3 Retinol Moisturizers That Actually Work

As far as anti-aging ingredients go, retinol is among the crème of the crop for helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, evening out the skin’s tone, and unclogging pores. With benefits like that, it’s no wonder that many people want “in” on those results for their own skin, which is why this potent vitamin A derivative can be found in many product formulations from serums to moisturizers. If you’re looking for the latter, consider your search complete. Scroll through to discover three of our favorite moisturizers formulated with pure retinol from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands.

Editor’s note: Retinol is powerful stuff! When adding a product formulated with retinol into your skin care routine, start with a low concentration to allow your skin some time to adjust to the ingredient. Building up a tolerance is important to help reduce the risks of irritation. What’s more, only apply retinol in the evening and be sure to apply Broad Spectrum SPF 15 or higher daily, as the ingredient can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. When in doubt, talk to your dermatologist and ALWAYS follow the pack instructions for your product of choice.

SKINCEUTICALS RETINOL 1.0

This formula is designed to counteract the effects of photo- and intrinsic aging with a high potency concentration of 1.0% pure retinol, the highest amount of retinol currently available without a prescription. If this is your first rodeo with retinol, consider starting with the brand’s lower concentration, Retinol 0.5, first to build up your skin’s tolerance.

In the evening, apply a pea-sized amount of SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 to clean skin, avoiding the eye area. For optimal results, wait at least 30 minutes before applying other skin care products.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0, $72.00 MSRP

LA ROCHE-POSAY REDERMIC R ANTI-AGING CONCENTRATE INTENSIVE

Formulated with pure retinol, Redermic R can help address marked lines, deep wrinkles, premature sun damage and other signs of aging. With continued use, skin appears smoothed, premature age spots appear less noticeable, and the complexion looks more even.

To use, apply Redermic R onto a clean face, neck and decollete alone or in combination with a lightweight moisturizer.

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Concentrate Intensive, $56.99 MSRP

VICHY LIFTACTIV RETINOL HA CONCENTRATE

When we age, our skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid slows down, making fine lines and deep wrinkles more noticeable. Vichy’s Liftactiv Retinol HA Concentrate contains an anti-aging formula of hyaluronic acid and pure retinol to help plump the appearance of visible fine lines. Immediately after use, the complexion appears dramatically smoother and plumped. In a month, youthfulness is visibly restored and skin looks more radiant.

For best results, use daily on the face and neck alone or beneath a layer of moisturizer.

Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Concentrate, $45.00 MSRP