Retinol is one of the most popular and effective anti-aging treatments. With so many options in the market, which one to go for can be confusing. Retinol is such a powerful ingredient that some might feel intimidated to use this, at least that was the case with me. Until I found out this pot of gold is the only magic, you need to fix all your skin worries that come with age. In this post, I have curated a list of the best retinol serums available in India.
What is Retinol ??
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, an anti-aging skin care ingredient approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Organisation). Known for its ability to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Works by increasing cell turnover and promoting collagen production. It is a powerful ingredient that helps to unclog pores and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. Also, available in various concentrations and forms, including over-the-counter creams, serums, and prescription-strength products. If you are new to this pot of gold, I will suggest you go through this BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO RETINOLS Here.
Before we move on to the best retinol serums that are available in India, let’s find out the skincare benefits of applying retinol.
Benefits of Retinol
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improving skin tone and texture
- Fighting acne
- Brightening the skin
- Preventing premature aging
- Helping to reduce the appearance of age spots
- Reducing the Pore size
- Get rid of stubborn acne scars
- Combats Hyperpigmentation
- Reduction in dark spots
Here are the 17 Best Retinol Serums in India
Most Effective Retinol Serums in India
CeraVe Retinol Resurfacing Serum
This Retinol Resurfacing serum by Cerave has three essential ceramides: licorice root extract, and niacinamide. This helps in reducing the appearance of post-acne marks and pores. Moreover, it helps restore the protective skin barrier and improves the skin texture. This is one of the best retinol serums available in India and is one of the highly Retinol serums recommended by dermatologists. It’s paraben-free and fragrance-free as well.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalane
This One by ordinary is like a chef’s kiss. Back when ordinary was not launched in India, Minimalist retinol was your best bet. But now, when this is available, you can definitely go for this. Moreover, it is also one of the best yet most affordable retinol serums in India. It. The most loved skincare brand, which couples science and makes skincare affordable. This one will not disappoint. Start with a low concentration if you are a beginner.
Skin Type: Sensitive
Inkey List Retinol serum
Derived from Vitamin A, this slow-release Retinol Serum is an anti-aging serum that helps target the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with less risk of irritation. Ideal for normal, oily, dry, or combination skin, it also boosts overall skin clarity and uneven skin tone for a brighter, more even complexion. This is a perfect introduction to using slow-release Retinol Serum for those who are starting to see the signs of aging. It not only helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles but also battles hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Also among the highly recommended and best retinol serum available in India.
Buy HereNeutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Serum Capsules
30-capsules of Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Fragrance-Free Retinol Face Serum target fine lines, dullness, wrinkles, and skin elasticity while leaving skin feeling hydrated, nourished, and plumper.
Buy HereRoc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum
Roc Retinol is an anti-aging facial serum that is clinically proven to improve the look of wrinkles in 4 weeks. It is known for its effectiveness in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Additionally, the brand is often commended for its use of retinol, a well-established and highly effective anti-aging ingredient.
Buy HereOlay Night Serum: Regenerist Retinol 24 Serum
A perfect blend of Retinol and Niacinamide This Retinol serum by Olay Regenrist penetrates deep into the skin layers. Retinol and niacinamide make a great combination that not only targets fine lines and wrinkles but also aids in certain other skin problems. Together they target acne marks, hyperpigmentation, pores, etc.
Buy HereBudget-Friendly Retinol Serums in India
Minimalist Retinol Serum
Retinol serum by Minimalist is a potent Anti-aging serum that contains 0.3% Pure retinol in squalene. As Retinol is a highly unstable molecule and it oxidizes in the presence of water and light. Squalene base provides higher stability. Retinol fades fine lines & wrinkles, even skin tone, and smoothens skin. Not only this but this Retinol serum is coupled with anti-oxidants such as Coenzyme Q10, which is an outstanding radical scavenger that visibly reduces wrinkle depth. Furthermore, it has Tocopherol (vitamin E) which is known to nourish and repair the skin.
