There are many new ingredients in the market that claim to work for anti-aging. But there is nothing close to Retinol when it comes to OTC products. Retinol is a well-researched science-backed ingredient that has immense benefits for anti-aging as well as acne problems. We’ve talked about Retinoids in detail on the blog previously. Before moving on to the list of Best Retinol Serum in India, we’ll summarise it again in this post for our new readers.
Table of Contents
What is Retinol?
Retinoid is an umbrella term for all the Vitamin A derivatives available. And Retinol comes under Retinoids. Retinol is a medium-strength retinoid that’s easily available over the counter. It improves skin texture and helps with pigmentation and aging signs.
Don’t confuse Retinoid with Granactive Retinoid that you see in recently launched products. Both are different. Granactive Retinoid is a new-generation retinoid acid ester that’s gentler than most retinoids but stronger than Retinyl Palmitate.
Retinol, Retinal, and Retinyl Esters are available in OTC products. Prescription retinoids such as Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene, and Isotretinoin (oral) are available only by Dermatologist’s Recommendation. If you have stubborn skin issues, we’d recommend consulting a Dermatologist. If you are a beginner and/or intermediate in using retinol, you can very well try any of these, with precautions of course.
Precautions
- Retinol Serums can cause initial purging when the product is introduced. That is, it can cause an outbreak of underlying acne, whiteheads, and pimples to pop out. But that should subside quickly in a week or two. If not, discontinue usage.
- They should be introduced slowly into one’s routine.
- Retinols can cause dryness and peeling. For that, it is ideal to use a good ceramide moisturizer that’s soothing on the skin or a Niacinamide Moisturizer that strengthens the skin barrier.
- Retinol usage makes your skin sensitive to light. You should definitely use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. You can pick one of the Dermatologist’s Recommended Sunscreens, or Physical Sunscreens if you have Sensitive Skin, or Lightweight Gel Sunscreens if you have oily skin, or if you prefer a polished makeup look, you could go for Tinted Sunscreens. In any case, USE A SUNSCREEN. Period.
- Do not use Chemical Exfoliators such as Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, or ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide, Vitamin C, or Urea with Retinol Products.
- Lastly DO NOT USE PRESCRIPTION RETINOIDS without Doctor’s prescription, even if it’s available OTC in India.
Moving on to the list of the Best Retinol Serum in India.
Best Retinol Serum In India
1. Minimalist 0.3% Retinol Serum
Minimalist 0.3% Retinol Serum is one of the Best Affordable Retinol Serum in India that actually works to give you youthful skin. It is a potent Squalane-based anti-aging serum for targeting fine lines and wrinkles. It is formulated with 0.3% Pure Retinol, and 1% Pure Bakuchiol Oil, and boosted with antioxidant Coenzyme Q10, an excellent wrinkle depth reducer. This water-free formula is highly stable and can be used by all skin types. But a great choice for normal, combination, and dry skin types. Use this in your PM routine after cleansing and toning. You could also use a hydrating serum beforehand for effective results without any irritations. If you are looking for something milder than this, the Minimalist Granactive Retinoid 2% is your best bet.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Powerful anti-aging ingredients. | 1. Can be a little heavy for oily skin, since it’s oil-based. |
| 2. Minimal ingredients used with no nasty chemicals. | |
| 3. Water Free, Fragrance-free, Non-Comedogenic formula. | |
| 4. Fades wrinkles, fine lines, and acne marks with regular use. | |
| 5. Smoothens and softens skin. | |
| 6. Squalane nourishes and repairs the skin. | |
| 7. Comes in a UV protective bottle, making it stable. | |
| 8. Free of sulphates, silicones, parabens, dyes, and essential oils. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
2. Deconstruct Retinol & Peptide Serum
Deconstruct is one of the Indian Skincare brands that use well-researched science-backed ingredients in their formulations. They do not randomly throw new launches but give out result-oriented products. Formulated with dual-action anti-aging stars, 0.2% Retinol & 1% Peptide, this serum slows down aging skin, facilitates collagen production, fights wrinkles, and firms up your skin. It is a water-based serum which makes it the Best Retinol Serum in India for Oily Skin. It is fragrance-free as well and is much gentler than the Minimalist Retinol Serum. The pricing is similar to the Minimalist one, making both of them affordable options.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Highly effective with 0.2% Retinol & 1% Peptide. | 1. None. |
| 2. Water-based milky serum. | |
| 3. Lightweight and non-sticky. | |
| 4. Suitable for all skin types. | |
| 5. Hydrates, plumps, and firm skin. | |
| 6. Delays signs of aging. | |
| 7. Beginner friendly. | |
| 8. Free of fragrance, silicones, parabens, SLS, and pthalates. | |
| 9. Vegan & Cruelty-Free. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
3. Fixderma Reticuram Retinol Serum
Fixderma Reticuram Retinol Serum is a Dermatologist Recommended Retinol Serum. It is formulated with Retistar, a next-generation stabilized retinol by BASF, in a lightweight serum formulation. It is boosted with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, and Shea Butter to drastically improve your skin health. Fixderma Retinol Serum is great for aging skin as it boosts collagen and elastin synthesis, thereby reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This serum is suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Contains Retistar, a liposomal form of retinol for better results. | 1. Contains added fragrance. |
