Ingredient
Retinol and Retinoids
The best-evidenced ingredient for texture and fine lines. The whole skill is going slowly.
Also on labels as: Retinal · Retinaldehyde · Adapalene · Tretinoin
What it is
A family of vitamin A derivatives that speed up how quickly skin replaces its surface cells. Strength runs retinol → retinal → adapalene → tretinoin, and so does irritation. Adapalene 0.1% is sold without a prescription in most places and has the most evidence behind it for breakouts.
Who it suits
Texture, fine lines and recurring breakouts — in skin that already has a routine it tolerates. **Not a beginner's first active.** Not while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Strength and how to start
Start low and infrequent: a pea-sized amount for the whole face, two nights a week, on dry skin. Expect skin to look **worse** for four to six weeks — this is the single most common reason people abandon a product that was about to work. Build to three or four nights only once two nights is comfortable.
Pairs with
Essential, not optional. A moisturiser before and after the retinoid makes the first six weeks survivable.
Non-negotiable. A retinoid makes sun protection more important, not less.
Be careful with
Any exfoliating acid, same night
The fastest way to damage a barrier. One or the other, never both in one night.
Pregnancy
Retinoids are not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Azelaic acid is the usual alternative — ask a doctor.
In Bangladesh
Starting a retinoid in the dry December-to-February weeks is the hardest version of it — cold, dry air plus a new retinoid is how people conclude they cannot tolerate one. If you are starting from scratch, the humid months are kinder.
Common questions
Retinol or adapalene?
For breakouts, adapalene — it has the most evidence and a predictable strength. For texture and fine lines, a low-strength retinol or retinal is a gentler way in.
My skin is peeling. Should I stop?
Drop the frequency rather than stopping — one night a week, with moisturiser before and after. Stop entirely only if skin is raw, swollen or genuinely painful, and see a dermatologist if it does not settle.
Products coming at launch
We are not selling yet. When we open in early 2027 we will stock products built around this ingredient — with the source of every batch recorded. Leave your number and we will tell you once.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Skincare products are not medicines. Speak to a dermatologist about persistent or worsening skin conditions.