Ingredient 101: What is Retinol & What Does Retinol Do?

Retinol is almost always the answer to pretty much any skin issue — acne, fine lines, dark spots, drooping, dullness, dark circles, enlarged pores — you can think of. The best retinol cream or serum can help address all of the above concerns and improve your skin's appearance with consistent use. Keep scrolling to see how retinol can become your next game-changer!


What is retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A that is most commonly used in topical skincare products to treat acne and reduce signs of aging. Keep in mind, retinols are different than retinoids prescribed by doctors which are more potent. Retinol is an over-the-counter skincare ingredient that has many potential skincare benefits for different skin concerns including anti-aging and acne.

innisfree retinol cica

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - innisfree

What does retinol do?

1. Boosts production of elastin and collagen: Retinol goes deep beneath the epidermis to your dermis and neutralizes free radicals to boost elastin and collagen.

2. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol creates a "plumping" effect on skin that helps minimizes these signs of aging.

3. Improves skin texture and skin tone: Retinol has an exfoliating effect on skin's surface that helps smooth rough skin texture.

4. Treats severe acne and acne scars: Retinol helps keep your pores unclogged to prevent blemishes while the mild exfoliation helps treat hyperpigmentation.

5. Balances skin's hydration level: Retinol benefits oily skin as it helps control excess sebum production in the pores.


How to use retinol in your skincare routine?

In the world of K-Beauty, you will most likely find retinol cream to be the #1 hottie on the radar, followed by retinol serum and retinol eye cream. With all those retinol benefits in mind, there are lots of ways and topical skincare products with retinol for skin that will protect and benefit your overall skin health.

Retinol for Skin

- Best Retinol Toner -

Mamonde - Retinol Ampoule Toner

Mamonde Retinol Ampoule Toner

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Mamonde

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Taking baby steps in your retinol journey? Instead of a serum, you can start by adding the Mamonde Retinol Ampoule Toner to your skincare routine. This retinol toner is hailed as an anti-wrinkle powerhouse for its 95% retinol concentration that helps improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of aging like a pro.

- Best Retinol Serum -

Cos De BAHA - Retinol Serum

cos de baha retinol serum

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Cos De BAHA

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Whoever said retinol serums have to be expensive obviously haven't met the Cos De BAHA Retinol Serum. Featuring an ultra-nourishing blend of niacinamide, hydraluronic acid and retinol, this powerful Korean retinol serum will be your all-star player that targets hyperpigmentation and helps smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles to restore a youthful glow on your face.

- Best Retinol for Acne -

innisfree - Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule

innisfree retinol cica repair ampoule

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - innisfree

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Retinol and centella asiatica make an unexpectedly great pair, how? Take it from the innisfree Retinol Cica Repair Ampoule which is great at fighting dark spots, treating blemishes and evening out skin tone. This retinol ampoule also contains green tea to calm redness for irritated skin. In case you need the extra TLC for your spots, use the innisfree Retinol Cica Ampoule Focusing Patch for targeted spot treatment.

- Best Retinol Eye Cream -

SOME BY MI - Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream

retinol eye cream some by mi

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SOME BY MI

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Retinol and eye cream might sound like an expensive combination but not on SOME BY MI's watch. The brand has just released the SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream and it's definitely a wallet-saving treat! Formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and retinol, this powerful retinol eye cream helps soften fine lines and reduce dark circles, thanks to the brightening effect.

- Best Retinol Cream -

Elizavecca - Milky Piggy EGF Elastic Retinol Cream

Elizavecca milky piggy retinol

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Elizavecca

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: When in doubt, throw in a retinol night cream to solve all your wrinkle problems. Case in point: the Elizavecca Milky Piggy EGF Elastic Retinol Cream is the best retinol cream that is designed to boost your skin's elasticity overnight and restore a wrinkle-free, radiant complexion. Let it take over the night-shift to keep your skin supple and moisturized, thanks to its butter-like cream texture.

- Best Retinol Facial Oil -

2SOL - Turn Up Rejuvenation Retinol Mayu Oil

retinol face oil

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - 2SOL

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: If your skin needs an extra layer of hydration, try the sold-out wonder 2SOL Turn Up Rejuvenation Retinol Mayu Oil as the last step of your night-time skincare routine to seal everything in. Powered by 86% horses pat, retinol + a blend of Argania Kernel Oil and Camellia Oil, this retinol facial oil restores a lasting glow to your skin.


Okay, you can stop drooling now... Pick up your most-favorite retinol products to refine your Korean skincare routine starting today! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get more instant product updates and skincare tips!

Disclaimer: We strongly recommend anyone with problematic skin conditions seek professional advice from dermatologists and sort out what ingredient works best for your skin type to get the result you want.