Retinol is a key skincare ingredient that I’ve written about over the years. It’s an ingredient that many dermatologists consider a “must-have” ingredient in an anti-aging skincare arsenal. It has many benefits including boosting collagen product, increasing cellular turnover, organizing skincare cells, preventing the formation of damaging free radicals, and contributing to a more youthful look. Most people except those with very sensitive skin can tolerate retinol, a vitamin A derivative, and using it on a regular basis can yield positive results. As a result, I have quite an arsenal of retinol skincare products in my stash. I’ve written about affordable RoC Retinol Correxxion Max Daily Hydration Creme in the past (here), and its rich formula continues to be one of my favorites for winter use. I also keep tubes of RoC Retinol Correxxion Eye in my travel and beach bags. For the other three seasons, I have other favorites that I’d like to tell you about.
You know that I’ve been thrilled with my Ipsy Plus subscription because I’ve discovered so many terrific new products in full size. A couple of months ago, I received Murad Retinol Youth Eye Serum and I’ve been using it everyday since.
I use it on my crow’s feet and on fine lines under my eyes. Because it’s a serum and a lightweight lotiony gel, it soaks in almost immediately and in colder weather I could use a rich eye cream on top if I need it. Right now, Murad Retinol Youth Eye Serum is enough on its own.
I wish I had started using a retinol eye cream or serum before last year since I think it could have helped keeping my crow’s feet at bay longer. But it is helping now especially with the fine lines under my eyes.
Murad Retinol Youth Eye Serum comes in a plastic pump bottle. It contains 0.5 fl. oz./15 ml and is priced at a pricey $85. Thank you again, Ipsy, for this fabulous item in my box! Fortunately, Sephora carries a “mini” version that is just slightly smaller (0.33 fl. oz./10 ml) than the full size, but it’s priced at a much more affordable $25. So I could buy 3 minis that would have twice the amount in total for $10 less than one full size. That’s what I’ll be doing when I use up this bottle. I recommend you try a mini of this terrific retinol eye serum.
Retinol Serums
Lately, I have come across three retinol serums that are just perfect to use along with the rest of my nighttime routine. I love having the flexibility to use a retinol serum layered with other serums and with my choice of night cream.
MyChelle Remarkable Retinal Serum
MyChelle is a natural, cruelty-free and gluten-free brand that makes wonderful skincare and suncare products. I think it should get more attention than it does!
MyChelle Remarkable Retinal Serum is part of the Remarkable Retinal collection that also includes an eye cream and night cream. The serum as well as the other two products help reduce the visible signs of aging by lessening the appearance of lines and wrinkles and by making skin look healthier. It’s gentle and it feels rather hydrating.
The serum comes in a glass pump bottle, and the serum itself is a lightweight, bright yellow gel-cream that feels soothing going on. The price for 1.0 fl. oz./30 ml is $48. It’s the most affordable of all my faves. Yay!
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum (reviewed here) is a “clean beauty” facial serum that includes hydrating plant-derived squalane and plant-derived retinol. I adore the scent of this serum that reminds me of ginseng, so I reach for it frequently. But in addition to the scent, the lightweight, white gel-cream is a delight to use. The translucent green glass pump bottle contains 1.0 fl. oz./30 ml and is priced at $72.
StriVectin NIA-114 S.T.A.R. Light Retinol Night Oil
I bought this fabulous retinol oil after trying a sample around the beginning of the year. I reviewed StriVectin S.T.A.R. Light Retinol Night Oil here.
I have found StriVectin S.T.A.R. Light Retinol Night Oil to do double duty. I tend to press a few drops of this hydrating retinol oil into my skin on nights when my skin feels dry or needs some extra TLC. Like the products from Biossance, this night oil also contains hydrating plant-derived squalane. Yet, it’s a lightweight oil that sinks in quickly and makes my skin feel instantly better, more hydrated, even firmer.
The glass dropper bottle that holds the amber oil contains 1.0 fl. oz./30 ml and is priced at $99. Fortunately, I only need to apply a few drops so it will last me quite a while.
So these are the retinol skincare products that I am loving now. I use retinol primarily during my nighttime skincare routine because it makes skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays. So even though some of these products are pricey, I justify buying them (almost always during sales) because I only use them at night and they last me a long time.
Is retinol part of your skincare routine? Which retinol products are your faves?
I’ve been using the Murad line and really like it! Doesn’t make my skin sensitive and the cream applicator is really handy and keeps the germs off!
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I tried a sample of StriVectin Star but the fragrance lingered so I couldn’t continue with it. I wonder if I have the Murad one from an Ipsy box. Sometimes I become so overloaded with skincare that things have to be put aside. I use a variety of serums too depending on the night.
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I have to try the Murad eye cream! That BioEssence oil sounds great too!
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I am such a proponent of retinol-based products. I have the MyChelle Retinal Serum, and LOVE it! I want to try the Biossance Serum now!
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Yep, I’m jumping on the bakuchiol bandwagon. I’ve been wary of retinol since I even have to limit my mild acids to 2/3 times a week, and when companies started touting this new plant stuff I took the “minus the irritation or sensitivity” claim with a grain of salt. But so far so good! I’ve tried both Herbivore and OleHenriksen’s versions and I’d love to try the Biossance one sometime.
Oh, I’m glad that you’re having good luck with bakuchiol! I love the Biossance Squalane & Phyto-Retinol, but it does have an unusual scent like ginseng that i love but you may not. But then you like unusual scents too!
I’ve heard a lot of good things about these!