8 Best 0.5-1.5% Retinol Serums & Creams for Advanced Users

• What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A which occurs naturally in your skin. It's one of the most popular skincare ingredients on the market today because formulas with retinol deliver visible results.

• Benefits of Retinol

In skincare, retinol is the gold standard for youth preservation (anti-aging) because it is the only scientifically proven ingredient that effectively stimulates the production of collagen while also being extremely effective against acne. Retinol is the only ingredient that the FDA will legally allow skincare companies in the US to refer to as “anti-aging.”

Retinol itself doesn't actually affect the skin directly. Enzymes within the skin must first convert retinol into retinoic acid. It's only when it is converted into retinoic acid that it becomes effective. This isn't an instantaneous process, though. In fact it could take up to 3 to 6 months of daily usage for retinol based products to provide a noticeable difference.

• Side Effects of Retinol and Treatment Method

Side effects:

First, the cell bridge particles are destroyed and cause peeling;

Second, the TRPV1 receptor is stimulated, causing redness and swelling, including swelling around the eyes;

The third is the outbreak of inflammation, a large number of acne and acne.

Ps: Retinol does not cause other side effects after it is stopped.

Retinol is irritating and needs to be tolerated. If it is not tolerated for a long time, you can choose to discontinue it.

Treatment method: skincare products containing soothing moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin B5 and ceramide can be used to alleviate the skin peeling pain reaction.

• Best 0.5-1% Retinol Serums & Creams

| The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

($8.30/30ml, up to 7% cashback at Space NK)

Fight visible signs of ageing with The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, a water- and silicone-free skincare treatment enriched with vitamin A to help revitalise the complexion.

The highly stable retinol present in this formula works to reduce the appearance of fine lines, photo damage and general signs of skin ageing. It also encourages natural cell turnover, helping to promote softer and healthier-looking skin while working to minimise the appearance of blemishes and dark spots. Another key antioxidant ingredient Squalane prevents UV damage and the formation of age spots while counteracting harmful bacteria, leaving you with flawless skin.

As retinol can cause irritation to the skin, newer technologies now exist to mimic the visible effects of retinol without causing as much discomfort for the skin. With this in mind, The Ordinary recommends beginning with lower concentrations in order to build up tolerance.

| PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night

($119/30g, up to 5% cashback at Dermstore)

The ultimate retinol nighttime treatment for those prone to acne breakouts, this treatment is made with 2% salicylic acid and 0.5% pure retinol to help clear acne, support a healthy complexion, and strengthen and protect skin.

Specifically formulated for acne, this advanced nighttime retinol treatment features a delivery system often used in pharmaceuticals, yet entirely new to skincare. The patented 10-hour time-release OmniSome delivery system stabilizes and carries a unique blend of ingredients deeper into the skin for superior results. This innovative formula reduces acne breakouts for a dramatically clearer complexion.

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| SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5

($80/30ml, up to 5% cashback at Dermstore)

SkinMedica Age Defense Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5 enhances the skin's texture to promote a brighter, more youthful complexion. Formulated for skin tolerant to retinol treatments, it stimulates collagen production and enhances faster cell renewal to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains niacinamide to enhance skin's barrier function, fades discoloration, and minimizes wrinkles, and PhytoShield™ Complex, which is an antioxidant complex, enhancing skin texture and minimizing irritation. Algae extract ensures skin is soft, hydrated and protected against free-radical damage.

"0.5%" offers a moderate level of effectiveness, typically recommended only for those with established tolerance to retinol and mature skin concerns, requiring more potent anti-aging benefits.

| The Inkey List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum

($25.00/30ml, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

Ready to up the ante on your retinol regime? The INKEY List's Super Solutions 1% Retinol Serum (30ml) is pining for a space in your nightly rituals.

Starring a 1% potency (meaning it's more suited to advanced retinol users), this hard-working formula reduces the appearance of post-breakout scarring, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Then to protect your skin against moisture loss, it's infused with nourishing 5% apricot kernel oil, while 2% squalane ensures your skin barrier is well cared for. In as little as six weeks, the skin’s tone and texture begins to appear more unified, alongside feeling ultra-soft and supple. 

| Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

($65.00/30ml, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)

Maintain youthful-looking skin with Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, a specially formulated lotion that helps to combat the signs of aging. This carefully formulated blend of antioxidants, retinol and soothing plant extracts helps to refine pore size and reduce the appearance of fine lines and discolouration.

Vitamin C helps combat external stressors on the skin, Peptides help boost skin repair and collagen production, for healthier, stronger skin, while retinol works to minimise the look of wrinkles for a more youthful complexion. Soothing plant extracts such as liquorice and oats work to reduce redness and inflammation.

The texture is that of a lightweight lotion, that absorbs easily and quickly into the skin, and does not leave any residue. This fragrance-free formula works for any skin type, though its cream base may not be preferable for those with oily to very oily skin.

Despite the many ingredients to reduce irritation, the product is still very irritating. Need to be used with caution.

| Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

($76/30ml, up to 4% cashback at Sephora)

Ideal for all those who're already acquainted with the wonders of retinol (this can trigger irritation and peeling if your skin is sensitive, or if you're new to the retinol realm), Drunk Elephant's game-changing A-Passioni Retinol Cream is the perfect addition to your evening-time routine. This potent, silicone-free formulation of 1% retinol boasts comforting and nourishing ingredients, to give lazy skin cells a boot up their bottoms! Formulated with retinol and peptides, this cream works to restore brightness and elasticity to the complexion without causing redness.

Vitamin F and a blend of comforting passionfruit, apricot, marula, and jojoba oils replenish essential lipids and moisture, while antioxidant-packed kale, winter cherry, and xanthophylls help defend against environmental stressors. It's like a reboot of your skin back to its healthiest, most youthful state.

| SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0

($102/30ml, up to 6% cashback at SkinCeuticals)

Highly concentrated overnight retinol treatment that targets the visible problems associated with photodamaged skin, including age spots, pores, uneven tone, fine lines and wrinkles. Formulated with 1% pure retinol -- the highest concentration of pure retinol available -- and enhanced with the latest stabilization and delivery technologies, Retinol 1.0 offers advanced treatment of pre-conditioned skin. The added skin-calming blend of bisabolol and boswellia serrata extract provides soothing benefits and minimizes irritation. Suitable for most skin types exhibiting signs of photo-damage.

| Obagi Medical Retinol 1.0 Cream

($85/28g, up to 5% cashback at Dermstore)

Obagi Retinol 1.0 fights the signs of premature aging caused by environmental aggressors to promote a more radiant and youthful-looking complexion. Powered by 1% retinol, this anti-wrinkle treatment boosts cell turnover to minimize fine lines and wrinkles while diminishing hyperpigmentation. Hydrating jojoba oil and shea butter promote firmness and elasticity, as vitamins C and E work synergistically to neutralize free radicals.

The formula contains an entrapped form of retinol that is released over time to prevent irritation caused by many traditional retinol products.

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