Retinol is the magic product for all of your skin issues. From acne to hyperpigmentation to anti-aging—you name it, Retinol cures it. It also makes your skin even-toned, glowy, and perfect. But it does have its disadvantages. It can make your skin dry, wreck your skin barrier, and sometimes also cause acne as a purging, leaving you to believe that you don’t get things easily until you are working for them. Most often over-the-counter retinol creams have a low percentage and fewer side effects, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t work. They work similarly to prescription medicines but slowly and gently. I always wanted a one-and-done product that would cure all of my problems, so I got this Olay Retinol Cream to begin my retinol journey. Keep reading to know my experience with it.
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Product Description:
The Olay Regenerist 24-Night Moisturizer is not your daily moisturizer. It works hard to make your skin worries go away. The product brings new skin to the top with collagen-boosting technologies and makes your skin well-rested and glowy.
Benefits of Olay Retinol Cream:
Patented Formula:
Olay is a reputed brand with advanced technologies and research. They recently patented this formula, where you know the retinol product will be delivered into the skin layer with stability. It claims to penetrate 10 layers deep to help you wake up with plump youthful skin.
Reduces Hyperpigmentation:
Power-packed with Retinol and Niacinamide, this product works on acne marks, dark spots, and sunspots. Retinol has exfoliating properties, increases cell turnover, and helps with fading hyperpigmentation while Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, controls excess sebum, improves the appearance of open pores, and brightens the skin.
Smoother and Tighter Skin:
Olay Retinol stimulates collagen production and brings new skin to the surface. This makes the skin smoother and tighter. It also helps with whiteheads and textured skin. Your skin looks very even and has fewer pores after one use. The patented formula is scientifically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Moisturizes:
This is a moisturizer with a gel-based formula. Folks with oily skin can use it as a moisturizer, and dry-skin types can use it as a serum. Retinol is available in low concentrations so it is beginner-friendly, and those with sensitive skin can use it without thinking much.
Olay Retinol Cream Ingredients:
Ingredient Analysis:
This is the ingredient list of Indian Formulation (that’s imported from Thailand)
As you can see, the cream is high on silicones with multiple silicone derivatives and it does have that velvety silicone-y feel on the skin. If you are not a fan of silicone-based formulations, you might not like this cream.
Retinyl Propionate and Retinol are the two forms of Retinoids used in this cream. Both are gentle and less irritating types. And it’s available at the bottom of the ingredient list (which means they are in very low concentrations) unlike the US versions where they are high up on the ingredient list. The US version may be more powerful.
Along with Retinol, it also contains Niacinamide and Peptides, again, in low concentrations. It also contains Glycerin as the third ingredient – which provides hydration and moisturization to the skin.
Good thing – the Olay Retinol Cream does not contain any added fragrance, alcohol, or essential oils. It’s suitable for all skin types universally.
Olay Retinol Cream Side Effects
This is gentle retinol cream but still, you should be aware of its side effects and take necessary precautions if needed.
If you are a beginner and have sensitive skin, you may experience a tingling sensation, burning, irritation, redness, dryness, and peeling.
How to use it?
Always use your retinol at night – since retinol makes the skin sensitive to the sun.
Use it on clean skin, after face wash and toner. Use it on dry skin once the toner is completely absorbed. Do not use it on damp skin as it can penetrate better and that can lead to irritations since retinol is irritating in nature. Follow it up with a barrier-strengthening ceramide cream.
You can also use the sandwich method if you are an absolute beginner – that is- apply moisturizer- retinol cream- then again apply moisturizer.
Start with once a week, and slowly you can use it up to 4 times a week for better results.
Do not use other actives such as AHA, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin, Azelaic Acid, and Benzoyl Peroxide in the same routine.
And do not forget to use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to preserve the retinol benefits and avoid skin damage – as not using one can have reverse effects
Olay Retinol Cream Review
Packaging:
The Olay Retinol Cream comes in a card box inside which a plastic tub is located. The packaging looks expensive with a blue exterior. I am not happy that you have to dip your fingers every time you use this product, but given the price and patented formula, I am okay with it. A tube or a pump dispenser packaging like the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Moisturizer would have been great.
Texture:
The texture is a beautiful gel cream Due to the silicones, it’s silky and velvety smooth- spreads super smoothly, and gets absorbed within a few seconds. It doesn’t pill or cause any problems. All in one, first class!
Fragrance:
It’s odorless, given that it is free of any added scents. It is perfect for a retinol/active product for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
My Experience:
The Olay Retinol Cream is top-notch, and it is my HolyGrail Retinol with low-concentration retinol.
From the first use, I can see my skin clearing up with a smooth texture. I always follow it up with heavy cream, and my dry skin can take it without any issues. Before this product, all of the retinol I have used had my skin barrier wrecked. On the days I have not used this, I woke up with less glowy skin, so this is a must-have product for me.
Being a beginner, I thought I would have to slowly introduce it, but I use it every alternate day without any problem. With one month of usage, I didn’t notice many anti-aging benefits on fine lines. However, it works incredibly so well on smoothening the skin texture. I also noticed a good reduction in my fresh acne marks.
It’s definitely a good buy. You can also try the mini before buying the full-sized product.
Pros:
- Gentle, patented formula from a reputed brand.
- Contains Niacinamide, Amino Peptides, Glycerin along with Retinol.
- Fragrance-free.
- Comfortable, quick-absorbing gel-cream texture
- The skin looks smooth, and the texture is refined.
- Blurs the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Beginner-friendly and Sensitive skin friendly.
Cons:
- Slow results in terms of anti-aging.
- The heavy silicone texture may not be liked by all.
- Different formulations in different countries.
My Rating: 4/5
What do you think of this Olay Cream? Would you try it?
Parama Sarkar is an enthusiastic skincare aficionado with a pen mightier than a wrinkle cream! She has been writing beauty content for TheBeautyInsideout for more than 5 years. She has a keen interest in Korean Beauty and loves experimenting and sharing her beauty experiences with us.
