Who should use retinol? It’s a question that plagues beauty blogs and TikTok advice forums everywhere, but the answer is really quite simple.
Anyone who has fine lines and wrinkles, from minor to major, can benefit from using a retinol; it can also be used as an anti-acne treatment. But if you’re in your 40s, you might have already experimented with retinol and are ready for a stronger percentage.
As we age, our skin has different needs. If you’ve been using retinol for years now, you’ll be able to tolerate a more potent, higher concentration of retinol for wrinkle reduction and increased collagen production. For those who are new to retinol in your 40s, you should still be aware of the retinol adjustment period that causes redness, flakiness and general irritation, and you should begin at a lower concentration of retinol.
Whether you’ve been using retinol for years or are just getting started, we tapped experts who shared everything you need to know about using retinol in your 40s.
What's the best retinol percentage for your 40s?
According to Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist, this will depend on where you’re at in your retinol journey. “Those who have already been using retinol regularly or who do not have skin sensitivity issues may benefit from products with higher concentrations of retinol, such as 0.5 to 1.0%,” he says.
However, someone who is just starting to use retinol should start with a lower concentration, anywhere from 0.1 to 0.3%. Since retinol can be associated with side effects like skin irritation, redness and flaking, “starting with a lower concentration and starting slowly (such as every other night application), you may find that you are able to tolerate the product better and use it more regularly,” he says.
Ingredients to look for in retinol for your 40s
Since retinol can cause irritation or redness, it’s best to look for a retinol product (serum or cream) that also contains soothing ingredients.
“Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides, along with the soothing, redness-buster niacinamide,” says Kristin Gunn, an esthetician.
“All of these will help minimize any potential irritation from retinol. Retinol use does make you more sun sensitive, so at the risk of sounding like a broken record, always remember to pair retinol with a SPF 30+ sunscreen.”
Best retinols for your 40s, according to experts
Gentle eye cream: First Aid Beauty Retinol Eye Cream with Squalane + Ceramides
- Affordable
- Encapsulated retinol
- Retinol percentage not listed
Key ingredients: Retinol, squalane and caffeine | Retinol percentage: Not listed
This eye cream has encapsulated retinol, which helps improve tolerability. This is great, since it’s a product made for the eye area — aka the last place you want redness, irritation and flaking to occur. Camp loves this product for his clients.
Hardworking night serum: Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
- Fragrance-free
- Contains antioxidants
- May irritate sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C and vitamin E | Retinol percentage: 1.5%
If you’re looking for results within a few weeks and a retinol that’ll go easy on your skin, reach for this night serum. It contains “time-released microencapsulated 1.5% retinol allows for improved tolerability through the slow release of retinol into the skin,” says Camp. Basically, the retinol will get to work as you drift off into dreamland.
Bakuchiol and retinol blend: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
- Lightweight
- Acts as a primer for makeup
- May take time to see results
Key ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan and ferulic acid | Retinol percentage: Not listed
Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient that studies show greatly mimic the effects of retinol without the period of redness and irritation, according to Camp. This eye serum blends both bakuchiol and retinol to reduce irritation, making it perfect for the eye area — aka the last place you want dry, flaky, red skin.
Best overnight cream: Skin Better AlphaRet Overnight Cream
- Fragrance-free
- Helps with rosacea
- Higher price point
Key ingredients: Retinol, lactic acid and glycolic acid | Retinol percentage: Not listed
Gunn calls this overnight cream her “favorite of all time.” Why? “It’s super effective, but also very gentle on the skin with typically no irritation or break in period,” she explains. Plus, she says, the addition of lactic acid with retinol helps reduce irritation.
Worth the splurge: Revision Skincare Retinol Complete Serum
- Available in two strengths
- Some say it isn't hydrating
Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C and isosorbide dicaprylate (for hydration) | Retinol percentage: 1%
The addition of antioxidants in a retinol can help protect the skin from free-radicals like environmental stressors and damage. But, you’ll still need to use an SPF to prevent burns. This retinol contains five different antioxidants and botanical extracts to hydrate the skin, according to Gunn.
“This retinol is great and will last you quite a while,” says Gunn. “You will notice a brighter, smoother texture to your skin with daily use.”
Nivea Skin Firming and Toning Gel Cream
This cream promises to improve firmness in as little as two weeks.
$13.98
Amazon
LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream
This eye cream promises to reverse signs of aging.
$22.99
Amazon
$29.99
LilyAna Naturals
Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil Serum
Our editors love this oil for hydration without a greasy feel.
$21.49
$23.49
Amazon
Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth Nail Treatment & Strengthener
This treatment can be used as both a base and top coat.
$4.48
Amazon
Essence Lash Princess Mascara
We love this affordable formula that doesn’t compromise lift.
$4.99
Amazon
$4.99
Ulta
$4.99
Target
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
One editor has been wearing this classic shade for over 20 years.
$25.00
Amazon
$25.00
Ulta
$25.00
Nordstrom
Brighten under eyes with this balm.
Winner: Most innovative eye cream
$38.00
Tula
$38.00
Amazon
$38.00
Target
Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream
Define curls and tame frizz with this nourishing cream.
$15.39
$21.99
Amazon
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
This affordable find is an easy introduction to retinol.
$18.68
$21.99
Amazon
$21.99
Ulta
$18.68
$23.73
Walmart
Laura Geller Baked Color Correcting Foundation
This foundation builds effortlessly to achieve a chic makeup look.
