It’s no secret that retinol is a wonderful skincare ingredient. It's no surprise, therefore, that there have been a lot of retinol serums and creams that have popped up along beauty aisles. But before you add one to your cart, do you know what this skincare ingredient really does for your skin?
What is retinol all about?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can unclog pores and prevent acne formation, but it’s most revered for its ability to stimulate cell turnover and collagen production — delivering supple skin and a youthful glow. It delivers results in a relatively short amount of time compared to other topical skincare ingredients, which is why a lot of beauty lovers and experts swear by using it.
However, it's important that you know how to use it properly. Retinol products are best applied at night since exposure to sunlight can reduce their potency. You should also remember to wear sunscreen the morning after since retinol can increase the chances of experiencing sunburn.
Want to add this superb skincare product to your routine? Here are the 18 best retinol serums you can buy in Singapore, from drugstore finds to luxe picks.
If you’re just starting out on your retinol journey and looking for something affordable to see how your skin would react to retinol, Pixi Collagen & Retinol Serum is a great choice. This budget-friendly retinol serum penetrates deep into your skin to promote elasticity and radiance.
It's priced at SGD33.69 per 30ML.
Olay Regenerist RETINOL24 is a fragrance-free night serum that works hard while you rest. It features a balanced blend of powerful retinol to keep signs of ageing at bay and gentle niacinamide which strengthens the skin barrier and makes sure that it will stay moisturised.
It's priced at SGD55.90 per 30ML.
Do you need something extra strong to get rid of blackheads and fine lines? Try the Lixirskin Night Switch Retinol 1% Serum. This pick is perfect for those who have already been using retinol for quite some time and are looking for a formula that will level up the dosage. To avoid drying out the skin, you need to mix only one pump of this serum (already covers both face and neck area) with the Lixirskin Universal Emulsion.
It's priced at SGD68 per 15ML.
Created by leading beauty brand L'OREAL, the Revitalift Pro-Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Serum promises to visibly reduce wrinkles and fine lines in just a month of regular daily use. The lightweight formula targets eight “key facial zones” for an efficient yet gentle anti-ageing treatment.
It's priced at SGD77.20 per 30ML.
On the hunt for a minimalistic, hypoallergenic retinol serum formula? Go for the La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol B3 Serum. Boasting the brand’s award-winning Redermic R formula which has 0.3% retinol, this powerful skincare product is clinically tested for its anti-wrinkle prowess and is proven to combat wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dark spots and more.
It's priced at SGD84.70 per 30ML.
A proudly locally made skincare product, Derma Lab’s AgeDefy Double Power Retinol Concentrate is formulated with a fast-acting Vitamin A derivative that diminishes fine lines while addressing other skincare concerns at the same time such as rough skin texture and dryness. It’s also very gentle and can be used morning (follow with sunscreen) and night.
It's priced at SGD81.40 per 30ML.
Always getting dry, peeling skin after using retinol? Alpha-H Skincare Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol may just be the formula that you’re looking for. This very gentle anti-ageing serum is packed with antioxidant-rich oils including jojoba, macadamia and sweet almond to ensure that your skin stays hydrated while it works on stimulating skin turnover. It’s best for those who are keen on progressive resurfacing that will slowly but surely deliver great results without any irritation.
It's priced at SGD98 per 25ML.
PETER THOMAS ROTH Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum is a multitasking skincare product that will save you time. Not only does it have encapsulated retinol (meaning it releases the active ingredient over time to prevent irritation), but it also has vitamins C and E to support the skin’s renewal process. No more applying layers of serums; with this one, you’ll have a radiant and healthy complexion with just a few pumps of the same product.
It's priced at SGD117 per 30ML.
The Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum has constantly received rave reviews for its precise lightweight formula that’s strong enough to diminish fine lines and wrinkles but not too much that it would cause discomforts such as redness, dryness and peeling. It also contains peptides and ceramides to further strengthen the skin.
It's priced at SGD143 per 50ML.
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum is a no-nonsense retinol product. This concentrated formula targets wrinkles and fine lines swiftly with its peptide-rich blend, CL1870 Laser Focus Complex™, and is made even more potent with retinoid and hyaluronic acid. With regular use, expect skin that’s plump and bright.
It's priced at SGD125 per 30ML and SGD173 per 50ML.
The Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol is a rich, concentrated and antioxidant-packed serum. It promises to replenish moisture, brighten and refine, and defend your skin against environmental stressors.
Get it for SGD16 per 5ML or SGD56 per 30ML.
The Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol+Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum is a daily serum powered by Phyto-Retinol Blend™ — made from retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid — that helps diminish blemishes and fine lines.
It's priced at SGD129 per 30ML.
The Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum is packed with a 6.5% solution of stabilised retinoid blends as well as retinol-alternative botanical extracts. Together, these ingredients help address skin ageing and damage.
It's priced at SGD139 per 30ML and SGD199 per 50ML.
If you're looking for a gentle retinol serum, the innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule combines pure retinol's exfoliating prowess with the soothing properties of centella asiatica in its Jeju Cica Lipsomlogy™. Along with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, the serum promises to reduce the chances of skin irritation due to retinol sensitivity.
It's priced at SGD53 per 30ML.
For those who want a no-fuss entry into the world of retinol serums, The Inkey List has developed a slow-release formulation you can try. It promises to be ideal for normal, oily, dry or combination skin. It also claims to boost your overall skin clarity and reduce uneven skin tone.
It's priced at SGD23.50 at 30ML.
On the lookout for a lightweight serum that's packed with effective ingredients? The CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is gentle and made with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration and niacinamide to soothe your skin. It also helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while restoring your skin’s protective barrier with its three essential ceramides. It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, designed for all skin types, and safe for daily use.
It's priced at SGD43.90 per 30ML.
If you're a J-beauty fan and you're hoping to achieve plump and bouncy skin, check out the Elixir Design Time Serum. It's made with state-of-the-art Japanese technology and promises to strengthen your skin's internal collagen network to boost skin's firmness and elasticity for younger-looking skin.
It's priced at SGD81 per 40ML.
Struggling with dark spots? Check out The Ordinary Retinol Serum 1% in Squalane. It's made to reduce the appearance of pores, dark spots and fine lines, and improve the overall appearance of skin’s texture. Its key ingredient squalane also protects against UV damage and helps minimise the risk of sun-induced age spots for a more even-looking skin tone.
It's priced at SGD14.50 per 30ML.
This article was first published on 26 January 2023. Last updated: 12 February 2024.
Is rambutan a good natural alternative to retinol? Find out here.
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