Drugstore Retinol: Our top 4 affordable picks

Retinol is a dermatologists’ favourite and an anti-ageing powerhouse, but the question is, is drugstore retinol effective?

The short answer is, yes! Not only is drugstore retinol effective at reducing an impressive range of skin concerns, but since it is less potent than prescription retinoids, these more affordable retinol products may be a better option, especially for those with sensitive skin, as it is less likely to cause unwanted side effects.

If you are looking to improve your skins clarity, radiance and texture and reduce pore size, hyperpigmentation, acne, fine lines and wrinkles over time with a cheap retinol product that won’t break the bank, here are our four picks for best drugstore retinol products.

L'Oreal Revitalift Energising Red Cream Day

$19.95 (RRP $39.99)

This energising day cream from L’Oreal is designed to combat the signs of ageing and promote younger looking skin with enhanced smoothness and boosted radiance.

Featuring an effective blend of anti-ageing Advanced Pro-Retinol and Red Ginseng which is known for stimulating and encouraging the skin to beat the signs of fatigue, this powerful day cream fights the visible signs of aging, refreshes tired-looking skin, reactivates radiance and promotes skin that looks and feels healthy and smooth. 

Verified Cosmetic Capital customers love this cream, specifically mentioning its ability to nourish, how it imparts a non-glossy glow, how well it sits underneath their makeup and its affordable price.

L’Oreal Revitlift Hydrating Cream Light Texture

$18.95 (RRP $32.95)

Another one of our favourite drugstore retinol products also by L’Oreal is the L’Oreal Revitlift Hydrating Cream Light Texture.

While this cream is also enriched by active anti-ageing Advanced Pro-Retinol, this cream features Fibrelastyl which is a firming complex designed to enhance skin tone, reinforce skin elasticity and promote firm, toned skin.

Aside from its powerful anti-wrinkle and extra-firming ingredients, this cream is fast-absorbing and moisturises the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue so that the user can enjoy weightless wear that feels fresh and comfortable.

Verified Cosmetic Capital customers write that this cream is light and comfortable and leaves the skin feeling soft without feeling oily.

Nip + Fab Retinol Fix Booster Extreme

$29.95 (RRP $54.99)

This powerful booster calls itself beauty sleep in a bottle and with 0.3% time released retinoid alongside other skin-loving ingredients, we can understand why!

Nip + Fab designed this product with the intention to promote radiance and a more refreshed, youthful-looking complexion as you sleep. This bottle of skin-boosting goodness contains 0.3% Retinol to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, Aloe Vera to moisturise the skin and refresh the complexion and an effective skin replenishing complex aimed at enhancing skin elasticity.

Although this is our pick with five stars from our verified Cosmetic Capital customers, Nip + Fab make a whole range of retinol skincare products including sheet masks, day cream, night cream and eye treatment. Click here to check them out!

Beauty Formulas Retinol Serum Anti Ageing

$8.95 (RRP $14.95)

This wonderful serum from UK-based beauty brand Beauty Formulas was created to fight the signs of premature ageing while also keeping the skin feeling healthy, relaxed, soft and pleasantly moisturised.

This gentle yet undoubtedly effective serum combines the anti-ageing power of retinol with moisturising and antioxidant Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E to simultaneously fight premature aging while also keeping the skin looking and feeling hydrated and calm.

This five-star rated product is not the only retinol skincare product that Beauty Formulas makes. Their other skincare products featuring retinol include gel cleanser, moisturiser and sheet masks. Click here to have a look!

Click here to explore our entire range of skincare products featuring Retinol.

Shop more active skincare ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E at Cosmetic Capital.

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