At the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab, countless retinol creams have been tested. When a best-selling skincare brand introduces an affordable, "no tradeoffs" retinol collection, it's hard to ignore. It is a well-known fact that regular use of skincare products containing retinol can lead to uncomfortable side effects such as dryness, redness, and irritation, commonly referred to as retinol burns.
Introducing the Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Line
Stepping away from its iconic red jar, Olay entered the retinol market in late 2019 with a reasonably priced collection that included a serum, a night cream, and an eye cream. Since its launch, this trio has captured the attention of influencers and skincare enthusiasts alike. This is a significant achievement, considering that many individuals have a love-hate relationship with retinol; while it is considered a gold-standard skincare ingredient for anti-aging, it can also be irritating to the skin.
Olay's Retinol24 line features products housed in purple glass containers, filled with dermatologist-tested formulas. The entire collection is free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. Additionally, the cardboard packaging for the moisturizer and serum is 100% recyclable.
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer claims to deliver 24-hour hydration while visibly improving fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and pores, in addition to brightening and firming the skin. The brand states that this fragrance- and dye-free product, approved for daily use, is non-greasy and absorbs quickly.
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum promises lasting 24-hour hydration with a non-greasy, quick-absorbing finish. Similar to the night moisturizer, it claims to visibly improve fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and pores, while also smoothing, brightening, and firming the skin. According to the brand, this fragrance- and dye-free serum is approved for everyday use.
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Eye Cream
The Olay Regenerist 24 Night Eye Cream also claims to provide 24-hour hydration with a light, silky feel. Beyond smoothing fine lines, firming, and brightening, Olay states that the cream enhances the eye's glow and evens texture overnight. It also claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. Like its counterparts, it is said to be approved for daily use and is formulated without fragrance and dyes.
How Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Works
To mitigate irritation, the Retinol24 collection incorporates water-capturing glycerin and skin-protecting dimethicone to ensure lasting hydration without a greasy sensation. However, the true stars of the formulation are the retinoid complex and niacinamide - two ingredients that work exceptionally well together.
The Retinoid Complex
In skincare, "retinoid" is a broad term encompassing derivatives of vitamin A. Olay's retinoid complex, composed of retinol and retinyl propionate, works synergistically to accelerate skin cell turnover and slow down the aging process. This combination can firm, smooth, and brighten the skin from within, while also diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Retinol penetrates deep into the skin, where it oxidizes and converts into its active form, retinoic acid. This process yields skincare benefits such as water retention and collagen production.
- Retinyl propionate possesses a larger molecule than retinol, making it gentler on the skin. While it takes longer to show noticeable results, it offers greater stability in return.
Regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-strength, retinoids are notoriously difficult to stabilize; even exposure to light and air can rapidly degrade them. Although this formula is packaged in a jar, the brand asserts that "our formulation expertise and craftsmanship have enabled us to stabilize retinol in a new and novel way," according to Rolanda Wilkerson, Senior Director of Fellow Beauty Care at Procter & Gamble, the parent company of Olay. She further adds, "Extensive stability and quality testing ensured our retinoids are stabilized over time." While Olay did not disclose the concentrations of its active ingredients, liquid formulas generally tend to be more concentrated and are typically housed in airtight dispensers.
Niacinamide
The other key ingredient, niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has a wealth of scientific evidence supporting its skin benefits. This multi-tasking ingredient is now prevalent in numerous formulations, and Olay was the first major skincare brand to highlight its advantages approximately 22 years ago. Niacinamide counteracts the irritation and dryness often associated with retinol by reinforcing and moisturizing the skin barrier. Thanks to its proven anti-inflammatory properties, it is well-tolerated, even at higher doses, by sensitive or eczema-prone skin types. It has been demonstrated that 2% niacinamide can regulate sebum-producing cells and effectively treat acne breakouts, making it highly beneficial for acne-prone skin. Furthermore, by inhibiting enzymes involved in melanin production, niacinamide combats hyperpigmentation, improves skin tone and texture, and minimizes the appearance of pores. Its most impressive quality, however, is its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, which helps to lock in moisture and shield the skin from harsh environmental pollutants.
