Retinol is far from the new kid on the block, having established itself as an ingredient beloved by dermatologists, researchers, beauty editors, and skin conscious citizens alike. However, retinol serums and prescription tretinoin ointment formulas have dominated the market thus far, with an entire formula category remaining relatively undiscussed; retinol oil.
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Benefits of retinol oils
By now we’re all aware of the key benefits of retinol and retinoids. With consistent use, retinol works to promote cell turnover to improve skin clarity, even out skin texture, reduce hyperpigmentation, combat acne, and smoothen fine lines, while also stimulating collagen and enhancing elastin fibre formation. However, these skin-enhancing benefits are often accompanied by a slew of less-than-desirable side effects, in the form of skin irritation, dryness, flakiness, and sometimes peeling.
While there’s no new technology that their serum and moisturiser counterparts don’t offer, retinol oils offer a more cosmetically elegant, less irritating way to introduce retinol into your skincare routine. Retinol oils are often made with nourishing plant oils which work to replenish moisture and nourish the skin, significantly nullifying the drying side effects of the retinol. Their soothing nature also makes retinol oils a good option for those with sensitive skin as well as or dry and dehydrated skin types.
Retinol oils vs serum
Retinol serums and oils both offer the same primary skin-enhancing benefits of retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), albeit in a different delivery method. However, retinol oils offer the added benefit of providing nourishment and moisture to the skin, working to prevent or soothe the potential irritation associated with retinol use. Plus, the conditioning effects of oils do not impact the efficacy of the retinol, meaning retinol oils are just as beneficial as their serum or cream counterparts.
How to use retinol oil in your skincare routine
Retinol serums and creams are water-based, meaning they sit towards the beginning of your skincare routine – directly after cleansing and toning. However, retinol oils are – obviously – oil-based and therefore should be applied as the final step of your skincare routine. If you’re using any complementary water-based serums, apply these first. For those new to retinoids, you can mix a few drops of retinol oil into your moisturiser or simply apply it before moisturising. Otherwise, the moisturising effects of retinol oils mean they can be used in lieu of your nightly moisturiser.
The best retinol oil products
Whether you’re just getting into the retinol game or looking for a serum alternative, these are the best retinol oils on the market.
1. Skinstitut Expert Reveal Retinol Face Oil
Retinol meets plant oils like macadamia, sunflower, olive, and peanut to make a retinol oil that smoothes out skin texture and promotes clarity while encouraging collagen production.
Best for: mature, dry, combination skin types
2. Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil
Ideal for those with sensitive skin, the Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil includes soothing blue tansy and chamomile extracts that work to calm inflammation and mitigate any potential retinol-induced irritation. A slew of plant oils like avocado, grapeseed, and chia seed serves as a nourishing delivery system for the retinol. Used on its own or in conjunction with the brand’s Good Genes Lactic Acid treatment, this retinol oil works to treat pigmentation and soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines over time.
Best for: sensitive skin types, retinol newbies
3. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Face Oil
For those looking for an anti-ageing specific product, the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Face Oil is the way to go. Simultaneously underrated yet a bestseller, this drugstore product combines 0.3% retinol with lightweight mineral oils to diminish the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Best for: mature skin types
4. Dermalogica Active Retinol Clearing Oil
A one-two punch in a bottle if ever there was one, the Dermalogica Active Retinol Clearing Oil combines two notoriously difficult to mix products: retinol and salicylic acid. Ideal for reducing breakouts while improving skin texture and clarity and preventing premature ageing, this product features argan, jojoba, and rosehip oils to moisturise and comfort the skin, reducing any irritation caused by the active ingredients.
Best for: oily, acne-prone, combination skin types
5. StriVectin S.T.A.R. Light Retinol Night Oil
An ultralightweight formula, retinol meets niacinamide, squalane, chia seed oil, and antioxidants astaxanthin and pro-anthocyanidins in this retinol oil. Designed to target fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and uneven tone while moisturising the skin, this fast-absorbing formula is an anti-ageing all-rounder.
Best for: mature skin, most skin types
6. The Ordinary 1% Retinol In Squalane
Trust The Ordinary to have a wallet-friendly retinol oil. The Ordinary 1% Retinol In Squalane is a high-strength formula suitable for those who have used retinol before. Over time it works to reduce fine lines, age spots, and hyperpigmentation.
Best for: experienced retinol users
FAQ
Dermatologists recommend the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Oil. Other dermatologist-approved retinol products are the RoCRetinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Ageing Night Cream, CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum, Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum, and SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0.
Use 4-6 drops of retinol oil to cover your face and an additional 2 drops for the next and chest.
Retinol oil boasts the same anti-ageing benefits as retinol, however, the soothing effects of the oil work to reduce any side effects like dryness and irritation.
Yes, retinol works to boost collagen and elastin production while promoting cell turnover which fades dark/age spots, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and controls sebum production to reduce breakouts over time.
It’s best to start using retinol at age 25 – this is when collagen and elastin production begins to decline.
If you’re using retinol on your face, it’s best to extend the treatment to your neck and chest.
Words by Arabella Johnson
