Retinol is one of the most research-backed ingredients available on the market right now and a lovely addition to add to your skincare routine, especially if you're in your mid-twenties or above. It's a vitamin A derivative that is known to increase cell turnover, which not only helps with hyperpigmentation but also helps skin appear healthier, repair deep damage and is anti-ageing. Having said that, it's a tricky ingredient and can be quite sensitising to the skin, if not used carefully. It's always recommended to start with lower percentages with retinol and build your way up. Also, when using retinol creams make sure you apply SPF on a daily basis! Without further ado, here are the top retinol creams we found in the market.
Pro Tip: Here's everything you need to know about Retinol, explained in the simplest way possible by Dr. Geetika Mittal.
Turn Back The Clock With These 7 Best Retinol Creams
The Ordinary 0.2% Retinol in Squalane
₹800
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If you have oily skin and are looking for something lighter than a cream, then The Ordinary 0.2% Retinol in Squalane is perfect for you. It's basically a serum but has the hydrating properties of squalane as well. Squalane is a skin-identical lipid that works as a humectant (absorbs moisture from the surrounding areas) and also as an emollient (locks in moisture that is absorbed). It easily gets absorbed, is lightweight and non-greasy too. Users have seen a difference in their skin within three to four weeks of regular use.
User rating: 4.4/5
COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream
₹2050
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COSRX is one of those brands that just keeps giving one great product after another. This retinol cream is full of great ingredients that are soothing and hydrating. It's got stable forms of vitamin C, which works like magic with retinol for glowing skin. The formulation is also free of any fragrance and alcohol. The only downside to this product is that some of the ingredients might be comedogenic, so we'd suggest you avoid this if your pores get clogged easily.
User rating: 4.3/5
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
₹1690
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Retinol doesn’t have to be limited to your face; it can be used for your entire body to firm, smoothen and brighten your skin. This is one of the best retinol lotions because it does all of that while also hydrating and locking in the moisture in your skin. Users say that there is a white cast upon application but it gets settled once the lotion is absorbed into the skin.
User rating: 4.2/5
Olay Retinol Night Cream
₹1999
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Deemed as one of the most affordable and best retinol creams by many experts, the Olay Regenergist Retinol Night Cream has the goodness of retinol and niacinamide. Niacinamide is known for its multitasking abilities, akin to retinol, as it effectively diminishes dark spots and soothes redness. Additionally, this cream contains peptides, which offer further anti-ageing properties and contribute to smoother skin, resulting in a youthful appearance overall. Moreover, it's incredibly budget-friendly and readily available at pharmacies and online. An added bonus is its fragrance-free formulation.
User rating: 4.4/5
Minimalist 2% Granactive Retinoid Anti Aging Face Cream
₹699
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This retinol cream from Minimalist uses granactive retinoid, which they claim is the next-gen retinol derivative that offers far better results and causes less irritation. It can be used for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and basically helps with anti-ageing and giving the skin a youthful glow. The formula is free of fragrance, silicones, sulfates, parabens, essential oils and dyes. Plus, it's non-comedogenic, oil-free and hypoallergenic.
User rating: 4.4/5
Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum
₹1882
Although not a cream, this one is one of the top picks for many people, including dermatologists. Dr Dray says, "This is a great choice for not only those of you seeking to improve fine lines and wrinkles but also for people who have post-acne discolouration or post-acne redness". Along with retinol, this serum has niacinamide and liquorice root extract, which are anti-inflammatory and known to improve hyperpigmentation.
User rating: 4.5/5
Re'equil 0.1% Retinol Night Cream
₹395
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One of the most important things to remember when starting out with retinol is to start with a low percentage and gradually build it up. This is to avoid any skin irritation, redness, flaking and damage to the skin. Re'equil offers 0.1% retinol, which is decent to begin with. It's an alcohol and fragrance-free formula that is very well-loved by users because it's so beginner-friendly and works wonders for all skin types by evening out skin tone boosting radiance.
User rating: 4.4/5
