Thank you very much to you and your team for all of the research and care you are taking to help us choose the best version for our individual needs. You are GOLDEN!
Im only at 2.17 but I really want to say to the three of you working in the office (also the ones behind the scenes! I don’t want to leave you out) so hard to get this going BLOODY WELL DONE! I knew from Caroline’s insta stories it has been hell for you so I really want to say thank you n well done! You all work so incredibly hard n i fully understand it was never going to be an easy task. ❤️💕 xxx
That Encyclopedia Retinoica must have some glorious Hirons wisdom in it, glad we will be able to get the best of it in those videos. Thank you, Caroline and your team for the amount of work you put in your films. Also, very immature of me but every time you say “hydroxypinacolone” , I think you’re going to say “hydroxy pinacolada”😅.
I cant believe you actually exist- you are sent from heaven! Thank you so much for your hard work putting all the info together. You and your team are amazing! Thank you x
Listening and saddened that there is really no oversight on skincare companies' claims of the wonders their products supposedly provide. I appreciate you and your team looking critically at these products and providing education and information to your viewers.❤
I'm nuking my acne and scarring with 0.5% tretinoin, but I'm still going to watch ALL of these videos, and I really appreciate your hard work. Very interesting! :)
Fantastic! My girlfriend has the most fantastic skin. When I met her I thought for sure I was at least 10 years older.... turns out she is 1 year older.... obviously I wanted to know how and why! She has helped me find my products but was adimit I did my homework and your name came up. Been fabulous help and helped me understand where I am starting. Thanks so much!
I am so happy you are doing this. I'm 41 almost 42.. the lovely age of oh dear.. I need to fix this . I adore your attitude towards life and everything that involves. Im thrilled to see you being able to smile and laugh more and more in each post. Much love from Utah.
Caroline - THANK YOU! Seriously THANK YOU!! The amount of work that has gone in to the preparation of this by you and your team is very impressive and it shows. Firstly, I am stunned by the larger companies you identified who carried out no testing on their retinol products. Secondly, the lack of transparency around the use of the word 'retinol' its actual presence in the formula is a tricky path to tread for even the most knowledgable of estheticians. It begs the question as to why (especially when the world of social media has been turned on its head regarding disclosure concerning advertising standards) that the same levels of transparency and regulatory oversight are not required of the pharmaceutical and beauty industry? These are products that we are placing on our skin, they are absorbed and potentially could have a negative impact on our health if we are not fully aware of what it is we are placing on our skin? I appreciate that historically the EU has adopted stricter guidelines about certain ingredients when compared to the ingredients or thresholds approved and allowed by the American FDA for example. However with the impending event (the name that shall not be mentioned... almost makes it sound like Voldemort!!) it concerns me that the market could be further exploited due to lack of guidelines, once implemented, but now no longer effective if we find ourselves outside of the union. Why are we more worried about sticking the word "AD" or "GIFTED" over a vlog but not worried about potentially putting something on our face that could either a) cause serious harm or b) be completely ineffective? I Feel there needs to be rallying charge on the greater need for oversight and disclosure on this. Maybe there is already? I don't know, I don't work in this industry. What I do know is that I am very grateful that you have taken the time to review and draw our attention to these issues to allow us to make better informed decisions. I will end as I started.... THANK YOU!!
I use the garden of wisdom and this is so gentle for my acne and it does bring cystic acne down it's so gentle I use it every other night. I always SPF in the morning too xx
Thank you Caroline. You have invested a great deal of time and I grateful for the wealth of information you provide your viewers. Kind regard from NYC. 💐💐💐💐
Your specificness is always admirable and your passion is undeniable from all the research you've done and the care to accuracy. Knew I needed to set aside a time when I could fully focus on the info. Looking forward to the rest! xxx
Thank you SO much for this. I have such reactive skin so I am nervous to try vitamin A/Retinol. This was so helpful and I now need to choose one of these to try first! I am thinking Alpha H as I like the Vitamin C.....thank-you again xx
This was absolutely stunningly unbelievable. Even to understand the granactive % and the amount delivered...golden!!! You are a gem, this is amazing, and I can’t wait for more.
