10 Best Retinol Serums in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
When it comes to anti-aging skin care products, retinol almost always comes up. It is considered the gold standard for its ability to reach deeply into your skin and renew skin cell production and push renewed skin to the surface minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. It has also been raved about for its ability to give you youthful and glowing skin! However, as much as it is praised, retinol is also often misunderstood and feared.
We're here to put those fears to rest! We have prepared a buying guide to help you understand how retinol works and how to integrate it into your skincare routine. Dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison also shares some of her comments and tips regarding this topic! Later on, we'll also share our picks for the best retinol serums in the Philippines!
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
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Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
What Are the Benefits of Retinol?
Retinol is an over-the-counter chemical that is a vitamin A derivative. It actually falls under retinoids, which is the umbrella term for all things retinol. Retinol esters or retinol palmitate, retinol, retinaldehyde or retinal, and retinoic acid are the different forms of retinoids. They vary in composition and strength, with retinol esters being the most gentle to retinoic acid, which is the most potent.
You might also know it as prescription strength Tretinoin, Adapalene, and Tazarotene. This penetrates deeply into your skin and helps speed up skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, which is why it is constantly praised for its anti-aging abilities. It also improves the appearance of fine lines, skin texture, and hyperpigmentation.
How to Choose a Retinol Serum - Buying Guide
- Check the percentage of retinol.
- Look for other ingredients to go with retinol.
- Go for retinol in a dark bottle.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
① Check the Percentage of Retinol
Retinol has different levels of concentration, and its application would depend on whether you are a bonafide user or a newbie to it. It's not as simple as selecting one with the highest potency in hopes of seeing immediate results. It is meant to be incorporated into your skincare routine gradually, otherwise, you'd risk irritation.
Go Low Strength (0.01 to 0.25%) for Beginners
The lowest concentration is around 0.01 - 0.25%, and it is ideal for those who want to try incorporating it into their skincare routine and those with sensitive skin – about twice a week, every 3 days. This way, your skin has time to acclimate to the product, and you are doing it in low doses until you can build up a tolerance to the product.
It helps if you do a patch test first and consult with your dermatologist to see what percentage would be appropriate for you. A low dose could take care of the overall improvement in your skin’s appearance to prevent fine lines, crow’s feet, and unclog pores, among others. This can also help give you bright and glowing skin!
Try Moderate Strength (0.3 to 0.5%) if You Want to Switch Up Your Routine
Moderate strength retinol could range from 0.3 – 0.5%, and keep in mind that the higher the percentage, the more potent its effects. If you have oily or thicker skin, you could get away with using a higher dose but be sure to observe any reactions first and consult with your derm.
At this stage is where you would want to use retinol about 2-3 times a week, again depending on your skin’s tolerance. This is where you would be able to see a more significant effect in your skin’s appearance, such as improvement of your skin’s condition against signs of aging and damage such as hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
High Strength (1 to 2%) for Quick Results
High-strength retinol goes from 1 – 2%, which is the highest you could go without needing a prescription, and it also gives quicker results. Anything else should be consulted with your dermatologist as it exceeds over-the-counter use and could have dangerous side effects if incorrectly applied.
This is ideal if you want to deal with advanced signs of aging, such as noticeable wrinkles and dead skin cells, for renewed and brighter-looking skin. If you want to reach this stage, you should be a regular retinol user and can tolerate its use about every other day.
② Look for Other Ingredients to Go With Retinol
Retinol by itself is rather drying, which is why it is sometimes used to treat acne. However, there are other ingredients in your serum that could prevent your skin from flaking out too much and give you added benefits!
- Hyaluronic acid is one of the ingredients that could be safely paired with retinol. It is a humectant, which draws water to the surface of your skin. This keeps it moisturized and plump so your skin won’t feel too dry.
- Ceramides are also a great moisturizing ingredient to combine with retinol, as it locks moisture into your skin. It also improves visible signs of aging such as fine lines and blocks environmental damage.
- Peptides are another ingredient beneficial in your serum. It is an amino acid that contains collagen and elastin, which can reduce wrinkles and plump up the skin to make it firmer.
