Best Retinol Serum in NZ: Buying Guide

Retinol is known for being a bit of a "diva" in the skincare world. While it's incredibly effective, it needs careful handling to avoid irritation. Here’s what we mean:

Retinol can make your skin more susceptible to UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn. This requires diligent use of sunscreen every day to protect your skin.

When you first start using retinol, it's common to experience some side effects like redness, peeling, and dryness. This period, often called the "retinization" phase, can be uncomfortable and requires patience and gradual usage to allow your skin to adjust.

Retinol isn't as straightforward as slapping on any cream whenever you feel like it. It's best applied at night because sunlight can degrade its effectiveness. Also, not all retinol products are formulated the same way, so concentrations and formulations vary, affecting how often and how much should be used.

Retinol doesn't always play well with other skincare ingredients. For example, combining retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, or certain acids can irritate the skin and decrease the effectiveness of the retinol. It requires a bit of skincare savvy to layer it correctly.

Whether you need something gentle to start, or a more serious serum for dramatic results, we've scoured the market to bring you a list of the best retinol serums available in New Zealand. Here's a closer look at each brand and what makes them stand out:

CeraVe's Retinol Serum is loved for its gentle formula that includes ceramides and niacinamide, making it perfect for beginners. It helps strengthen the skin's barrier while fighting the signs of aging, providing hydration and reducing irritation typically associated with retinol use.

Shop CeraVe Retinol Serums.

RoC is a pioneer in stabilising retinol. Their Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Serum is scientifically crafted to deliver smoother, firmer skin over time, leveraging a unique technology that ensures the retinol remains potent from the first drop to the last.

Browse RoC Retinol products. 

Known for high-quality, no-nonsense ingredients at a budget-friendly price, The Ordinary’s Retinol 1% in Squalane minimises fine lines and does not compromise on potency. It’s ideal for those experienced with retinol, looking for a high-strength option.

Find The Ordinary Retinol Serums. 

Drunk Elephant’s A-Passioni Retinol Cream combines vegan retinol with superfood-rich ingredients. It's designed to diminish the look of fine lines and sun damage without the common redness and peeling.

Shop Drunk Elephant Retinol Serums. 

With visible results in just one week, Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum is fast-acting. It combines retinol SA with a glucose complex and hyaluronic acid, boosting the skin's renewal process and hydrating intensively.

Browse Neutrogena Retinol Serums. 

Olay's Retinol24 Night Serum offers a proprietary blend of vitamin B3 and retinoid complex. It works overnight to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots without irritation, making it suitable for daily use.

Shop Olay Retinol Serums.

La Roche-Posay’s Redermic [R] Anti-Aging Retinol Serum is formulated with soothing thermal spring water and is perfect for sensitive skin types. It targets fine lines and uneven skin tone with minimal irritation.

Buy La Roche-Posay Serums. 

Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum is precisely formulated for maximum results with minimal discomfort. It is ideal for retinol beginners and those with sensitive skin, offering a gentle introduction to vitamin A derivatives.

Find Kiehl’s Retinol Serums. 

Murad’s Retinol Youth Renewal Serum boasts fast-acting results, with users reporting smoother, younger-looking skin in just a couple of weeks. Its innovative formula includes time-released retinol and hydrating ingredients to effectively combat aging signs while maintaining skin comfort.

Browse Murad Retinol Serums.

Skincare can get expensive quickly, and it's frustrating to buy a pricey product only to find out it doesn't work for your skin. The good news is, these barely-used items often end up on Trade Me. If you're thinking about scoring a deal on skincare there, you'll need to channel your inner detective. Here's how to make sure you're still getting all those anti-aging benefits:

• Check the expiration date and confirm proper storage conditions to ensure the retinol is still potent. 

• Carefully examine the packaging — it plays a big role in keeping the serum effective.

• Consider hygiene, particularly with open jars or droppers, to make sure your skincare hunt is both smart and safe. 

Browse new and used retinol serums on Trade Me.

Whether you're new to retinol or a long-time user, there are so many great products to choose from. Remember to start slowly, protect your skin from the sun, and monitor how your skin reacts to get the most out of your retinol. Here's to smoother, younger-looking skin.