7 Best Retinol Creams In India 2021 Update With Reviews

7 Best Retinol Creams In India

1. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer

The Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer by Neutrogena is ideal for combination skin types. It is infused with accelerated retinol and other potent ingredients to fight the signs of aging and visibly fade wrinkles, crow feet, and fine lines. It also hydrates the skin and protects it from further damage. The accelerated retinol is a combination of hyaluronic acid, glucose complex, and retinol SA. Hyaluronic acid helps replenish and rejuvenate your skin, while glucose boosts the retinol’s effects on the skin. Retinol SA penetrates deep into the skin surface for optimal results. With regular use, the skin feels younger and smoother. Pros

Lightweight Absorbed quickly Smells good A little goes a long way

Cons

Expensive

2. ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

The Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream by ROC is enriched with an essential mineral complex that smoothens fine lines and fades wrinkles. The non-comedogenic and oil-free formula does not clog the pores and gives the skin a healthy appearance. This overnight skin repairing cream is ideal for those with a sensitive skin. It claims to show results as early as 12 weeks from the first day of use. Pros

Lightweight Oil-free Non-comedogenic Absorbed quickly Value for money

Cons

May cause irritation.

3. LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream

The Retinol Cream by LilyAna Naturals is specially made for women with acne-prone skin. It is enriched with retinol, botanical hyaluronic acid, organic green tea, vitamin E, organic jojoba oil, and shea butter. The cream smoothens and improves the skin texture while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. It penetrates deep into the skin to improve the skin tone and restore radiance. The cream can be used any of the day for skin tightening and optimal anti-aging benefits. It is lightweight and does not create any greasy or sticky feeling post-application. Pros

Lightweight Non-greasy Natural and organic ingredients No harsh chemicals Suitable for all skin types

Cons

Expensive

4. Wow Skin Science Retinol Face Cream

The Retinol Face Cream by Wow Skin Science is enriched with aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, almond oil, jojoba oil, Moroccan olive oil, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and retinyl palmitate. The retinyl palmitate is a derivative of Vitamin A that removes dead skin cells and protects the skin from sun damage. Aloe vera is rich in minerals and deeply hydrates, moisturizes, and nourishes the skin. Moroccan argan oil contains vitamin E and fatty acids that deeply moisturize the skin, improve its texture, and boost radiance. The shea butter in this cream is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and phytonutrients that soothe irritated skin and repair damage. This formula fades pigmentation and protects the skin from premature aging due to free radical damage. It also evens out and brightens the skin tone and rejuvenates tired skin. Pros

Lightweight Gentle Non-greasy Absorbed quickly No harsh chemicals

Cons

Unpleasant scent

5. Dot & Key Skincare Night Reset Retinol + Ceramide Sleep Treatment Cream

The Night Reset Sleep Treatment Cream by Dot & Key is specially made for women with combination skin. It is infused with natural ingredients like hibiscus, marula oil, evening primrose oil, and sea buckthorn berry. The hibiscus extract controls sebum production, unclogs pores, and makes the skin look younger. Marula oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that nourish and protect acne-prone and aging skin. Evening primrose oil moisturizes and soothes the skin to calm redness and irritation. Sea buckthorn berry is rich in vitamin E that hydrates and plumps the skin, while hyaluronic acid firms, hydrates, and brightens the skin. This cream improves skin elasticity, evens out the skin, and fades pigmentation, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Pros

Natural ingredients No harsh chemicals Gentle Soothing floral fragrance

Cons

May cause breakouts.

6. St. Botanica Retinol Advanced Anti-Aging Day Cream

The Retinol Advanced Anti-Aging Day Cream by St. Botanica is meant for combination skin. It contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin E, and Matrixyl 3000. The retinol rejuvenates skin and boosts collagen production while smoothening fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates skin and keeps it plump and supple. Vitamin E is rich in antioxidants and protects the skin from free radical damage. It also forms a protective layer on the top of the skin and seals in moisture. This cream also has SPF 30 that protects the skin from UVA/UVB damage. It is free of any harmful ingredients that may irritate or damage the skin. Pros

Has SPF 30 Smells good Dermatologist-tested No harsh ingredients Cruelty-free

Cons

May cause redness.

7. Himalayan Organics Retinol Face Cream

The Retinol Face Cream by Himalayan Organics contains active botanical extracts that enhance skin elasticity, tighten the pores, and brighten the skin tone. The natural extracts also improve collagen production. This retinol infused cream has anti-aging properties that fight pigmentation, reduce dark spots, and fade fine lines and wrinkles. The formula imparts glow and restores radiance to the skin. Pros

Lightweight Non-greasy Absorbed quickly Smells good No harsh ingredients

Cons

None

When used in the right way, retinol can make your skin vibrant. Here is how you can incorporate retinol creams into your skin care routine for better results.

How To Use Retinol Creams

Do Not Overdo It

Many complain that retinol irritates or is harsh on the skin. If you overuse retinol, the cell turnover is accelerated, and this makes the skin red and flaky. Use only a pea-sized amount and dab the product on your forehead, cheeks, and chin. Gently massage the product into your skin.

Do Not Forget To Moisturize

Retinols tend to make the skin dry and cause irritation. Follow up with a mild moisturizer that hydrates the skin without reacting with the retinol.

If You Are A Beginner, Start Slow

People tend to freak out when they see any signs of peeling or flaking in the skin. Peeling is a way of the retinol letting you know that it is getting the job done. If your skin gets irritated, you will have to start slow so that it adapts to it. Start with 2-3 times a week see how your skin reacts to the retinol. Once your skin adjusts to it, start using the cream every alternate night. You will now have an idea about your skin’s tolerance to retinol. If your skin reacts well to the retinol, up the usage to every single night.

Sunscreen Is A Must

Retinol makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. Since it dissolves and peels the top epidermal layer, the inner skin is directly exposed to sunlight. This can cause burning and discoloration. Remember to never skip the sunscreen once you start using retinol.

Precautions To Prevent Irritation

In case you have very sensitive skin, always do a patch test first. Dab a little product on the bottom of your jawline and wait for 48 hours. If there are no harsh reactions, you are good to go. In case your skin gets very dry, flaky, or irritated, stop the treatment for a while. Start again with a lesser amount of the product or a milder concentration of retinol. To ensure the soft and fragile skin around your eyes stays safe, apply a thick moisturizer around the eyes before applying a retinol cream. Here are a few points to keep in mind while choosing a retinol cream.

How To Choose The Best Retinol Creams

Choose A Concentration Suitable For Your Skin Type

The concentration of retinol in the cream decides its effectiveness. Retinols come in different strengths – the most common ones are 1%, 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.25%. If the concentration is not specified on the label or the description of the cream, it is usually below 0.25%. It is always best to start with a lower concentration and slowly build up to a higher one. If you have oily skin, try a product with higher concentration. Those with dry skin should go for a cream with a lower concentration.

Choose A Retinol Face Cream With Moisturizing Agents

Retinol can make your skin dry, so it is wise to look for a cream that contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid. This will moisturize and hydrate the skin while minimizing any irritation.

Steer Clear Of Toxic And Harsh Chemicals

Always check the ingredients before buying a retinol cream. Steer clear of any ingredients that can irritate and damage the skin. Avoid creams with artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates, silicones, mineral oils, petroleum, and formaldehyde. Although retinol creams work slowly, the results are worth it. Make sure to choose a cream that suits your skin’s needs and type. Now that you know about the best retinol creams in India, pick the one that suits you the best.