Our skin is our largest organ and serves as an important barrier between the internal organs and the external microbial world through various immune defense strategies (1,2). This barrier is known to be damaged by many internal and external factors. Sun exposure can cause blemishes, wrinkles with age, and acne due to hormones. People have tried various skincare products for centuries to minimize these changes and achieve healthier skin. In this article, I'd like to talk about one of these ingredients, retinol.
Retinol is actually a member of the retinoid family, also known as vitamin A. The vitamin A family includes retinoic acid, retinoic acid esters, retinol esters, retinaldehyde, and retinol, and members of this family are widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Some members of this family are available with a prescription abroad, while others are available over-the-counter. Retinol is the milder member and is more commonly used in dermocosmetic products (3-5).
In cosmetic products, retinol is frequently used for anti-aging and acne relief because it can improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles and acne, and promote cell renewal in the skin and the production of chemicals that affect skin firmness, such as collagen and elastin (6,7).
What are the Importance and Benefits of Using Retinol in Skin Care?
Retinol is a skin care compound that has become increasingly common in cosmetic formulations in recent years. Recent market trends indicate that consumers are increasingly expecting more effective products to enhance beauty and improve skin condition. Both the dermatological community and the cosmetics industry are working to address functional issues, improve skin appearance, and meet consumer expectations through well-designed formulations and products (8).
So let's briefly look at the benefits of retinol.
- Retinol is used to address the effects of aging due to its anti-aging properties. It supports collagen and cell renewal, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
- Retinol can help clear skin pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent acne, making it an effective compound for acne-prone skin.
- Finally, retinol promotes the shedding of dead skin cells and the formation of new ones, improving skin texture, evening out skin tone, and improving overall skin radiance (9)
In one of the clinical studies, when retinol products were used regularly at a concentration of 0.1%, in addition to their anti-wrinkle effects, improvements were observed in skin texture, elasticity, firmness, pores, brightness and moisture of the skin layer (8).
Retinol Concentration in Cosmetic Products: How Safe Is It?
Despite its powerful anti-aging properties, retinol is unstable, sensitive to light and oxygen, and irritating, making the development of safe and effective retinol formulations urgently needed.(10) Of course, attention must also be paid to the concentration of retinol in the formulations developed.
Safety concerns have arisen regarding the use of retinol due to the potential for public exposure to vitamin A to exceed the upper intake level established by the European Food Safety Authority. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has stated that vitamin A use in cosmetics is safe and that vitamin A additives from cosmetic products may be a concern for consumers whose exposure to vitamin A is highest from foods and supplements.
The European Union has revised the limits for the use of vitamin A derivatives such as retinol, retinyl acetate, and retinyl palmitate in cosmetics. Safe concentrations of retinol equivalents are limited to 0.05% in body lotions and 0.3% in other leave-on and rinse-off products (sunscreens, anti-wrinkle creams, eye creams, etc.). Furthermore, labels on products containing vitamin A are now required to warn consumers about their daily vitamin A intake.
From 1 November 2025, cosmetic products containing these substances and not complying with the conditions will not be allowed on the EU market and from 1 May 2027 they will not be allowed on the market(11).
5 Important Points to Consider When Using Retinol-Containing Products
Like many chemicals, retinol requires careful consideration when using it. While retinol is an easy-to-use and effective ingredient, careless use can lead to undesirable skin problems. Therefore, we'd like to share some important points to consider when using retinol-containing products.
- First, you need to understand your skin. If you have sensitive or atopic skin, the concentration you use will vary. To find the product and concentration that best suits your skin needs, you need to be patient and start with the lowest concentration products.
- You should start with a low concentration, using it once or twice a week. As your skin adapts, you can increase the frequency of use before increasing the concentration and monitoring your progress.
- Don't forget to moisturize your skin when using this product. You might want to try Remedium SOS Repairing Care Cream .
- You should use the products at night and be sure to use high protection sunscreen in the morning.
- Since you have not used it before, you should monitor your skin closely, not use it at the same time as other irritating products, and in case of extreme irritation, stop using it and see a doctor.