| 2. Lightweight gel-type serum. | |
| 3. Non-irritating, Moisturizing formula. | |
| 4. Stabilized and effective. | |
| 5. Reduces age spots, rough patches, and fine lines. | |
| 6. Paraben-free and Silicone Free. | |
| 7. Good Retinol Serum for Beginners. | |
| 8. Dermatologists Tested. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
4. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24-Night Serum
Olay is one of the best drugstore brands for anti-aging skincare. This Regenerist Retinol 24 Serum uses Olay’s proprietary Retinoid Complex along with Vitamin B3 to help you wake up with plump, looking skin. This serum tightens, brightens, and smoothens your skin. It’s ultra-lightweight, fragrance-free, and has an amazing texture that one could not resist. It is one of the Best Retinol Serums in India For Beginners due to its gentle, non-irritating formula.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Light, milky serum that absorbs quickly. | 1. Mild enough to not work on stubborn issues. |
| 2. Gentle formula suits dry and sensitive skin. | |
| 3. Reduces pigmentation and spots. | |
| 4. Reduces congestion and whiteheads. | |
| 5. Brightens and even outs skin tone. | |
| 5. Brightens and evens out skin tone. | |
| 7. Fragrance-free, Dye Free. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
5. Palmer’s Skin Therapy Cocoa Butter Face Oil
Palmer’s Skin Therapy Cocoa Butter Oil For Face is not only made with the mighty star ingredient Retinol, but it is also loaded with a bunch of precious natural oils such as Argan Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Oil, Rosehip Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Sunflower Oil. You don’t have to worry about this product being heavy. All of these are light oils that have fabulous anti-aging benefits.
The Palmer’s Skin Therapy Facial Oil is a non-greasy, non-staining formula that absorbs super quickly. Its Cetesomate-E® Complex offers maximum penetration for delivering targeted benefits. This is one of the best anti-aging facial oils that universally suits all skin types.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Enriched with natural oils. | 1. May not be acne skin-friendly. |
| 2. Subtle and soothing rosehip fragrance. | |
| 3. Lightweight fast-absorbing oil. | |
| 4. Helps with acne marks, pigmentation & wrinkles. | |
| 5. Improves overall skin smoothness. | |
| 6. Tackles dryness by keeping the skin moisturized. | |
| 7. Paraben-free, pthalates-free, and hypoallergenic. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
6. Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule
This is a fairly new launch from Innisfree which quickly became one of the Best Korean Retinol Serum in India. Innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule contains a patented Jeju Cica Liposomlogy Complex, which has a set of curated ingredients. That includes Centella Asiatica, Green Tea Ceramide, Jeju Green Soybean Hyaluronic Acid.
It is an extremely gentle formula that suits everyone. This is an ampoule which means it’s much more potent than a serum and you hardly need one or two drops. It’s a versatile product for all acne problems such as active acne, visible pores, dead skin cells, acne marks, and scarring. A must-have Korean skincare product for blemish-free skin.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Patented ingredient formula. | 1. Expensive. |
| 2. Unscented, Weightless gel-like serum texture. | |
| 3. Very gentle on the skin. | |
| 4. Targets early signs of breakouts such as visible pores, and dead skin cells. | |
| 5. Heals active acne breakouts and Reduces acne scarring. | |
| 6. Improves skin tone and texture. | |
| 7. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive. | |
| 8. Free of animal ingredients. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
7. E’Clat Retinol Serum
This is a popular retinol serum that’s talked a lot about in the Instagram skincare community. E’Clat Retinol Serum is formulated with 0.8% Retinol to diminish the look of deep wrinkles. It is boosted with antioxidants Feulric Acid, Vitamin E, and Hyaluronic Acid to encourage skin renewal and make your skin smoother and firmer. This makes a great Retinol Serum For Acne Scars. Its gel texture is a bonus for oily skin types.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Dermatologists Recommended Retinol Serum in India. | 1. Expensive. |
| 2. Lightweight gel formula. | |
| 3. Boosts collagen production. | |
| 4. Helps fight acne, blemishes, marks, and age spots. | |
| 5. Brightens and adds a glow to the skin. | |
| 6. Good for beginners. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
8. Avenue Triacneal Expert
Avenue Triacneal Expert is predominantly recommended as an anti-aging product for those suffering from acne problems. It is formulated with 0.1% Retinaldehyde, which is an advanced derivative of retinol. It is known to clear pores thereby reducing excess sebum, whiteheads, and pimples. This product also works to reduce acne scarring and pigmentation caused by acne. Avene is a famous French pharmacy brand that you can blindly trust for its formulation. This is also one of the Best Retinol Cream in India due to its light creamy texture.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Has Anti Inflammatory and Anti Bacterial Properties | 1. Contains added fragrance. |
| 2. Smoothens skin texture. | |
| 3. Excellent for oily skin particularly those with adult acne. | |
| 4. Regulates excess oil & reduces breakouts. | |
| 5. Improves the appearance of blemishes and residual acne marks. |
These are some of the Best Retinol Serum in India that we encountered. Have you tried any of these? DO share your thoughts in the comments section below.
