The best retinol in Australia, ranked.
Retinol is the most-studied anti-ageing active on earth. It also takes a long time to get right. Five retinols tested for six weeks across four skin tones.
| Rank | Product | Best for | Score | Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Alpha-H Vitamin A SerumAlpha-H · Retinol | Best overall | 9.1/10 | AU$79 | Adore Beauty → |
| 02 | The Ordinary Retinol 1% in SqualaneThe Ordinary · Retinol | Best beginner | 8.5/10 | AU$12 | Adore Beauty → |
| 03 | Paula's Choice 1% Retinol TreatmentPaula's Choice · Retinol | Best strength | 8.9/10 | AU$89 | Adore Beauty → |
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum
Alpha-H's Vitamin A is the Aussie retinol with the best formula quality on the AU shelf. Encapsulated for overnight use, balanced for daily application, packaged in a pump that doesn't oxidise. The $79 price point is fair for what you get.
The Ranking
From 5 testedVitamin A Serum
The Aussie retinol serum that built a cult. Encapsulated for overnight use, kind enough for daily.
Retinol 1% in Squalane
The retinol that democratised the active. Squalane base, cheap, works. Start at 0.2%, graduate up.
1% Retinol Treatment
Clinical-level 1%, buffered with peptides. For when The Ordinary has run its course.
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Common questions
What percentage of retinol should I start with?
Start at 0.2–0.3% for sensitive skin, 0.5% for normal. Move up only after tolerating 2–3 weeks without irritation. Most 1% products are for experienced users.
Can I use retinol and vitamin C together?
Not ideally. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. Using both at once reduces efficacy and increases irritation risk.
How long does retinol take to work?
Visible changes in skin texture at 4–6 weeks. Deeper results (pigmentation, fine lines) at 12–16 weeks. Retinol is a long game.
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