If you use active ingredients in your skincare, chances are, you've heard of retinol. Retinol is derived from vitamin A, and it addresses + treats skin issues such as acne, scars, fine lines, dark spots, and chicken skin. Take note, though, retinol should not be used in combination with other actives such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and vitamin C as doing so may cause irritation.
While retinol is commonly associated with anti-aging skincare routines and mature skin types, 20-somethings can slowly incorporate it into their own regimens by using a retinol product once a week. If no reaction occurs, you can gradually increase it until your complexion can tolerate it.
A word of caution: You're not supposed to layer these retinol products in one go! One product is enough, and going overboard may cause redness, irritation, and over-exfoliation.
Ready to try retinol-based products? Here are the best retinol creams, retinol serums, retinol toners, and more available in the Philippines:
TONERS
Pixi Retinol Tonic
Unlike the OG Glow Tonic which gently gets rid of dead skin cells, the Retinol Tonic aims to rejuvenate and hydrate your complexion while reducing the look of any lines and wrinkles.
Pixi Retinol Tonic 100ml, P1,050, Lazada
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Overnight Resurfacing Pads
Use these pads after your nightly cleansing routine to refine, even out, hydrate, exfoliate, and smooth out any texture on your skin without drying it out.
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Overnight Resurfacing Pads, P2,800, Zalora
EYE CREAMS
Olay Retinol 24 Eye cream
This potent eye cream works to brighten dark circles, smooth over fine lines, hydrate the skin in the eye area, and get rid of puffiness! You'll look wide awake after applying this on top of your moisturizer.
Olay Retinol 24 Eye Cream 15ml, P1,999, Watsons
The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
The slow-release retinol in this eye cream helps lessen the chance of irritation to those with super sensitive skin. Prevent and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the area by dabbing this eye cream every night. Its affordable price is a bonus!
The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream, P750, Beauty Bar
SERUMS AND OILS
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalene
Got acne marks and sensitive skin? Try this retinol serum from The Ordinary! It has the lowest dose of retinol so it won't irritate your complexion, but you'll still be able to reap the benefits.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% In Squalene, P560, BeautyMNL
Celeteque Dermoscience Advanced Anti-Aging Age Spot Erasing Serum with Retinol
This retinol serum also has rosehip seed oil and Artemisia capillaris extract which work to even out the skin tone. It also has vitamin E to help fight free radicals or environmental aggressors that cause premature skin aging. BTW, its lightweight formula allows your skin to absorb all the skin-loving ingredients really fast!
Celeteque Dermoscience Advanced Anti-Aging Age Spot Erasing Serum with Retinol, P899, Lazada
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
If you constantly follow beauty influencers and vloggers, they've probably mentioned this oil once or twice. The Luna Sleeping Night Oil soothes redness and irritation, clears up acne, and improves the appearance of pores and texture. It may be pricey, but you only need the smallest amount for your whole face since it's potent AF.
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, P3,375/15ml, Sephora
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate
Are you worried using retinol will irritate your skin? Not with this one. It has one of the lowest doses of retinol, plus it's formulated with aloe, colloidal oatmeal, and ceramides to ensure your complexion is left feeling smooth, plump, and healthy!
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate, P3,808, Sephora
CREAMS
Pond's Age Miracle Night Cream
Get a glow worthy of a Korean celeb by using this moisturizer enriched with Retinol, Niacinamide, and Vitamin C every night! It stimulates skin from within to give it a radiant and hydrated look.
Pond's Age Miracle Night Cream, P740, Lazada
Olay Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
For complexions that go through a lot during the day, meet your new best friend! Formulated with retinol and niacinamide, this night cream repairs and renews skin while you sleep to prevent dullness, dehydration, and new blemishes from forming.
Olay Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer, P1,999, Lazada
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
This ~*special*~ retinol cream combines the active ingredient with nourishing and hydrating oils to repair skin damaged by environmental aggressors such as pollution and the sun.
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, P4,360, Sephora
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
Get the most out of your beauty sleep with this night cream! The retinol- and peptide-rich formula improves skin elasticity overnight, promotes the production of collagen, and refines any rough texture on your skin.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream, P4,550, Rustan's