SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5

0.5% pure retinol

A vitamin A derivative that promotes cellular turnover and improves the look of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration.

Steady, even release

Encapsulation and stabilization technologies release the retinol evenly over time.

Bisabolol

A skin-calming and conditioning ingredient included to minimize irritation.

Potency protection

Specialized packaging shields the retinol from light and air.

Key benefits

• Promotes cellular turnover
• Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves the look of discoloration
• Reduces the appearance of pores
• Helps blemish-prone skin look clearer
• Steps up retinol strength in a tolerable way

Step 1

In the evening, apply a pea-sized amount to clean skin, avoiding the eye area.

Step 2

Allow the cream to absorb before applying other skincare products.

Step 3

Limit initial use to once or twice a week, then increase to every other night and then every night as tolerated. Available in 30 ml.

Tolerance note

SkinCeuticals advises starting once or twice a week, building to every other night and then nightly as tolerated, and establishing consistent tolerance before advancing to a higher concentration. Avoid the eye area and always wear a high-protection, broad-spectrum sunscreen, since retinol may increase photosensitivity. As a precaution, retinol should not be used by women who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant in the near future: consult a physician.

Key ingredients

• 0.5% Pure Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A that promotes cellular turnover and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. It is encapsulated to ensure a steady, even release.
• Bisabolol: A skin-calming and conditioning ingredient that SkinCeuticals includes to help minimize irritation.
• Shea Butter: A rich plant butter in the cream base that conditions and softens skin while the retinol works.
• Botanical Extracts: Passionflower, rosa canina leaf and milk thistle fruit extracts round out the formula as skin-conditioning ingredients.

Full ingredient list

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone, Dimethicone PEG-7 Isostearate, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Retinol, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Bisabolol, Laureth-7, BHT, Tetrasodium EDTA, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract, Rosa Canina Leaf Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Methylisothiazolinone.

Ingredient lists can change. Refer to the product packaging for the most current list.

What does SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 do?

Retinol 0.5 promotes cellular turnover to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and pores. It contains 0.5% pure retinol, encapsulated for a steady, even release, with bisabolol added to help minimize irritation.

Should I start with Retinol 0.5 or Retinol 0.3?

If you have never used retinol, start with Retinol 0.3. SkinCeuticals advises establishing consistent skin tolerance before advancing to a higher concentration, so Retinol 0.5 is usually the next step once the lower strength is comfortable every night.

How often should I use Retinol 0.5?

Start once or twice a week in the evening, then move to every other night and then every night as tolerated. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean skin, avoid the eye area, and let it absorb before other products.

Can I use Retinol 0.5 with vitamin C?

Yes, at different times of day. Use a SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum such as C E Ferulic in the morning under sunscreen, and Retinol 0.5 at night. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen matters because retinol may increase photosensitivity.

What moisturizer goes with Retinol 0.5?

SkinCeuticals pairs its retinols with Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, which is applied after retinol at night. Wait for Retinol 0.5 to absorb, then apply the moisturizer to help keep skin comfortable while it adjusts.

What is the difference between Retinol 0.5 and Retinol 1.0?

The difference is the concentration of pure retinol: 0.5% versus 1.0%. Both use the same encapsulated delivery and bisabolol. Retinol 1.0 is the highest strength in the range and is best kept for skin that already tolerates Retinol 0.5 nightly.

Who should not use Retinol 0.5?

As a precaution, SkinCeuticals advises that retinol should not be used by women who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant in the near future, and recommends consulting a physician. Avoid the eye area and reduce frequency if skin feels uncomfortable.

Is SkinCrew an authorized SkinCeuticals retailer in the US?

Yes. SkinCrew is an Authorized SkinCeuticals US Retailer and sources every unit directly from SkinCeuticals, so Retinol 0.5 arrives fresh, authentic and in current packaging, with fast US shipping.