Available in various forms, the effectiveness of retinol has been clinically proven time and again. However, despite its benefits, it comes with several drawbacks: irritation, redness, skin sensitization... That's why it's crucial to pay attention to the dose of retinol used in skincare products. But what concentration of retinol is most suitable to minimize its side effects while maximizing its benefits? Let's explore this question together.
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What percentage of retinol should be applied?
Summary
- What is the maximum concentration of retinol in skincare?
- First use: opt for a low concentration of retinol
- Moderate skin issues: choose a medium concentration of retinol
- For pronounced skin issues, a high dosage of retinol is recommended
- Sources
Published March 18, 2025,
updated on April 21, 2025,
by
Pauline, Chemical Engineer
—
7 min read
What is the maximum concentration of retinol in skincare?
Commonly used in the retinol industry, it is a form of fat-soluble vitamin A, meaning it is soluble in lipids, the molecules that make up the intercellular cement of the corneal layer. The reason why retinol is so appreciated is because it is very versatile and offers numerous benefits to the skin. It indeed has antioxidant, exfoliating, depigmenting, and firming properties. Retinol is especially appreciated for the latter, which comes from its ability to accelerate cell renewal and to restart the dermal synthesis by fibroblasts of three matrix molecules that contribute to maintaining the structure of the skin: collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronic acid). Used regularly, retinol restores firmness, flexibility, and density to the face and reduces wrinkles.
However, retinol is associated with a potential for irritation, resulting in redness and flaking in individuals with sensitive skin. That's why its use in non-rinse cosmetic products is limited to 0.3% by European Regulation No 1223/2009.
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First use: opt for a low concentration of retinol.
If this is your first time using a retinol treatment, it's advisable to start with a product that has a low dosage, meaning a concentration of about 0.01-0.05%. This will allow you to test if your skin tolerates this active ingredient well. This recommendation also applies to individuals with dry or sensitive skin. It's also suggested to apply a retinol treatment every third night during the initial weeks, then gradually increase to once a week. This usage pattern gives the skin time to adapt to this active ingredient and minimizes the risk of irritation.
This low concentration of retinol is optimal for slowing the appearance of age-related signs while maintaining your skin's balance. According to a Chinese study, low-concentration retinol, ranging between 1500 and 2500 IU, has significant effects on skin brightness, elasticity, and uniformity. This research was conducted with 72 Korean women aged 40 to 59 who used retinol for 24 weeks.
A gradual introduction of retinol, even at low concentrations, allows for visible benefits on the skin while minimizing the risk of irritations associated with this active ingredient.
Moderate skin issues: choose a medium concentration of retinol.
If you have uneven skin tone or if your skin lacks firmness, it is recommended to opt for a retinol concentration between 0.05 and 0.1%. This intermediate dosage provides a good balance between effectiveness and tolerance, allowing it to address the initial signs of aging without harming the skin. Regular use, about two to three evenings a week, can yield satisfactory results. However, check your skin's tolerance to the treatment to adjust the frequency of use. If signs of irritation appear, such as redness or feelings of tightness, it is advisable to space out the applications and enhance skin hydration.
Unlike low-dose retinol treatments, those with a medium concentration ensure quicker visible results, typically around 8 weeks. This dosage of retinol effectively stimulates cell renewal and collagen production, thus improving the texture and elasticity of the skin. In addition to early skin aging, these medium-dose cream and serum formulas also help combat the effects of environmental pollution and skin thinning.
For pronounced skin issues, a high dosage of retinol is recommended.
For pronounced uneven skin tone or deep wrinkles, it is recommended to use a high-dose retinol treatment. This could be a cream, serum, or another 0.1 to 0.3% formula that you will use according to the manufacturer's instructions. This high concentration of retinol also works on preventing the formation of comedones in acne-prone skin, as well as on cell renewal. Indeed, in addition to skin sagging, retinol acts on imperfections thanks to its comedolytic action. This molecule works by increasing the regeneration of skin cells and accelerating the elimination of corneocytes, which promotes an inhospitable aerobic environment for Cutibacterium acnes, the main bacteria involved in acne.
Recent research studies have compared the effectiveness of 0.3% and 0.5% serums. For this purpose, 37 volunteers were recruited. Over a period of 12 weeks, they applied one of the serums to one side of their face and the other serum to the other side. At the end of the study, a significant improvement in skin tone uniformity and elasticity was observed on both sides of the face. No significant difference was noted between the two serums. However, a significantly higher number of side effects were associated with the 0.5% retinol, particularly irritations and itching, while the 0.3% retinol was well tolerated.
The regulatory threshold in Europe of 0.3% thus represents a good balance between efficacy and tolerance.
Sources
Règlement (CE) No 1223/2009 du Parlement Européen et du Conseil.
ROEDER A. & al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging (2006).
ODDOS T. & al. Antiaging Action of Retinol: From Molecular to Clinical. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2009).
BUDZISZ E. & al. Randomized parallel control trial checking the efficacy and impact of two concentrations of retinol in the original formula on the aging skin condition: Pilot study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2019).
ERKIERT-POLGUJ A. & al. A Clinical Anti-Ageing Comparative Study of 0.3 and 0.5% Retinol Serums: A Clinically Controlled Trial. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2020).
KIM E. & al. A long term study of the difference in efficacy and effect rate of various concentrations of retinol (1500-6600 IU) in middle aged women. Archives of Dermatological Research (2023).
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