Retinol
Retinol for beginners: how to start without irritation
Updated 12 October 2026
Retinol is the best-studied over-the-counter ingredient for fine lines, uneven texture and clogged pores. It works by speeding up how skin renews itself, which is also why it can irritate at first.
Start low and slow and most people get through the adjustment without trouble.
How to start
- Choose a low strength (0.1% to 0.3% retinol, or a retinal or bakuchiol product).
- Two nights a week for two weeks, then every other night, then nightly if your skin is calm.
- A pea-sized amount for the whole face, on dry skin, after cleansing.
- Moisturiser on top, or before it if your skin is sensitive.
- Sunscreen every morning. Retinol makes skin more sun-sensitive.
What not to mix on the same night
Exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA) and benzoyl peroxide. Use them on other nights, or check your routine in the ingredient checker.
