What is retinol good for and what does it really do?

Retinol is a popular anti-ageing ingredient in skincare. But it's important to use the right product, in the right way, to avoid wasting money or damaging your skin.

With prices from £2.49 to more than £200 a bottle, it’s worth knowing if you really need to spend more, too.

We asked the experts, including chemist Dr Barbara Olioso, cosmetic consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto, and our in-house scientific adviser Kamisha Darroux, for the lowdown on who should – or shouldn't – use retinol, how to choose a retinol product and how to use it for the best results. 

Plus, we explain which other popular skincare products you should never combine with retinol products as they could irritate your skin.

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What is retinol good for?

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces pigmentation and sun damage
• Clears pores and tackles acne
• Smooths and brightens skin 

Retinol belongs to the retinoid family, which is a range of vitamin A compounds that are beneficial for skin. It's primarily good for anti-ageing and skin-renewal. 

Kamisha Darroux, Which? scientific adviser, explains; 'Retinol can be helpful in the treatment of acne and certain skin conditions, but also to combat some signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

'It helps to exfoliate the skin and increase collagen production, which can make skin appear brighter and more youthful.'  

And Dr Anjali Mahto, registered dermatologist, agrees, 'Retinol is one of the milder forms of vitamin A, making it a good starting point for many people new to this ingredient. 

'It helps improve skin texture, tone and signs of ageing with fewer side effects than stronger forms like retinaldehyde, or prescription retinoids.' 

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Does retinol really work?

Yes, our experts all agree that the science backs retinol - and stronger prescription versions - for its anti-ageing properties.

A 2024 pooled analysis of six controlled clinical studies looked at participants with an average age of 47.7 and mild to moderate signs of sun damage, including wrinkles, and found that using 0.1% retinol improved signs of photoaging with only a few reported cases of skin irritation.

What age should you start using retinol?

The best time to introduce retinol into your skincare routine is around your late twenties. Dr Mahto tells us: 'The skin loses about 1% of collagen (a protein which gives skin its structural support) per year from your mid-twenties.'  

Any younger than this is not recommended. Many dermatologists, including experts at UCLA have warned against children or teenagers using retinoid products (usually influenced by social media) because at this age skin is still developing and it is unnecessary, too harsh and damaging.

Choosing the best retinol 

• Start with a low % formula
• Look for added ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
• Only use 1-2 times a week at first
• Pause use if your skin reacts

If you’re new to retinol or have sensitive skin, it's best to start with a low-strength formula (less than 0.5%) and look for gentle options which pair retinol with soothing ingredients like niacinamide.

More experienced users might prefer higher-strength products which target deeper wrinkles and uneven tone.

Some skin irritation, redness, or a purge effect, which essentially is a 'breakout' of spots that can occur after introducing retinol, is totally normal.

Dr Mahto explains what to do if you do notice your skin reacting to retinol; 'Over or improper use of retinol often leads to redness, flaking, dryness, or sensitivity - particularly around delicate areas like the eyes or mouth. 

'Skin might feel tight, irritated or develop small bumps. If this happens, it’s best to pause use, allow skin to recover, and then reintroduce slowly with plenty of moisturiser.

Consistency, starting slow and being patient are key, as results can take time - it may be 8-12 weeks before you see results.

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Best retinol for beginners

A lower strength retinol at a smaller percentage concentration is best for beginners. Which? scientific adviser Kamisha tells us; 'Beginners should start low and slow: try 0.1 - 0.5% retinol or retinyl ester and work your way up.

Below are products that might be worth trying as your first steps into retinol, based on search popularity and product strength. 

These brands are popular across major UK retailers, such as Boots and Cult Beauty, and typically have reviews with an average of 4.5 stars or more across the platforms we checked. 

However, please note we have not tested or reviewed these products (yet – watch this space!).

1. The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

Strength: 0.2% 

2. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum

Strength: 0.3%

3. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Strength: Approx 0.1 - 0.3%

4. Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

Strength: 0.3% retinol

Top retinol products

If you're ready to graduate to higher strength retinol products, we've rounded up some of the most popular options below, based on search popularity and retailer availability.

These products are consistently rated 4.5 stars or above across multiple platforms and they are popular across major UK retailers, such as Boots and Cult Beauty, too.

However, please note we have not tested or reviewed these products (yet - watch this space!).

1. Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

Strength: 1% retinol

2. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 

Strength: Medium to high-strength retinaldehyde (0.06%)

3. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 

Strength: Retinoid + time-released retinol

4.   No7 Pure Retinol 1% Retinol Night Concentrate 30ml 

Strength: 1% pure retinol 

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What not to combine with retinol

• Vitamin C
• AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), such as glycolic acid 
• BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), such as salicylic acid
• Certain acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide
• Sun exposure (without protection)

Retinol is a powerful active ingredient, but using it alongside certain other skincare ingredients can cause irritation or reduce its effectiveness. 

