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Vitamin A is widely considered the gold standard for anti aging as it helps shed dead skin cells, unclog pores, and smooth out wrinkles by speeding up the rate of cell turnover.
Meanwhile, retinol is the most popular form of vitamin A that is utilized in some of the most revered skincare products. It’s mostly recognized for its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production as well as improve skin tone and texture (Medicine Net).
Retinol is an absolute MUST for your skincare routine, especially as you age past your late 20s when your body begins to produce less collagen and elastin.
But if you’re just getting started with this ingredient, you may want to try out retinol face washes first before more concentrated serums and creams.
With all the options out there, we want to help you find the best retinol face wash for you and your skin type. Let’s get you smooth and glowing!
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What Is The Best Retinol Face Wash?
Here are our top recommendations:
- Editor’s Choice: Pevonia Micro-Retinol Essential Foaming Cleanser
- No.1 Bestseller: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum Cleanser
- Best for Wrinkles & Fine Lines: DERMA E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Burt's Bees Renewal Refining Cleanser
- Best Value for Money: Olay Retinol 24 + Peptide Smoothing Daily Facial Cleanser
- Best Retinol Face Wipes: Body Prescriptions Retinol Facial Cleansing Wipes
Editor's Choice
5.0
Turn back time with this award-winning retinol cleanser that helps reverse visible signs of aging like age spots and wrinkles.
Retinol works with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and safflower seed oil to promote smoother, more even, and younger-looking skin.
Alcohol-, paraben-, and sulfate-free with no harsh microbeads.
Best For:
Age Spots, Fine Lines, Wrinkles
Ingredients:
Safflower Seed Oil, Calendula Flower, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
Pros:
- Winner of 7+ Beauty Awards
- Dissolves Excess Oils & Makeup
- Visibly Reduces Signs of Aging
- Visibly Improves Uneven Skin Tone
- Promotes Smoother Skin Texture
- Alcohol-, Paraben-, and Sulfate-Free
- Foaming Gel With No Microbeads
- Outstanding Reviews
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not Suitable for Sensitive Skin
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#1 Bestseller
4.5
Experience the #1 bestselling retinol face wash from RoC that's earned the most beauty awards since 2010.
A-list ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, and licorice root help smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, as well as brighten dark spots and under eye dark circles.
Best For:
Dark Spots, Fine Lines, Wrinkles
Ingredients:
Grape Seed Oil, Retinol, Niacinamide, Licorice Root
Pros:
- #1 Bestselling Retinol Face Wash
- Removes Dirt, Excess Oils, and Makeup
- Visibly Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles
- Visibly Brightens Dark Spots & Circles
- Rich Creamy Texture That Lathers Well
- Fragrance-, Paraben-, and Sulfate-Free
- Safe for Sensitive Skin & Eye Area
- Excellent Reviews
Cons:
- Some Users Didn't See Results
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Best for Wrinkles & Fine Lines
5.0
Enhance exfoliation efforts with this powerful anti-aging face wash featuring glycolic acid, bakuchiol, and retinol.
This terrific trio helps boost cell turnover, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a smoother, younger-looking complexion.
Best For:
Fine Lines, Wrinkles
Ingredients:
Glycolic Acid, Bakuchiol, Retinol, Papaya, Sea Kelp
Pros:
- Powerful Trio of Glycolic Acid, Bakuchiol, and Retinol
- Removes Dirt, Excess Oils, and Makeup
- Helps Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles
- Helps Increase Elasticity & Firmness
- Paraben-Free and Sulfate-Free
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free
- Outstanding Reviews
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Best for Sensitive Skin
4.5
See why nature lovers are buzzin' about this gentle face wash from Burt's Bees featuring bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative, with the same anti-aging benefits but none of the irritation.
Perfect for sensitive skin, this rich and creamy cleanser helps smooth wrinkles and reduce dullness, leaving your skin brighter and smoother every time.
Best For:
Sensitive Skin
Ingredients:
Bakuchiol, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Aloe Vera, Ceramides, Cica
Pros:
- Gentle Alternative to Retinol
- 99% Natural Origin Ingredients
- Cleanses Without Stripping Moisture
- Helps Smooth Fine Lines & Wrinkles
- Helps Reduce Dark Spots & Dullness
- Paraben-Free and Sulfate-Free
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free
- Great Reviews
Cons:
- Some Users Didn't Like the Fragrance
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Best Value for Money
4.5
Keep calm and cleanse on with this affordable face wash from Olay that removes dirt, oils, and impurities without stripping your skin.
Retinol and niacinamide help exfoliate dead skin cells for visibly smoother skin, while peptides replenish lost moisture.
At 16 oz. a bottle, this cleanser will last a long time but be warned that some users found the fragrance overwhelming.
Best For:
Everyday Exfoliation
Ingredients:
Retinol, Niacinamide, Peptides, Panthenol, Vitamin E
Pros:
- Removes Dirt, Excess Oils, and Makeup
- Exfoliates with Retinol & Niacinamide
- Hydrates with Peptides & Panthenol
- Can Be Used on Wet or Dry Skin
- Great Value (16 oz. Bottle)
- Paraben-Free and Sulfate-Free
- Excellent Reviews
Cons:
- Very Strong Fragrance
- Contains Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)
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Best Retinol Face Wipes
4.5
Swipe smarter, not harder, with these biodegradable face wipes from Body Prescription that help cleanse and calm your skin throughout the day.
Infused with retinol, chamomile, and bisabolol, these face wipes are moist, easy to use, and travel-friendly.
Best For:
Daily Use, Travel
Ingredients:
Chamomile, Bisabolol, Retinol
Pros:
- 100 Biodegradable Face Wipes
- Refreshes and Renews with Retinol
- Soothes with Chamomile & Bisabolol
- Easy to Use and Travel-Friendly
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free
- Great Reviews
Cons:
- Wipes May Dry Out Over Time
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