You’ve probably heard of Retinol, but what exactly does it do for your skin and what is the best Retinol serum for you? Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful skincare ingredient and the best vegan Retinol serums right now.

PS: Check out this blog post for vegan Retinol Eye Creams

The low-down on Retinol

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, belonging to the family of retinoids. It is a topical skincare ingredient widely recognised for its potent properties especially on the anti-ageing front.

What are the benefits of Retinol?

• Retinol stimulates the production of collagen, a crucial protein responsible for maintaining skin's elasticity and firmness. This helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a smoother complexion.

• As a powerful anti-ageing ingredient, Retinol combats multiple signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

• Retinol effectively fades hyperpigmentation, dark spots and sunspots by promoting faster skin cell turnover and inhibiting melanin production.

• Regular use of Retinol encourages the shedding of dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and more refined skin texture. It diminishes the appearance of rough patches, acne scars, and other skin imperfections.

Due to its potent nature, Retinol may cause some initial skin irritation. It is essential to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage to allow the skin to acclimate to the ingredient.

Always make sure to wear sunscreen during the day if Retinol is part of your skincare routine, as it makes your skin more sensitive to sun rays.

Vegan Retinol serums for up to £30

The Ordinary Retinol Serum 1% in Squalane

Showcasing a highly stable form of Retinol (1%), this water-free solution tackles fine lines caused by collagen and elastin loss, while enhancing skin texture and tone.

This expert-level formula is enriched with Squalane, a natural moisturiser found in your skin, which boosts surface hydration and combats dryness commonly associated with retinol use.

RRP: £8.50 - Find it on The Ordinary or Cult Beauty

The Inkey List Supersolutions 1% Retinol Serum

Featuring an high concentration of Retinol, this treatment is specially crafted to diminish the appearance of marks and post-acne scars but also to smooth out wrinkles.

Formulated in collaboration with dermatologists, this fast-absorbing formula is designed for minimal irritation. Enriched with Apricot Kernel Oil and Squalane, it shields the skin from moisture loss and enhances the skin's protective barrier.

RRP: £22.99- Find it on The Inkey List or Cult Beauty

Facetheory Regenacalm Pro Treatment Serum

This cutting-edge formulation boasts 3% Retinol, encapsulated for enhanced penetration into the epidermis with reduced irritation. With proven efficacy in accelerating skin cell renewal, Retinol effectively softens fine lines, tightens pores and targets hyperpigmentation.

This treatment also harnesses the power of Dill extract, promoting elastin regeneration, and Liquorice extract, renowned for skin lightening and pigmentation reduction.

It is also enriched with stabilised Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that further targets blemishes and scars.

RRP: £30 - Find it on Facetheory

More amazing vegan Retinol serums

Medik8 Intelligent Retinol™

Surpassing ordinary Retinol with its supercharged activity, the Intelligent Retinol TR range by Medik8 offers progressive retinol strengths (0.3%, 0.6%, 1%), catering to every individual's Retinol needs.

With Time Release Technology, Retinol is gradually released, ensuring skin comfort and maximizing the effects overnight.

Infused with squalane, this lightweight yet moisturizing serum is fortified with retinol-booster climbazole, prolonging its efficacy and delivering enhanced anti-ageing results.

RRP: From £39 - Find it on Medik8 or Cult Beauty

Alpha H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol

Ideal choice for retinol beginners, this serum offers multiple benefits such as firmer, smoother and fresher skin without the usual irritation.

The hero ingredient accelerates the skin's natural renewal process and supercharges collagen production, resulting in a revitalised complexion. To ensure optimal skin health and resilience, moisture-boosting Squalane, Macadamia seed oil, and Evening primrose work harmoniously to protect the skin's barrier function.

RRP: £49.99 - Find it on Lookfantastic or Cult Beauty

Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

This lightweight lotion features a powerful 1% concentration of Retinol and Peptides to target dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing skin firmness and evening out skin tone.

The formula also includes a soothing blend of Licorice root and Oat extracts, both rich in antioxidants, which protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.

RRP: £59 - Find it on Paula’s Choice or Cult Beauty

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

This fast-absorbing, revolutionary formula is dedicated to minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Driven by Retinol Tri-Active Technology, this lightweight serum combines the power of a fast-acting Retinoid, time-released Retinol, and a Retinol booster, delivering a firming effect that smoothens and refines your skin.

Hyaluronic Spheres work in tandem to provide long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin with a radiant and glowing complexion. Additionally, Swertia Flower Extract enhances resilience, revealing a luminous and youthful appearance.

RRP: £92 - Find it on Murad or Space NK

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum

This fast-acting multi-retinoid serum visibly reduces signs of skin ageing in just two weeks.

You can count on this high-dose retinol formula to reverse the appearance of wrinkles, improve your skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores and even out your skin tone.

The formula is also enriched with moisture-drawing Squalane to keep your skin soft and hydrated.

RRP: £89 - Find it on Dermalogica or Space NK

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