My Holy Grail Retinoids List | Dermatologist Picks!

Retinoids and retinol have long been considered by dermatologists like me to be one of the most important tools you can use to fight the signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. So I decided to put together a list of my favorite holy grail Retinoids as a dermatologist so that you can find the perfect one for you. Let me know in the comments if you have tried any of these Retinoid products.

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction
00:33 What are Retinoids?
01:16 How Retinoids work
02:42 My Favorite Retinoids

DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician. Prequel is my skincare brand! Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links (marked with *). Affiliate links help support my YouTube channel so I can continue to create educational skincare videos for you. Also, some products may have been received as PR. Thanks for watching!

[csstudio]

I've been using Avene Retinal for the last 2 years and really like it. Im a little late to the skin care game and only started using retinoids in my early sixties. My skin is now firmer with improved texture. At 66, I get compliments on my skin so that makes me happy.

[bubble]

I used Differin to get my skin used to retinoids. Now I’m on compounded tret from my derm with no issues. Love it!

[LTWILTON]

This almost-70-yr.-old loves Differin! Easy to find, inexpensive, & wonderful gel texture. ☺

[glitchessence]

Hands down the cheapest and most effective retinoid is The Ordinary’s 0.2% retinal emulsion. It’s potent, non-irritating, even for those new to retinoids, and after using daily for a few months will completely transform your face. Trust me. I’m 45 and now look like I’m 30 and I’m loving it (and all the attention ;) 😘

[karissablades]

Thank you for confirming that Medik8 is the best. I’ve been using it for over a year now and I love it. I was worried it wasn’t strong enough because it’s not irritating. I’m on 10 and can’t wait to graduate to 20!

[Jess-]

I’m on a tight budget, so I’ve been alternating between the ISNTREE Hyper Retinol EX 1.0 Serum ($15) and the two retinoids from Good Molecules (the gentle Retinol Cream for $8 and the 1% retinol night oil for $12). I’ll have to give the Stratia one a try one day. I guess the good thing about having sensitive skin is that I don’t have to splurge for the heavy hitting Tretinoin.

[taranveersingh]

I have sensitive combination skin and my gateway retinoid recommendations for someone absolutely new to retinoids are two Korean skincare products that I absolutely loved as I began my retinoid journey. 1) Beauty of Joseon Retinal Eye Serum (0.02% Retinaldehyde). 2) By Wish Trend A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream (0.03% Retinal + Bakuchiol). I am currently using the By Wishtrend product for my under eyes and neck. LOVE it. For face, I moved from one tube of Naturium 0.05% Retinal to Naturium 0.1% Retinal to now 0.15% Youth to The People Retinal+Niacinamide Serum. They are all FANTASTIC products. I'd just recommend anyone starting off to go slow and let your skin get used to a strength before moving up. :)

[dikemariel]

Can ypu please do a video on retinoids vs exfoliation? How they compare in the way they work, do you advise using only one, or both, how to schedule both throughout the week, etc?

[japandi]

This video really is a treasure trove of info! I’ve been using red light therapy from a panel by Future Form Official, recommended by my dermatologist, and it’s done wonders for my skin. My fine lines are reduced, and my complexion is brighter and smoother. The panel is affordably priced, which is a huge plus. There are lots of scientific papers backing red light therapy too. Thanks for all the great information in this video – it’s helped me make better skincare choices!

[conniebrown]

I recently started using The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squaline. So fair I really like it. It goes on smoothly and is very calming to my skin.

[spoonsonatable]

Geek and gorgeous has encapsulated retinal in 0.05 and 0.1% in a wonderful light formula that my sensitive rosacea skin loves. It’s very affordable as well, highly recommend.

[lynnwalker]

I love Neutrogena's Rapid Repair retinol night cream. I've been using it for years and I alternate it every other night with Retin-A. This helps my skin better tolerate the Retin-A.

[khristvnx]

Retinol reform is one of my FAVORITES I’ve used bottles! The Naturium is my second favorite

[olgasanford]

I use Agency for the last 1.5 yr and happy with the results. They slowly built my tolerance to 0.14% Tretinoin. I have pretty sensitive skin and I can tolerate this product well. They also customize formula to your needs and add other actives. My formula also includes 5% Azelaic acid, 5% Tranexamic acid and 4% Niacinamide. This product is not cheap, but it is effective.

[jaymieblossom]

I genuinely love how passionate you are about what you do and what you teach. I’d love for you to be my doctor but I’m in Chicago 😂❤ so… I’ll keep watching you through YouTube!

[MorningClarity]

Adapaline!!! AF brand from Walmart, or a nonbranded one from Amazon, really affordable and REALLY effective!

[ElizabethKatz-qt]

Peter Thomas Roth Retinol serum is wonderful. One point five percent time release retinol. Not irritating. Watery texture, the bottle lasts forever.

[jourdainsolis]

thank you for the recommendations Dr. Ellis! I personally recommend the ordinary 0.2% retinal emulsion because of the price. My previous pick was Avene's .1% retrinAL serum

[emke]

I’ve been using Stieva-A for the past 15 years. I can’t live without it.

[maryholman]

I have been using Avene retinal 0.1, and I also use Avene retinal for eyes. So far I like them both. I would like your opinion. Thanks for your videos, so informative. I always look forward to them.