Does Olay Retinol24 Really Work?
In our testing of night creams, our GH beauty chemists prepared contenders, including the Olay Retinol24 Night Cream, in syringes to assess their moisturizing properties using the Lab’s Corneometer instrument.
Upon thorough vetting of the collection's serum and eye cream claims and studies, the brand's clinical data revealed significant improvements in under-eye wrinkles, crow's feet, and dark spots. Its randomized Lab tests demonstrated significant hydration levels after 6 to 24 hours. Furthermore, women reported noticeable improvement in dark circles after consistently using the eye cream for 28 days.
In the GH Beauty Lab's night creams test, 22 women aged 35 and older participated. They used each night cream daily for four weeks, after which they rated each product on ease of use, performance, and satisfaction. Our state-of-the-art Lab equipment was utilized to evaluate each product for moisturization, firmness, and improvements in the appearance of texture, skin tone, and wrinkles. After analyzing all the data, the Olay Retinol24 moisturizer outperformed all other products in our night creams study, earning its place as the best overall winner.
Lab and Consumer Test Findings:
Anti-aging:
Among the nine night creams tested, it demonstrated the best average visual improvement in wrinkles among the 11 panelists who participated for four weeks. It also increased skin firmness by 27% over four weeks, as measured by the Cutometer device, which assesses skin laxity. "It seemed to work as well as my prescription retinoid," remarked one tester. Another tester shared, "When I woke up each morning, my skin was firmer and smoother." A third tester noted, "If I relax my face after smiling, I can see that fine lines are less noticeable."
Moisturization:
The cream moisturized the skin by 20% over six hours, as determined by Corneometer measurements in a volar forearm clinical study. This laboratory performance was corroborated by 100% of users, who agreed that it made their skin feel moisturized after four weeks of use.
Gentleness:
A remarkable 95% of users agreed that the cream did not cause redness or irritation, ranking it as the best-tolerated among the retinoid creams in the roundup. "In contrast to my prescription retinol cream, which is thick and hard to absorb, this cream was emollient but very light," enthusiastically stated one tester.
Satisfaction:
The product achieved the highest consumer satisfaction score, with over 90% of users indicating their intention to continue using it. "What's not to like?" questioned one tester. "It's unscented and has a light, soothing texture. The cream is absorbed quickly and isn't oily, which is wonderful."
Dr. Sugai Reviews: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24
How Long Does It Take for Olay Retinol24 to Work?
There is no single magic solution in skincare. According to Olay's studies, noticeable changes were observed within 28 days. When using retinol, patience and consistent application are crucial - and, of course, daily sunscreen use. Even small percentages of retinol have been proven effective on the skin, and continued use may be more beneficial in the long run than intermittent application.
Are There Any Side Effects to Olay Retinol24 Products?
During our Lab study, we found all Retinol24 products to be suitable for everyday use, with a minuscule number of consumers reporting minor irritation. Olay's month-long clinical studies indicated that approximately 95% of women experienced no irritation and encountered no issues using either product daily. However, since skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it is recommended to gradually introduce retinol into your routine by using it two to three times a week and monitoring your skin for reactions (especially around the eyes, which are particularly delicate) before increasing frequency.
Exposing your skin to a higher concentration of retinol may create a lag time where new skin cells surface before they are fully ready, which can lead to irritation and discoloration. The brand advises against using all three products in a single regimen, particularly if you are new to retinol, to avoid premature exposure of new skin to the surface and subsequent irritation. It is best to start simply with either the moisturizer or the serum.
Our studies indicate that nightly use of the Retinol24 moisturizer can be incorporated into a routine with no or minimal adverse effects. Retinol beginners should start by using it 2 to 3 times a week and gradually increase application to 4 to 7 nights a week. It is important to remember that the absence of side effects does not mean the retinol is not working. However, if an adverse reaction to retinol occurs, it is essential to give your skin a break to recover, but not to abandon the ingredient entirely.
