Ingredient guide

Retinol & retinoids: what it does and how to use it

Updated November 2026

Safety first: general cosmetic information, not medical advice. Patch-test new products and follow label directions. Pregnant, breastfeeding, using prescription skin treatment or managing a skin condition? Ask your doctor before trying new actives. Medical disclaimer
In short: A vitamin A derivative that speeds up skin cell turnover. Best used at night, introduced slowly. Top benefit: softens fine lines and wrinkles over time.

A vitamin A derivative that speeds up skin cell turnover. Retinoids are among the best-studied cosmetic ingredients for fine lines, uneven texture, acne and dark marks.

Best timeNight
StrengthActive (go slow)
Good forSoftens fine lines and wrinkles over time

Benefits

Who it's for

Most skin types over their early twenties, and anyone with acne. Start slowly if your skin is sensitive.

How to use it

Use at night only. Start with a pea-sized amount 2–3 nights a week and work up to nightly over 4–8 weeks. Apply to dry skin and follow with moisturizer.

Watch out for

Expect some dryness or flaking at first. Retinoids make skin more sun-sensitive, so daily SPF is essential. Do not use retinoids if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.

Best retinol products

Night treatment$
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

An over-the-counter acne medication (adapalene). Follow the label directions and start 3 nights a week.

Retinol
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Night treatment$
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Affordable retinol for smoother texture and fewer visible fine lines.

RetinolSqualane
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Night treatment$
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Encapsulated retinol that gently fades post-acne marks.

RetinolNiacinamide
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Night treatment$$
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum

Pure retinol buffered with niacinamide for less irritation.

RetinolNiacinamide
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Night treatment$$$
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Vegan 1% retinol cream for visible renewal.

RetinolPeptides
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Can you mix retinol with…

⚠️Vitamin CVitamin C in the morning, retinol at night✅NiacinamideYes, a great pair⚠️AHAsUse on alternate nights⚠️Salicylic acidUse on alternate nights (or BHA in the morning)⚠️Benzoyl peroxideUse at different times of day✅Hyaluronic acidYes, a great pair✅Azelaic acidYes, with a slow start✅PeptidesYes, works well✅CeramidesYes, highly recommended✅SunscreenEssential✅Tranexamic acidYes, works well for dark spots✅BakuchiolFine together, but rarely needed✅Centella (cica)Yes, a soothing pair✅SqualaneYes, a classic buffer

Routines that use retinol

Oily, Acne-Prone SkinDry, Acne-Prone SkinCombination, Acne-Prone SkinNormal, Acne-Prone SkinOily Skin with Dark SpotsDry Skin with Dark SpotsCombination Skin with Dark SpotsNormal Skin with Dark Spots

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FAQ

What does retinol do for skin?

A vitamin A derivative that speeds up skin cell turnover. Retinoids are among the best-studied cosmetic ingredients for fine lines, uneven texture, acne and dark marks.

When should I use retinol, morning or night?

Use at night only. Start with a pea-sized amount 2–3 nights a week and work up to nightly over 4–8 weeks. Apply to dry skin and follow with moisturizer.

Who should use retinol?

Most skin types over their early twenties, and anyone with acne. Start slowly if your skin is sensitive.

This page is general cosmetic information for educational purposes. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it doesn't replace a dermatologist or other qualified professional. Product formulas change, so always read the label. Full medical disclaimer.