Retinol is a foolproof ingredient for anti-aging. Although there are newer anti-aging ingredients like peptides, nothing works better than retinol when it comes to anti-aging. Retinols have backed up research to have immense skin benefits. But then it comes with its advantages and disadvantages. So it should be used with precautions. There are products with retinal, retinol, and retinoids in the market which can be confusing. All of these are Vitamin A Derivatives but are of different forms. Let’s find out all about retinoids and the Best Retinol Creams in India, in particular.
Table of Contents
All About Retinoids
| What is a Retinoid? | It is a generic term for all forms of Vitamin A Derivatives (including retinol, and retinal) |
| What is it used for? | It is used for both anti-acne and anti-aging benefits. |
| Who can use it? | • There is no set rule on who can use it. • Anyone in the mid-’20s can use OTC retinoids for anti-aging. • Teens can use it with prescriptions for acne problems. |
| Who cannot use it? | • Pregnant and lactating women.• Extremely dry & sensitive skin types, prone to Rosacea. |
| How to use retinoids? | • On a clean dry face, use a tiny amount all over the face and follow it up with a heavy-duty moisturizer.• Use only in PM.• Start with once a week for a month and then twice a week slowly increasing your tolerance level or as suggested by your doctor. |
| What are the side effects? | • Can cause excessive dryness and peeling. So incorporate it slowly into your routine. • Can cause purging, that is breakouts, which should subside faster than your normal acne. If not, stop using the product and consult your doctor. • Makes your skin sensitive to light. So wear sunscreen and don’t use retinol during the day. |
| What are the precautions? | • A good moisturizing protection routine is ideal. • Use a gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer (with Ceramides, Centella Asiatica, or Colloidal Oatmeal), and a minimum of SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen. • Do not use AHAs, BHAs, Benzyl peroxide, and other exfoliants with retinol. |
Types of Retinoids
| FORMS | BENEFITS |
| Retinyl Esters(Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Propionate) | Gentlest form of retinoid. It’s the least irritating and good for beginners and dry & sensitive skin types. |
| Retinol | The standard form of Retinol in OTC products. Much more effective than Retinyl Palmitate but can be irritating on the skin. Good for mild aging signs. Improves skin texture and fades pigmentation significantly. |
| Retinaldehyde | OTC Retinoid that’s stronger than retinol. Increases cell turnover and reduces wrinkles & fine lines. |
| Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin) | A potent form of retinoid that’s available by prescription only. Highly effective in giving results for both anti-aging and anti-acne, but it’s also highly irritating. |
Other Available Retinoids
| Adapalene | Synthetic Retinoid Derivative that’s available by OTC in some countries. Good for those with acne. |
| Tazarotene | A synthetic form of retinoid. It’s the most powerful form of prescription retinoid. |
| Isotretinoin | Also called Accutane, it is an oral form of retinoid prescribed for severe acne. |
| Granactive Retinoid (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate) | It’s a new generation Retinoic Acid Ester and is gentler than retinoic acid. |
Price of Retinol Cream in India
The price of retinol cream in India is usually expensive for over-the-counter products. However, prescription retinol is cheaper. Either way, there’s no harm in consulting a Dermatologist before starting on Retinol Products.
Over-the-counter retinol creams are available for as low as ₹100 and can go up to ₹1500 upwards. The average price of a retinol cream from a good brand would cost around ₹400.
