw moisture into the upper layers of your complexion for a soft and smooth finish.retin-a cream uk