$17.10
$37.00
Amazon
$19.99
$38.00
Laura Geller
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist
This spray promises to lock in makeup for up to 36 hours.
$10.98
$13.99
Amazon
$10.99
Target
Mielle Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Experts say that rosemary oil can help with hair growth.
$9.97
Walmart
$7.69
$10.99
Ulta
$9.57
Amazon
More retinol products to shop for all ages
The Ordinary Retinol 1% Serum with Squalane
- Helps skin look "soft and bright"
- Reviewers recommend mixing it with your moisturizer for less potency
- Those with sensitive skin experienced burning sensations, irritability
Key ingredients: Retinol and squalane | Retinol percentage: 1%
We previously spoke with Dr. Liia Ramachandra, a former pharmacy executive and skin care expert, who recommended this high-strength retinol serum from The Ordinary. “There’s no fuss. It’s just retinol in squalane (a great hydrating solution), which makes retinol application easier,” she told us. It's budget friendly and effective, but those with sensitive skin might want to use it with caution.
Azure Skincare Hyaluronic and Retinol Anti-Aging Facial Serum
- Easy-to-use
- Affordable
- "Feels like water"
Key ingredients: Retinol and hyaluronic acid | Retinol percentage: Not listed
Retinol can sometimes be drying, but this affordable dermatologist-recommended serum offers a hydrating solution to soothe dryness and dry skin. "It incorporates hyaluronic acid, which is another great hydrating ingredient to help reduce potential skin dryness with retinol use,” Dr. Robert Anolik, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, previously told and suggested to Shop TODAY.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream
- Fragrance free
- Gentle
- May be rough on sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Retinol and hyaluronic acid | Retinol percentage: Not listed
Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream earned a spot in our annual Beauty Awards as "best overall budget retinol." Our tester said they noticed and improvement in their skin's overall complexion, including smoothed fine lines and a more lifted appearance. According to the brand, you should see these kinds of results in just one week of consistent use.
Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Age Rewind Body Cream
- Helps smooth skin
- Not very greasy
- Absorbs quickly
- May stain clothes
- Contains fragrance
Key ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid, shea butter, vitamin E and green tea | Retinol percentage: Not listed
Another on of Shop TODAY's Beauty Award winners, Medix’s body cream is a favorite for treating crepey skin. Crepey skin can begin to form in your 40s, so this body cream is a great pick for both treatment and prevention.
La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum
- Hydrating ingredients
- Makes skin feel soft
- Irritated some sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Retinol, gradual-release retinol, glycerin and vitamin B3 | Retinol percentage: Not listed
Dr. Leah Jacob, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, once told Shop TODAY that this retinol face serum is one of her favorite retinol products. This serum equally hydrates, tackles fine lines, smooths and improves the appearance of sun damage in one product. It's no wonder the product is expert- and customer-loved.
Shark Beauty CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask
Winner: Most innovative skin tool
$349.00
Sephora
$349.99
Shark
$349.99
Ulta
E.l.f. Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum
Winner: Best antioxidant serum
$16.97
Amazon
$17.00
Ulta
$17.00
Target
Tula Skin Care Barrier Balance Ceramide Body Moisturizer
Winner: Most immediate results
$32.00
Tula
$25.60
$32.00
Amazon
$32.00
Ulta
Essie To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair
Winner: Best repair treatment
$7.55
$12.00
Amazon
$12.00
Essie
$11.99
Target
Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Winner: Best 2-in-1 tinted moisturizer
$19.99
Versed
$19.99
Target
$19.99
Ulta
Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pads
Winner: Best value exfoliator pads
$28.00
Amazon
$28.00
Sephora
$28.00
Innisfree
Good Molecules 5% Niacinamide Serum with Ectoin
Winner: Best value serum
$8.00
Amazon
$8.00
Ulta
$8.00
Good Molecules
Almay Thickening & Tint Hypoallergenic Volume Mascara
Winner: Best value mascara
$10.38
Amazon
$10.38
Walmart
$10.49
Target
Beekman 1802 Micellar Milk Froth Cleansing Gel
Winner: Best 2-in-1 makeup remover
$29.00
Amazon
$29.00
Target
$29.00
Beekman 1802
The Mane Choice The Alpha Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Winner: Best leave-in conditioner for instant results
$12.97
$14.99
Amazon
$14.99
The Mane Choice
$13.97
Walmart
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules
Winner: Best overall retinol
$84.15
$99.00
Amazon
$99.00
Elizabeth Arden
Frequently asked questions
Retinol can be used by people of all ages, including those with younger and with more mature skin.
“Retinols are used as anti-aging products because of their ability to address many skin concerns,” explains Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD. “The long-term, consistent use of retinols can increase collagen production, which helps improve the firmness of skin and the appearance of fine lines. By regulating skin cell turnover, retinols can correct issues related to skin texture [and] have been found to aid in the correction of blemishes and sun spots.”
Meet the experts
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and sees patients at MDCS Dermatology in Midtown, NY, Commack, LI and Hampton Bays, LI.
- Kristin Gunn is a celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa.
- Dr. Liia Ramachandra, Pharm.D., Ph.D, is a former pharma executive and skin care expert based in Canoga Park, California.
- Dr. Robert Anolik, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Dr. Leah Jacob, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Tulane University’s School of Medicine in New Orleans.
Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream