We’ve all heard how great retinol is. And we’ve also heard all about the side effects of retinol. I think that’s what puts most people off it. They get surprised at the side effect of retinol and discontinue use before it even has a chance to do its thing. Today, I’m bringing you another article, La Roche Posay Redermic R Retinol Review.
About La Roche Posay Redermic R Retinol
La Roche Posay says:
Night-time retinol treatment to combat the visible signs of ageing.
SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED FOR:
- Specifically formulated to combat the visible signs of anti-ageing including wrinkles, uneven skin tone, crows feet, dark spots, forehead and lip lines
- Award-winning Redermic R, with 0.3% retinol, has clinically tested anti-wrinkle efficacy. Specifically formulated for sensitive skin
Ingredients:
Aqua/Water, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Propylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycine Soya Oil/Soybean Oil, Triethanolamine, Isohexadecane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Retinol, Retinyl Linoleate, Adenosine, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 80 • Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/Fragrance
As we can see, there are two types of retinol here, Retinol and Retinyl Linoleate. It also has glycerin and hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) to prevent dehydration from retinol. With only 0.3% retinol, I believe this is the lowest retinol concentration on the market at the moment.
Packaging, texture and use
Packaging
The La Roche Posay Redermic R Retinol comes in an aluminium tube with a narrow plastic spout top. It looks like a medicine tube. It’s white and has a minimal design on it. It’s simple, but it does the job. It protects retinol from light and air and makes dosing the product easy and precise.
Texture
The texture of this product is a lightweight consistency. It sinks into the skin quickly but doesn’t provide much hydration, regardless of extra glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Retinol spreads effortlessly and doesn’t leave any film on the skin.
Use
La Roche Posay recommends using the hyaluronic acid serum before putting retinol on to ensure hydration. But I put retinol on its own after cleansing in the evening and add a moisturiser on top. Always wait for your skin to be completely dry before you put retinol on to avoid irritation. And if you feel like you need a moisturiser on top of retinol, add it about half an hour after applying retinol.
Start by using it every third night for three weeks, then increase it to every second night for two weeks until you get to a point where you can use it every night. This approach will ensure you give your skin enough time to get familiar with retinol. This way, you will avoid unnecessary peeling of the skin. If your skin feels tight, add a moisturiser.
If you are using an exfoliator, don’t use retinol on the same night. That includes AHAs and BHAs.
And please, wear your SPF every day. At least SPF 30 but ideally SPF 50. And yes, I mean every day.
I have reviews of a few different SPF products if you are not sure which SPF to go for:
Avene Very High Protection Anti-Ageing SPF50+ Review
Review: La Roche Posay Anthelios Hydrating Cream SPF 50
Review: La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Who is La Roche Posay Redermic R Retinol for?
This product is a fantastic option for anyone starting their journey with retinol. With only 0.3% retinol, it’s a perfect introduction to your skin and is a stepping stone to higher concentrations. It’s also a great product for those with sensitive skin (like me), afraid of retinol irritating their skin. Anyone looking for a product to treat acne, hyperpigmentation and/or fine lines and wrinkles will benefit from this product.
Who is it not for
La Roche Posay Redermic R Retinol is not for those who have been using stronger retinols, as it would only be a step backwards in the retinol world. Anyone else, go for it.
Also, it’s not suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding as there isn’t enough research to confirm its safety.
My experience with La Roche Posay Redermic R Retinol
As I mentioned earlier, I have sensitive skin and was hesitant to start using products with retinol in case they damage my skin. That’s why I was working on repairing my skin barrier a few months before starting with retinol. That gave me a better base for the effects of retinol. So, as someone with sensitive skin, I can happily say that it did not cause more sensitivity or irritation.
Not only that, but it also helped reduce the appearance of acne, which I was struggling with for years before.
I can’t speak to its effects on lines and wrinkles as I (thankfully) haven’t got any.
After using this product for about six months, every evening, I’m happy to say that my skin never looked better, and once I finish this tube, I will be upgrading my retinol to a stronger concentration.
| Pros | Cons |
| Perfect for beginners with retinol due to the low dose | Low dose – will take longer to see results |
| Low chances of unwanted side effects | Not hydrating enough – you need a moisturiser afterwards |
| Lightweight consistency | Not for those using retinol with a higher concentration than 0.3% |
| Sinks in quickly | |
| Good for sensitive skin |
Conclusion
La Roche Posay Redermic R Retinol Review – it is another great product from La Roche Posay. It is a fantastic starting point for using retinol and especially for those with sensitive skin. And the great thing is that with only 0.3% retinol – it delivers powerful results.
If you are considering starting with retinol or are experiencing the first signs of ageing, this product is for you.
Also, if you’re struggling with acne and think you tried everything – try this. It might be a perfect product for you.
Just a quick note on (any) retinol: Retinoids exfoliate the skin and will firstly pull everything sitting down under the skin out. That might make your skin looks worse at the beginning. But if you persevere, it will have a great effect. It will get worse before it gets better.
Another note: Always wear SPF when using your retinol. It exfoliates the skin and makes the skin more sensitive to the sun. We don’t want any sun damage, so protect your skin.
Packaging: 4/5
It could look a little bit more appealing, but it does what it’s meant to do, protect the product from light and air.
Ingredients: 4/5
Generally speaking, the ingredients are great, but I don’t see the need for the fragrance. But that’s just me. I like to avoid perfumes whenever I can. Otherwise, the ingredient list seems quite good, and it’s great to have lower-strength retinol on the market.
Value: 5/5
For an active ingredient, the price is very fair. And the product lasts for a good while, so it’s definitely worth it.
Overall: 4.3/5
I mean, the only downsides of this product are unattractive packaging and some perfume in the ingredients. Otherwise, the product is worth a try and definitely a good choice.
I hope you liked this La Roche Posay Redermic R Retinol Review, and I’m looking forward to trying out stronger retinols.
Have you tried this product? Or do you use any retinols you can recommend?
