Firmness and renewal
Retinoids
Retinoids, skincare forms of vitamin A, used for smoother texture and softer-looking lines.
- Conditions skin
- What it is
- Retinoids are the vitamin A family of skincare; on labels, look for retinol, retinal, retinyl palmitate or hydroxypinacolone retinoate.
- What it does
- Used in serums, creams, eye creams and patches for smoother texture, softer-looking lines and a firmer look.
- How often
- Usually in the evening, starting slowly and building up as the formula allows. Some eye, toner and trace-retinoid products allow daytime use with sunscreen; masks, shots and sunscreens keep their specific schedules.
This is a retinoid, which is commonly avoided during pregnancy, so ask your doctor or midwife before using it. This isn't medical advice.
Pairs with
Ingredients that sit well beside retinoid in a routine.
Use apart
What we recommend keeping out of the same session as retinoid, and why.
AHAAlternate nights
A retinoid and an AHA both work on the skin's surface, and in one evening they can leave it red and irritated. Give each its own night.
BHAAlternate nights
A retinoid and BHA can dry out or irritate skin when layered. Use them on different nights unless a product's own directions pair them.
Vitamin CUse in separate sessions
Save your retinoid for the evening and let vitamin C have the morning. Sensitive skin especially is more comfortable when the two never share a routine.
KaolinAvoid together
Clay leaves skin drier than usual, and a retinoid straight after can tip it into irritation. Save your retinoid for nights without a mask.
Everything else under retinoids
Last reviewed
