Stop Buying 1% Retinol After 50 — 4 Gentler Ones That Actually Work

Retinol is one of the best-studied ingredients for aging skin, but the strength you start on decides whether you keep using it. Four popular 1% retinols to skip as a first purchase, and four gentler ones worth buying, with what's actually in each. Every ingredient detail comes from the brand's or a retailer's published listing. Brand quotes are labelled as the brand's. The study figures are explained, including how small the study was. No affiliate links, no sponsorships, no paid placements — not on this channel, not ever. Not medical advice. Sources: Mellody KT et al., Int J Cosmet Sci 2022;44(6):625-635; Bradley E et al., IFSCC 2022 paper 563 (No7 Beauty Company); Adv Ther 2022 review of retinoids in topical antiaging treatment; brand and retailer listings for The Ordinary, Paula's Choice, Drunk Elephant (Sephora), SkinCeuticals, Olay, CeraVe and La Roche-Posay.