Buy HerePilgrim 0.5% Retinol & 1% Hyaluronic Acid
Retinol Serum by Pilgrim has both lifting and firming effects, all thanks to hyaluronic acid. It is a Lift & Firm Anti-Aging Serum. Hyaluronic acid increases the moisture content of the skin, it plumps the skin for a firming and lifting effect. Retinol fights the signs of aging and brightens dull and tired-looking skin, thereby restoring vitality. Since it’s infused with pomegranate extract, this serum redefines the skin and stimulates the production of collagen. Great for all skin types and paraben free.
Buy HereThe Derma Co 0.3% Retinol Face Serum
The Derma Co Retinol serum will leave you with Younger-Looking & Spotless Skin in three to six weeks. Suitable for normal, oily, combination, acne-prone, & blemish-prone skin and anyone suffering from dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, acne marks, and pigmentation can use this serum. Retinol alters the behavior of aged cells and supports healthy cell turnover to refine skin texture, boost radiance, and treat aging signs. It smoothes and refines skin texture, and minimizes pores while also minimizing new breakouts.
Vitamin C evens the skin tone and brightens the complexion. It also helps reduce wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and aid wound healing. A clinically proven ingredient, Vitamin C has an immense brightening effect, treats pigmentation, and evens the skin tone. It stops melanin biosynthesis, neutralizes free radicals, and prevents inflammatory processes that help in treating pigmentation.
Glycerin is great for the skin because it acts as a humectant, allowing the skin to retain moisture. It increases skin hydration, relieves dryness, and refreshes the skin’s surface. It’s also an emollient, which helps to leave the skin soft. This is not only effective but also affordable Retinol serum in India.
Buy HereDe – cons trust Deconstruct Night Face Serum
Deconstruct retinol is formulated with 0.2% Retinol + 1% Peptide. This combination effectively works on the skin’s collagen production. Retinol increases the cell turnover rate and slows down the aging process, and peptide provides moisturization. Retinol and Peptide face serum works effectively on the skin’s collagen production, thus acting as an anti-aging serum. Great for all skin types, this is fragrance-free and paraben free.
Buy HereConscious Chemist™ Multi Peptide & 1% Encapsulated Retinol Serum
This Multi-Peptide Retinol serum by Conscious Chemist features powerful peptides which uncover youthful skin by working effectively on wrinkles, expression lines, necklines, and crow’s feet. Retinol works on cell turnover, whereas 40% CICA water aka Gotu Kola heals irritated skin by soothing and rebuilding the skin barrier.
Buy HereFoxtale Vit-A-Lity 0.15% Encapsulated Retinol Night Serum
Foxtale Retinol serum is formulated with Encapsulated Retinol, which shows 2X faster than regular retinol, as it enters into deeper layers of skin before activating. Resulting in smoother, firmer, and younger skin. Furthermore, it targets bumpy uneven texture, sunspots, and melasma and also fights free radicles. Moreover, it also has Palmitoyl Glycine, a peptide that increases skin oxygenation which reduces fine lines and wrinkles and firms skin, and provides deep moisturization, along with Green Tea-derived antioxidants, betaine, Allantoin, and Kokum Butter.
Buy HereBest Korean Retinol Serum in India
Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule
Korean products are world-famous for their effective yet gentle formulas. This One by Innisfree is one of the highly effective moisture ampoule containing Retinol and Cica(Centella Asiatica-derived ingredient) substances that helps to reduce from the beginning of trouble(dead skin cells, visible pores) to look of blemish caused by external factors. If you are new to the World of Korean skincare, Dive RIGHT HERE.
Buy HereBest Derm-Recommended Retinol Serums in India
Fixderma .05% Pure Retinol Reticuram Face Serum
Although one should never mix retinol with Vit C unless it’s a coupled formulation like this one, Reticuram by retinol. This retinol serum is Anti Aging, Boosts Collagen production, and elastin synthesis. Vit c helps tighten the skin and improves the skin texture and gives you glowing skin. Night Face Not only combats acne but also improves the pore size of the skin.
