Anyone with an interest in skincare will probably have come across retinol by now. The much-loved ingredient has earned cult status for its ability to improve the look and texture of skin, from smoothing fine lines to promoting a more even complexion. But while there’s plenty to like about retinol, it’s not an ingredient to dive into without knowing how to use it properly.
In fact, the European Commission has capped the concentration of retinol at 0.05 per cent for body lotions, and 0.3 per cent for other leave-on products like face and hand products. The move is intended to reduce the risk of unwanted effects, which can include redness, irritation and purging when retinol isn’t introduced or used carefully.
