Retinol comes in many forms, but retinol creams for acne are one of the most popular. It’s well-known in the beauty industry for clearing up your face, reducing pimple scars, and providing anti-aging benefits. Retinol works on the surface and middle layers of your skin to unclog pores and smoothen its texture, making it a must-have for those with acne-prone skin.
We’ve listed the top ten best products that you can order online. We’ve also prepared a buying guide, with insights and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, that will teach you all that you need to know when browsing for a retinol cream, which is very useful, especially for those who are new to using retinol.
Quick List - Top Retinol Creams for Acne
Revitaglow
Rejuvenates Your Skin With Additional Nourishing Ingredients
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Retinol creams usually have a concentration between 0.25% to 2%. That being said, it’s best to start with a lower concentration then work your way up, especially if you’re new to using retinol.
Retinol stimulates cell turnover, so it’s a strong product. If you use too much of it, you may experience some irritation and redness, which will cause more harm than good, especially if you’re trying to combat acne.
So, for the first few weeks, you can start using a product with 0.25% to 0.5% concentration for about once or twice a week. If you don’t experience any side effects, you can move up to a higher retinol percentage or increase your usage. But, if you have dry or sensitive skin, consider sticking to a retinol cream with a lower concentration.
#AskYourDerma Tips:
Retinol creams with 1-2% concentrations yield visible results more quickly. This is ideal if you have mature skin or have prior experience using retinol products, as you’re less likely to experience irritation or redness. Moreover, those with oily skin may also be able to tolerate retinol in higher doses. That said, be mindful of limiting your usage to 2-3 times a week. Don’t overuse it in the hopes of seeing quicker results.
Remember, higher is not always better. If a higher concentration means you develop side effects like retinoid dermatitis (e.g., redness, dryness/flakiness, itching, burning/stinging), then don't push it. When in doubt, #AskYourDerma!
Some retinol creams are formulated with additional ingredients that offer various benefits. Aside from helping you fight acne, these ingredients can also calm your skin to prevent irritation. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
Retinol is best paired with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), seeing as retinol tends to dry out your skin. Common examples are peach extract, aloe, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, collagen, peptides, as well as vitamins B5, and E. This is very useful, especially for those with acne-prone skin, since their lipid barrier isn’t very strong.
Moisturizer is a must regardless of skin type. If you have retinol in your skincare routine, a moisturizer not only helps prevent excessive dryness but also helps your skin tolerate the retinol more. You can also choose retinol products formulated with moisturizing or barrier-strengthening ingredients.
If you’re dealing with acne, you want to look for ingredients with anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties. Examples of these are allantoin, acmella oleracea extract, bakuchiol, centella asiatica, and green tea. They can help manage acne and speed up your skin’s natural healing process. Plus, some of these ingredients are also useful for healing acne scars to help you achieve a clear and even skin tone in no time.
Ingredients that soothe as well as regulate inflammation are good add-ons when using retinol. Centella Asiatica or 'cica' acts as an antioxidant, helps calm inflammation, and hydrates the skin. Other ingredients to look out for also include green tea, panthenol, licorice root, and aloe vera, among others.
To avoid aggravating acne-prone skin, it would be best to go for oil-free and fragrance-free retinol creams. However, not all types of oil are bad for you, as some products may have nourishing oils like grapeseed and jojoba oil as well as fats like shea butter. These ingredients are beneficial, particularly for those with dry skin.
But generally, oils may clog your pores, leading to more breakouts. It may also leave behind a greasy feeling, which may be uncomfortable, especially during the day, given the hot and humid Philippine weather. Additionally, fragrances may cause irritation, which can cause redness and more flare-ups. This can delay visible results and aggravate sensitive skin.
Choosing the right retinol for you can be a little overwhelming, given the many different available formulations. Other considerations include its overall formulation, consistency, and even concentration. When in doubt, don't hesitate to #AskYourDerma
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DMD Skin Sciences Mission: Skin Retinol 1% Defender Cream | ![]() | Deep-Penetrating Retinol for Radiant Skin | |
2 | Revitaglow Clinical Repair Cream Retinol | ![]() | Rejuvenates Your Skin With Additional Nourishing Ingredients | |
3 | RRAW Skin Care 1% Retinol Cream | ![]() | Organic, Locally-Sourced Retinol for All Your Skin Needs | |
4 | Capri Pure Olive Oil | ![]() | An Affordable Olive Oil With a Robust Flavor | |
5 | Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream | ![]() | An Ultra-Gentle Retinol Cream Suited for Beginners | |
6 | CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Day Face Cream | ![]() | Contains SPF 30 to Protect Your Skin From the Harmful Rays of the Sun | |
7 | IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-In-Cream | ![]() | Addresses Discoloration From Previous Breakouts | |
8 | LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream | ![]() | Powerful Formula That Minimizes Redness from Breakouts and Acne Scars | |
9 | L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Night Cream | ![]() | Formulated With Centella Asiatica to Reduce the Formation of Acne | |
10 | Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Night Cream | ![]() | Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic Retinol Cream That Won't Aggravate Acne |
Retinol 1% Defender Cream protects your skin from aging, revealing a healthier, more radiant complexion. Its advanced liposomal delivery system allows active retinol to penetrate deeply, ensuring maximum benefits. With hyaluronic acid and procollagen 1, it boosts hydration and plumpness.
This cream not only hydrates but also enhances elasticity and targets pigmentation issues, reducing dark spots and uneven skin tone. It even helps prevent acne breakouts, making it suitable for those prone to blemishes. With consistent use, buyers notice glowing skin free from blemishes.
