You've established the three basics of cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen in your routine and are wondering what the next step could be? If you had to choose ONE additional product, for quite a few people it might be retinol.
Contents
- What is retinol ?
- How do I use it?
- When does it have advantages ?
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Product examples
- For daily use
- For beginners (up to 0.15%)
- For advanced learners (up to 0.5%)
- For professionals (up to 1%)
- Retinal products
- Eyes & Body
Photo: by El S via Unsplash
What is retinol and how does it work in skin care?
Retinol is an active form of vitamin A and is considered one of the most effective ingredients in modern skin care. The effects of retinol are scientifically well-proven: It promotes cell renewal, stimulates collagen synthesis , and can visibly reduce fine lines, dark spots, and blemishes. In addition to traditional retinol, there are milder alternatives such as retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, and Granactive Retinoid, as well as more potent variants such as retinal (retinaldehyde). Prescription forms such as tretinoin also belong to the retinoid family and demonstrate intensive effects when used medically.
How do you use retinol correctly?
Proper use of retinol is crucial to avoid irritation and maximize effectiveness. Apply retinol to completely cleansed, dry skin—ideally in the evening. Start with a low concentration (e.g., 0.1%) and use the product only once a week initially. If well tolerated, the frequency can be gradually increased. Important: Retinol makes skin more sensitive to light—daily sunscreen with high UVA protection is essential. Additional moisturizing helps stabilize the skin barrier.
When is retinol worthwhile – and who is it suitable for?
Retinol is a powerful active ingredient for preventing and correcting skin problems. In addition to its well-known slow -aging effect, retinol is also suitable for blemishes, uneven skin tone, and the first signs of UV-induced skin aging. There is no set minimum age for retinol, but starting to use retinol is recommended from the mid-20s onward—especially if sunscreen is already a regular part of your routine. Retinol should not be used during pregnancy. Although it is usually applied in the evening, it can also be used in the morning, followed by UV protection.
Product examples:
Although the concentration is a good indicator of the potency, it always depends on the individual formulation as to how it works and how much irritating potential it has.
Baby steps & suitable for daily use
- Drugstore: Balea Beauty Expert Night Cream (0.3% Retinyl Palmitate + 2% Bakuchiol)
- Online: Colibri Night Cream 0.05%
- High-End: 25Seven Indulgence Night Cream 0.05%
- High-End: Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Serum 0.01%
For beginners (up to 0.15%)
I would use up at least one entire product from each category before moving on to the next. Better too slow than too fast. There's nothing to miss. Your skin won't run away!
- Drugstore: Balea Beauty Collagen Retinol Serum (scented)
- Drugstore: Isana Bakuchiol Serum 0.1% + 0.5% Bakuchiol
- Online: The Inkey List Retinol Serum 0.5% Granactive Retinoid + 1% Retinyl Acetate
- Online: Stratia Night Shift 0.15%
- K-Beauty: Cosrx The Retinol 0.1 Cream 0.1%
- High-End: Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum 0.1%
- High-End: Paula's Choice Ceramide-Enriched Night Cream 0.1%
For advanced learners (up to 0.5%)
- Drugstore: Daytox Retinol Serum 0.3%
- Pharmacy: La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Serum 0.3% + Retinyl Palmitate (perfumed)
- Online: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2%
- K-Beauty: Cosrx The Retinol 0.5 Oil 0.5%
- High-End: Clinique Smart Night Multi Dimensional Repair Treatment 0.3%
- High-End: Skinceuticals Retinol 0.3%
- High-End: Paula's Choice Retinol + Bakuchiol Treatment 0.3% + 2% Bakuchiol
- High-End: Beyer & Söhne Retinol Booster 0.1% + 0.1% Retinoic Acid Ester
For professionals (up to 1%)
Retinol will be limited to 0.3% across the EU in the future to control total vitamin A intake, including through food. Retinal (retinaldehyde) is currently not affected by this regulation.
- Pharmacy: Biretix Gel 1% + 1% Granactive Retinoid
- Pharmacy: Casida Retinol Serum 1%
- Online: The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane 1%
- Online: Colibri Retinol Booster 1%
- Online: Asam Beauty Intense Retinol Treatment 1%
- Online: Theramid Clinical Vitamin A 0.3% + 5% Granactive Retinoid + 0.1% Retinal
- High-End: Paula's Choice Retinol Booster 1%
Retinal(dehyde) products
For beginners, starting with a maximum of 0.05% retinal is recommended.
- Drugstore: Geek & Gorgeous A-Game Serum 0.05–0.1%
- Online: Miss Alice Retinal Level Up 0.05–0.2%
- Online: Skintegra Retiron 0.05%
- Online: Transparent Lab Age Reverse Cream 0.03%
- Online: Pem Delian Pioneer 0.05%
- Pharmacy: Avène A-OXitive Peeling Night Cream 0.1%
- High-End: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 0.03–0.2% (scented)
- High-end: Dr. Emi Skin Absolute A Retinal Serum 0.05–0.1%
- High-End: Allies of Skin Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream 0.05% (scented)
Body lotion
- Online: Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream
- High-End: Paula's Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment
Eyes
Retinol can also be used around the eyes – with particular caution, as the skin there is more sensitive.
Why Skingineered also recommends products from other brands
The Skingineered family is constantly growing , but we will never offer an overly complex product range. Our focus is on effective, meaningful core products that work for as many people as possible.
Every skin type is unique —no single product can be a perfect fit for everyone. That's why we support you not only with innovative formulations but also with transparent recommendations . We'd love for you to complement your routine with great products from Skinineered Friends.
Affiliate link disclosure: Some of the products mentioned in this article contain affiliate links. This means we receive a small commission if you purchase through them—at no additional cost to you.
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Your Ying
Engineer, Cosmetic Scientist and Founder of Skingineered