9 Best Retinol Creams in India
1. Olay Retinol 24 Moisturizer
Olay is the standard for anti-aging skincare and this Retinol 24 Moisturizer is a gem among them. It’s formulated with Retinyl Propionate, Retinol, and Niacinamide to give you plumper, younger-looking skin. This has a lightweight, non-comedogenic, airy whipped texture making it the best retinol cream in India for acne-prone skin types.
| PROS | CONS |
| 5. Free of phthalates, sulphates, artificial dyes, and oils. | 1. Not budget-friendly. |
| 2. Contains Niacinamide which has skin brightening and anti-acne benefits. | |
| 3. Reduces the appearance of dark spots. | |
| 4. Suitable for all skin types. | |
| 5. Free of phthalates, sulfates, artificial dyes, and oils. | |
| 6. Available in mini size. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
2. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Night Moisturizer
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Night Moisturizer is one of the widely popular Drugstore Retinol Creams in India. It has a well-researched, proven formula with Retinol SA, Hyaluronic Acid, and Glucose Complex. The Rapid Wrinkle Moisturizer not only promotes surface renewal but also plumps up the skin with hydration and strengthens the skin barrier making it healthier and brighter.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Gentle and non-irritating formula. | 1. Gives a bit of sheen which may not be liked by oily skin. |
| 2. Suitable for beginners. | 2. Contains fragrance. |
| 3. Quite moisturizing on its own. | |
| 4. Reduces fine lines and crow’s feet. | |
| 5. Improves skin texture. | |
| 6. Tried and loved by many consumers. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
3. Minimalist 2% Granactive Retinoid Anti Aging Cream
The Dermatologist Approved Anti Aging Cream is formulated with Next Generation Retinol Derivative called Granactive Retinoid. Made in an aloe vera base, it’s a lightweight, non-comedogenic product that’s suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. It is known to provide multi-fold better results with less irritation.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. New improved packaging with a pump dispenser. | 1. Not really beginner-friendly. |
| 2. Lightweight, oil-free, emulsion-type product. | 2. Can cause purging. |
| 3. Over-the-counter retinoid for all skin types. | |
| 4. Helps with oily skin, acne, and enlarged pores. | |
| 5. Caters dryness and dullness of mature skin. | |
| 6. Helps in fading old acne marks. | |
| 7. Free from parabens, added colorant, and fragrance-producing chemicals. | |
| 8. Cruelty-Free. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
4. L’Oreal Revitalift Night Cream
The Revitalift Range is quite well known for its result-oriented products. This L’Oreal Revitalift Night Cream, with its derma lift technology, works overnight to retighten the skin giving it a younger-looking skin. It’s formulated with Pro-Retinol A to stimulate cell renewal and Centella Asiatica to strengthen the skin barrier. If you are looking to touch base with a mild retinol cream without the purging and dry side effects, then this moisturizing cream is a good choice.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Light creamy, non-sticky, moisturizing cream. | 1. Comes in a bulky glass jar that’s not ideal for travel purposes. |
| 2. Keeps skin supple and hydrated. | 2. Contains fragrance, though pleasant, may not suit everyone. |
| 3. Works overnight to give you glowing and plumped-up skin. | |
| 4. Helps to firm up the skin over time. | |
| 5. Doesn’t irritate the skin. | |
| 6. Contains Retinyl Palmitate making it suitable for sensitive skin types and beginners. | |
| 7. Suitable for Normal, Combination, Dry Skin Types. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
5. Garnier Wrinkle Lift Anti-Aging Cream
If you are looking for a preventive anti-aging cream to kick-start your age-defying skincare regimen then Garnier Wrinkle Lift Anti-Ageing Cream is a good option to try. It is one of the cheapest Retinol Creams in India with the mildest retinol derivative making it ideal for beginners. This cream helps rejuvenate skin and its main constituents ginger extract and cherry and bilberry extract restore the vitality of the skin.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Beginner-level anti-aging cream with a mild formula. | 1. Contains quite a bit of added fragrance that may not suit sensitive skin. |
| 2. Deeply nourishes the skin. | 2. Not ideal for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types. |
| 3. Reinforces the natural skin regeneration process. | |
| 4. Helps with early signs of aging like dryness, dullness, lack of firmness, and fine lines. | |