Using products containing retinol in this way reduces skin irritation and provides effective results (12).
Retinol Alternatives and Natural Solutions for Sensitive Skin
Retinol can cause some undesirable side effects, especially for people with sensitive skin. Skin irritation is the primary concern. Even when used sparingly or in high doses, retinol can cause redness, irritation, and even peeling in people with sensitive skin. This also includes increased sun sensitivity.
If you frequently use a highly concentrated retinol product, even if you don't have sensitive skin, this type of use can still cause the same issues. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to retinol that offer similar benefits without the unwanted side effects. If you've tried retinol but found it too harsh, here are a few retinol alternatives for sensitive skin:
1. Bakuchiol
Derived from the seeds of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), bakuchiol has gained popularity as a natural alternative to retinol. With the rise and popularity of clean skincare, bakuchiol works similarly to retinol by stimulating collagen production and promoting cell renewal, but without the associated irritation. Bakuchiol is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are chemical exfoliants that dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells to reveal smoother, more radiant skin underneath. They help improve skin texture, fade dark spots, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles(9). Clinical evidence of the effectiveness of AHA-containing products has shown that they can be effective for mild acne or acne-prone skin and aging skin, especially photoaged skin(13). AHAs are less irritating than retinol and can be found in cleansers, toners, and serums.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten skin, reduce dark spots, and protect against environmental damage. It supports collagen synthesis and improves skin radiance. Vitamin C is well-tolerated by most skin types and can be found in serums and creams.
4. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that helps regulate oil production, shrink pores, and strengthen the skin barrier. It can improve uneven skin tone, reduce redness, and soothe inflammation. Niacinamide is non-irritating and well-tolerated by sensitive skin (9).
5. Azelaic Acid
Topical application of azelaic acid is well tolerated, and side effects are generally limited to mild and transient local irritation. Therefore, topical azelaic acid, used alone or in combination with other chemicals, has been shown to be valuable in treating a variety of hyperpigmented disorders, including acne and, most notably, melasma (14).
Common Mistakes in Retinol Use and Solutions
Common mistakes when using retinol include starting with a high dose and using it more frequently than recommended for new products. Avoiding moisturizers and high-protection sunscreens when using products like retinol that can irritate the skin. Using the product during the day rather than at night, and combining it with products that shouldn't be used together, among other common mistakes. In such cases, retinol can irritate the skin and cause sensitivity. Solutions for these mistakes include starting with low-concentration retinol products and using them once or twice a week. Don't neglect moisturizing and high-protection sunscreens, and using the products at night. It's important to be aware that it takes at least two weeks of use to see results, and to be patient. If you observe skin sensitivity and irritation despite following all these precautions, it's best to stop using the product and consult a dermatologist (12).
Retinol and Other Active Ingredients: Which Products Shouldn't They Be Used With?
Because retinol can increase skin sensitivity and sun sensitivity, it's not recommended to use it alongside other sensitizing chemicals. Here's a list of active ingredients that shouldn't be used with retinol.
As an alternative to retinol, any alpha hydroxy acid or azaleic acid, as mentioned earlier, should not be used simultaneously with retinol. Because these chemicals work in a similar way to retinol, using them together will irritate the skin more. Furthermore, salicylic acid, often used for acne treatment, should not be used with retinol. Not only salicylic acid, but also other beta hydroxy acid compounds should not be used simultaneously with retinol.
Furthermore, topical application of retinol and vitamin C has been shown to at least partially reverse skin changes caused by both chronological and photoaging (15). Because vitamin C protects the skin from environmental aggressors while retinol repairs and rebuilds, they are best used at opposite times of the day (16). Furthermore, niacinamide is a mild ingredient that does not cause skin irritation, so using it with retinol is not a problem.
SOURCE
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16. Migala, J. (2025). 6 Skin-Care Ingredient Combinations That Don't Mix. Everyday Health Website. https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/skin-care-ingredient-combinations-that-dont-mix/, 16.03.2025.