Retinol has a lot of benefits for treating acne, but Revitaglow’s cream is also formulated with other ingredients that will help you get soft and clear skin. Together with 1% retinol, it uses vitamin C, peach fruit extract, and peptides to enhance collagen production, speeding up your skin’s healing process.
It can also reduce the appearance of pores, which will help prevent acne since enlarged pores can get easily clogged with oil, dirt, and other bacteria that may cause pimples. With these features, this cream will help you get an even skin tone and improved skin texture. Customers love it, saying that they can vouch for how effective this cream is.
RRAW Skin Care products are organic, locally sourced, cruelty-free, and ethically made, including this 1% Retinol Cream. It also doesn't contain any fragrances and pigments, so it's suitable for many skin types. For those who are acne-prone, you can expect normalized cell turnover and balanced pigment production.
This means you will get clear and radiant skin in no time! For those who are new to using retinol, you can dilute this cream with your favorite moisturizer to get your face accustomed to this product. One customer said that their acne flattened after using it, so you will surely see visible results quickly.
Whether you're trying out olive oil for the first time or want to transition to a healthier cooking oil, this is a good starting point! Aside from its budget-friendly price, it also has a variety of uses. It's good for sautéing and frying as well as for making sauces and marinades. You can even drizzle it on top of your salads for that extra flavor boost!
Its strong, Mediterranean flavor will certainly upgrade your meals from bland to delectable! Even better, this pure olive oil is full of natural vitamins and antioxidants that support immune function and reduce the risk of heart disease. When choosing an affordable yet healthy olive oil, you can never go wrong with this Italian brand!
This ultra-gentle cream is perfect for first-time retinol users or those with sensitive skin. Formulated with a low 0.1% retinol concentration, it gently reduces fine lines and wrinkles without irritation. Bakuchiol, an antioxidant-rich retinol alternative, further enhances the effects while remaining non-irritating.
Fragrance-free and enriched with nourishing ingredients like glycerin and grape seed oil, the cream hydrates the skin and minimizes the risk of retinol irritation. However, despite its gentle retinol concentration, users report smoother, brighter skin after continued use without experiencing redness or stinging.
To ensure that you won't experience any irritation or negative side effects, CeraVe uses encapsulated retinol, which allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin before becoming activated, thereby lessening the chances of irritation. Using this formula will improve your skin's texture, giving you radiant, smooth, and flawless-looking skin.
What's great about this retinol cream is that it also contains Broad Spectrum SPF 30, which will protect you from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. When you're treating acne, it's important to shield your face from the sun's rays, which is why SPF is important to have in your various skincare products.
IT Cosmetics uses free and encapsulated retinol in this cream, which allows it to reach at least 15 layers of your skin. Along with niacinamide, this retinol cream lightens discoloration and dark spots, including those from previous breakouts. If you're trying to get a more even skin tone after healing your acne, this is for you.
Aside from these active ingredients, this product also contains vitamin B5 and vitamin E to soothe and moisturize your skin. This will help you avoid some side effects of using retinol, such as redness and skin dryness. Meaning, those with more sensitive skin can use this since they won't likely experience adverse reactions.
If you've been using retinol in your skincare routine for a while now and want to consider getting a stronger retinol product to see more visible results, then this retinol cream has got you covered. For one thing, it is formulated with a powerful 2.5% retinol concentration.
However, to balance out that strong retinol dosage, it is also infused with a variety of nourishing and soothing ingredients, including aloe, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, green tea, shea butter, and jojoba oil. With this combination, this retinol cream will minimize breakouts and acne scars, calm redness and inflammation, plus soften your skin's texture.
L’Oreal’s retinol cream was made to be used at night to nourish and repair your skin while you sleep. Its combination of retinol and centella asiatica stimulates cell renewal and improves skin texture. Centella asiatica also reduces inflammation and oil production, strengthens your skin, and prevents UV damage, making it an excellent pair for retinol.
Aside from its anti-acne ingredients, this retinol cream uses dermalift technology, which tightens your skin, giving you a firmer and more youthful look. Because of the wonderful effects that it has on the skin, many customers choose to buy it, with some even saying it is part of their nightly skincare regimen.
This fragrance-free, oil-free night cream is a powerful ally in your fight against wrinkles. Its key ingredient, retinol, works deeply within your skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving you with a smoother, younger-looking complexion. Plus, it contains hydrating vitamins B5 and E to keep your skin nourished and comfortable all night long.
This gentle formula is suitable for even sensitive skin. It's non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores, and it's free of fragrance and drying alcohol that can irritate. If you're looking for an effective yet gentle retinol cream to target wrinkles, this is a great option.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina.
Aside from retinol creams, there are a bunch of other great ingredients and products that can help you fight acne. To get clearer skin faster, you should build a skincare routine that will help dry out your pimples, lighten acne marks, and prevent future breakouts. Check out our other articles below for the best products that will help you.
10 Best Face Washes for Acne in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Toners for Acne-Prone Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist
10 Best Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Serums for Acne-Prone Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist
Author: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
Editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: DMD Skin Sciences|Mission: Skin Retinol 1% Defender Cream
No. 2: Revitaglow|Clinical Repair Cream Retinol
No. 3: RRAW Skin Care|1% Retinol Cream
No. 4: Capri|Pure Olive Oil
No. 5: Good Molecules|Gentle Retinol Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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