| 5. Rich in antioxidants along with Pro-Retinol. | |
| 6. Super affordable. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
6. Bello Yugard Anti-Ageing Cream
Bello Yugard anti-aging Cream is a retinol cream recommended by dermatologists in India. It has a strong formulation with 0.15% Retinol and is ideal for mature skin above 30 years old. It works to increase cell turnover, shed surface skin cells, and renew healthier cells. It further gently exfoliates the skin to tackle acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Strong and effective anti-aging cream. | 1. Not beginner-friendly. |
| 2. Non-sticky medium consistency gel-cream texture. | |
| 3. Reduces wrinkles and firm up the skin. | |
| 4. Improves hyperpigmented spots left by acne. | |
| 5. Paraben-free and paraffin-free. | |
| 6. Recommended by Dermatologists. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
7. Ega Night Cream
Ega Night Cream is a Retinol-Based Night Cream that uses a double-layered encapsulation technology to offer maximum benefits without irritating the skin. It comes from the well-known pharmaceutical brand, Curatio Health Care and is often recommended by Dermatologists.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Contains not only Retinol but also Vitamin K and Peptides that have immense anti-aging benefits. | 1. Slow results. |
| 2. Reduces the appearance of dark circles, wrinkles, and fine lines. | |
| 3. Excellent for photoaged mature skin types. | |
| 4. Increases skin’s elasticity. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
8. Sesderma Retiage Anti Aging Cream
Sesderma Retiage has a powerful anti-aging action with its exclusive 3 Lipid Retinol Encapsulations. It’s designed to reduce deep wrinkles, and fine lines and improve overall skin health.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Emollient-rich, moisturizing formula keeps skin nourished. | 1. Quite expensive. |
| 2. Improves aging signs such as wrinkles, pigmentation spots, and dullness. | 2. Contains fragrance. |
| 3. Increase skin firmness. | |
| 4. Dermatologists Tested. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
9. Avenue Triacneal Expert
Avenue Triacneal Expert is for those who are looking for both anti-aging and anti-acne benefits. It contains 0.1% Retinaldehyde, an advanced derivative of retinol that clears pores and reduces acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. It comes from the well-known French pharmacy brand that has backed up research. Avenue Triacneal is a good retinol cream in India for acne-prone skin.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Has Anti Bacterial and Anti Inflammatory Properties | 1. Contains synthetic color, fragrance, and alcohol. |
| 2. Contains trade-marked ingredients that are known to smoothen skin texture. | |
| 3. Excellent for oily skin especially those with adult acne. | |
| 4. Regulates excess oil and reduces breakouts. | |
| 5. Visibly improves the appearance of blemishes and residual acne marks. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
Apart from these, many brands such as Mamaearth, Wow, and St.Botanica have retinol creams in India. But only the best made it to this list. While Olay and Neutrogena are the biggest players in the league, Yugard and Ega are retinol creams recommended by dermatologists. Garnier and L’Oreal are affordable drugstore options for beginners while Minimalist is a potent newbie on the block that gained instant love.
I hope you found this list of the Best Retinol Creams in India helpful.
Pick one that suits your skin follow the precautions and go slow with retinol.
Article Sources
Mukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, Korting HC, Roeder A, Weindl G. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):327-48. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327. PMID: 18046911; PMCID: PMC2699641.
Zasada M, Budzisz E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Aug;36(4):392-397. doi: 10.5114/ada.2019.87443. Epub 2019 Aug 30. PMID: 31616211; PMCID: PMC6791161.
A comparative study of the effects of retinol and retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human skin – Rong Kong PhD, Yilei Cui PhD, Gary J. Fisher PhD, Xiaojuan Wang BS, Yinbei Chen MS, Louise M. Schneider BS, Gopa Majmudar PhD
Safiya is the editor and founder of TheBeautyInsideOut. With 7 years of experience in the beauty industry, she has been contributing content since its inception in 2016. She’s keen on trying out skincare from various verticals – be it Western skincare, Korean beauty, or Indian Ayurveda and sharing their unbiased opinions on them.