Whether or not you are using retinol, sunscreen is a must. There should be absolutely no compromise on sunscreen use if you are on a retinol regimen. Retinol increases the skin's photosensitivity, making it more vulnerable to sunburns, which contribute to premature aging and hyperpigmentation - key factors in skin cancer development.
How Much Do Olay Retinol24 Products Cost?
Olay's Retinol24 products start at $29.99 on olay.com. The moisturizer is also available in a twin pack with a peptide cleanser for $28.99 and a trial size for $11.99. Olay products can be purchased at major drugstores and online retailers, such as CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are just beginning your journey with retinoids or seeking an effective, straightforward product that will visibly improve your skin without breaking the bank, the Olay Regenerist Retinol24 line is an excellent choice.
A few weeks ago on Instagram, I shared my intention to try out the latest product line from Olay: the Retinol24 moisturizer, serum, and eye cream. Before diving into the products and my personal experience, I wanted to elaborate on my motivation for doing so. Skincare has genuinely become a passion and obsession of mine over the past couple of years, and I relish every opportunity to research and share new products with you all. Skincare is inherently unique to individual needs, concerns, priorities, and budgets. That's why I strive to conduct thorough research and present options that I genuinely believe will be effective, allowing you to personalize your routine accordingly.
While retinol is one of the most essential skincare ingredients, it can also be one of the most challenging to navigate. Questions like "How much should I use?", "Will it irritate my skin?", and "When should I apply it?" are common. Retinol is vital because it can significantly improve skin texture and pigmentation, while also delivering remarkable anti-aging effects. Retinol stimulates collagen production, leading to a smoother, more even complexion. By evening out pigmentation, retinol is exceptional for clearing acne scars or any uneven skin tone. It also significantly brightens the skin and can help prevent breakouts by keeping pores clear. It is truly one of those ingredients that is powerful and essential for any skincare routine, regardless of specific concerns.
Retinol can seem a bit intimidating due to its reputation for causing irritation, particularly during the initial uses. Therefore, when I heard that the Olay Regenerist Retinol24 products caused virtually no irritation, I was extremely intrigued to experience it firsthand. As mentioned earlier, I began using the Olay Regenerist Retinol24 products several weeks ago. My experience with trying new skincare products has taught me that it typically takes 4-6 weeks of consistent use to observe results. So, for any skincare novices out there, it is best to allow a product a month or two before you can truly ascertain its effectiveness. That being said, I can honestly attest that I noticed results from these Olay products after just a single use. It was remarkable, and the results only improved over time. Since these products are not necessarily designed to be used as a complete regimen, it made it easier for me to incorporate them into my current routine or swap them out as needed. I understand that the order of product application can be confusing, so hopefully, this provides some clarity!
Personally, I observed that my skin's texture became smoother and brighter overall. While I don't typically struggle with numerous breakouts, my skin's texture remains a significant concern. I appreciate that these products helped me feel more confident without makeup because my skin appeared so much more even! Hands down, the moisturizer was my favorite product among them all. With the dropping temperatures, my skin has been extremely thirsty and dry. This moisturizer provided all the extra hydration my skin needed, while also imparting a subtle glow. I also appreciate that the moisturizer, along with the other Retinol24 products, is fragrance-free. The night eye cream and serum are also amazing, and I would certainly recommend them as well. As you are likely aware, the skin around the eyes is much more sensitive and delicate. I love that this eye cream (even with retinol) was safe to use around my eyes nightly. It addresses concerns ranging from wrinkles to dark circles, aiming to give your eyes a more youthful appearance overall. It’s truly amazing!
