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How do I Choose the Best Retinol Face Cream?

By Harriette Halepis
Updated May 17, 2024
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When choosing a retinol face cream, it is important to look for a cream that has a high concentration of retinol. Most over-the-counter face creams have a small percentage of retinol, and a larger percentage of other, non-effective, ingredients. It is also important to take a good look at the other ingredients that are inside of a cream.

In addition to retinol, alpha hydroxy acids are also good for your skin. Ingredients such as caffeine and peptides have not been proven effective, though many products contain these ingredients. If you want to purchase a product that is high in retinol, look for a product that does not have a large percentage of caffeine or peptides. A potent retinol face cream should have a 0.30 percentage, or higher, of this active ingredient.

Searching for a cream that does not have a long ingredient list is another way to buy an effective cream. When a product has too many ingredients, the result is a diluted cream that won't deliver the results you are looking for. Another way to select a retinol face cream is to shop according to consumer reviews.

Some brands are highly preferred by consumers over others. Taking the time to conduct some research into popular retinol face cream brands is a wise idea. Typically, creams that have been reviewed by dermatologists, and brands that have a solid reputation tend to be better than newly marketed creams. When looking at product studies, make sure that you read the fine print. Manufacturers want to sell face creams, which is why many creams boast claims that are not true. Find a product that has been proven effective by carefully reading product studies online or in magazines.

It is also important to note that most retinol products do not work immediately. After using a product for a few weeks, you may begin to notice changes in the appearance of your skin, but don't give up on a product if it does not produce desired results right away. If you do not see any positive results after many weeks of usage, look for a different cream. While a cream may work wonders for someone you know, the same cream may not work for you.

Pay attention to products that irritate your skin. If you notice that a rash occurs as the result of a new product, discontinue use right away. Likewise, you should not experience any kind of swelling or pain after using a product. Since your skin type is unique, you may find that some creams are too harsh, while others are not effective enough. After experimenting with different creams, you should be able to find a cream that's right for you.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

By GillianJohn — On Nov 28, 2013

I had a question regarding one cream. I am using this cream which contains Vitamin A Retinol. So how much is favorable for our skin?

By anon331196 — On Apr 21, 2013

Beware of some retinol face cream products that "offer" a free sample. It's usually a scam and they do end up charging money. I made the horrible mistake of not reading the fine print and now I am wracked with anxiety about these potential charges on my credit card which was supposed to be shipping and handling charges.

By anon272047 — On May 29, 2012

I wanted to try a mild retinol product to see how it affected my acne prone skin and I am happy to say that there are only two products in the world that do not make me break out after using it and the Lady Soma Renew Serum is one of them.

I noticed my skin was much smoother after just the first application and only improved afterwards. No tingling or burning as with other retinol products and I even applied it around my eyes without any negative reactions.

By pharmchick78 — On Oct 06, 2010

Retinol is fantastic if you're looking for a cream for wrinkles, but bear in mind that there are some possible side effects to retinol as well.

Many people start with a retinol cream that is too strong, and end up with side effects like itching, burning skin, and in some cases, a rash.

Some other retinol side effects include peeling of the skin, exceptional sensitivity to the sun, and painful "raw" patches of skin.

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few days, you should immediately switch to a lower-strength cream. If that doesn't do the trick, then you may need to speak with a dermatologist to determine what kind of anti-aging cream is appropriate for you.

Remember, anti-aging is important, but you should never sacrifice your health for a health cream. And just think, severe retinol reactions can cause scars if it goes untreated, which would be entirely counterproductive, right?

By zenmaster — On Oct 06, 2010

Are there any bad effects to using a Retinol A firming face cream along with a Vitamin C face cream?

I don't have particularly delicate skin, but it seemed that given how retinol affects the skin, and how potent some of those Vitamin C creams are, I was wondering if it would be too much to use my retinol night cream together with my Vitamin C face cream.

Do you know?

By Planch — On Oct 06, 2010

Thanks for this -- I've been looking to buy a good face cream with retinol to augment my collagen cream, but I wasn't really sure how to go about it. Like you said, there are about a thousand creams out there, and they all claim to work miracles. I will definitely bear your advice in mind next time I'm out shopping.

Thanks for a balanced, honest answer.

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