Thanks so much to you and the team for plugging away to present us with this info. As a 54 year old who'd never even heard of retinol (yes, I've been living in a cave!) until recently, I'd like to give them a go but terrified! This is a good starting point for my old face. Would you advise putting moisturiser on, then small amount of retinol then moisturiser over the top? That's what I heard a derm recommend. You're a class act Caroline - feels very much like listening to a friend give advice - thank you :)
I Have the upmost respect for you and your team for all the hard work you all have done to educate your viewers. Thank you and well done. You are lovely and I really enjoy these videos.
I cannot thank you enough for the headache and the research behind this video. I am 39 and yes complete novice to retinols. So pleased you broke down the science in layman's terms. Your vid's are so informative and so well explained.
Caroline, I love your personality and candidness. Thank you for your research. I am 50 and have very dry skin. I would like to share, as an FYI, that I like the Beauty Pie Retinol Night Cream, mainly because it is very moisturizing, more than the Plantscription cream and also because it does not have fragrance, at least I can’t smell it nor do I see it on the ingredient list. I think that this a good place to start if you are new to Retinols. I also use the Retinol serum, as an in between a Curology prescription. For clarity purposes, also need to mention that I use a Hyaluronic humectant and B.P. Ceramides (the ones without peptides) before the B.P. Night Cream. I am not getting anything for sharing this.😊
I’m so excited that you’re doing this! I would be quite interested in knowing what 0.1% adalapene (differin) is equivalent to in standard retinoic acid terms, when you get to that strength. Thanks to you and your team for all the work to provide this information to us!
I finally get around to watching your series and you help so much clear my confusion. At least a bit, but that is not your delivery, that is brand packaging and marketing causing it.
Caroline, this series is a godsend! Thank you for doing all the legwork and helping me make sense of all these 'retinol' products. Can't wait for the next episodes
Wow , only 6 mins into this video ,and my head is spinning already😳😵 i can only imagne what it was like for you! Incredible detailed research , thank you ,Caroline 🙌🏾 🙌🏾 🙌🏾 xxx
I think you did a beautiful job explaining all the products and their ingredients, especially with the (obviously) overwhelmingly large information you’ve been given. As a skin care lover and not a scientist, I understood what you were saying about the products, while learning more about them and vitamin a itself. Thank you so much Caroline, I loved this video (and you!) Really hope you do Vitamin C after you do vitamin a and recover from this series. Much love and light.
Feed back on Drunk Elephant’s retinol product. I am 59!! And have quite a lot of redness and de-hydrated skin. The first time I used this I had some slight sensitivity so I have taken it slowly well supported with hydration. No further problems using it twice weekly and my skin is smoother and trouble-free. No enhanced redness. I think this product is lovely to use.
A313 is so popular, would love to know what category A313 is and what you and your research team has found about the product. Thanks so much for this video and future posts. You’re amazing!
Very interesting, and a further testament at how duped we are by many major companies! This is super helpful and look forward to the next ranges of retinols/Vit A. And it’s also very encouraging to get unbiased info which is becoming rather rare on u tube !
