Renew Your Skin: Explore Murad's Best Retinol Serums

If you're new to retinol, start by using it 2-3 times per week in the evening, then gradually increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. Most people can work up to nightly use within a few weeks. Always apply retinol to clean, dry skin and follow with moisturiser. Our Retinol Youth Renewal Serum and Night Cream are formulated with both fast-acting and slow-release retinol for effective results with minimal irritation, making them easier to incorporate into daily routines.

Apply retinol products in the evening after cleansing and toning. Use a pea-sized amount for your entire face, avoiding the immediate eye area unless using a product specifically formulated for eyes like our Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum. Follow with moisturiser to lock in hydration. Always wear broad-spectrum SPF during the day when using retinol, as it can increase sun sensitivity. Start slowly if you're new to retinol, gradually building up frequency to allow your skin to adjust.

Retinol pairs well with several ingredients. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent companion, providing hydration to counteract any dryness. Niacinamide works well with retinol to calm skin and support the barrier. You can use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night to avoid any potential irritation from combining them. However, be cautious when combining retinol with other exfoliating acids like salicylic acid or glycolic acid. If using both, apply them at different times of day or on alternating days to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.

Both retinal and retinol are forms of vitamin A, but retinal is one conversion step closer to retinoic acid (the active form your skin uses), making it potentially more efficient. Retinal can deliver faster visible results while remaining gentler than prescription retinoids. Retinol requires two conversion steps but is still highly effective and well-tolerated by most skin types. Our retinol formulas feature a combination of fast-acting retinoid, slow-release retinol, and retinol boosters to provide the benefits of both approaches with minimal irritation.

Generally speaking retinol is for first signs of ageing and retinal is being used for advanced signs of anti-ageing.

Start by considering your skin type and primary concerns. If you're new to retinoids or have sensitive skin, look for formulas with encapsulated or slow-release retinol. For those with more resilient skin or experience with retinol, products featuring retinal (a more direct form of vitamin A) may provide faster results.

Consider your specific concerns: retinol serums work well for overall anti-ageing, while retinol eye treatments target delicate areas, and retinol creams provide both treatment and hydration.

Generally speaking retinol is used for first signs of ageing, whereas retinal targets advanced signs of ageing.