The Best Retinoids for Every Skin Type

Words by Jennifer George


Retinoids, a family of vitamin A-derived ingredients for your skin, have been around for long enough now that anyone remotely interested in skincare would have heard of them. You may already be a huge fan and daily user, with your own favourite brands and strengths. Retinol is the most popular and well-known of them all, but all types are brilliant for increasing the speed of cell turnover in the skin and encouraging collagen production, resulting in smoother, firmer and even clearer skin.


There is, however, a lot of confusion around retinoids, and whether they suit all skin types. “There are so many different types of retinoids, and that has caused confusion for quite a bit of time,” says Daniel Isaacs, Chief Product Officer and Founding Partner at skincare brand Medik8. “What is also a bit of a challenge is that some of these forms just don’t do anything at all, whilst others are really, really effective but can be very irritating.” The best ones to look for (and the only ones they use at Medik8), he says, are “those that have been proven in independent clinical studies.” The good news is that even if you’ve got especially dry, sensitive, blemish-prone or oily skin and have been nervous about using them, there’s probably a retinoid skincare product out there for you just waiting to give your complexion a serious boost.

The Best Retinoid for Sensitive Skin: Retinyl Retinoate

A retinoid unique and exclusive to Medik8 (who are famed for their retinoid products), retinyl retinoate “is truly special” says Isaacs, “as it is the only form of vitamin A that can be used during the day because it doesn’t break down in sunlight. So, you get the benefits during the day, but it’s also completely non-irritating.” He adds that “it also increases collagen production and wrinkle repair by up to eight times more than standard retinol.” Their R-Retinoate Youth Activating Cream is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, plus it contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and vitamin C to boost glow. A true all-rounder.

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The Best Retinoid for Dry Skin: Granactive Retinoid

For dry skin, granactive retinoid or retinol infused with nourishing oils is the ideal choice,” says Dr Yannis Alexandrides MD FACS, Triple Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and Founder of 111SKIN. Also known as hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), he explains that “unlike traditional retinol, granactive retinoid offers a lower irritation profile, making it perfect for compromised skin barriers.” 111SKIN’s Black Diamond Retinol Oil is a powerful formula that combines a 2.5% retinol blend with eight bioactive plant oils “to replenish lipids, boost dermal hydration, and support optimal cellular renewal.” Proving that gentler doesn’t mean less effective, clinical trials showed this luxurious formula reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just four weeks.

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The Best Retinoid for Blemish-Prone Skin: Retinaldehyde

Though this version, which can deliver results up to 11 times faster than classic forms of retinol, is suitable for most skin types, it’s especially good for blemish-prone skin as it contains antibacterial properties. This Paula’s Choice treatment encapsulates the retinoids in gentle-release technology to minimise irritation, but still offers incredible results, clinically proven to improve texture and reduce lines in as little as two weeks.

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The Best Retinoid for Oily Skin: Retinol

The most commonly seen form of retinoid, retinol, is generally great for oily skin as it is non-comedogenic and can help regulate sebum production. When choosing your retinol product, look for other ingredients that will help with that too, like niacinamide or salicylic acid. Dermalogica’s option combines the latter with a gentle but effective dose of retinol to help keep oil at bay, but if it sounds a bit strong, don’t worry – argan, rosehip and jojoba oils nourish at the same time to keep your skin happy and hydrated.

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More Powerhouse Retinoids to Try

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