I am really wondering if I need to step up my game. I have used several retinol products, from Differin to the ordinary, to the inked list, to oil based retinol derivatives and I haven’t ever experienced any peeling, redness, sensitivity etc. I have experienced the good results though but without any side effects whatsoever. I wonder if I am actually getting the full benefits. My skin is in good shape now. From all the ones I have tried (budget friendly ones) the best in my opinion has been the Inkey List. This is amazing, what a wonderful dedication Caroline. Thanks for this💜
I have been using PTR's Retinol PM Fusion for over 2 years now and LOVE IT. I put it in the palm of my hand and then place it around my face. It feels soooooooooooo good on the skin. I'm 50 and don't look it. :) Since January, I've been using the new Sunday Riley A+ Serum as well. I put the PTR serum on first and then layer the SR over it. I started a few times per week and now can use it every day. I'm not sure if I have noticed any difference in my skin yet, so I'd be very curious to have you tell us what actual percentage of retinol is actually in SR's A+ product. Thanks to you and your staff for all you do! Looking forward to learning more from this series! :)
I have the PTR one. I definitely have seen a difference. I still use it every other night because I'm still a little scared to use it more often than that BUT my skin is definitely more radiant, smoother and tighter after I use it. My only complaint is that it does dry my skin out a teensy bit however, it's nothing a little moisturizer won't fix. I'm happy to see you speak so favourably of it.
Woohoo, thanks Caroline. Since starting with “retinols” last year the confusion over types and percentages has been my bugbear. I have a chemistry degree and found the information provided just baffling. I’m grateful to you and your team for attempting to throw some light on the topic. Still frustrated that the “super retinol” from beautypie is most likely not as super as the medik8 crystal6 I’m currently using so not really saved myself any money there then!!
You, my dear, and your wonderful team are A-Ma-Zing! I am totally in awe of your knowledge and understanding Retinol ! Thank you for this breakdown and translation into 'normal-speak' for us numpties out here who have NO CLUE on the subject!
Hello, thanks for your efforts. Here’s a question: I’m in the states and have a prescription for Tazorac (tazarotene 0.05%). When I got it, years ago (for acne), nothing was explained to me about the fact that this was a “cousin” (?) of Retinols. The practitioner said it was related to anti-aging products and seemed to insinuate that I was getting some sort of gift, but I knew NOTHING. I was a virgin skincare girl, and was immediately put off by the massive peeling and redness. Truly unaware of the benefits, it’s been years since I’ve used it. Now I’m in my 30s and definitely see the need. I would love more detailed information about the strength of Tazorac vs. these products and the efficacy. Thanks for reading and considering this! 🙏🏻
Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to do these retinol videos. It's an amazing service you're providing, and I know we all appreciate your consideration. Love ya! - fellow Mississippian ;-)
yay the series has begun! thanks for all your hard work. Indeed Labs retinol reface made my (dry, mild rosacea) skin peel unfortunately, the ordinary squalene has not.
LOL I found the Indeed Labs reface quite mild. And with The Ordinary I’m seeing more results. I’m using the 1% Retinol in Squalane every day at the moment. But I don’t have reactive skin. I’ve got leather 😒 Funny how everybody has different experiences and reactions.
I am using a 1% retinol from Dermaceutic. I feel like no one knows of this brand. I really hope someone will review it one day. I've only tried their retinol, they're also easier to find in the Eu than Sunday Riley and such. So I hope to hear more about it. Thanks Caroline for all the great work you're putting into those videos
great video. its such an overwhelming topic. I completely broke out with luna and had to get rid. it was so annoying because it was at a time that everyone was raving about it. I am now using Obagi 1.0 retinol. i'd love to know what is actually is in real terms. the ingredients look ok and retinol is listed fairly high.
I truly appreciate all the work you've put into this, Caroline. 😍❤ Would you consider doing a video that explains the difference between Retin A, Retinoids, Retinol and Vitamin A, what they do and how to use and layer/use them and if you can use more than one type in the same routine?
Finally someone who explains why me and retinol palmitate didn't get on too well! Thank you for all the hard work you and the team have put in to this!
Thanks Caroline, this is really helpful. I have been confused about the percentages on the packaging for the longest time , e.g. when otc product claims 1% , 3% or even 5% retinol (when the max recommended in the EU percentage is 0.3%) you start suspecting that the “true” working percentage is something different, but digging the information out is immensely hard. Also, a little feedback on 2 products mentioned here for someone who might be interested: tried merumaya one and skin did take time to adapt to it, whereas Beauty Pie cream - did not see nor feel it working, lovely as a (plain) night creme though. Just found that on their website they do say that the retinol nightcreme works as 0.03% pure retinol.
