7 retinol products approved by skin experts
A comprehensive guide to the famous ingredient
We’re constantly banging on about why you should start using vitamin A, so chances are you’re already a convert. It minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, evens skin texture and tone, enhances radiance, and more, after all.
But maybe you haven't discovered your holy grail retinol, retinal or retinol alternative yet?
That's where this retinol guide comes in — here, we're going to tell you all about the benefits of using retinol, which retinol product to choose based on your skin type, and the best retinol products to shop, according to a panel of experts.
We asked April Brodie (Integrated Facialist), James Vivian (Dermal Therapist and Founder of Viviology), Dr Joseph Hkeik (Cosmetic Doctor, Founder of All Saint Clinic, and Co-Founder of Lana Banana Skincare), and Lana Sayah (Co-Founder of Lana Banana Skincare) for their recommendations.
How to choose a retinol product based on your skin type
Got oily skin? You'll probably prefer a lightweight gel or serum that's absorbed easily and doesn't make your skin look greasy.
Creams are fantastic for dry skin, because the thicker formula (and subsequently larger molecules) slow the absorption of retinol. Plus, they usually contain moisturising emollients that help to reinforce the skin's natural moisture barrier.
And, if you have sensitive skin, opt for low retinol concentrations paired with soothing or anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Your comprehensive guide to retinol skin care products
The retinol weekly treatment: Cosmedix Refine Refinishing Treatment
from $99.50 at Oz Hair & Beauty
Ease yourself into retinol use with this medium strength treatment, which we'd recommend using once a week sandwiched between two layers of a thick moisturiser. After your tolerance has improved over time, you can leave out the layer of moisturiser closest to your skin, to experience a more potent version of the treatment.
Review: "Cosmedix Refine Refinishing Treatment delivers Vitamin A in its most active and skin-ready form. This advanced AGP Complex speaks directly to the skin encouraging healthy cell turnover and visibly smoothing fine lines." — James Vivian, Dermal Therapist
Key features:
A medium-strength anti-ageing retinol serum treatment
Contains pure vitamin A
Beginner-friendly
Addresses the first signs of ageing and breakout-prone skin
Available at:
$99.50 from Oz Hair & Beauty
$110 from Adore Beauty
The retinol eye treatment: Viviology Retinal Eye Cream
from $48 at Adore Beauty
Dealing with tired-looking eyes? It might be time to incorporate retinol into your eye care routine. This gentle-enough-for-delicate-under-eyes pick contains encapsulated slow-release retinal and hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), as well as peptides, green tea, coffee extract and Australian native Kakadu Plum to actively plump, brighten and smooth the under eye area.
Review: "The eye area is one of the first places we start to see fine lines and textural changes, which is why I love this formula. It’s gentle but effective, with a micro-dose of retinal to encourage smoother, brighter under-eyes without causing irritation." — James Vivian, Dermal Therapist
Key features:
Contains encapsulated slow-release retinal and hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR)
Enriched with peptides, green tea, coffee extract and Australian native Kakadu Plum
Plumps, brightens and smooths under eyes
Lightweight creamy formula
Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Available at:
$48 from Adore Beauty
The retinol moisturiser: Rationale #6 Night Cream
from $230 at Rationale
Looking for a retinol cream to add to your evening routine? This hydrating, plumping and radiance-enhancing formula from Rationale should be on your radar. It uses a blend of vitamin A (retinol and retinal) and DNA repair enzymes to address the signs of ageing effectively, while still being suitable for all skin types.
Review: "This one’s a staple in my routine. It combines vitamin A with DNA repair enzymes and works hard overnight to plump and rejuvenate the skin." — April Brodie, Integrated Facialist
Key features:
Contains a proprietary complex of vitamin A (retinol and retinal) and DNA repair enzymes
Addresses the signs of ageing
Enhances hydration and radiance
Plumps skin
Suitable for all skin types
Available at:
$230 from Rationale
$230 from David Jones
$230 from All Saint Clinic
The retinol product for beginners: Lana Banana The Day Serum
from $99 at Lana Banana
New to retinol or looking for an entry-level product for your teen? This day serum contains a cocktail of ingredients that aim to ensure the skin is refined, looks it's healthiest, and feels balanced. Plus, the lightweight formula is hydrating but never greasy, making it a welcome addition to skin care routines for those with oilier skin.
