Which Retinol Product Is Right For You? Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Retinol

Retinol is a skincare ingredient used to reduce signs of ageing. There are many different retinol products available with different strengths and formulations. This can make it difficult to choose the right one for your needs.

This guide explains what retinol is, how it works, and which retinol product is best for your skin. We will cover three retinol products from The INKEY List: Starter Retinol Serum, Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum, and Retinol Eye Cream.

Retinol is considered one of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients available according to Cleveland Clinic. However, choosing and using retinol correctly is important for getting good results without skin irritation.

Understanding Retinol: The Science Behind the Gold Standard

Retinol is a form of vitamin A. When you apply retinol to your skin, it converts into retinoic acid, which is the active form that actually improves your skin.

How Retinol Works

Retinol works in several ways:

1. Increases cell turnover: Retinol makes your skin cells renew themselves faster. Normal skin cells take about 28 days to renew, but this process slows down as you age. Retinol helps restore a faster renewal rate. 
2. Stimulates collagen production: Collagen is a protein that keeps skin firm and elastic. As you age, you produce less collagen, which leads to wrinkles. Retinol encourages your skin to make more collagen. 
3. Clears pores: Retinol prevents dead skin cells from blocking your pores, which can reduce acne and make pores appear smaller. 
4. Reduces pigmentation: Retinol can help fade dark spots and even out skin tone by encouraging damaged skin cells to shed faster. 

Clinical Evidence

Clinical studies show that retinol can significantly improve fine lines, skin texture, and pigmentation when used consistently for 12-24 weeks. Research published in Clinical Interventions in Aging confirms that even low concentrations (0.1-0.4%) are effective.

Important Considerations

• Adjustment period: When you first start using retinol, your skin may become dry, flaky, or slightly irritated for 2-4 weeks. This is normal as your skin adapts to faster cell turnover.
• Sun sensitivity: Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You must use SPF 30+ sunscreen every day when using retinol products.
• Evening use only: Sunlight breaks down retinol and makes it less effective. Only use retinol products in the evening.

Retinol vs Retinal: Understanding the Difference That Changes Everything

There are two main types of vitamin A used in skincare: retinol and retinal (also called retinaldehyde). Understanding the difference helps you choose the right product.

The Conversion Process

Both retinol and retinal convert to retinoic acid in your skin, but they take different paths:

• Retinol: Must convert twice (retinol → retinal → retinoic acid) 
• Retinal: Only needs to convert once (retinal → retinoic acid) 

Key Differences between Retinol and Retinal

Speed of results:

• Retinal works approximately 11 times faster than retinol 
• You may see results with retinal in 4-6 weeks vs 8-12 weeks with retinol 

Potency:

• Retinal is generally more potent than retinol at the same concentration 
• 0.2% retinal is stronger than 0.2% retinol 

Tolerance:

• Retinol is usually gentler and better for beginners 
• Retinal may cause more initial irritation but works faster 

Both ingredients are effective. The choice depends on your experience with retinoids, skin sensitivity, and how quickly you want to see results.

Meet INKEY’s Retinol Range: Three Products, Every Experience Level

The INKEY List offers three retinol products designed for different experience levels and needs:

Starter Retinol Serum

What it contains: 1% Granactive Pro+ complex with 0.01% retinal

Who it’s for: Complete beginners to retinol

Key benefits:

• Gentle introduction to retinoids 
• Clinical testing shows visible reduction in fine lines within 7 days 
• Low risk of irritation 
• Lightweight serum texture 

The Starter Retinol Serum uses an encapsulated delivery system that releases the active ingredients slowly, reducing the chance of irritation while still providing benefits.

Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum

What it contains: 0.2% retinal (retinaldehyde)

Who it’s for: People with retinol experience

Key benefits:

• Works 11 times faster than traditional retinol 
• Addresses all five signs of ageing: fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, loss of firmness, and rough texture 
• Clinical-strength concentration 
• Suitable for experienced users 

The Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum provides maximum anti-ageing benefits for those ready for a more potent treatment.

Retinol Eye Cream

What it contains: 3% Vitalease™ (stabilised retinoid complex)

Who it’s for: Anyone wanting to treat the eye area specifically

Key benefits:

• Formulated specifically for the delicate eye area 
• Reduces fine lines and crow’s feet 
• Gentle enough for sensitive eye area skin 
• Rich cream texture provides hydration 

The Retinol Eye Cream uses a special retinoid complex designed for the thinner, more sensitive skin around your eyes.

