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10 Best Retinol Products in the Philippines 2023 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

If you’re struggling with fine lines and wrinkles, your best bet to remove these is with retinol—an ingredient known to have anti-aging benefits. Retinol is a type of vitamin A that increases the production of collagen, improving skin tone and fading age spots visible on the skin.

In this article, we list 10 of the best retinol products you can purchase on e-commerce platforms in the country, like Lazada and Shopee. Furthermore, we will also be giving you a detailed buying guide, with insights and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, to walk you through selecting one.

Last updated 07/14/2023
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Expert
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

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.

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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.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Retinol Products - Buying Guide

Here are some key points to consider:


  1. Choose the percentage of retinol your skin can tolerate.
  2. Look for ingredients that go well with retinol.
  3. Select a product type to build your skincare routine with.
  4. Opt for retinol products in dark or opaque packaging.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.

① Choose the Percentage of Retinol Your Skin Can Tolerate

Retinol products come in different concentration percentages. Choosing a percentage that will suit you depends on how your skin reacts or adapts to it. Below are some tips on how to pick the right percentage.

Low Strength: Pick 0.01% to 0.25% if You Have Sensitive Skin

Low Strength: Pick 0.01% to 0.25% if You Have Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin or are a beginner at applying retinol, it’s best to start with a low concentration of 0.01% to 0.25%. This is because retinol can cause irritation when used on sensitive skin or when used too often. You can use retinol products around two times a week to help your skin adjust or acclimate to it. 

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

For retinol newbies, it's always a good idea to start low and slow. Remember, retinol is great as it is backed by science to bring about effects like improving fine lines and wrinkles and stimulating collagen. However, it also comes with potential side effects like redness, itching, dryness, and flakiness, among others.

Moderate Strength: Go for 0.3 to 0.5% for More Visible Results

Moderate Strength: Go for 0.3 to 0.5% for More Visible Results

If you notice that using low percentage retinol does not cause any side effects on your skin after a couple of months of use, then you may already transition to moderately strong retinol products at 0.3% to 0.5%. 


Because it is more potent, this strength will give you relatively faster results. However, it is still recommended for retinol users to observe any adverse effects. You may also consult a dermatologist to ensure safety.

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Remember, higher does not always mean better. Some considerations to take into account if it's time to step up your retinoid game include:
  1. Have you been using retinol long enough?
  2. Are you experiencing any side effects?
  3. Do you feel there is more room for improvement in your skin?

When in doubt, #AskYourDerma!

High Strength: 1% to 2% Gives Quick Results

High Strength: 1% to 2% Gives Quick Results

To quickly remove age spots, wrinkles, and dead skin cells, you may consider using products with high retinol percentage of 1% to 2%, given that your skin can tolerate moderate strength retinol for a long period of time. Besides, 2% is the highest percentage of retinol you can avail without needing a prescription.

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

Before stepping up to an even higher strength retinoid, it is best to consult a board-certified dermatologist. Remember, retinoids are great, but they are not without risks (aka retinoid dermatitis). 

② Look for Ingredients That Go Well With Retinol

Retinol might be effective in improving aging skin, but it may dry out your skin when used on its own. Therefore, you may look for retinol products that have ingredients that can be combined with retinol to give you maximum benefits.

Hydrating Ingredients Reduce the Irritation Risks of Retinol

Hydrating Ingredients Reduce the Irritation Risks of Retinol

As mentioned earlier, retinol can be rather drying, thus increasing the risk of skin irritation and redness. To counter this dryness, choose products with ingredients intended to moisturize your skin. Examples of these are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, among others.

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

Try the sandwich technique! Moisturizer first, followed by the retinol, then seal in with a moisturizer!

Steer Clear of Exfoliating Ingredients That May Dry Out Your Skin Further

Steer Clear of Exfoliating Ingredients That May Dry Out Your Skin Further

As retinol can cause dryness, which can lead to irritation, it is recommended to avoid those mixed with exfoliating ingredients. Examples of these are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acids and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid. This is to avoid over-exfoliating your skin, which can cause further irritation and skin damage.

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

Some ingredients best avoided alongside retinol are AHAs such as glycolic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid. While some people can tolerate them in the same routine, they are better off either being used at completely different times (AM vs. PM) or on alternate days, if warranted.

③ Select a Product Type to Build Your Skincare Routine With

If you want to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, it’s important to pick a type that would suit your skin’s needs best. However, note that it is not recommended to use retinol products on days you’ll be using acids to treat your skin. Also, remember to put moisturizer after applying your retinol product for additional hydration and to soothe the skin, lessening the risk of skin irritation.

Pick Retinol Cleansers With Moisturizing Agents

Pick Retinol Cleansers With Moisturizing Agents

Cleansers remove makeup residue and other impurities from the skin, but they can sometimes be drying. Similarly, retinol cleansers may also have that drying effect on your skin. Thus, it is recommended to choose retinol cleansers that are also infused with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid to avoid such effects.

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

One of the known side effects of retinol is its drying effects. This is why moisturizers and retinol are musts together. Definitely, a stand-alone moisturizer is key. However, having moisturizing ingredients incorporated with the retinol itself is also a great add-on.

Toners Help Your Skin Absorb Other Skincare Products Better

Toners Help Your Skin Absorb Other Skincare Products Better

Toners are designed to prepare your skin to absorb skincare products that you will apply after it. Aside from that, it will also help repair aging skin. However, like with cleansers, make sure to pick one that’s combined with hydrating ingredients. 

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

To tone or not to tone? Toners, in truth, aren't a must! However, if you will use a toner, it is advisable to choose one with hydrating (rather than exfoliating) ingredients, especially if retinol is in the picture.

Serums Effectively Fade Signs of Aging from Skin

Serums Effectively Fade Signs of Aging from Skin

Serums tend to be more concentrated to effectively target specific skin concerns like age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. Moreover, they usually provide more visible results, as they are typically used after toners.

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

#AskYourDerma Tips

  • Since serums are more concentrated products, a patch test is necessary before applying that product to your whole face.
  • Avoid applying retinol around the eyes, sides of the nose, and corners of the mouth.

Retinol Creams Are Best for Night Use

Retinol Creams Are Best for Night Use

If you’re looking for a retinol product that will help repair your skin while you sleep, you may opt for retinol creams. Retinol creams are best used before bed and left overnight to let it work on firming your skin, making it softer and smoother. They are also suitable for clearing away sun damage that your skin may have incurred during the day.

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

If you're applying retinol at night, don't forget it's an absolute must of a partner - sunscreen in the morning!

④ Opt for Retinol Products in Dark or Opaque Packaging

Opt for Retinol Products in Dark or Opaque Packaging

Retinol, while super effective in improving skin, is quite unstable and can easily be spoiled. When exposed to heat and air, it could quickly degrade, which will make it ineffective or, worse, very irritating to the skin. Thus, it is recommended to pick a retinol product that’s enclosed in a dark or opaque bottle or packaging.

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

Packaging is a key consideration for skincare products as it keeps the key ingredients in the products stabilized and, thus, effective. Another consideration for the packaging would be one that is suited for your lifestyle. Always on the go? Then tube packagings are good options to prevent spillage.

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10 Best Retinol Products to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Elizabeth Arden

Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum 1枚目

Award-Winning and Highly Potent Encapsulated Serum

2

Vibrant Glamour

Retinol Essence Toner

Vibrant Glamour Retinol Essence Toner 1枚目

An All-Rounder Toner With Double Retinol

3

Pond's

Age Miracle Anti-Aging Night Cream

Pond's Age Miracle Anti-Aging Night Cream 1枚目

Get Anti-Aging, Brightening, and Moisturizing Benefits in One

4

Good Molecules

Gentle Retinol Cream

Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream 1枚目

Gentle Anti-Aging Treatment for Beginners

5

Pixi

Retinol Tonic

Pixi Retinol Tonic 1枚目

Antioxidant-Rich Toner That's Suitable for All Skin Types

6

Olay

Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer 1枚目

Hydrate Skin for 24 Hours With This Retinol Cream

7

The Ordinary

Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane 1枚目

Medium-Strength and Water-Free Solution

8

Céleteque DermoScience

Advanced Anti-Aging Age Spot Erasing Serum

Céleteque DermoScience Advanced Anti-Aging Age Spot Erasing Serum 1枚目

A Hypoallergenic and Non-Comedogenic Formula

9

SOME BY MI

Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream

SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream 1枚目

An Anti-Aging Eye Cream With Triple Benefits

10

LilyAna Naturals

Retinol Face Wash

LilyAna Naturals Retinol Face Wash 1枚目

A Vegan Retinol Cleanser With Natural Oils

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No.1

Elizabeth ArdenRetinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum

Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum Image 1
Source:elizabetharden.com
Reference price
From ₱2,570

Award-Winning and Highly Potent Encapsulated Serum

Claiming to be 76% more potent than regular serums, this product ensures that its retinol content remains stable through its capsule packaging. This also allows its users to apply an amount that's just enough for their skin, which also guarantees little to no product waste.