Review:
"A must have for younger skin and those looking to start their skincare journey, this lightweight serum packs a serious hydration punch. Loaded with cell-renewing peptides, powerful antioxidants, and calming anti-inflammatories, it repairs damage, plumps skin, and shields against environmental stress. Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) speeds up cellular turnover, supporting skin regeneration and keeping pores clear." — Lana Sayah, Co-Founder of Lana Banana
Key features:
Contains vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate), peptides, powerful antioxidants, and calming anti-inflammatories
Lightweight hydrating serum
Suitable for first-time retinol users
Promotes a healthy-looking, refined and balanced complexion
Available at:
$99 from Lana Banana
$99 from All Saint Clinic
The retinol product for experienced users: SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0
from $162 at SkinCeuticals
Gone around the block a few times with a low dose retinol and ready to take your experience to the next level? This concentrated retinol cream contains one per cent pure retinol to address the signs of ageing and refine the complexion.
Review:
"A high-concentration pure retinol cream for experienced retinol users to refine signs of ageing simultaneously. This product is ideal for problematic and sun-damaged skin that has been pre-conditioned with the use of SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5. Formulated with concentration of 1.0% pure retinol and calming chamomile-derived bisabolol, this night cream utilises an advanced stabilisation system to evenly release retinol for maximum efficacy." — Dr Joseph Hkeik, Cosmetic Doctor, Founder of All Saint Clinic, and Co-Founder of Lana Banana Skincare
Key features:
A high-concentration one per cent pure retinol
Recommended for experienced retinol users
Addresses the signs of ageing
Free from parabens, fragrance, alcohol and dye
Suitable for all skin types
Available at:
$162 from SkinCeuticals
$162 from All Saint Clinic
The accessible retinol product: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Cream
from $29.50 at Woolworths
Like to keep your skin care routine simple? Try this retinol and retinyl propionate-enriched moisturiser from Olay — you can pick it up on your next grocery shop at Woolies. Plus, it doesn't just address the first signs of ageing, it also helps to keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours after it's been applied.
Review: "A great, accessible option that combines retinol with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3. It hydrates and delivers visible results, making it super easy to slot into any nighttime routine." — April Brodie, Integrated Facialist
Key features:
Contains pure retinol, retinyl propionate, niacinamide, and amino peptides
Hydrates for up to 24 hours after application
Addresses the visible signs of ageing
Fragrance and dye-free
Can be used a few times a week
Suitable for all skin types
Available at:
$29.50 from Woolworths
$29.99 from Chemist Warehouse
The luxurious retinol product: Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
from $583 at All Saint Clinic
If there's no budget when it comes to your skin care routine, then this stem cell-enriched serum should be on your shopping list. It utilises Augustinus Bader's signature TFC8® complex, as well as pure retinol to address the signs of ageing, or the issues typically associated with oily and blemish-prone skin.
Review: "Backed by science and powered by Augustinus Bader’s signature TFC8® complex, this product delivers visible results: smoother texture, more even tone, and that elusive lit-from-within glow. It’s skincare that feels like a treatment. Yes, it’s a splurge, but for those serious about long-term skin health and transformation, it’s a worthy investment. Think of it as luxury backed by research, potent, precise, and truly effective." — Dr Joseph Hkeik, Cosmetic Doctor, Founder of All Saint Clinic, and Co-Founder of Lana Banana Skincare
Key features:
Contains pure retinol
Enriched with Augustinus Bader's signature TFC8® complex
Lightweight hydrating serum texture
Formulated without irritants, allergens, or synthetic fragrance
Recommended for ageing, oily and blemish-prone skin
Available at:
$583 from All Saint Clinic
$595 from Augustinus Bader
$612 from MECCA
Main image credit: @camimendes
Still not sure your skin can take it? Check out these retinol products for sensitive skin and retinol alternatives instead.
Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).