When coupled with retinol, these ingredients are able to counteract some irritating side effects aside from enhancing anti-aging properties. Conversely, you must avoid using retinol with acids such as AHA and BHA to avoid drying out your skin from over-exfoliation.
③ Go for Retinol in a Dark Bottle
Serums are often housed in pumps and droppers, which aren’t just for aesthetic purposes. It also has something to do with the product’s efficacy and shelf life. Retinol is rather unstable; this means that when you take it out to use it, it oxidizes a little.
When shopping for serums, opt for a dark-colored bottle, this is to protect it from exposure to sunlight as it could spoil easily and render it useless. Pump bottles are great as it protects the product from being oxidized seeing as you can just pump what you need. It is also great when you want to use your hands to apply the product.
10 Best Retinol Serums to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum | | A Retinol Serum That's Safe for Sensitive Skin | |
2 | First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate | | Skin Saver Complex to Minimize Irritation | |
3 | The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane | | Boost Anti-Aging Effects With Squalane | |
4 | The Inkey List Retinol Serum | | Reduces Signs of Aging With Less Irritation | |
5 | CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum | | Gently Gets Rid of Acne Marks | |
6 | Luxe Organix Age Reverse Serum | | A Budget-Friendly Starter Find | |
7 | Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair® Serum | | Rapidly Improves Skin's Appearance | |
8 | Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum | | An Affordable Pick-Me-Up for Your Skin | |
9 | Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum | | Enriched With Ferulic Acid to Reduce Fine Lines | |
10 | Ponds Age Miracle Double Serum | | Say Goodbye to Dull Complexion |
A Retinol Serum That's Safe for Sensitive Skin
Got sensitive skin? No worries! Murad’s retinol serum has been tested safe for sensitive skin. It uses a retinol tri-active technology that gradually releases the retinol to minimize irritation and maximize visible results. This is said to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles in just two weeks!
It is formulated with Swertia flower extract to increase your skin’s resilience as well as hyaluronic acid to plump up skin and minimize any dryness. This makes for youthful-looking and radiant skin! The serum is also noted to dry down quickly and has a thin consistency for easy application that won’t leave you feeling malagkit.
First Aid BeautySkin Lab Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate
From ₱3,808
Skin Saver Complex to Minimize Irritation
Whether you’re a first-timer or just curious, you shouldn’t miss out on First Aid Beauty’s Retinol Serum. It is ideal for sensitive and even dry and oily skin types. The formula brightens the skin, evens out dark spots, and promotes firmer-looking skin! This mixture protects and nourishes the skin as it ages!
It is infused with amino peptides and a skin saver complex. It combines hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, aloe, ceramides, and vitamins C and E. This helps balance out the retinol so you can experience minimal irritation! Its low strength is ideal if you want to get started on retinol!
Boost Anti-Aging Effects With Squalane
If you’re a skincare enthusiast, chances are, you have probably come across The Ordinary. They are known for their numerous lineups of quality and affordable products. This retinol serum is a great example of those. It contains pure retinol in water and alcohol-free formula.
It is suspended in squalane, which is an oil noted for its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin without feeling heavy and clogging your pores. It is a great choice if you have oily skin, as it won’t feel sticky. This serum is ideal if you have already initiated retinol into your routine and want to level up its effects!
Reduces Signs of Aging With Less Irritation
The Inkey List's Retinol Serum is dubbed as your go-to for skin renewal as it promotes skin regeneration easily and consistently. It is formulated with granactive retinoid, which is considered a next-generation ingredient. It delivers the same performance as retinol with much less irritation!
This means it works gently to improve the overall appearance of your skin. This reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin textures. It also contains squalane for added hydration and soothing. Now you can reduce signs of aging in a milder way!
Gently Gets Rid of Acne Marks
If you suffer from acne marks and hyperpigmentation, then give CeraVe’s retinol serum a try. It contains encapsulated retinol to help resurface your skin texture, so you can bid acne marks and enlarged pores goodbye. It also has licorice extract to help brighten the skin’s appearance!
