So you want to start using retinol? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Here at beautyheaven we have all the best tips, tricks and products to get you started on your retinol journey so you can reap the rewards of the ingredient without any of the potential side effects.
Derived from vitamin A, retinol can be used to enhance cellular turnover and collagen production. This is what helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, unify skin tone, smooth skin texture and balance sebum production.
However, it’s also a very strong active ingredient, which is why it’s so important to slowly build up your use and resilience over time.
Ready to begin your retinol journey? These are the best retinol products to start with…
2024’s TOP Retinol For Beginners
- The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, $12.90, Adore Beauty
- La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol B3 Serum, $63.99, Chemist Warehouse
- SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3%, $129, Adore Beauty
The best retinol for beginners 2024
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
$12.90 at Adore Beauty
Key features:
Trust The Ordinary to give us the best budget and beginner-friendly retinol option on the market. This gentle introduction to retinol includes squalane, tomato extract and jojoba oil, which all help to maintain the ingredient’s stability after you open the bottle. These nourishing, supportive ingredients and the low concentration of retinol (0.2 per cent) minimise the risk of irritation for first-time users of the powerful active so you can reap all of its anti-ageing benefits.
- Less than $13
- Includes squalane, tomato extract and jojoba oil
- Low concentration of retinol (0.2 per cent)
- Highly stable formula minimises the risk of irritation
- Gentle on skin
Available at:
- $12.90 from Adore Beauty
- $12.90 from MYER
- $12.89 from RY
La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol B3 Serum
$63.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this serum is a great way to introduce retinol into your routine if you’re new to the anti-ageing active. It contains just 0.3 per cent of retinol, but even this small amount helps to smooth fine lines and minimise the appearance of dark spots over time. The ingredient’s complexion-refining abilities are further heightened by the presence of niacinamide, which also hydrates the skin.
Key features:
- Contains 0.3 per cent retinol and niacinamide
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Minimises the appearance of fine lines and dark spots
Available at:
- $63.99 at Chemist Warehouse
- $71.95 from Adore Beauty
- $71.99 from Priceline
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3%
$129 at Adore Beauty
Designed with the intention to increase skin’s resilience to retinol, this gentle formulation contains 0.3 per cent of the ingredient in an effort to cater to sensitive skin and those inexperienced with the active. The cream-textured serum addresses a number of skin concerns too including fine lines, uneven skin tone and texture, breakouts, overproduction of sebum and dull skin, whilst still being gentle on skin.
Key features:
- Contains 0.3 per cent retinol
- Formulated for retinol newbies and sensitive skin
- Cream-textured serum
- Addresses fine lines, dull skin, uneven skin tone and texture
- Minimises breakouts and sebum production
Available at:
- $129 from Adore Beauty
- $129 from SkinCeuticals
- $129 from MYER
Viviology Retinol Serum 0.3%
$69 at Adore Beauty
Perfect for retinol newbies, Aussie brand Viviology has partnered slow-release, encapsulated retinol (0.3 per cent) with nourishing ceramides and peptides. This powerful combination helps to enhance your PM skincare routine, targeting fine lines, skin elasticity, while simultaneously soothing, hydrating and reinforcing the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Key features:
- Contains 0.3 per cent slow-release, encapsulated retinol
- Ceramides and peptides soothe, hydrate and reinforce the skin’s natural moisture barrier
- Targets fine lines and skin elasticity
- Formulated for retinol newbies
- To be used in the evening
Available at:
- $69 from Adore Beauty
- $69 from James Vivian
Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
$68 at Paula’s Choice
Ever heard of bakuchiol? It’s a retinol alternative that’s a lot gentler on skin. Paula’s Choice has married the two together in this entry-level retinol serum, boosting the line-smoothing powers of the 0.3 per cent retinol included in the formula. Peptides have also been added to the mix to target skin firmness and support collagen production.
Key features:
- Contains 0.3 per cent retinol and 2 per cent bakuchiol
- Collagen-boosting peptides help to firm skin
- Targets fine lines
- Formulated for beginners and sensitive skin
Available at:
- $68 from Paula’s Choice
What retinol should a beginner use?
Retinol newbies should use a retinol product with a low concentration of the active ingredient so as to avoid irritating the skin. Finding a formula with supporting ingredients that help to soothe, hydrate or strengthen the skin is also important to ensure your introduction to retinol is as gentle on your skin as possible.
Tips for applying retinol if you’re a beginner
New to retinol? It’s best to start ‘low and slow’, which means finding a retinol product with a low concentration of retinol and slowly integrating it into your routine. Typically one would start using retinol once a week as a part of their evening routine, building up to two days after the skin has acclimated and so on. You can also sandwich your retinol between two layers of moisturiser to further minimise the risk of irritation if you have particularly sensitive skin. However, once you have built up your skin’s resilience, we highly recommend using the ingredient every other day alternating with other skincare ingredients that help to support the reinforcement of the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Related article:
- Retinol In Skin Care: Everything You Need To Know
- 9 retinol myths to put to bed, according to an expert
Main image credit: @shaymitchell
What’s your favourite retinol tip or trick?
Some great retonol brands and products
You can never go wrong with The Ordinary
I used other retinol brands, there are so many alternatives there.
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
$12.90 at Adore Beauty This is a good one to start off with as it has a very good price tag.
I do like The Ordinary’s products.
I’m running low on my current retinol: I’ve been meaning to try The Ordinary.
such good value too
I have the Elle Derm to try next
As much as I love The Ordinary, their pure retinol serums have been tested and shown to degrade very quickly – something like 50% in 3 months. Their granactive retinoid (a gentler form that’s still effective) is much more stable. Beginners can start with the 2% granactive retinoid.
Still have not tried any TO retinol except their very first 1% that was discontinued!
I’m not a beginner when it comes to using retinol, and I don’t stick with one brand.
The Ordinary is a great brand.
I’d like to try Paula’s Choice as it has a low % retinol and a nice alternative ,bakuchiol
I’m laying off the serums for a while – I’m not sure they’re helping me.
I really need to up my Retinol game, i hear quite a lot of positive things about it
I would love to try these products.