Vitamin A/Retinol Skincare

Shop Vitamin A and Retinol Skincare

Vitamin A is one of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare, and retinol is the form most people start with. It is used in serums, creams and night treatments to help skin look smoother and more even over time, including the look of fine lines. Results build slowly, so most people use it for weeks or months before they judge it. This page brings together vitamin A skincare from a range of brands, including retinol serums and retinol creams, from gentle starter formulas to stronger options. Adore Beauty is an official stockist of every brand we sell. Browse more in our wider cosmeceutical skincare range.

Retinol, Retinal and Other Forms of Vitamin A

You will see a few different names on the shelf. Retinol is the most common, and retinal and retinoids are other forms of vitamin A, usually with a stronger reputation. If you are new to the ingredient, a lower-strength retinol serum is an easy starting point, such as the Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol. Once your skin is used to it, a higher-strength option like the The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane Serum is there to step up to. For a retinal option, there is the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3.

Some formulas pair vitamin A with other ingredients. The Alpha-H Midnight Reboot Serum combines glycolic acid with a retinoid complex in a single overnight serum. Choose a retinol cream rather than a serum if you prefer a richer texture, or if you are not sure how your skin will take to an active.

How to Start Using Retinol

Start low and go slow. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin at night, two or three nights a week, and build up as your skin allows. Retinol can cause dryness, redness and peeling, particularly at the start, so patch test first and avoid layering several strong actives together. Follow with a moisturiser or night cream to keep skin comfortable.

Vitamin A can leave skin more sensitive to the sun, so use a sunscreen every morning. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a skin condition, or are unsure whether retinol is right for you, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or dermatologist before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin A and Retinol Skincare