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Looking for skincare that actually delivers? We’ve handpicked our top retinol creams for your eyes, face and body. Say goodbye to dullness and hello to smoother, brighter skin
Summary
Lightweight, non-greasy formula
NeoStrata
NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex 30ml
The Autumn Self-Care Event
£86.40
£96.00
Super hydrating
Q+A
Q+A Vitamin A.C.E Warming Gel Mask 75ml
£9.00
Added carrot seed oil
Vitaskin
Vitaskin Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Cream
Buy 1 Get 1 Half Price
£15.49
Retinol is a popular skincare ingredient for a reason, with its skin-boosting properties thought to help keep your skin looking firm and youthful.1 But too much, too soon, can leave your skin dry and feeling delicate.
When it comes to retinol, the key is to start low and slow with a good-quality, moisturising retinol cream.1
Ready to unlock the full potential of retinol cream? Let’s dive in.
What is retinol cream?
Retinol creams are moisturisers with one powerful ingredient: retinol. They’re designed to hydrate the skin and offset the dryness that retinol can sometimes bring.1,2 From face and body formulas to delicate eye-area treatments, there’s a retinol cream for every skin need.
But, what exactly is retinol and why do some people swear by it?
Retinol, derived from vitamin A, can be sourced naturally or created in a lab.1 The potential benefits of retinol don’t end with its skin-supporting properties, it may also help counteract some of the signs of ageing.1,3
As we get older, our skin breaks down collagen faster than it can produce more.4 Not only may retinol help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines but it may also help combat other signs of skin ageing, like irregular pigmentation.4
Several studies have suggested that retinol may also help improve:4-7
- sun-damaged skin
- fine lines and wrinkles
- coarse lines and wrinkles
- skin brightness
- uneven skin pigmentation
- skin roughness
That said, using retinol isn’t always a walk in the park – it can be pretty tough on your skin if you’re not used to it or you start off too strong.4 To help reduce the risk of skin irritation, ease in slowly and pick a product that’s specially designed for the area you want to use it on.1
So how do you choose the right product? We’ve collected some of our favourites to help you decide.
Our favourite retinol creams
We’ll walk you through our most-loved products which are packed with retinol and other vitamin A-derived ingredients.
The skin around your eyes is delicate and quick to show age-related changes.8
Not only is it thinner than the rest of your face, but it’s also constantly in motion – blinking, squinting, smiling and laughing. Over time, these natural expressions can cause fine lines and wrinkles, making the eye area a telltale sign of age.8
If looking healthy is your goal, your eye area is the perfect place to start. But do you really need a dedicated eye cream? The answer is yes. The products we use on the rest of our face may irritate such a thin and sensitive area.7
If you’re going to use retinol near your eyes, Antipodes Kiwi Seed Eye Cream is the one you want as its formula is designed specifically for this delicate area. This product can help with smoothing fine lines, help with getting fewer wrinkles and reduce under-eye darkness and puffiness, making it a great addition to any anti-ageing skincare routine.
We’re no stranger to a retinol face product and all its potential benefits – smoother, younger-looking skin and a more even tone. So why not give your body the same glow?1,4-7
A simple trick? Mix NeoStrata Potent Retinol Complex into a moisturiser to create your own rejuvenating retinol body cream. this smooth, light serum blend effortlessly, making it perfect for diluting and nourishing your body head to toe. This handy product has a formulation of 0.3% pure retinol, 4% niacinamide and 2% neo-glucosamine, while supporting hydration thanks to centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid.
If your skin’s feeling dull, dry or just in need of some TLC, this vitamin-packed gel mask could be the pick-me-up you’re looking for. Unlike traditional creams, this nourishing formula brings together vitamins A, C and E – a trio known to support skin rejuvenation – in one comforting treatment.
Infused with a blend of super fruits including acai, pomegranate, cranberry, camu camu and cherry, the mask warms on contact, creating a spa-like experience as it transforms from a honey-coloured gel into a silky, milky texture when rinsed. Alongside omegas-3, 6 and 9, these ingredients help replenish hydration and even out tone.
Ideal for dry, stressed or delicate skin, Q+A Vitamin A.C.E Warming Gel Mask can support with leaving your complexion brighter, smoother and refreshed – the perfect way to reset when your skin is craving care.
When it comes to fine lines and uneven skin texture, retinol is a go-to. But if your skin is on the delicate side, REN Bio Retinoid™ Youth Cream offers a gentler, plant-powered alternative. At the heart of the formula is Bidens Pilosa, a botanical extract shown to mimic the effects of retinol – helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and support firmer-looking skin.
Microalgae extract adds a visible lifting effect, while olive leaf extract works to smooth skin texture. The result? A luxurious cream that helps hydrate, restore suppleness and promotes a radiant, youthful glow.
With continued use, skin feels rehydrated, plumper and more resilient – a smart choice if you want the benefits of retinol, but with a naturally gentle touch.
Night-time is when your skin does its best repair work, so the right night cream can make all the difference. Vitaskin Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Cream is powered by retinoids – a derivative of vitamin A – to support your skin while you sleep. This process helps to smooth fine lines, minimise the look of wrinkles and encourage a fresher, more even skin tone.
What makes this formula unique is the addition of carrot seed oil, another natural source of vitamin A, which works alongside retinoids to help nourish and rejuvenate the skin. Rich in antioxidants, carrot seed oil also helps to protect against environmental stressors.
The cream’s rich yet easily absorbed texture cocoons the skin in hydration, leaving it feeling supple by morning. With regular use, you’ll notice your skin looks more radiant, feels smoother and carries that post-facial glow – all without stepping foot outside your bedroom.
Not only will your skin feel like a million dollars, but it’ll look like it, too – fresh, bright and well-rested.
How to use retinol cream
As retinol can cause skin irritation for some people, there are a few things to consider when you’re just starting out.1,4
While retinol is generally considered safe, it’s also powerful, so it’s important to toe the line between treating your skin and giving it a break.1,3,4
It’s a good idea to perform a patch test before you start using retinol if you know you have delicate skin.
Retinol can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so applying it during the day puts your skin at greater risk of sun damage.1 Stick to using retinol at night to protect your skin and be sure to use sun protection with a minimum of SPF 30 during the day.10
It can take several months to see the benefits of using retinol.1,3,4 You may not notice a difference for a while – or you may come face-to-face with the dreaded ‘retinol purge’.
As long as you’re not dealing with any redness, itchiness or extreme sensitivity, we recommend you wait it out and your glow will slowly start to show.
Pregnancy may bring a natural glow, but that shouldn’t be thanks to retinol. Oral retinoids are known to cause birth defects and while retinol applied to the skin may not carry the same risks, it’s safest to avoid skincare products containing retinol and other retinoids during pregnancy.1,10
How often should I apply retinol cream?
We recommend starting off with the lowest concentration of retinoid (whether that’s retinol or another type) and applying it every other night.10 Once your skin gets used to it, you can gradually increase the frequency.
Always pay attention to the information on the packaging, as retinol creams vary in strength.
The final say
Retinol cream has emerged as a powerful skincare ally for its skin boosting properties, enhance skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.1,3,4
And the best part? It’s not just for your face – why not give your eyes and body the same rejuvenating boost?
Have we got you curious about what retinol cream can do for you? Explore bakuchiol – the plant-based retinol swap.
Disclaimer - This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Milosheska D, Roškar R. Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: A focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations. Adv Ther. 2022;39(12):5351–75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-022-02319-7
2. Al-Sheyab RF, et al. The health literacy of retinol cream usage among female students in the faculty of artificial intelligence at Al-Balqa Applied University. Cureus. 2023;15(6):e40223. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40223
3. Mambwe B, et al. Cosmetic retinoid use in photoaged skin: A review of the compounds, their use and mechanisms of action. Int J Cosm Sci. 2025;47(1):45–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.13013
4. Quan T. Human skin aging and the anti-aging properties of retinol. Biomolecules. 2023;13(11):1614. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13111614 5. Babcock M, et al. A randomized, double-blind, split-face study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of three retinol-based products vs. three tretinoin-based products in subjects with moderate to severe facial photodamage. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(1):24–30. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607905/
6. Jang S, et al. A long term study of the difference in efficacy and effect rate of various concentrations of retinol (1500–6600 IU) in middle aged women. Arch Dermatol Res. 2023;315(5):1323–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-022-02520-2
7. Mellody KT, et al. Multifaceted amelioration of cutaneous photoageing by (0.3%) retinol. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022;44(6):625–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12799
8. Kaufman J, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a retinoid eye cream for fine to moderate wrinkles of the periorbital region. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(9):932–7. https://doi.org/10.36849/jdd.6815
9. Correia G, Magina S. Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(7):1938–45. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15748
10. American Association of Dermatologists. Retinoid or retinol? [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jan 23]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