It might sound odd but I am so excited to hear this news. I'm looking forward to your results. I used to use Retina-A from my GP in the 80s for acne. It burnt my face off! But I now use a 2.5% retinol "serum" that contains Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E, which is super gentle. So I'm really very much looking forward to this series. Edit: thank you, Caroline, loved the video, looking forward to the next. Susan
My Lord, the work you've done! Bless your British heart!. Can you clear this up: Is it better to have the stronger retinols way down at the bottom of the inci list, or the "begginers" at the top of the inci list? Thx!
Wow, Caroline! What a huge undertaking! As someone who is about to embark on my Retinol/!Vitamin A journey but have been too chicken-ish and uninformed to start, all of your hard work is truly appreciated! Take Care!
I do think the RP in the Susanne Kaufmann serum serves more as an antioxidant than for skin generating purpose. When I bought it at Liberty the sales person specifically told me it’s a nurishing serum and not Retinol-like. It’s great tho.
Thank you Caroline! Please in another video could you talk about what retinol does and possibly what the percentages actually mean in terms of results?
Very informative. Thanks Caroline and team. I started off using indeed labs backuciol pads( advertised as the natural retinol) as I was nervy about this whole regional concept. Would love to know where you think this sits-it’s probably another video! Ps I find Backuciol quite tight on the skin and not the most comfortable and that’s the natural version!
This is so helpful and very informative. I feel a great deal more confident choosing a retinol. Thank you so much to you and your team for doing all the work that you have for us. I can't even imagine the hours that y'all have put in. We really really appreciate y'all! 😊😊❤️❤️
This is amazing and much appreciated. Started out with drunk elephant (which has clinical trials) and it may have been way too much. But after two months my face looks eerily young and bouncy.
I actually had a reaction to the Luna oil. But I guess it was more to the avocado oil which I should have known bc it is triggering histamine release. I should have known but I just HAD to try it. Sigh... Love this great video and all the effort you've put in. Thank you! Oh, and your video with the lovely facialist made my week... and I actually spent it in bed coughing, sleeping and surviving. All I will remember about that week is how good it made me feel suddenly ❤️
Thank you for the effort put into this Mrs. Hirons. I have been waiting for this and checking RU-vid to see the information you find. Ive held off on purchasing a more expensive retinal from the differin I use which is $10. I will patiently wait for more info as it comes. Much respect woman.
Thank you for doing this video. There are so many products out there it can be very confusing to know what to buy and if it is worth your money. I really appreciate the time and effort you and your team put in to finding out this information. You made it easy to understand as well. I look forward to seeing the other videos!
This has been really helpful and who knew there was so much to Retinol than the labels on the bottle! Now I’m more prepared to trying retinol and starting with your recommendations too! May I know if you’ll be including Pixi’s Retinol in your upcoming videos?
This is fantastic thank you so much to you and your team, bloody exhausting work! Clear and informative I feel more confident when looking at what to buy as it's often so confusing. Ahhh you make shopping that bit more enjoyable, thanks
I really like the Beauty Pie retinol, particularly the serum. The one I have the biggest problem with is the PTR retinol - not because it doesn’t work, but because PTR insists on selling a 200 ml. size of it on QVC here in the US. That is way too much product and encourages overuse. No one needs that much retinol serum in one package. Like Albert Brooks once said, I like my cheese in the ounces; when it’s the size of a Fiat I get worried.”
Bravo and thank you for all the dedication you put into this! I'm happy to hear the brand I started out with, Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion, made the cut. I'm ready to graduate to the next level so I'm looking forward to next weeks picks! Thanks you for helping us sort through all of this Caroline, you're a natural born teacher! ~Susanne xoxo
Finally had a chance to watch. Tons of info. I have been using PTR for about a year every night super easy on skin. Notice when I don’t use it but looking for something with a bit more Umph Can’t wait to watch the next.
