If you search for retinol products, you will find countless products on the Internet. Unfortunately, it is not obvious to end consumers that some products have an inadequate effect and therefore hardly any effect at all. If you then decide on a product and only later find out about a better alternative, the frustration is great. In this buying guide, our editorial team from Apotheken-Warentest has compiled all the important criteria for evaluating the products on the market and analyzed the test winner.

For years, retinol has been THE active ingredient that women around the world turn to when it comes to anti-ageing, blemishes and even skin - an all-rounder. New studies have now confirmed this: Retinol tightens the skin and can even reverse the degradation of the skin caused by ageing. Wrinkles on the mouth, eyes and forehead are said to be reduced by 40% after just a few weeks. Retinol also stimulates and boosts regenerative processes in the skin. Many users report enthusiastically: "My skin feels ten years younger!"

But caution is advised here too: There are also big differences with retinol! Scientists report that it depends on the composition and the method of application.

We uncover the biggest myths about retinol for you and show you what to look out for when buying. We have conducted independent research for you and selected the top 3 best retinol products. Our short guide will give you all the knowledge you need to never waste your money on worthless hyaluronic acid products again. So you can achieve maximum results.

Studies have long proven the effectiveness of retinol.

There are now many placebo-controlled studies that prove the visible effect of retinol. We present a small selection here:

1st Munich study: Increasing the regeneration of the skin

A clinical study conducted by the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich focused on the influence of retinol serums. The study observed 76 women and analyzed the ability of the skin to regenerate itself. The results showed that, compared to a placebo, the retinol serum used had a significant increase in regenerative effects in the skin.

2. further Munich study: Reduced wrinkle depth after 3 months

In another clinical study with 20 participants, divided into four groups, a retinol serum for daily use was tested. Wrinkle depth and skin firmness were measured before and after a 3-month application phase. The results showed that the depth of wrinkles was reduced by up to 20% after just 3 months and the skin was tightened by up to 30%.

3 University Hospital Basel: Slowing down the ageing process

A joint research project between the School of Medicine in Thessaloniki and the University Hospital Basel revealed back in 2012 that retinol is able to slow down the ageing process.

As we have learned in the previous lines, retinol has a good reputation in terms of skin care, skin health and anti-aging effects for justified and even scientifically confirmed reasons.

However, it can be assumed that not all retinol products are of the best quality.

To really benefit from the advantages of retinol, you should keep a few points in mind. You can read about these in the following section:

Criterion1: Serums are usually purer than creams and therefore the most effective

Criterion 2: Best result when retinol is delivered deep into the skin

Criterion 3: Quality before quantity

We have analyzed dozens of scientific studies for you and tested the most promising products on this basis. Here we present the 3 best retinol serums and the test winner.

We have also based our assessment on the above criteria and included verified product reviews from female testers.

DULEXIR RETINOL 

The German pharmacy brand Dulexir has developed a unique formula that cannot be found anywhere else.

They have developed a new active ingredient complex - the "Dulex Acid Complex" - which enables retinol to penetrate both the skin and deep into the skin and positively influence particularly deep-acting processes in the skin. In this way, the blockages on the skin can be bypassed.

Mode of action: 2-stage effect - In the first stage, the skin is freed from its blockage and in the second stage it is then deeply nourished with hyaluronic acid.

The customer reviews are consistently positive. Several customers report a refreshing effect on the skin, good skin tolerance and a visible reduction in wrinkles. 86.7% of customers give it 5 out of 5 stars.

The manufacturer also offers a 60-day trial period during which you can try out the serum freely. If you are dissatisfied, you can simply cancel your order within the 60 days and receive a full refund.

EXTREME RETINOL - RETIXOL®

RETIXOL® is a retinol serum with a good effect, enriched with circulation-promoting plant substances for plumper skin. It reduces wrinkles and is suitable for all skin types.

It can be used as a night treatment and is suitable for the face, neck and décolleté. The product is made in Germany, contains no silicones, alcohol or microplastics and is not tested on animals.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee

Cosmetics Serum - KU2

This serum from KU2 Cosmetics is a simple, high-quality and versatile product with a concentrated amount of retinol. It helps to boost the processes in the skin and thus ensures smoother and plumper skin.

The KU2 company is popular with beauty enthusiasts. Not least because all products have been developed in collaboration with cosmetic scientists. In addition, regular laboratory tests ensure that effectiveness and safety are guaranteed. The only drawback: although the product appears to be of high quality overall, we have found that some users report a rather sticky consistency. It often takes longer to fully absorb into the skin than comparable products.

Quellen / Sources:

(1) Signorini, Massimo, et al. "Global aesthetics consensus: avoidance and management of complications from hyaluronic acid fillers-evidence-and opinion-based review and consensus recommendations." Plastic and reconstructive surgery 137.6 (2016): 961.

(2) Boen, Monica, et al. "A Prospective Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of a Novel Combination of Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Antioxidant Cream for Rejuvenation of the Aging Neck." The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 13.11 (2020): 13.

(3) https://www.dulexir.com/pages/testergebnis

(4) https://www.dulexir.com/pages/bewertungen

*Disclaimer / Disclaimer (Advertorial): 

Although we enforce strict "price accuracy" policies with all partners who provide us with data and ensure that content displayed on our platform is current and accurate, we cannot guarantee the reliability or accuracy of such content. In order to provide this service, we earn commissions through clever hidden links. This will never affect the content itself, but may affect the order of products shown. We also provide these services and platforms "as is" and expressly disclaim all warranties, conditions and guarantees of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of title, non-infringement, merchantability and accuracy, and any warranties implied by the use of trade, course of trade or course of performance. This is an advertisement and not an actual news article, blog or consumer protection update the story depicted on this site and the person depicted in the story are not actual news. Rather, this story is based on the results achieved by some people who have used these products. The results shown in the story and in the comments are illustrative and may not be the results you achieve with these products. This site may receive compensation for clicks on or purchases of products on this site.

​

This website is for your information only and in no way replaces a personal consultation, examination or diagnosis by a licensed physician. The content provided on this site cannot and may not be used to make independent diagnoses and/or self-medication. Please also note our Terms of Use as well as our Privacy Policy, which can be accessed via the footer links of this website.