Moreover, aside from the wrinkle-reducing retinol, this encapsulated serum contains ceramides that help strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. It also contains peptides, which aid retinol in smoothening out wrinkles while also promoting skin elasticity.


What's even more exciting is that this serum is a rave among beauty editors in magazines like Vanity Fair, who even called it "The Modern Fountain of Youth." Furthermore, this product has already earned multiple awards in the beauty scene, like the Best Retinol title in Glamour Beauty Power List 2019, among others. 

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No.2

Vibrant GlamourRetinol Essence Toner

An All-Rounder Toner With Double Retinol

Packed with nutrients that your skin needs, this toner leaves firming and smoothening effects on the skin as early as 4 weeks! Its claim to fame, the "black technology" formula, features the combination of nicotinamide and two types of retinol-stable and highly active. This formula aids in reducing pores, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging from the skin. 


Not only that, it contains vitamin E, trehalose, and hyaluronic acid which hydrates and firms the skin. Furthermore, its alpha-arbutin also works in brightening your complexion, while its vitamin C protects your skin from damage.


Vibrant Glamour also ensures that this toner contains only all the good things, as it does not contain any additives that would harm the skin. It also has multiple certifications from product safety regulation bodies like the Philippine Food and Drug Administration and more. 

No.3

Pond'sAge Miracle Anti-Aging Night Cream

Get Anti-Aging, Brightening, and Moisturizing Benefits in One

This anti-aging cream promises to help you look and feel your best by protecting your skin from premature signs of aging! POND'S cream is infused with its advanced technology, Retinol-C Complex, which works to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by releasing potent anti-aging retinol actives into the skin for 24 hours. 


Anti-aging is not its only benefit, as it also strengthens the skin's protective barrier, brightens and evens out dark spots, and improves skin dullness, thanks to the addition of niacinamide. It also has hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which hydrate, plump, and rejuvenate skin while you sleep.

No.4

Good MoleculesGentle Retinol Cream

Gentle Anti-Aging Treatment for Beginners

Formulated with 0.1% retinol, this cream gently reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Because of its low concentration, this serum is perfect for those who are just starting to use retinol. It also contains bakuchiol, an antioxidant-rich retinol alternative that boosts the effects of retinol without irritating the skin.


Furthermore, it contains nourishing and soothing ingredients like glycerin and grape seed oil to help hydrate the skin and minimize the irritation risks of retinol. This ultra-gentle formula is also fragrance-free, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin as well. 

No.5

PixiRetinol Tonic

Antioxidant-Rich Toner That's Suitable for All Skin Types

If you're looking for a gentle toner that offers the benefits of retinol, this product might be for you! This toner contains time-released retinol that works best while you sleep and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also paraben and alcohol-free, making it tolerable for people with sensitive skin


Moreover, it has skin-loving ingredients like jasmine flower extracts that heal and repair skin while also providing it with a rich amount of antioxidants that protect the skin from damage. It also contains peptides, a type of amino acid that boosts collagen production to hydrate and improve skin elasticity.

No.6

OlayRegenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer

Hydrate Skin for 24 Hours With This Retinol Cream

Infused with the ever-wonderful niacinamide and moisturizing agent glycerin, this cream will hydrate your skin for up to 24 hours despite the drying effects of retinol. Moreover, this product is scientifically proven to transform your skin in just 4 weeks, with visibly reduced fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and pores.


What also makes this a great option is that it is fragrance and dye-free, ensuring little to no irritation risks. It is best used before bedtime as a night moisturizer, so you can wake up with plumper and younger-looking skin.

No.7

The OrdinaryRetinol 0.5% in Squalane

Medium-Strength and Water-Free Solution

Made with 0.5% pure retinol, this moderately strong serum promises to reduce the appearance of fine lines, photo damage, and other issues related to skin aging. Not only that, it is infused with squalane, a moisturizing ingredient, to help counter the irritation risks of the high retinol concentration of this product.


Moreover, this serum has a water-free formula that quickly gives more visible results. It also does not contain potential allergens like soy, gluten, silicone, alcohol, and more. Note that because of its high concentration, it is not suitable to be used with other retinol products.

No.8

Céleteque DermoScienceAdvanced Anti-Aging Age Spot Erasing Serum

A Hypoallergenic and Non-Comedogenic Formula

With its unique ReverCell Complex that is infused with retinol, this serum will help stimulate skin renewal, which in turn reduces age spots and wrinkles. Moreover, it has skin brightening benefits brought about by artemisia capillaris extract, as well as rose hip seed oil that evens out skin tone.


It also contains vitamin E, a nutrient that will help protect your skin from free radicals. Furthermore, this serum is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it has little to no risk of causing allergic reactions and will not block your pores. However, it's recommended to use this serum for two weeks, then rest for about 1 to 2 weeks before resuming use. 

No.9

SOME BY MIRetinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream

An Anti-Aging Eye Cream With Triple Benefits

Say goodbye to eye bags and wrinkles with this triple-action eye cream! Formulated with retinol and peptides, this product will smoothen out your skin, especially under the eyes, by facilitating the production of collagen. It also contains glutathione and tranexamic acid, which will brighten dark circles around the eye area.

In addition to its anti-aging and brightening properties, this eye cream is also infused with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and trehalose to improve the skin's hydration. But despite being packed with moisturizing agents, it feels surprisingly light and refreshing on the skin, so many users rave about how it doesn't feel sticky or heavy at all.

No.10

LilyAna NaturalsRetinol Face Wash

Retinol Face Wash Image 1
Source:ph.iherb.com
Reference price
From ₱1,254.45

A Vegan Retinol Cleanser With Natural Oils

Made with 68.9% naturally derived ingredients, this vegan facial wash offers deep cleaning for all skin types. Aside from the anti-aging benefits of retinol, this product also contains rose oil that soothes inflamed skin while giving it a mild and natural scent. 


It also promises to give your skin a dewy look through its moisturizing botanical oils like argan and avocado oils. Moreover, this product is free from additives like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances. Users love how it isn't abrasive and drying at all and leaves their skin soft and supple. 

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Katrina Luz

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina

How Many Retinol Products Should I Use?

One retinol product in a routine is enough! You want to reap the benefits of retinol without the side effects (which using too much retinol and/or retinol products can bring about!).

Is Retinol Cream a Moisturizer?

While some retinol formulations may contain moisturizing ingredients, retinol cream is not a moisturizer, nor should it be your standalone moisturizer. Hand in hand with a retinol cream, it is best to have a basic moisturizer to keep your skin plump and, yes, well-moisturized!

Can Retinol Cream Cause Acne?

Retinol cream, per se, doesn't cause acne. However, introducing new products like retinol in your routine can potentially cause what is referred to as "the purge." Since retinol works by regulating epidermal turnover, sometimes comedones that are scheduled to come out 2 to 4 weeks from now sort of get pushed to come out earlier.

Combat the Signs of Aging With These Skincare Essentials

As we grow older, preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots from appearing becomes a difficult feat. However, there are products out there with anti-aging benefits to help ward off these skin problems. Check out the links below for more products that will help you achieve that younger-looking skin!

Author: Kate Basa

Editor: R. Umlas

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

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.

About Expert-Reviewed Articles

Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz
Dermatologist, Educator, and Digital Creator Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz

For expert-reviewed articles, we ask experts to check and review our buying guide to make sure there aren't any false, misleading, or outdated information. Our experts do not participate in choosing the recommendations, and they do not endorse any of the products we mention.

Top 5 Retinol Products

No. 1: Elizabeth Arden | Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum

No. 2: Vibrant Glamour | Retinol Essence Toner

No. 3: Pond's | Age Miracle Anti-Aging Night Cream

No. 4: Good Molecules | Gentle Retinol Cream

No. 5: Pixi | Retinol Tonic

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When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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