Retinol is a form of vitamin A and the ingredient people most often turn to for the look of fine lines and uneven tone. In the CosIng database it is listed under the INCI name Retinol with a skin conditioning function, and brands describe their formulas through the same principle of gradual renewal: Anua says its serum stimulates skin cell turnover to visibly improve the look of fine lines and post-breakout marks.
The percentage tells you the strength: the EU caps retinol at 0.3% (retinol equivalent), so 0.3% is effectively the top of the shelf and 0.1% a measured start. Pick the format by its role in a routine: a serum goes after cleansing and under a cream — Anua directs beginners to 2–3 evenings a week with mandatory SPF in the morning; an eye cream goes on as the last step — Medicube builds its own on 99%-purity retinol with PDRN and niacinamide; hydrogel patches dose the eye area — K-Secret points out its larger pieces cover a wider zone than standard patches.
Retinol goes on in the evening, is introduced gradually and always travels with morning SPF. How to start without irritation, what "retinization" is and what it pairs with — in the retinol guide.