These ingredients help promote a healthier and even complexion! This gentle serum works excellently on sensitive skin as it is formulated with ceramides to restore the skin’s moisture barrier to ensure it doesn’t dry out. It is also lightweight and absorbentーperfect for those who layer their skincare products!
A Budget-Friendly Starter Find
Here is one of the best budget-friendly retinol products in the Philippines! Don’t be intimidated by the 2.5% percentage, as it actually uses retinyl palmitate, a milder form of retinoid, so its effects are not as harsh. However, it is still a good idea to slowly integrate it into your routine and not get carried away.
Aside from retinol, its formula contains hydrolyzed collagen to improve your skin’s elasticity. It is also infused with hyaluronic acid, which can help reduce some of the dryness that comes with using retinol. Luxe Organix Age Reverse Serum reviews state that with constant use, the product was able to make their skin firmer, glowing, and look younger!
Rapidly Improves Skin's Appearance
Stress got your wrinkles busted? Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Line might become your new favorite. Its formulation yields result in just one week! It uses accelerated retinol SA to quickly smooth out wrinkles and diminish age spots for continuously renewed skin.
It combines glucose complex to speed up the skin's surface activity and hyaluronic acid to create a fast-acting serum. It brightens skin, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation. It also reduces the appearance of smile lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and evens out skin textures!
An Affordable Pick-Me-Up for Your Skin
Working long hours and need a pick me up for your skin? Olay’s Regenerist Retinol24 works deeply into the skin, leaving it supple and fresh for 24 hours. Aside from niacinamide, this serum is also enriched with amino peptides for firmer skin. This ensures a fresh face after every usage!
It is absorbed quickly and penetrates deeply into the skin. This formula is also fragrance- and dye-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It is a great option if you want to improve your skin’s overall appearance. It delivers visible results in 28 days, reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and even brightening dark spots! You'll also appreciate that it's one of the best retinol products in Watsons Philippines!
Dr. Dennis GrossFerulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum
From ₱5,030
Enriched With Ferulic Acid to Reduce Fine Lines
This retinol serum is designed to deliver a time-released dose of retinol overnight to supplement your skin’s recovery process. It contains ferulic acid, which is an antioxidant that boosts the effects of other antioxidants. It can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it also contains niacinamide to prevent moisture loss.
This helps to prevent your skin from becoming too dried out from the retinol. Together, these ingredients work to brighten your skin and even out your complexion. It also improves your skin’s texture. This is great if you want a serum packed with a little more punch!
Say Goodbye to Dull Complexion
This serum helps fight wrinkles and dark spots thanks to its retinol C complex. It contains 30 times skin renewal actives and is designed to release retinol overnight continuously. This helps to help skin regeneration so you can wake up to improved skin in the morning!
It is enriched with hyaluronic acid and prebiotics to deliver intense hydration and nourishment to your skin. It also contains niacinamide to brighten skin, which is perfect for brightening a dull complexion. With its price point, incorporating retinol in your skincare is now within your reach!
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Dr. Meg Sison
To jumpstart your journey to younger-looking skin, here are some of Dr. Meg SIson's answers to the most asked questions on the web!
How Often Should You Use Retinol Serum?
Start at the lowest concentrations (twice a week at night for at least 1 month), especially if it's your first time, and gradually increase the frequency of application once you are able to tolerate it.
Take note that we do not need higher concentrations because they can result in skin irritation, leading to discontinuing the retinol altogether. Make sure to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.
Who Should Use Retinol Serum?
Retinol serums can be used by individuals as early as their mid-20s to start reaping the benefits. However, retinol is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist if you want to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine. They will be able to guide you on what type of retinol products is best for you.
When Should You Use Retinol Serum?
Retinol serums are recommended for nighttime use because they can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays if used during the day. In addition, sunlight can also degrade retinol which can make it less effective.
All You Need for Glowing Skin
Retinol isn't the only skincare ingredient to maintain youthful-looking and glowing skin. If you're not a fan of retinol or want a much gentler alternative, here are other skincare products you could use!
Author: J. Cuizon
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Retinol Serums
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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