10 Best Retinol Facial Creams For Anti-Ageing Benefits

Having a wrinkled and saggy face isn’t something to be proud of. Although those are signs of aging, but in a situation whereby they appear, it can perfectly be controlled, minimized and diminished. That’s where retinol anti-aging face creams comes in. So, if you’re seeking for the best retinol facial creams to reduce the appearance of skin aging signs, then you’ve found them.

What is Retinol?

Retinol also know as Vitamin A is an anti-aging molecule that accelerates skin-renewal and reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, for firmer, smoother and more evenly-toned skin.

Retinol which is a milder version of tretinoin is the best ingredient when it comes to combating skin aging signs such as wrinkles, age spots, fine lines and sagging skin.

Retinol is a bit more suitable for those with sensitive skin unlike tretinoin. Retinol products tend to also contain moisturizers or emollients to reduce the possibility of irritation.

Tretinoin is also a Vitamin A, which is available by prescription but tends to be a bit more aggressive than retinol. It’s best issued on perscription, especially with individuals with without sensitive skin.

How does Retinol Work?

Retinoid products works by causing skin cells to turn over and die. This increases skin cell turnover, helps the pores stay clear and unclogged, which is why retinol is such a great acne-fighting ingredient. Retinol also increases collagen production, which in turn helps our skin look plump, firm and young.

We have always advised that, you don’t really need to start seeing skin aging signs before using anti-aging products. Infact dermatologists advise you should start using anti-aging products as early as age 21, this will perfectly control and prevent skin aging signs before the age of 30 downwards. Remember the earlier the better.

Benefits Of Retinol.

• Fights Acne (pimples).
• Mildly exfoliate & unclog skin pores.
• Boosts collagen production.
• Diminishes Wrinkles.
• Firms and smoothens the skin.
• Promote cellular turnover.
• Promotes blood circulation in the skin.
• Evens and brightens out the skin.

Note: Don’t use Retinol creams during the day without applying sunscreen. Only use at night. Retinol products may cause mild micro skin peeling which will increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. So to avoid sun damage avoid using retinol products during the day.

If you must use Retinol products during the day then you must wear sunscreen over them. Research has shown that retinol works well under sunscreen.

When sunscreen is applied over retinol products, it does it’s job by defending the skin against the UV rays of the sun while retinol plays it’s part to help skin look younger by helping the skin fight signs of aging, like wrinkles, uneven skin tone, discolorations, and loss of firmness.

But if you ask us, we advice you don’t use retinol during the day. Only use at night. Just to be on a safer side. But always use sunscreen during the day whether you want to use retinol products during the day or not.

We thought we should also let you know that, as a new user, while using retinol products, you may experience a mild micro peeling associated with slight redness, this is normal, this is retinol doing it’s work. Your skin is trying to build tolerance. These signs should clear after some weeks. By then your skin’s tolerance to retinol products is built.

So, if you’re seeking for the best retinol anti-aging face creams, then we’ve taken the privilege to review 10 best anti-aging face creams which will reduce age spots, wrinkles, boosts skin collagen production and also enhance firm, smooth, acne free and even toned skin.

Below are our best picks.

1. Ebanel Age-Defying Liposomal Retinol Moisturizer.

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Ebanel age-defying liposomal retinol moisturizer is one of our best picks because of it’s high positive ratings. This wonderful age-defying retinol face cream isn’t only mild on the skin but deep moisturizes the skin too because of it’s hyaluronic acid, aleo vera and sheabutter content.

This gentle yet potent retinol face cream contains 2.5% retinol and also contains vitamin C, which makes it very effective in fighting skin aging signs such as wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines. This face cream also fights skin blemishes, unclog the skin pores and reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, giving you a firmer, smoother, younger and even toned skin.

Pros

• 100% Naturally.
• Mild and gentle on the skin.
• Diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, & fine lines.
• Reduces breakouts, fights blemishes and unclogs pores with an oil-free formulation.
• Reduces the appearance of dark spots & hyperpigmentation.
• Prevents breakdown and promotes new production of collagen for youthful skin.
• Fights Acne Naturally.
• Brightens & Improves Skin Tone & Texture.
• Balances Oil Level & Moisturizes the Skin

Cons

• None.

2. LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer.

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LilyAna naturals retinol cream moisturizer has proven to be one of the best retinol facial creams in the market. It has the second best high positive ratings by users.

This 2.5% retinol moisturizing anti-aging creams fights skin aging signs such as wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and sagging skin by stimulating collagen production in the skin, which enhances skin firmness, plumpness and smoothness.

This wonderful 2.5% retinol moisturizing face cream also contains hyaluronic acid, sheabutter, green tea, vitamin E, jojoba oil and aleo vera which keeps the skin well moisturized and hydrated, and also prevents irritations, redness or dryness from occuring.

Enjoy a smoother, firmer, wrinkles free, acne free and even toned skin with LilyAna naturals retinol cream moisturizer.

Pros

• 100% natural.
• Non greasy.
• Boosts collagen production.
• Smoothens and firms that skin.
• Fights Acne.
• Reduces the appearance wrinkles, and fine lines.
• Gets rid of age spots and pigmentations.

Cons

• Doesn’t really smell nice (but the scent wont last long).

3. Simplified Skin Retinol Moisturizer Cream.

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Simplified skin retinol anti-aging moisturizing cream is no doubt one of the best retinol facial creams in the market, which also has high positive ratings by users and also a record of best selling rate.

This 2.5% retinol anti-aging face moisturizing cream combines retinol, hyaluronic acid, aleo vera, green tea extracts, sheabutter and jojoba oil to fight wrinkles, reduces fine lines, moisturizes and plumps up the skin by boosting collagen production.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Increases cell turn over.
• Diminishes skin aging signs.
• Fights Acne.
• Boosts collagen production.
• Gets rid of age spots and pigmentations.
• Even skintone.

Cons

• None.

4. Arvesa Retinol Skin Moisturizing Anti-Aging Face Cream.

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This is yet another potent, effective and also one of the best retinol facial creams in the market. Arvesa retinol skin moisturizing anti-aging face cream gets rid of anti-aging signs such as fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin.

This powerful, potent and effective 2.5% retinol anti-aging face cream also fights acne by stimulating cells turnover, it boosts collagen production in the skin which enhances more firmness and plumpness. This lotions is light in consistency, it’s absorb super fast and moisturizes real good.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Boost collagen production.
• Increases cell turn over.
• Absorbs fast (non greasy).
• Fights acne.
• Gets rid of wrinkles, fine lines and saggy skin.
• Enhances brighter skintone.

Cons

• None.

5. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer.

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Apart from being a popular brand, Neutrogena wrinkle repair moisturizing anti-aging face cream is the a cream you should trust.

When it comes to lists of best retinol anti-aging face creams, you shouldn’t exclude neutrogena rapid wrinkle repair moisturizer. This anti-aging retinol face cream combines retinol and hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, smoothen out fine lines and plump up saggy skin. It also moisturizes and hydrates the skin. In total which gives your skin the firmness, and smoothness it deserves.

Note: We are not really sure the percentage of retinol used in this product because it was not stated. This is a strong retinol face cream. However, you may experience mild redness, a warm, tingling sensation or flaking (skin exfoliation). These are normal temporary indications that the formula is working. If effects persist or cause discomfort, limit use to once every other night until your skin adjusts, then revert to daily use.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Reduces and smoothens wrinkles, fine lines.
• Boost skin collagen production
• Firms saggy skin

Cons

• You may experience mild micro peeling and skin redness if you have a super sensitive skin.

6. Bella Beauty Retinol Moisturizer.

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This is yet, another potent anti-aging cream in the market.
Bella beauty retinol face moisturizing anti-aging cream combines an active 2.5% retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, green tea, organic jojoba oil, vitamin B5 and Shea butter, to battle skin aging signs, boosts collagen production and smoothen wrinkles and fine lines.
This anti-aging face moisturizer is light weight and absorbs very fast.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Boosts collagen production.
• Reduces the appearance of Wrinkles fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
• Evens out skintone.

Cons

• None.

7. Radha Beauty Retinol Face Moisturizer (Miracle Cream).

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This is a very popular retinol brand, with high positive ratings by users.
Redha beauty retinol moisturizing face cream is also one of the best retinol facial creams in the market. This wonderful product not only moisturizes the skin, but smoothens wrinkles, and fine lines, plumpls up sagged skin by boosting collagen production. It increases cells turnover thereby fighting acne, and also mildly exfoliate and unclog the skin pores of impurities.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Smoothens wrinkles and fine lines.
• Boost collagen production.
• Increases cells turnover.
• Fights Acne.
• Mildly exfoliates and unclog pore.

Cons

May experience mild redness (but that’s Retinol doing it’s work).

8. Amara Beauty Retinol Face Moisturizer.

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Amara beauty Retinol cream Contains 2.5% retinol with moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter which offers superior results with less irritation in battling skin aging signs by reducing wrinkles, fine lines, boost collagen production and plumps up the skin. It also moisturizes the skin, with fast absorption rate.

This potent retinol face cream Unclogs skin pores to clear up and prevent breakouts, and shrink large pores. It further prevents future breakouts by preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores. Repairs elastin and stimulates collagen to fade acne scars.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Boosts collagen production.
• Reduces the appearance of Wrinkles fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
• Fades acne scars, age spots and hyperpigmentations.
• Evens out skin tone.

Cons

• None.

9. Amore Paris Age-Defying Retinol Moisturizer.

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Amore paris age-defying retinol moisturizer retinol Cream fights the signs of aging with active 2.5% retinol, Leaving your skin smooth, soft, and glowing.

This potent anti-aging moisturizing face cream helps diminish most signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone and spots with daily long-term use.
It improves skin tone and texture around your face, eye area, and neck while working to reduce looks of discoloration, acne, sun damage and other marks and Spots.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Smoothens wrinkles and fine lines.
• Boost collagen production.
• Increases cells turnover.
• Fights Acne.
• Mildly exfoliates and unclog pore.

Cons

• May experience mild redness (but that’s Retinol doing it’s work).

10. Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream.

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Advanced clinicals retinol cream is another potent retinol anti-aging cream in the market. Infact you can call this cream “wrinkle’s worst enemy“.

This cream reduces the visible signs of aging as it helps replenish your moisture barrier, smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines.
This cream comes in a large spa size, which will last more longer. We are not really sure about the percentage of retinol used in this cream. The retinol is listed after the 10th ingredients, so however we presume that the amount of retinol in this cream is little. But we can absolutely assure you that this lotion says what it does.

Pros

• 100% Natural.
• Mild on super sensitive skin.
• Reduces wrinkles and fine lines appearance.
  Deeply moisturizes the skin.

Cons

• None.

All the retinol moisturizing anti-aging face creams meantioned in this article are 100% natural, as they contain retinols, hyaluronic acid and other natural derived ingredients.

However, If you keep experiencing redness while using any of these anti-aging creams stated above, (which is normal) we advice you should use every other day. Example: Use on Monday, skip Tuesday, use on Wednesday. Just like that, We also advise you should use extra moisturizer just to minimize any possible occurrence of redness.

Note: While using retinol products, avoid using  harsh soaps (soap with chemicals like lactic acid, glycolic acid or AHA’s). This can trigger severe irritations. We advice you should use a mild soap or cleanser. You can as well use a mild  Baby soap or Body Wash.

Possible Questions and Answers.

Can I use these retinol face anti-aging moisturizing creams on my body too?.

Sure, you can. They can be used on both face, neck and body too.

My skin is super sensitive can i use any of the above meantioned retinol anti-aging face creams?

Well, retinols are meant for sensitive skins since Tretinion (which is the most potent and stronger version of vitamin A) can cause irritations when used on sensitive skins.
However, if you know your skin is super sensitive, we advice you should use lower percentage of retinol products, probably 0.025%, till your skin builds tolerance towards retinol, then you can work your way up to 1-% or 2% or even 2.5%. Also ensure to use an extra moisturizer while using retinol products if you have a super sensitive skin.

Can i still use an extra moisturizer after using retinol face cream?

Yes, you can. Although retinol products contains moisturizers, but you can also apply an extra moisturizer after applying retinol products. We advice those with super sensitive skin should do this.

Can i use retinol products during the day?

A short answer to this question is MAYBE.
Like we stated earlier in this article. Retinol are limited to night use only because it increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun which may cause sunburn when the skin is exposed.
However we advice that, if you must use Retinol products during the day then you must apply a sunscreen (SPF) over it, to protect your skin from the dangerous UV rays of the sun. We suggest SPF50 for better defense. Check out our review on 10 best non-comedogenic, broad spectrum Sunscreens.

What should i do if i should experience redness while using retinol anti-aging face creams?

Redness is also one of the signs that retinol is doing its work. But, when it becomes too much then we suggest you should use every other day, and continue with a deep skin moisturizing lotion to calm the redness.
However, to prevent possible severe redness we advice you should use retinol products in combination with an oil-free moisturizing lotion with hyaluronic acid, Ceramides or Aleo vera. Check out our review on 5 best oil-free facial moisturizers.

You can also layer your moisturizer first before applying your retinol cream to curtail its side effects, you can read how to retinol irritation.

Can i use retinol in combination with my vitamin C serum?

Of course, you can. Research has shown that combination of retinol and vitamin C worked even more better in fighting skin aging signs and promotes young and brighter skin. Check out our review on 13 best vitamin C serums.

Does retinol cause cancer?

No, It doesn’t. It’s true that retinol products can increase your skin’s sensitivity, this is as a result of increment in skin cells turn over. That’s why many skincare companies adds moisturizing ingredients to their retinol products. Moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid, sheabutter, and Aloe vera to keep the skin hydrated while retinol does it’s job. Retinoids works perfectly well with moisturizers as advised by dermatologists.

However, research has linked retinoids to an increased risk of skin cancer when used on sun-exposed skin. That’s why we advice to limit the usage of retinol products to night time only while you use sunscreen during the day. But if you must use retinol during the day, then don’t forget to use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays of the sun.

Why does retinol cause redness?

Retinol may cause mild redness because it helps increases skin cells turnover, during this process, you may experience mild irritation (for less sensitive skin).

Individuals with super sensitive skin may experience severe skin irritations (depending on the percentage). But that’s retinol doing it’s Job, but not to worry, these irritations will clear up in no distant time. But if the irritations should persist, consider going for products with lower percentage of retinol.

You can as well, use oil free moisturizers after applying retinol products or use every other day to minimize the occurrence of irritations.

Can a pregnant woman or breastfeeding mother use retinol products?

The answer is No. You should avoid using retinol products and other retinoids such as: retinol, retin-A, retinoic acid, and tazaratene (which are all derived from vitamin A) when expecting a baby or while breastfeeding. You should also avoid taking oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin, during pregnancy.

According to Deanne Robinson, MD, a dermatologist and an assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and also a co-founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut. Said; “Skincare in pregnancy can be tricky,“. She further said pregnant women who are expecting a baby and also breastfeeding mothers, should avoid using retinoids. She also said “while the vitamin (retinoids) can work wonders on your skin, excessive amounts can interfere with fetal development and lead to birth defects”.

Can i use retinol products on my kids?

The answer is No. However, you can use topical retinoids approved for treatment of acne vulgaris are indicated only down to age 12 years, with the exception of tretinoin 0.05% gel (Atralin), which is approved for use in children as young as 10 years of age. And this should be used only on children with acne vulgaris, and must be 12 years of age.

Also Read: 11 Best Anti-Aging Moisturizing Lotions for Wrinkles & Sagging Skin.