Finding Your Perfect Match: The INKEY Assessment Guide

Choose your retinol product based on these factors:

Retinol Experience Level

Complete beginner: Never used retinol, tretinoin, or any vitamin A products

• We Recommended: Starter Retinol Serum 
• Why: Gentle formulation allows your skin to build tolerance gradually 

Some experience: Used retinol products for a few months

• We Recommended: Starter Retinol Serum (if you experienced sensitivity) or Advanced Retinal Serum (if you tolerated retinol well) 
• Why: Depends on how your skin responded to previous retinol use 

Experienced user: Used retinol consistently for 6+ months or used prescription retinoids

• We Recommended: Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum 
• Why: Your skin can handle the higher potency and faster-acting formulation 

Primary Skin Concerns

Early prevention (20s-early 30s):

• We Recommended: Starter Retinol Serum 
• Why: Provides preventive benefits without overwhelming young skin 

Visible ageing signs (35+):

• We Recommended: Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum 
• Why: More potent formulation addresses established signs of ageing more effectively 

Eye area concerns:

• We Recommended: Retinol Eye Cream 
• Why: Specifically formulated for the delicate eye area 

Multiple concerns:

• We Recommended: Combination approach (e.g., Starter Retinol for face + Retinol Eye Cream for eyes) 
• Why: Allows targeted treatment for different areas 

Skin Sensitivity

Sensitive skin: Often reacts to new products, has conditions like rosacea

• We Recommended: Starter Retinol Serum 
• Why: Gentlest option with lowest risk of irritation 

Normal skin: Rarely experiences sensitivity

• We Recommended: Any product based on experience level 
• Why: Can choose based on other factors rather than sensitivity concerns 

Hardy skin: Rarely experiences irritation, adapts quickly to new products

• We Recommended: Can start with Advanced Retinal if experienced, or Starter Retinol if new to retinoids 
• Why: More flexibility in product choice 

Simple Decision Guide

1. New to retinol + any skin type = Starter Retinol Serum
2. Experienced with retinol = Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum
3. Eye area concerns = Retinol Eye Cream
4. Multiple concerns = Use combination of products

For additional guidance, take The INKEY List’s skincare quiz for personalised recommendations.

How to Start Using Retinol Safely: Your Step-by-Step Success Plan

Follow these steps to use retinol safely and effectively:

Start Slowly

Week 1-2: Use retinol once per week 
Week 3-4: Use retinol twice per week if no irritation occurs 
Week 5-8: Use retinol every other day (3-4 times per week) if tolerated well 
Week 9+: Some people can use retinol nightly, but every other day is often sufficient

Application Instructions

When to apply: Evening only, never in the morning

Skin preparation: 

1. Cleanse your face thoroughly 
2. Wait 20-30 minutes for skin to completely dry 
3. Apply any hydrating serums if desired 
4. Wait for serums to absorb (15-20 minutes) 

How to apply:

1. Use a pea-sized amount for your entire face 
2. Dot the product on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin 
3. Gently spread using upward motions 
4. Avoid the immediate eye area (unless using Eye Cream) 
5. Wait 15-20 minutes 
6. Apply moisturiser 

Amount to use:

• Face: Pea-sized amount 
• Eye area: Grain of rice sized amount (with Eye Cream only) 

Layering Rules

Apply in this order:

1. Cleanser 
2. Hydrating serums (hyaluronic acid, niacinamide) 
3. Wait 15-20 minutes
4. Retinol product 
5. Wait 15-20 minutes
6. Moisturiser 

Never mix with: Vitamin C serums, AHA acids (glycolic, lactic acid), BHA acids (salicylic acid), Benzoyl peroxide 

Safe to use with: Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Peptides 

Essential Sun Protection

Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning when using retinol. We recommended INKEY’s Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30. SPF is essential because Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV damage

What to Expect

Weeks 1-4: Possible mild dryness, slight flaking, temporary sensitivity (this is normal)
Weeks 4-8: Starter Retinol: Improved texture and brightness. Advanced Retinal: Initial improvements in fine lines
Weeks 8-16: Starter Retinol: Visible reduction in fine lines. Advanced Retinal: Significant improvements in multiple signs of ageing

6+ months: Continued improvement with long-term use

Managing Adjustment Period

Normal symptoms: Mild dryness, slight flaking or temporary sensitivity 

How to manage:

• Use extra moisturiser 
• Reduce retinol frequency if needed 
• Avoid other active ingredients temporarily 
• Use gentle, fragrance-free cleanser 

When to be concerned: Severe redness, burning sensation, excessive peeling or symptoms that worsen over time 

If you experience concerning symptoms, reduce frequency or take a break and consult the askINKEY support team.

Product-Specific Instructions

Starter Retinol Serum:

• Can be mixed with moisturiser if direct application feels too strong 
• Start with twice weekly use 

Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum:

• Start with once weekly use due to higher potency 
• Ensure skin is completely dry before application 
• Allow full waiting time before moisturiser 

Retinol Eye Cream:

• Apply directly to eye area 
• Can be used morning or evening 
• Use tiny amount (smaller than grain of rice per eye) 

For safety guidance, consider doing a patch test before starting any new retinol product.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting: Your Retinol Problem-Solving Guide

“Is this purging normal?”