Formulated with RetiSTAR which diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, shea butter provides and locks in moisture, and jojoba oil restores the damaged skin barrier. Reticuram Retinol is one of the best-medicated retinol serums recommended by derms in India.
The serum is to be applied at night only. Apply sunscreen in the day at least 20 minutes before going out in sun.
Buy HereSesderma Retiage Antiaging Facial Serum
Retiage serum contains the 3-Retinol system of Sesderma: 3 different retinoids, of sustained release, to act together and with an excellent tolerance for every type of skin. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles, increases firmness and hydration, and evens out the skin tone.
Merciless to wrinkles, gentle to your skin.
Buy HereBest Retinol Serums with Bakuchoil in India
Plum 1% Retinol Serum
This Retinol serum by plum boosts collagen & elastin production and speeds up cell turnover, thus reducing hyperpigmentation. Not only smoothens the skin texture but also repairs and reverses photoaging. It’s a quick-absorbing formula that absorbs without any greasy feeling. Coupled with Bakuchiol, it can be called the gentlest retinol serum found in India, as it strikes a perfect balance of efficacy and gentleness, making the skin smooth and firm.
Buy HereMamaearth Retinol Face Serum with Retinol & Bakuchiol
Mamaearth Retinol serum contains Retinol which not only minimizes any signs of aging but also contains Bakuchoil, which reduces hyperpigmentation and gives naturally even-toned skin. This is lightweight and a fast-absorbing formula. Moreover, it’s free of parabens and artificial coloring.
Buy HereThese were the Best Retinol serums available in India, now before you incorporate this magical ingredient in your skincare routine, here are a few points to keep in mind.
What precautions to consider before starting retinol?
- Retinols have typical effects like dryness, tightness, redness sometimes, and slight peeling. Always moisturize after applying RETINOL. You can also use the sandwich method, i.e. layer with a light moisturizer, or eye cream, then apply retinoid and layer with a moisturizer again. If you have a very dry skin layer with skin oil, such as squalene or jojoba.
- Start slowly: Retinol can be a potent ingredient, so it is important to start slowly and gradually increase usage over time. It is important to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage to allow the skin to acclimate to the ingredient. This allows the skin to acclimate to the ingredient and reduces the risk of side effects such as dryness, peeling, and irritation.
- Use a gentle cleanser: Retinol can increase the skin’s sensitivity, so it is important to use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to avoid irritating the skin.
- Apply to dry skin: It is best to apply retinol to dry skin, as the ingredient can cause irritation on damp skin.
- Sunscreen is Must: can increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, so it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during the day to protect the skin from sun damage. Sunscreen is a must in skincare as such, but while using retinol, we should note that it becomes extremely important to use, it to avoid stripping of skin. Read HERE to find out why sunscreen is so important.
- Avoid other exfoliating ingredients: It is best to avoid using other exfoliating ingredients, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA’s, BHA’s), salicylic acids, glycolic acids, benzoyl peroxide r physical scrubs, in conjunction with retinol, as this can further irritate the skin.
- Do not mix with Vitamin C: Do not mix retinol with Vit c unless you are using a formulation that has a combination of both.
- Store properly: Retinol is sensitive to light and air, so it is important to store the product in a cool, dry place and use it within the recommended timeframe.
- Consult a dermatologist: It is always best to consult with a dermatologist before starting any new skincare regimen, especially one that involves retinol. They can help determine if retinol is right for you and what concentration and frequency of use is appropriate.
- Do not use it during pregnancy: It’s not advisable to use retinol during pregnancy. Despite all the benefits, avoid any topical application while you carry, as this may increase the risk of birth defects. Bakuchiol is a natural substitute for retinol, also safe during pregnancy. However, Talk to the derm for recommendations.
Find out what other points to keep in mind HERE.
By following these precautions, you can help minimize the risk of side effects and maximize the benefits of using retinol in your skincare regimen.
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