Vitamin C is an ingredient best used separately, ideally in your morning routine, while retinol is kept for night-time. 

Combining the two can be too harsh for some skin types. Also steer clear of benzoyl peroxide, commonly used in acne treatments, as it can deactivate retinol and dry out the skin.

AHAs and BHAs are chemical exfoliants, and can cause irritation when used with retinol.

Dr Mahto explains, 'Retinol can increase skin sensitivity, so it’s best not to mix it with other potentially irritating ingredients like AHAs or BHAs in the same routine, unless they've been very carefully formulated together. 

'I always advise to introduce one active ingredient at a time so as not to overwhelm your skin. Introducing too many things too soon can lead to a compromised skin barrier, where skin is inflamed, red, sensitive, etc.'

Finally, go easy on exfoliating scrubs or harsh toners when using retinol. It can be tempting to throw the kitchen sink at your skin to get results, but it is likely to backfire by causing irritation.

To get the best results, pair retinol with soothing, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, and always use SPF during the day, as retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

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How to use retinol

Using retinol correctly is key to getting results without irritating your skin. 

• Start slowly – apply a pea-sized amount at night, two to three times a week. Gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
• Apply retinol to clean, dry skin - follow with a moisturiser to minimise dryness or flaking. If you're using stronger formulations, try the “sandwich method”: moisturiser, retinol, then moisturiser again.
• Apply at night and use sun protection during daytime. Retinol reacts with light so apply before bed and wear high SPF sun cream in the daytime, because it makes your skin more sensitive to sun damage.
• Build up use slowly. Start with a low percentage, applying once or twice a week at first, gradually building up to every other night and finally every night. 
• Expect some mild burning - but not too much. Some irritation, stinging and peeling skin are common side effects when starting retinoids, but if your skin is sore you should give the product a break.
• Be patient - results won’t be overnight – expect to see smoother texture and brighter tone after 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Stick with it.

It's worth discussing with a dermatologist first if you have sensitive skin, or a pre-existing skin condition such as eczema, rosacea or psoriasis. 

Avoid retinol if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Large amounts of vitamin A can harm your unborn baby, says the NHS. The risk is higher with oral high-dose retinoids, but 'out of an abundance of caution' experts typically advise that it's best to avoid topical versions, too.

Retinol vs bakuchiol

In recent years, several plant-based alternatives to retinol have come on the market, including bakuchiol, which is derived from the babchi plant. Dr Olioso says bakuchiol: 'has excellent efficacy data and is also light stable.'

A 2018 study in the British Journal of Dermatology, which pitted bakuchiol against retinol, found it was comparable in its ability to improve photo-ageing, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin.

And you don’t have to choose just one – some products now combine both for balanced results.

The cheapest option we found if you want just bakuchiol is Nature Spell 1% Bakuchiol Face Serum (£7.99 at Superdrug Online Marketplace).

The most widely available is Nivea 3-in-1 Cellular Expert Lift Serum with Bakuchiol (£27.99 for 30ml, currently £13.99 at Amazon and Boots, though we've seen it for £9.50 previously). 

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Meet our experts

Our researchers and writers consulted dermatology and skincare experts to create this retinol guide, as well as calling on the expertise of our in-house scientific advisors, who oversee Which's product testing and research.

For this article we spoke to:

Kamisha Darroux, Principal Scientific Adviser at Which?

Kamisha has a BSc in Pharmacology and a passion for skincare. She has been part of the Which? in-house science team since 2017. In her capacity as scientific adviser Kamisha has worked across more than 30 projects covering everything from product safety investigations to face mask testing and analysis.

Dr Anjali Mahto, Cosmetic Consultant Dermatologist, MBBCh BSC FRCP

Dr Mahto is a consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible. She is also one of the UK’s leading consultant dermatologists who has worked in both the UK public healthcare sector and independent clinics. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, member of the Royal Society of Medicine and a spokesperson for The British Skin Foundation.

Dr Mahto opened up her own clinic, Self London, at the start of 2023 and is a regular press contributor and widely recognised for bridging the gap between traditional medical dermatology, beauty and cosmetic medicine.

Dr Barbara Olioso, Green chemist, MRSC, MSCS

Dr. Barbara Olioso is a chemist with over 20 years of experience in natural and organic skincare. She holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Venice and has further qualifications in food and cosmetic science. As founder of The Green Chemist Consultancy and Forest Secrets Skincare, Dr. Olioso is renowned for her expertise in green chemistry and sustainable cosmetic formulation, making her a leading authority on retinol and skincare 

Note: Products featured have not yet been tested or reviewed by Which?. Featured products are selected based on active ingredients listed (by strength), price and search popularity and availability at major retailers. Correct as of 1 June 2025.