The best retinol in Australia, ranked.
Retinol is the most-studied anti-ageing active on earth. It also takes a long time to get right. Five retinols tested for six weeks across four skin tones.
| Rank | Product | Best for | Score | Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Alpha-H Vitamin A SerumAlpha-H · Retinol | Best overall | 9.1/10 | AU$79 | Adore Beauty → |
| 02 | The Ordinary Retinol 1% in SqualaneThe Ordinary · Retinol | Best beginner | 8.5/10 | AU$12 | Adore Beauty → |
| 03 | Paula's Choice 1% Retinol TreatmentPaula's Choice · Retinol | Best strength | 8.9/10 | AU$89 | Adore Beauty → |
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum
Alpha-H's Vitamin A is the Aussie retinol with the best formula quality on the AU shelf. Encapsulated for overnight use, balanced for daily application, packaged in a pump that doesn't oxidise. The $79 price point is fair for what you get.
The Ranking
From 5 testedVitamin A Serum
The Aussie retinol serum that built a cult. Encapsulated for overnight use, kind enough for daily.
Retinol 1% in Squalane
The retinol that democratised the active. Squalane base, cheap, works. Start at 0.2%, graduate up.
1% Retinol Treatment
Clinical-level 1%, buffered with peptides. For when The Ordinary has run its course.
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Common questions
What percentage of retinol should I start with?
Start at 0.2-0.3% for sensitive skin, 0.5% for normal. Move up only after tolerating 2-3 weeks without irritation. Most 1% products are for experienced users.
Can I use retinol and vitamin C together?
Not ideally. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. Using both at once reduces efficacy and increases irritation risk.
How long does retinol take to work?
Visible changes in skin texture at 4-6 weeks. Deeper results (pigmentation, fine lines) at 12-16 weeks. Retinol is a long game.
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