#1


	
Agelyss Retinol Cream

Agelyss Retinol Cream

What Do We Like?
  • Contains Retinol standardized to contain 1%, the optimal safe potency.
  • Contains 3 clinically-proven supporting ingredients - Hyaluronic Acid (HA), soluble Marine Collagen and Jojoba Seed Oil
  • Provides over 10% active ingredients to ensure effective potency
  • Targets fine lines and wrinkles, tightens and lifts skin, promotes skin cell production, repairs damage and boosts the production of collagen
  • Formulated for all skin types and ages
  • Cost-saving purchasing options
  • 365-day money-back guarantee on both used and unused bottles
  • Manufactured in an FDA-approved and cGMP-certified facility
The Downside
  • Sells out fast
Introduction

As the skincare industry evolves with changing biotechnology, we constantly review Retinol creams to see which brands keep their formulas up-to-date with current clinical studies and which ones rely on their past formulas and brand recognition in order to sell their products. It was actually shocking to us that brands we know and love listed basic ingredients such as glycerin as their active ingredient, and even contain potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens. We’ve weeded through hundreds of Retinol creams and analyzed ingredient labels, manufacturing practices and customer reviews to bring you our top picks. Our #1 choice epitomizes everything we were looking for. Rather than hiding their amounts or only including 2-3% active ingredients, Agelyss uses over 10% active ingredients in their Retinol cream without including any parabens or harmful materials. To have found a product with such a high quality formula that is affordable and has a 365-day money-back guarantee, we really hit the jackpot! Continue reading our review to get an in-depth report on this Retinol cream.

Read Full Review

5.0

Quality of Ingredients: Premium
Safety Evaluation: Safe For Use
Customer Satisfaction: 5
Customer Service: 5
Read Our Full Review Visit Site

#2


	
	Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment

Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment

What Do We Like?
  • Contains 1% Retinol for anti-aging benefits
  • Includes peptides and Vitamin C to support skin firmness
  • Lightweight lotion to hydrate and absorb quickly
  • Offers a 60-day refund or store credit for up to 180 days
The Downside
  • No stated ingredient quantities
  • Some users report irritation or redness
  • Small bottle size for the price
Introduction

Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment brings a high-strength formula to the table, combining 1% Retinol with peptides and Vitamin C to target signs of aging, uneven skin tone, and fine lines. The inclusion of soothing ingredients like licorice, oat, and willow bark adds an extra layer of care, aiming to reduce irritation that’s often associated with potent Retinol products. However, while the formula shows promise, the lack of transparency around ingredient percentages and the small bottle size raise questions about its overall value. Read on to explore what makes this Retinol treatment a solid option for your skincare routine.

Read Full Review

4.2

Quality of Ingredients: Good
Safety Evaluation: Safe For Use
Customer Satisfaction: 4.4
Customer Service: 3.9
Read Our Full Review Visit Site

#3


	
Kleem Organics Retinol Cream

Kleem Organics Retinol Cream

What Do We Like?
  • Contains Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba
  • Certified organic
  • Hygienic pump bottle
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Made in the USA
The Downside
  • Retinol percentage is too high (can damage skin)
  • Not transparent about other ingredient percentages
  • Not an all-in-one cream
  • Unclear satisfaction guarantee
Introduction

Coming in at our number 3 spot is Kleem Organics Retinol Cream. With a sleek bottle design and attractive price, we were excited to see what this formula would look like. Of course, Retinol is one of the main ingredients, with a percentage of 2.5. While this high percentage of Retinol might attract you, it’s important to remember that 1% has been found to be effective in clinical studies and using a higher percentage will be more harsh on your skin. The other key ingredients are green tea extract, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil. We liked that there are 5 active ingredients in this formula. However, aside from Retinol, we aren’t told any percentage amounts and therefore can’t know how effective each ingredient is. Unfortunately, this lack of transparency prevents us from being able to estimate if the moisturizing and skin-protecting ingredients are enough to help your skin manage the Retinol treatment.

