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Turning back the clock isn’t an option, so when you want healthier, glowing skin, turning to products with proven results is the best way to go. If there’s one beauty item that has consistently been touted as a game-changer in the skincare industry, it’s retinol cream moisturizer. Regardless of your age or skin type, chances are you’ve used a form of retinol cream to combat a skin issue. But why is that? What makes it so powerful? In fact, what is retinol?
What is retinol cream moisturizer — and what can it do for you?
Retinol is a type of retinoid, which is a derivative of vitamin A. Due to its extremely small molecular structure, retinol can penetrate deep into the skin where it unclogs pores, smooths wrinkles, improves skin’s overall texture, and boosts collagen, thanks to vitamin A’s natural ability to improve skin elasticity and moisture. This is why retinol has been used for decades to do everything from treating skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, and psoriasis, to minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles in mature skin.
While retinol is easily one of the most popular skincare ingredients, not all retinol creams are created equal. The concentration of retinol found in over-the-counter retinol creams is significantly lower than that in prescription creams like Retin-A. There is a good reason for the different concentrations. Due to its potency, retinol amounts must be monitored. Over-the-counter products are made with an amount that has been deemed safe for most skin types. This gives you the opportunity to either save a trip to your dermatologist or figure out that you need a prescription cream with a higher concentration of retinol.
Best Retinol Cream Moisturizers
If you’re considering adding a moisturizer cream with retinol to your beauty regimen, it’s never a bad idea to consult with a dermatologist first. But for those ready to dive into the wonderful world of retinol sooner rather than later, we went ahead and gathered 19 of the best retinol cream moisturizers for face and eyes that you can add to your beauty routine today. Keep scrolling for FIRST’s picks for the best retinol cream moisturizers.
We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.
Retinol Cream Moisturizer Face Eyes Review Loreal Revitalift Cicacream
The latest launch from L'Oreal's Revitalift line may just become your new best friend, thanks to its two star ingredients: retinol and centella asiatica. Now, we know the benefits of retinol, but what's so special about centella asiatica, better known as tiger grass? It all stems from the (true) legend that after battle, Asian tigers would roll in the plant to help heal their wounds. For centuries, it has been used to help soothe a myriad of skin issues, such as burns, inflammation, redness, and psoriasis.
If you are looking for the best retinol moisturizer or cream, your search is over with this beauty knockout. One reviewer even exclaimed, "I have been using this product less than 2 weeks and I am amazed at the changes I’ve already see!"
Retinol is one of the leading ingredients in the fight against wrinkles, and Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream does just what it promises. In one week's time, you will see a difference — just read the reviews. Amazon buyer Mary T. said, "Love love LOVE this stuff! Ran out....went 2 weeks without and the fine lines and undereye bags returned. Been using for a [week] and VAST improvement. Can not brag on neutrogena products enough. I'm 50 and [people] seriously think I am in late 30s early 40s. Makes me happy" Loaded with Neutrogena's patented Retinol SA, this cream helps smooth skin while hyaluronic acid keeps the delicate eye area supple.
Racking up one positive review after another is Pure Biology's Anti-Aging Night Cream with Pure Retinol. Created to be both powerful and soothing, this cream features two unique patented blends, Fision Wrinkle Fix and Boabab Tien, which smooth fine lines and keep skin plump, respectively. Best of all, this lightweight formula goes on like a serum, feels like a gel, and hydrates like a thick cream, making it a moisturizer that feels luxurious even if the price tag suggests otherwise. And people are loving it with one reviewer saying, "I love how this feels on my face! My face feels firmer and just has a glowy appearance from using after only a few days."
The skin around your eyes is some of the most delicate on your body, so finding a good eye cream is no small matter. If you're looking for something that will be gentle, keep your skin nourished, and provide illumination on even the darkest under-eye circles, then you've found your winner. This potent yet light cream combines time-release retinol for all-day smoothness, olive-fruit pulp for all-day nourishment, and a ruby crystal complex for all-day brightness. With a combination like that, it makes sense that this cream is frequently out of stock! Still not convinced? Take it from one Sephora customer who said, "It definitely lives up to the hype."
Another brand knocking it out of the park for natural retinol-infused skincare is InstaNatural. Its 24/7 Retinol Wrinkle Cream features a blend of antioxidant skincare ingredients like vitamin C and green tea to nourish the skin while its retinol/vitamin A blend addresses concerns common to mature skin like wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Great for a wide range of skin types, this cream makes a fantastic addition to any skincare regimen — and we're not the only ones who think so! One Amazon buyer loves this product so much she said, "I would recommend this to anyone."
Baebody Beauty may be a smaller brand when it comes to the beauty industry, but what this brand lacks in notoriety it makes up for with superior skincare products. One of the reasons this anti-aging moisturizer is so popular (it has over 2,400 reviews and almost five stars on Amazon) is its natural approach to retinol. Alongside the famed ingredient, this cream boasts a 71-percent organic blend of plant-derived hyaluronic acid, wildcrafted green tea, organic jojoba oil, vitamin E, vitamin B5, and shea butter. To top it off, not only are many of the ingredients organic and naturally sourced, the company is also cruelty-free.
One of the most well-known retinol creams comes from none other than the skin-care giant Murad. Made with peptide-rich red algae to help preserve skin elasticity, this formula is not only gluten-free and hypo-allergenic, it's also made without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. It's the ideal retinol cream moisturizer for even the most sensitive skin types looking for a youthful, vibrant complexion with one customer raving, "[It's] very hydrating but not heavy at all. Obsessed."
After a long day of stress and makeup-wearing, there's nothing better than treating yourself to good skin care. Peter Thomas Roth delivers just that with its Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream. Using a sustained release of retinol over eight hours and a combination of nourishing shea butter, caffeine, and vitamins C and E, this cream will ensure that you and your eyes wake up refreshed. But don't take our word for it! It's racking up rave reviews on Sephora every day, with one customer saying, "This product instantly brightens them and I noticed results the very next day!"
Who says you need to spend a fortune to get good, natural skin care? One of the most beloved natural retinol creams out there comes from an affordable brand you're sure to love. Body Merry's Retinol Surge Moisturizer takes moisturizer to the next level due to its combination of potent retinol, botanical hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant-rich elements like green tea, aloe, and jojoba oil. Amazon buyer Summer loved this cream, saying, "This moisturizer is amazing!!!! I was previously using retinol that my dermatologist prescribed along with Cetaphil or CeraVe face moisturizer but this stuff takes the cake!" The perfect mature skin moisturizer, you can say finally goodbye to fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
This retinol-infused night cream from Kate Somerville might land on the higher-end of the price spectrum, but it was a must-have on this list. Sephora customer Darcy Jo went so far as to say, "The product is better than Botox!" Formulated with its RetAsphere Smart Release™ Carrier System, this premium cream evenly distributes its patented retinol formula, which includes seaweed extract infused with hyaluronic acid for added moisture. As a result, you're left with smoother, firmer skin and a healthier complexion overall.
If there's one brand that you think of when it comes to over-the-counter retinol creams, it's ROC. A retinol staple for years, this cream claims to deliver more radiant skin after one week, smoother eye wrinkles after four weeks, and visibly reduced deep wrinkles and dark spots after eight weeks. With many calling it the best retinol moisturizer cream because it's oil-free, non-comedogenic, and formulated with hyaluronic acid for added hydration, it’s no wonder this cream is considered a classic. And it also has a cult following, with one customer saying, "Love this. I will not try anything else."
Helpful hint: Because this cream is a "max" cream, you know the amount of retinol in this product is going to be a higher concentration. Be sure to follow the directions and apply it every other day (as opposed to every day) when starting out, so your skin can properly adjust to it.
An Amazon brand favorite, Amara Organics Retinol Cream is one of the most beloved on the market today, both for its affordability and effectiveness. Made with a combination of potent retinol and moisturizing hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and shea butter, this cream's emphasis on soothing and hydrating provides the skin with superior results and less irritation. Made with natural ingredients and without paraben, dyes, or fragrances, this is a cream you can feel good about placing in your medicine cabinet.
Don't be scared off by the word peel. Sanitas' Retinol Peeling Cream is one of the best reparative creams on this list. Perfect for anyone looking to combat aging skin, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles, this cream uses a blend of retinol, botanical extracts, hydrating ceramides, and vitamins to promote cellular renewal by gently peeling away dead skin cells. While your skin will peel, what you'll be left with is the smoother, glowy complexion of your dreams.
One buyer offered these tips when reviewing this cream, saying, "Apply a little and within a few days, for me it is usually about 2 days, the skin begins to peel. I usually use a facial scrub to remove the shedding skin quicker. Your skin is a little more sensitive during the peeling process, so be careful not to scrub too hard and ensure you use sunscreen during the day. I will definitely be making his a permanent addition to my skincare regimen.
Looking for a moisturizing retinol night cream? 100% Pure's Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm is the one to beat. Made for use on the face, neck, and décolleté, this hydrating balm is packed with an assortment of hydrating and anti-aging ingredients like vitamins E and C, olive oil, shea butter, and, of course, retinol. Shown to firm, hydrate, and even skin, this is one retinol cream you'll want to keep on your nightstand.
For a retinol eye cream with a little extra something, reach for Dr. Dennis Gross' Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream. As retinol works on skin-cell turnover to revitalize the delicate skin around the eyes, ferulic acid, a powerful antioxidant, works to preserve the integrity of the skin cells and overall look of skin. Additional proteins promote a healthy texture while collagen plumps skin to fill in fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, ultimately refreshing your skin, helping it appear more hydrated after time, and taking years off of your eyes.
With over 1,000 reviews and an almost five-star rating, it's easy to see why Kleem Organics Anti-Aging Retinol Cream Moisturizer is so popular. Alongside the star ingredient retinol, this cream is made with a host of moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, green tea & jojoba oil, plumping the skin and helping boost the production of collagen and elastin. Paraben- and alcohol-free, this moisturizer doesn't clog pores or leave a sticky residue on the skin. With this cream, your skin will not only look better, it will be better.
For a powerful retinol cream moisturizer with enough hydration for even the driest skin, Organys' Retinol Cream has your back. Wrinkle-fighting retinol gets to work fast as hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, rose water, and aloe vera care for and deeply moisturize the skin. With this cream, you can finally say goodbye to fine lines and wrinkles and hello to smoother, younger looking skin.
For the ultimate skin pick-me-up, give Tree of Life's Retinol Cream Anti Wrinkle Moisturizer a try. Designed to stimulate the production of new collagen while also fortifying the skin, this cream uses a potent mixture of retinol, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, green tea, vitamin B5, and shea butter to get the job done.
Not only with your face feel refreshed, this non-greasy formula truly provides results, with one reviewer raving, "After using the retinol moisturizer for two weeks, I've noticed a reduction in fine lines, brighter skin and a bit plumper around and under the eyes. I am over 60 with sensitive skin and have been searching for an affordable retinol product that doesn't irritate my skin, isn't greasy and doesn't clog pores. I am so impressed with Tree of Life Retinol Moisturizer!"
For a more natural retinol cream, pick up Poppy Austin's Retinol Cream. Made with sensitive skin in mind, this lightweight moisturizer uses a blend of retinol, organic aloe, and wildcrafted green tea to reduce the appearance of sun damage, fine lines, age spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging while soothing the skin for the smooth texture you've been looking for. Gentle enough for twice daily use (day and night), recharged and revitalized skin is only a pump away.
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