OMG Caroline, this was such hard work but very well done!👏 👏 👏 I totally understand all the anxiety you had haha and I immediately felt my heart ♥ racing 🏁 (heart palpitations lol) as you tried to explain everything as best as you could. You deserve a big "Bravo" Caroline!! I could not explain this any better. So many times I try to explain to people about Retinol in their products and they look at me really confused not realising that something's are not always that straight forward (as you see them labeled on packaging). Anyway, I can go on about this forever, just know that you are soooo appreciated and I love your videos!! Happy greetings from Australia!! 😊👍💞
Yaaay!!!! Thank you soo much! Fab first video of the series! I’ve been using Reterides 1.0 but had a reaction to a DIOR foundation recently and that started peri oral dermatitis 😬 so I’ve started something a little more gentle while my skin is sensitised ( SR Luna) my dermatologist gave me a prescription for a mild steroid cream and it’s doing well.... she also said apart from the temporary dermatitis that my skin is looking fantastic..... so I must be doing something right! Xx
Your videos are always informative. May I suggest inserts of the ingredients into the video? Makes it easier on the viewer to follow or see where on the ingredients list you’re referencing. Also inserts or closeups of product application is something I’ve meant to suggest for years.
What a bloody monumental task this must have been. The Vitamin A/Retinol products have just erupted like a volcano which has been bubbling away under the crater for the past few years. This video was really helpful and a bit of an eye opener too.
Thank you for all of your research and information! There really isn’t anyone out there like you. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the DE A-Passioni!
I’ve been using Retinol Reface off and on the past 18mons and love it. Differin & I do not play well together so I’m happy to use Low & Slow formulations. Jordan Samuels Etoile Oil is another fav; I would use it more often but for Canadians, it’s not as accessible and pricy. Thanks for the videos, C xx
Sorry if I sounds dumb, I've heard the product name several times and now Vitamin A. What id it actually suppose to do to your skin. You hear Vitamins are good for the immune system etc. I keep meaning to do some research as to what it's all about. Thanks in advance x
Thank you Caroline and team for keeping it real for us all . Your research is very helpful and even tho I’m a 1%tretanoin user I’m finding all this so interesting . Just wondered if you might do a round up even on the blog of how many tmes you should use each category I.e from the starters in your video until the ones still to be filmed. Also should you use Vit A products all year , what other ingredients make it a lovely serum/ cream to use and what should we look for on the inkey list . Thanks again to all the team
Great video, looking forward to watching them all. I've been using the PTR since I started watching you nearly 3 years ago and I love it, I've tried others but I find does the trick on an ongoing basis and I like the formula.
Ive started using retinol product and i love this video. It helps me manage my expectation on my current product- which is a granactive. And i love it when u told us that low strength in long time is also good. So im just gonna stick on finishing my bottle and cant wait to purchase one of ur recommendation here. Good job for u and ur team. Really appreciate it😊
Thinking of starting with retinol (probably a bit late in my mid 30s 🙈 but I only have a few fine lines yet so I hope it’s early enough) so this is god send. Thank you for including affordable products. Probably start with the Indeed Labs one.
Thank you so much for your hard work! This helps with choosing products for my needs. Based on your info, I use the Indeed, sporadically. I have sensitive skin, but it’s never irritated my skin. After a few days, I notice my skin looks a bit smoother. I don’t have troublesome skin, so I think it’s a good one for me. So, as I get older, I like the idea of having room to go up.
Hi Caroline, first off, thank you so much for these great informative videos! They’re heaven sent. I was wondering what you think of the Dr.Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol brightening serum? I bought it before I saw this video and I can’t take it back now. I can’t find the percentage anywhere. I’ll attach the ingredients list below. Thank you again for your amazing content! :) Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Ethoxydiglycol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Ferulic Acid, Retinol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Arbutin, Morus Nigra Fruit Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Hexylresorcinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Quercetin, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates, Ubiquinone, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer, BHT, Urea, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol
