Get Ready to Boost the Glow with These 7 Retinol Based Serums

The skincare industry often gets obsessed with certain products. Those that are found really effective, stay forever and set a trend. Right now, retinol serums are a trend.

People including the social media influencers are literally going gaga over these. And, in this La La Land, it is really hard to find the best.

After brief research, I have found a number of the best retinol serum in India that are not only affordable and beginner-friendly but are also safe. So, as the title suggests, I am going to talk about all those products.

Surprisingly, I have not found any compact article that talks about what exactly Retinol is and how safe it is. Well! Let’s explore all the Retinol trivia that as a beginner you must know.

What is Retinol?

Specifically, this miracle ingredient is a Vitamin A derivative. It is one of the Vitamin A derivatives that are known as Retinoids.

Is Retinol Effective for All?

Retinol is indeed a miracle active ingredient for many but unfortunately, some often complain about how this ingredient single-handedly destroyed their skin barriers. So, is it really safe?

Well! The answer is that Retinol is absolutely safe for the skin. But, for the following specific cases, it is better to not use it.

• If you have quite sensitive skin, it is better to avoid it. Or, start using it only after consulting with a dermatologist.
• If you are about to spend a lot of time in direct sunlight, avoid Retinol. Even then you want to go ahead, make sure to use sunscreen with high SPF (when it is cloudy even). As retinols make the skin more sun-setive.
• For breastfeeding/ pregnant mothers, these products are not recommended at all.

Benefits of Retinol based Topical Products

Retinol in topical products gets converted into Retinoic Acid. That acid is harsh to be applied over the skin directly and thus, a milder Retinol is considered amazing. This ingredient helps in cell turnover and can also stop pore-clogging.

If Retinol is used continuously over a period of time, it can make blemishes vanish. In fact, it also helps other skincare products to penetrate into the skin layers better than ever.

As a whole, Retinols help to reduce acne and breakouts. And, it can also work as an anti-ageing and skin brightening ingredient.

Retinols trigger the collagen production and as a result, it is considered one of the best anti-ageing ingredients out there.

Does Retinol Have Any Side Effect that You Should be Aware Of?

As per renowned dermatologists, people with irritated and sensitive skin must use Retinol with caution. The same is applicable to beginners as well. People using topical retinol moisturizer/serum for the first time, often report dryness/irritation/peeling.

Retinol based products with high strength or concentration of Retinoid can cause more troubles than benefits. In fact, rare acne breakouts have also been reported by some people.

So, make sure you are on the right concentration and also following the right steps to apply it. It has been found that all these side effects disappear in a few weeks. As the skin needs its own restoration/adjustment time.

But, if it does not happen, it is better to stop using the product and immediately consult with your dermatologist.

Active ingredients are amazing for sure; but, they often come up with their own threats. So, it is better to handle such things with utmost care.

Top 7 Retinol Serum in India that are Effective and Beginner Friendly

1. Minimalist 0.3% Retinol Face Serum

Courtesy of Brand

As the name suggests, 0.3% Retinol has been used in this formulation. the best part about this serum is that the base is Squalane Oil here as Retinol is quite unstable. Squalane itself is an amazing hydrator. It goes without saying that at present, my summer skincare regime is incomplete without Squalane Oil

UV protected dark bottle is used to preserve the product. Minimalist Retinol Serum is also one of the most affordable and beginner friendly Retinol serums available in India, at present. The serum also contains 1% Bakuchiol Oil which is a potent anti-ageing element.

I love how only a few components have been used here. All these things make this Retinol serum one of the best out there.

Is There Anything Bad Here?

I did not find any.

2. Plum 1% Retinol Face Serum With Bakuchiol

Courtesy of Brand

For the last few years, Plum Goodness products have become quite popular. Till now, the brand has launched a number of products ranging from skincare to makeup. This Retinol Serum is one of their newest launches.

The non-greasy serum is quick-absorbing in chemical nature. It is such a retinol serum that is suitable for all skin types. I love how it is free from synthetic colourants, fragrances, Paraben, and Phthalates.

Apart from 1% Retinol, Pea Proteins, Hyaluronic Acid, Fruit extracts, Leaf extract, and other skin-loving ingredients can be found in the formulation. As the concentration of Retinol is more than 0.3%, thus it is not suitable for beginners.

But, as a whole, it is such an affordable retinol serum in India that is suitable for all skin types.

Is There Any Concern?

No, I could not find any.

3. Olay Retinol Night Serum

Courtesy of Brand

No matter whether your skin type is dry, oily, combination, or normal, Olay Retinol Night Serum is perfect for all. It is rich in both Vitamin B3 and 0.3% Retinol which are proven to hydrate the skin for 24 hours.

The brand claims that clinically it has been proven that this Retinol based serum starts showing results in 4 weeks only.

And guess what, Niacinamide is also used in this formulation along with the other two active components. It might seem a bit expensive at a glance but the price is justifiable.

As a whole, this fragrance and additives free serum is one of the best retinol serums in India that is beginner-friendly and dermatologist certified.

Is There Any Concern?

There is DMDM Hydantoin which is a Formaldehyde releaser. It could have been better if the brand had not used this in the formula.

4. The Derma Co. 0.3% Retinol Face Serum

Courtesy of Brand

Another retinol serum that is dermatological certified and is completely beginner-friendly. Along with Retinol, it is also rich in Vitamin C and Glycerin.

It is paraben free formulation that definitely makes this serum one of the best retinol serum available in India. And guess what! It is not only suitable for all skin types but is pretty affordable as well. The brand is quite a new player in the market of cosmetics, but this product deserves a chance.

Is There Any Concern?

• Do not go for it if you have sensitive skin as some people have complained about it.
• Also, it could have been amazing if the brand had used more plant extracts.
• It contains fragrance.

5. Pixi Collagen and Retinol Serum

Courtesy of Brand

Whenever the discussion comes to skin-loving ingredients, PIXI is one of the most reliable ones out there. This Retinol serum has a beautiful blend of Collagen, Retinol, Vitamins, and Herbs.

It is lightweight in texture that helps to maintain the natural radiance of the skin. The serum also contains Acacia and Chamomile which makes the skin plumpy and calm.

This Paraben free formulation is suitable for all skin types. Surprisingly, Niacinamide and Ascorbic Acid are among other ingredients used in the formulation.

Well! I could not find any information regarding the percentage of Retinol used here. But the brand claims this plant-based Retinol serum is beginner-friendly and safe. As a whole, this serum is one of the best retinol serums in India that is safe and mild.

Is There Anything Bad Here?

No, apparently there is nothing bad in this product.

6. Chemist at Play Anti-Aging Face Serum with 0.3% Retinol

Courtesy of Brand

The brand is another new player in the Indian cosmetics market for sure, but with 0.3% Retinol, this serum is one of the best affordable retinol serums available in India. The formulation is suitable for all skin types.

Not only it is rich in Retinol, but it also contains Ceramides and Green Tea Catechin. The formula is rich in Olive Oil, Rice and Konjac extract. Indeed, the formulation is one of the best out there as it is free from synthetic colourants, Parabens, and minerals. And is also cruelty-free.

Is There Anything Bad Here?

Well! I could not find any neither in terms of the components nor in terms of the reviews available.

7. WOW Skin Science Retinol Face Serum

Courtesy of Brand

This particular Retinol serum is indeed one of the most affordable retinol serums available in India. The serum contains witch hazel extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Niacinamide, and Jojoba Oil.

The base is water here like most of the serums out there. The only thing is that it could have been best if the brand had clearly mentioned the percentage of retinol used here.

Is There Anything Bad Here?

• As it contains fragrance, thus it is not recommended for people with sensitive skin.
• Also, the Retinol concentration is not mentioned properly, thus I would not recommend it to beginners. Although, the brand claims differently.

Well! The list does not end here. There are many amazing retinol serums out there e.g. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, Dot & Key Collagen Restorative Time Reverse Retinol Serum, Just Herbs Plant-Based Retinol Serum, etc. Check out this guide to know how you can buy the best retinol-based serum in India on your own.

How to Add a Retinol Based Product to Skincare Regime

It is always suggested to add any new active ingredient slowly and steadily to a skincare routine. And thus, as a beginner, it would be right to apply a retinol serum at night before hitting the bed.

This practice would continue for 3-4 weeks. For the first two weeks, apply the serum thrice a week only or every alternate day. The better your skin feels, the more frequent your application should be.

• Clean your face first with a mild face wash/powder cleanser
• Apply a harsh chemical free toner
• Take 3-4 drops of the serum onto your palm. And, massage lightly all over your face and neck. Avoid mouth and eyes.
• After that, you can continue using any other products like your daily moisturizer/night cream / facial oil.

Retinol serums can be a bit drying, so always follow up with something hydrating and moisturising to protect the skin barriers.

Most importantly, if you are applying the serum in the day time, wearing sunscreen is a must.

Consult with a dermatologist if you are going through any skin treatment. Also, avoid using any other strong active ingredient like Vitamin C serum along with this.

What is the Right Concentration of Retinol for Beginners?

It is always safe to start with a concentration of 0.2-0.3%. You can opt for a higher concentration to target issues like Fine Lines and hyperpigmentation.

Top 17 Niacinamide Serums in India for Glowing Skin

In the past few years, Niacinamide has emerged as a potent ingredient. From tackling acne to reducing fine lines, Niacinamide serums have become a staple in many skincare routines. Keep on reading to explore 17 best Niacinamide Serum in available in India along with various interesting facts.

Check it out

How Long Does it Take to Show the Results?

Well! It takes some time for sure to show the results. If you are using a medicated Retinol serum, it might come into effect within a couple of weeks only. But, for over the counter products, it might take more than 4-5 months.

Guide to Buy the Best Retinol Serum

Well! Surely, the market is filled with similar products. There are many retinol serums available out there. In fact, these days, many counterfeit products are available these days especially online.

• So rather than looking at the price before all, always check out the ingredients.
• Check out the percentage of Retinol
• Look out if it is suitable for all types of skin or not.
• Check out the safety of the ingredients on sites like EWG/CosDNA/Paula’s Choice

Purchase only if you find the ingredients safe and effective.

And, that’s all for today! If you find this article helpful, make sure to share it with your friends and family. Take care; celebrate life.