Retinols

Retinol Serums and Creams for Smoother Skin

Retinol is one of the most researched skincare ingredients there is, and for good reason. Used consistently, it helps soften fine lines and smooth texture over time. The trick is finding a strength your skin can live with. Start low, go slow, and you'll get far better results than jumping straight in at the top.

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Blue skincare serum bottle with gold cap on a white background

Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum 30ml

$389.00 $555.00 30% offsaving

Dermaceutic Activ Retinol 1.0 packaging and tube

Dermaceutic Activ Retinol 1.0 Serum

From $81.90 $96.00 5% offsaving

Beauty of Joseon Eye Revive Anti-Ageing & Brightening Serum with Ginseng & Retinol 30ml

$22.00 $29.00 24% offsaving

Blue serum bottle with orange cap on a white background

Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum 15ml

$287.00

Marini SkinSolutions (Formerly Jan Marini) Retinol Plus 28g

$192.00

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

$120.00 $171.00 30% offsaving

Dermaceutic Activ Retinol 0.5 tube and packaging

Dermaceutic Activ Retinol 0.5 Serum

From $81.90 $96.00 5% offsaving

BEAUTYPRO Retinol Under Eye Patch (3 Pairs)

$12.00 $13.00 8% offsaving

Melumé Skinscience A-mazing Retinol Retinal Emulsion

$171.00 $190.00 10% offsaving

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 30ml

$39.00 $56.00 30% offsaving

Natura Bisse Essential Shock Intense Retinol Night Renewal

$192.00 $383.00 50% offsaving

PRAI Beauty 24K Gold Retinol+ Serum 30ml

$83.00

Medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum tube on a white background

Medicube Deep Vita A Retinol Serum 30ml

$35.00 $58.00 40% offsaving

VENN Collagen Intensive Phyto-Retinol Resurfacing Mask

$243.00

Skincare tube labeled 'Endocare' on a white background

Endocare Renewal Retinoid Eye Contour 15ml

$58.00 $77.00 25% offsaving

Marini SkinSolutions Retinol Plus Face Mask 48g

Marini SkinSolutions (Formerly Jan Marini) Retinol Plus Face Mask 48g

$220.00

Minimalist Retinol 0.6% Face Serum

$15.00 $25.00 40% offsaving

Frank Body Retinol Body Lotion bottle on a white background

Frank Body Retinol Body Lotion 140ml

$29.00 $39.00 26% offsaving

Marini SkinSolutions (Formerly Jan Marini) Retinol Plus XC 28g

$211.00

Natura Bisse Inhibit Retinol Eye Lift

$234.00 $261.00 10% offsaving

Perricone MD High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer

$126.00 $157.00 20% offsaving

New

Beauty of joseon Revive Under Eye Patch Ginseng + Retinol 60 Pads

$33.00

Minimalist Retinol 0.3% Face Serum

$14.00 $23.00 39% offsaving

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Oil Drops

$97.00 $138.00 30% offsaving

New

Celimax Retinol Shot serum bottle on a white background

Celimax The Vita-A Retinol Shot Tightening Serum 30ml

$32.00 $43.00 26% offsaving

VENN Collagen Intensive Phyto-Retinol Renewal Mask

$57.00 $94.00 39% offsaving

Institut Esthederm Intensive Retinol Eye Lifting Balm 15ml

$87.00

BARBER PRO Retinol Face Serum 30ml

$20.00

Perricone MD High Potency Retinol Trio

$341.00 $426.00 20% offsaving

Melumé Skinscience Skinsational Retinol Oil

$171.00 $190.00 10% offsaving

Natura Bisse Diamond Life Infusion Retinol Eye Serum 15ml

$474.00 $526.00 10% offsaving

FTF Award Winner

mesoestetic Cosmelan 2 Depigmentation Cream

From $227.80

mesoestetic Dermamelan Treatment Cream

From $329.80

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 24

$209.00

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 15ml

$27.00 $30.00 10% offsaving

About Retinols

How to Choose the Right Retinol

Start with how experienced your skin is. If you've never used vitamin A skincare before, pick a low strength and use it a few nights a week. Already using retinol happily? You might be ready for a higher percentage or a retinal, which works a little faster. Dry skin tends to prefer a cream, while serums suit oily and combination skin.

Retinol, Retinal or Retinoid?

Retinoid covers every form of vitamin A. Retinol is the one you'll see most often, and it's a great all-rounder. Retinal is one step stronger and is behind Medik8's Crystal Retinal range. Whichever you choose, wear SPF every morning. Our sunscreens make that easy.

Not Sure Which Retinol Is Right for You?

Want advice tailored to your skin? Start with our free online skin test. You can also contact our expert team for one-to-one advice, and read our blog for expert tips on building a routine that supports your skin goals.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal, Our Most Searched Retinoid

Retinal is one step closer to the form of vitamin A your skin actually uses, so it gets to work faster than retinol. Medik8's Crystal Retinal range is numbered by strength, which makes it easy to build up over time. If you've never used vitamin A before, start with Crystal Retinal 1 or 3. Once your skin is happy, move up a level. Crystal Retinal 10 and 20 are for skin that's been using retinoids for a while.

shop medik8 retinal

Retinol Serums or Retinol Creams?

Both do the same job, it comes down to how your skin likes to feel. Serums are lighter and sit under your moisturiser, so they suit oily and combination skin. Environ Tri-Retinoid Complex and The Ordinary's retinol in squalane are two of our bestsellers. A retinol cream doubles as your night moisturiser, which is handy if your skin runs dry or you want fewer steps. La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol is a gentle place to start.

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Expert Tip for Retinols

"The biggest mistake I see is going in too strong, too soon. Start two or three nights a week with a pea-sized amount on dry skin, then build up as your skin settles. A little flaking in the first few weeks is normal. Redness that doesn't calm down isn't, so drop back a step. Wear SPF every single morning, because retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Give it 12 weeks before you judge the results."

- Kimberley, Clinic and Customer Experience Manager.

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A Beginner's Guide to Retinol Skincare

Never used retinol before? Our beginner's guide walks you through choosing your first strength, how often to use it and what to expect in the first few weeks, so you can get started without upsetting your skin.

learn more

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane 30ml

$16.00 $18.00 11% offsaving

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion 15ml

$27.00 $30.00 10% offsaving

Beauty of Joseon Eye Revive Anti-Ageing & Brightening Serum with Ginseng & Retinol 30ml

$22.00 $29.00 24% offsaving

The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 30ml

$13.00 $15.00 13% offsaving

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between retinol and retinal?

Both are forms of vitamin A. Your skin has to convert retinol into retinal, then into retinoic acid, before it can use it. Retinal skips a step, so it tends to work faster, while retinol can be a gentler place to start. Medik8's Crystal Retinal range is a popular way to try retinal. You'll find it in our Medik8 range.

Which retinol strength should I start with?

If you're new to vitamin A, start low. Around 0.2% to 0.3% retinol, or a low-strength retinal like Crystal Retinal 1 or 3, is plenty. Use it two or three nights a week and only move up once your skin feels comfortable. Not sure where to begin? Our free online skin test can help.

How do I use retinol in my skincare routine?

Use it at night on clean, dry skin. A pea-sized amount covers your whole face. Follow with moisturiser, and always wear SPF the next morning, because retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Our sunscreens are a must-have alongside it.

What's the difference between retinol, retinoids and tretinoin?

Retinoid is the umbrella term for every form of vitamin A. Retinol and retinal are retinoids you can buy over the counter. Tretinoin is prescription only in the UK and much stronger, so it's something to discuss with a doctor or dermatologist. For most people, a well-formulated retinol or retinal gives great results without the irritation.

Can I use retinol with vitamin C or niacinamide?

Yes. The easiest way is vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. Niacinamide plays nicely with retinol and can even help calm the dryness some people get at the start. Have a look at our niacinamide skincare if you'd like to pair them. Strong exfoliating acids are best kept to different nights.

Can I use retinol while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Retinoids aren't recommended while you're pregnant or breastfeeding, so we'd suggest pausing yours and checking with your GP or midwife. Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative that's often used instead. You can browse our bakuchiol skincare here.

Is retinol suitable for sensitive skin?

It can be, as long as you go gently. Choose a low strength or an encapsulated formula and start once or twice a week. Applying it over your moisturiser helps buffer it too. If you're prone to redness, browse our sensitive skin edit for products to pair with it.

Can I use retinol around my eyes?

The skin around your eyes is thinner, so most face retinols are best kept away from it. A retinol eye cream is made for that area and is usually lower in strength. Start every other night and keep it on the orbital bone, not right up to your lash line.

Retinols

Retinol Serums and Creams for Smoother Skin