The night serum refines pores while simultaneously brightening the skin tone. Not only was I genuinely impressed by the speed at which I saw an improvement in my skin's texture, but I was also extremely pleased that not a single one of these products caused redness or irritation. My skin is highly sensitive, and I have used numerous retinols in the past that left my skin extremely unhappy and dried out. With Olay's unique formula and the addition of a B3 ingredient, the retinol is able to be effective without your skin experiencing any of those negative side effects. In addition to delivering quick results, I feel there are many other reasons why I would recommend these products to you. Firstly, the price point is exceptionally reasonable, which is rare for skincare in general, and especially rare for retinol. I always appreciate finding budget-friendly skincare that actually works (it's basically a unicorn!). Secondly, I love that these products are fragrance-free and perform well on a variety of skin types. I typically avoid fragrances in skincare as they can trigger a lot of irritation, allergies, and other sensitivities. Essentially, they are unnecessary and can cause problems for your skin.
I hope today's post has been helpful in your search for the perfect skincare products, while also enhancing your understanding of the importance of retinol in your routine. If you have tried any of these products, please share your experience in the comments!
Retinol and I have a complex relationship. I seek it out in many products, but I am incredibly discerning about which ones are allowed to touch my face. So, when I first encountered the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Moisturizer, I was admittedly uncertain if it would meet my standards. (Spoiler alert: It absolutely does.) My hesitation stems from numerous past experiences with formulations that did not suit my skin type. I typically know within the first week if a product isn't right for me because I'll wake up to skin that is slightly red (in mild cases) or peeling and flaking all over my pillowcase (in more severe instances). Even in their gentler forms, I've found that retinol serums and creams are not to be taken lightly; you might achieve the coveted effects you desire, or you could end up with an unwelcome reaction instead.
Dermatologists recommend this vitamin A derivative for a range of concerns, from treating acne to stimulating collagen production. It is proven to accelerate the turnover rate of skin cells, contributing to a noticeably smoother and more luminous complexion. And since it is a much gentler version of prescription Retin-A (also known as tretinoin or retinoic acid), you are far less likely to experience retinol burn or irritation. (Although, as I mentioned, it still happens to me sometimes.) While retinol is one of the few ingredients I fully believe is worth splurging on, Olay's offering is one of the first drugstore versions I genuinely love. To put it into perspective, most of the products I've recommended in the past cost triple the price. That said, this formula is equally effective.
To create an ultra-gentle retinoid complex that still delivers results, the brand combined retinol with retinyl propionate-the latter being a retinol ester that is less potent but also less irritating. Olay also incorporated two of my favorite soothing and hydrating ingredients: niacinamide and peptides. The result is an overnight moisturizer that received a Beauty Award in our drugstore skincare category. (According to judge Yana Sheptovetskaya, the influencer and photographer behind Gel Cream: "My friend brought this to my attention. She had acne scarring on her back and was using it as a body cream-unconventional, but it helped her. It's lightweight, not greasy, and fragrance-free.")
While I haven't tried using this on my body, it's already working plenty of magic on my face-a true accomplishment given how chaotic my skin has been during quarantine. Like all retinols, this should always be applied at night and followed with ample sunscreen during the day to prevent over-sensitizing your complexion. After patting on my evening essences and serums, I unscrew the purple pot and scoop out a dollop of cream. It has a silky whipped texture that feels thick yet airy. When applied, it absorbs much more quickly than I typically expect from hydrating formulas. Yet, it effectively seals everything in, leaving my face feeling instantly plumper and smoother. The more pronounced retinol effect you desire, the closer you should apply this to your skin-without other layers of product in between. On the small patches of my face where I'm trying to fade hyperpigmentation or acne marks, I'll apply this without anything underneath.
The "24" in "Retinol 24" signifies its purported 24-hour hydration. I wouldn't go that far, primarily because I wash my face twice every 24-hour cycle. However, I do commend Olay for incorporating enough hydration to banish dry patches by morning. As for the dreaded side effects, I'm happy to report that I've used this on a daily basis without the slightest trace of irritation. The brightening and evening effects of retinol take a little longer to manifest, but persistence is key, and you should begin to notice a difference after a couple of weeks-without a single flake in sight.