What is purging: Temporary increase in breakouts when retinol brings existing clogs to the surface faster

Normal purging:

• Occurs in areas where you usually get acne 
• Starts within 2-4 weeks of beginning retinol 
• Breakouts come to a head quickly and heal faster 
• Should improve within 4-6 weeks 

Not normal (probably irritation):

• Breakouts in areas where you never get acne 
• Painful, inflamed lesions 
• Getting worse after 6+ weeks 
• Accompanied by severe redness or burning 

What to do: Continue retinol routine if it’s normal purging, but ensure you’re not using too much or too frequently.

“My skin is red, dry, and flaky”

Normal adjustment:

• Mild dryness that improves with moisturiser 
• Light flaking that goes away within 2-3 weeks 
• Slight redness that fades within a few hours 

Over-use signs:

• Persistent redness that doesn’t fade 
• Severe flaking or peeling 
• Burning or stinging sensation 
• Raw or painful skin 

How to fix over-use:

1. Reduce frequency (use every 3rd night instead of every other night) 
2. Take a 3-7 day break if needed 
3. Use more moisturiser 
4. Apply retinol over moisturiser (buffering method) 
5. Remove all other active ingredients temporarily 

“Can I use retinol with my other skincare products?”

Safe combinations (same routine): Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Peptides, basic moisturisers 

Use on alternating nights: Vitamin C (or use vitamin C in morning, retinol at night), AHA/BHA acids, Benzoyl peroxide 

Never combine: Multiple retinoid products, very high concentrations of acids, harsh scrubs or exfoliants 

“When will I see results?”

Starter Retinol Serum timeline:

Week 2-3: Improved texture and brightness
Week 4-6: Reduced fine lines, smoother skin
Month 2-3: Significant improvements in skin quality
Month 3-6: Continued improvement

Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum timeline:

Week 2-4: Initial texture improvements
Week 4-6: Noticeable reduction in fine lines
Month 2-3: Significant anti-ageing improvements
Month 3-6: Optimal results

Retinol Eye Cream timeline:

Week 3-4: Improved eye area texture
Week 6-8: Visible reduction in fine lines
Month 3-4: Continued firming and improvement

Factors affecting results: Consistency of use (most important), starting skin condition, age and skin thickness, overall skincare routine 

“Can I use retinol during pregnancy or breastfeeding?”

Answer: No. Medical guidance recommends avoiding retinol during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby.

Safe alternatives during pregnancy: Vitamin C serums, Niacinamide, Gentle lactic acid (in moderation), Peptide treatments 

Resuming after pregnancy: You can safely restart retinol after finishing breastfeeding. Start gently as skin sensitivity may have changed.

“Should I upgrade from Starter to Advanced Retinal?”

Consider upgrading if:

• Used Starter Retinol consistently for 3+ months 
• No irritation with nightly use 
• Want faster or more dramatic results 
• Have more advanced signs of ageing 

Stay with Starter Retinol if:

• Still seeing continued improvement 
• Experience any irritation when increasing frequency 
• Prefer the gentler approach 
• Current results meet your goals 

“Can I use retinol in the morning?”

No. Always use retinol in the evening only.

Reasons:

• UV light breaks down retinol and reduces effectiveness 
• Retinol increases sun sensitivity 
• Evening application works with skin’s natural repair cycle 
• Morning use can interfere with SPF effectiveness 

“My retinol seems less effective now”

This is normal after 3-6 months of consistent use. The dramatic initial changes plateau because retinol’s main benefit becomes maintenance rather than dramatic improvement.

To ensure continued effectiveness:

• Store products properly (cool, dry, away from light) 
• Check expiration dates 
• Maintain consistent use 
• Consider if your needs have changed 

For personalised guidance on retinol concerns, contact askINKEY support for expert advice.

Your Retinol Journey Starts Here

You now have the information needed to choose the right retinol product for your needs. The key to success is:

1. Choose the right product for your experience level and skin concerns 
2. Start slowly and build up frequency gradually 
3. Use consistently for at least 3-4 months to see full results 
4. Use SPF daily to protect your skin 
5. Be patient - retinol works gradually but provides lasting results 

Whether you choose the Starter Retinol Serum , Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum , or Retinol Eye Cream, you’re making an investment in long-term skin health.

The most important step is to start. Retinol is one of the most scientifically proven anti-ageing ingredients available, and when used correctly, it can significantly improve your skin’s appearance and health.

Ready to start your retinol journey?

Shop The INKEY List Retinol Collection to find your perfect match.

Need personalised recommendations? Take our skincare quiz for customised routine suggestions.

Have questions? Contact askINKEY for expert guidance throughout your retinol journey.