That wasn’t the only place this product lacked transparency. Kleem Organics has a stamp on their product page that says “Dermatologically Tested.” We would have appreciated it if the study was accessible to the public so we could know more about the product. Another lack of transparency relates to Kleem’s satisfaction guarantee. Kleem claims to have a 100% satisfaction guarantee but their return policy is only for undamaged goods within 30 days of purchase. That doesn’t sound like much of a satisfaction guarantee if you ask us, but nevertheless, this product does have a lot of good qualities.

Read Full Review

3.9

Quality of Ingredients: Good
Safety Evaluation: Safe For Use
Customer Satisfaction: 4.1
Customer Service: 3.6
Read Our Full Review Visit Site

#4


	
	SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5

What Do We Like?
  • Contains 0.5% Retinol
  • Features PhytoShield™ Complex
  • Includes Niacinamide, Squalane, and Ceramide 3
  • TSA-friendly packaging
  • 30-day return policy
The Downside
  • Retinol potency is lower than the optimal 1%
  • Ingredient percentages are not fully disclosed
  • Returns are subject to approval and do not reimburse Allē points
  • Some users report redness and peeling
  • Higher price compared to similar products
Introduction

Our number 4 pick for a Retinol cream is SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5. With a 0.5% Retinol concentration, this product provides a moderate-strength option for those looking to enhance skin tone, texture, and elasticity. Its encapsulated delivery system helps minimize irritation, and additional hydrating ingredients offer supportive benefits. However, the formula is not fully transparent about the quantities of other active ingredients, which leaves questions about potency. While it’s priced on the higher side, the inclusion of a 30-day return policy and a pre-paid shipping option may help offset concerns about its value.

Read Full Review

3.6

Quality of Ingredients: Average
Safety Evaluation: Safe For Use
Customer Satisfaction: 3.8
Customer Service: 3.3
Read Our Full Review Visit Site

#5


	Simplified Skin Retinol Moisturizer Cream

Simplified Skin Retinol Moisturizer Cream

What Do We Like?
  • 5+ key ingredients
  • Paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, fragrance-free
  • Not tested on animals
The Downside
  • Retinol percentage is too high (can damage skin)
  • Poorly designed bottle that may result in waste
  • Contains soy
  • Unclear satisfaction guarantee
Introduction

In the #5 spot, we have Retinol Moisturizer Cream by Simplified Skin. It looks like quite an impressive product at a glance. It has a high percentage of Retinol, and 5 other key ingredients. However, 2.5% Retinol is quite a high concentration considering that Retinol has been found to be effective for supporting dermal architecture at only 1%. Other things we liked about this product include the fact that it’s made in the USA and doesn’t include any parabens, sulfates, gluten, or fragrance. We’re big supporters of the philosophy that products shouldn’t have unnecessary extras. It does, however, contain a soy derivative which can be an allergen for some. We read reviews to get a feel for how this product works and many were happy with the results while others found the cream to be too tough on their skin and experienced burning or breakouts. Fortunately, if you are unsatisfied with this product, Simplified Skin has a 100% money-back guarantee with no questions asked.

Read Full Review

3.3

Quality of Ingredients: Average
Safety Evaluation: Safe For Use
Customer Satisfaction: 3.5
Customer Service: 3
Read Our Full Review Visit Site
Alexia Cook

Alexia Cook, Senior Editor

Alexia Cook is a licensed Master Cosmetologist and Esthetician with over 20 years experience. She received her degrees from Boca Beauty Academy in Boca Raton, Florida. Starting at a young age, she has always been interested in treating skin to bring out its true beauty. She knows that the basis of gorgeous skin is adopting a proper skincare routine and using top quality products. Her passion for helping people find effective skincare products led her to the role of Editor for My Beauty Care Center™. In her free time, she is an avid traveler and loves learning the beauty of different cultures.