What is the difference between olay regenerist and retinol 24

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

You’re constantly test-driving the latest products popping up in your feed: from a sci-fi like magnet mask to countless sheet masks, jelly cleansers and more. Sure, they’re Insta-worthy, but there’s actually one ingredient that should definitely be in your routine to deliver major results—like undetectable pores, baby soft skin, and more.

Read on to find out exactly how the newest retinol-based products can help make major changes to your skin—think brighter, clearer, smoother—and the truth behind common myths about this tried-and-true beauty ingredient.

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Yulia Gorbachenko

Definition: The over-the-counter version that works by being converted by retinoid receptors in your skin cells (for real—they naturally exist) to retinoic acid, making it gentler for all skin type but still super effective.

Definition: The prescription-strength version that your dermatologist has to write an Rx for. And because it's already straight-up retinoic acid, it can irritate your skin.

3 Super Common Retinol Myths You Need to Stop Believing

One of the major reasons why retinol is left out of everyone’s hella-good skin equation is that it gets a bad rap. Here, we set the record straight, so you won’t miss out on amazing skin one second longer.

Retinol will make my skin go crazy.

Although retinoic acid, the prescription-strength version (which you may know as Retin-A or Tretinoin), can cause redness and flaking, the latest over-the-counter retinol formulas, like Olay Regenerist Retinol 24, are super gentle and can be used every day. Here’s how they pulled this off.

Retinol has to be converted to retinoic acid once it gets in your skin. This process softens the blow to even the most sensitive skin and takes away potential for irritation, explains Claire Chang, a dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. Another sensitive skin gamechanger: retinol in a hydrating formula. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Moisturizer Fragrance-Free and Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Face Serum Fragrance-Free have a combo of retinol and retinyl-propionate inside micro-droplets of oil in a water emulsion.

Science-backed brands like Olay are also using super-gentle versions of OTC retinol that are more likely to enter skin instead of sitting on the surface and doing nothing, plus formulated with do-skin-good ingredients in an all-in-one.

The entire Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 line including Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Moisturizer Fragrance-Free, Olay Retinol 24 Night Face Serum Fragrance-Free and Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream Fragrance-Free, uses both retinol and retinyl-propionate paired with skin-soothing vitamin B3 and hydrating glycerin. What's more commonly used in other formulas: retinol-palmitate, a large molecule that doesn’t always get deep into skin.

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Retinol is only for wrinkles.

Okay, this is partially true since, yes: it does minimize lines, says New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. “Retinol is perhaps the best studied ingredient to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” And if you think wrinkles are so 20 years from now, know this: “By the age of 30, collagen production significantly declines,” says Zeichner.

Yulia Gorbachenko

But that’s only one amazing skin benefit retinol has to offer. It also helps with pores. “Since collagen supports the structure of the pores, if your skin's collagen fibers are weak or damaged, pores will dilate and look more prominent,” notes Zeichner.

Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Serum Fragrance-Free

Olay olay.com

So, by stimulating collagen, retinol can help improve the appearance of pores, too. (Translation: the days of obsessively trying to make pores disappear with layers of makeup will be over. See? Skin dreams do come true.)

Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Moisturizer Fragrance-Free

Olay olay.com

And you don't have to compromise by not using the type of products or textures you love to get these results. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 formulations let you choose between a serum (so you can still use your go-to nighttime moisturizer such as Olay Regenerist Whip Fragrance-Free on top) or a light, fast-absorbing moisturizer if you prefer your retinol and hydration all-in-one.

Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream

Olay olay.com

Then add smoother, softer, brighter skin to the list. Retinol removes older skin cells clinging to the surface so healthy, brand spanking new ones can take their place. What you see in the mirror is naturally glowing skin that needs less highlighter piled on along with fewer clogged pores and breakouts, so less foundation and concealer, too. Instead of reaching for anti-acne spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, retinol can help keep skin clear more gently and has so many other benefits, explains Sejal Shah, a dermatologist at Smarter Skin Dermatology in NYC.

And remember this: the skin around your eyes also need some retinol love. “Skin there is thinner than the rest of your face and has less collagen so it’s the first place lines show up,” says Chang. Along with collagen-boosting retinol, Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream Fragrance-Free is hydrating and absorbs quickly.

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

It takes forever to see results.

If by forever, do you mean around a month? Here’s the thing: That’s how you know it’s working skin deep for permanent, long-term results.

“Any skincare product that contains active ingredients that is going to make real changes in your skin is not going to always give you instantaneous results—you have to stick with it,” explains Shah. Here’s why: the average skincare cycle is around four weeks. That’s the amount of time it takes for new skin cells to get to the surface and for active ingredients to have an effect. Once inside skin cells, retinoic acid begins a cascade of gorgeous, healthy skin mandates: “Make more collagen! Exfoliate on time! Get glowing!”.

Like with all things that do your body and skin good (green juices, squats, and SPF), it’s a forever commitment. “Most studies with retinol show that with consistent use you’ll see results in four weeks but even more up to 12,” says Chang. The bottom line: stick to your retinol regimen and the beauty gifts just keep on coming.

This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Yulia Gorbachenko

Fashion Credits: On Savannah—Olivia and Halle nightie; Eye M by Iliana Makri earrings; Sarah and Chloe ring.

Can I use Olay Regenerist and retinol 24 together?

What does Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 do?

What is the difference between Olay retinol 24 Max and Olay retinol 24?

Which Olay product has the most retinol?