Do you use olay retinol 24 serum and moisturizer together

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This post will be reviewing the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24.

I used this serum for the first time last year, and I can’t believe I never reviewed it. It is easily one of the best serums that impressed me in 2021. I’ve never really been a fan of Olay products. Like most Big Pharma brands, I find them shady and not transparent enough. But I recently learned that Big Pharma brands usually have more than enough resources to back and fund their research for products with active ingredients. As such, they can be trustworthy to some extent. They might not give you the most potent Retinol serum, but they will surely provide you with a well-formulated product that works.

This Retinol serum stood out so much that I had to try it, and I’m here to share my thoughts.

First Impressions of the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24

According to Olay;

Wake up to smooth and glowing skin with Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Face Serum. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Serum combines two ultra-potent ingredients: Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) + Retinoid Complex for 24 hours of hydration, as well as a bounty of other benefits.

This night face serum will bring you visible improvements in fine lines & wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots, and pores. Retinol 24 Night Serum absorbs quickly and goes deep into your skin’s surface layers, so you wake up every morning to younger-looking, radiant skin. Retinol 24 serum’s formula is fragrance free and free of dyes. Use Olay Retinol 24 Night Serum daily for 28 days. See true skin appearance transformation.

Pretty bold claims if you ask me.

Ingredient List

Perhaps my favourite thing about this serum is the ingredient list. It is the perfect trifecta of Peptides, Niacinamide and Retinol, which we’re just beginning to see a lot more on the market. Instead of layering different stand-alone products, this serum has combined three key ingredients to treat early signs of fine lines and wrinkles. Pretty clever, if you ask me. It shows that they’re watching and learning the consumer trends.

Did I also mention that it is alcohol, essential oil and fragrance-free? The only thing that could have made this serum even more perfect is if they disclosed the percentage of Retinol used. It could be the lowest dose, between 0.1 – 0.3% for all we know. These percentages take forever to work for those who don’t know because Retinol has to be converted twice before it becomes Retinoic Acid.

So, if you’re in your mid-20s just starting to introduce Retinol into your skincare routine, this is the perfect beginner Retinol serum for you.

Texture & Consistency

My favourite thing about this product is its texture. It has a creamy texture that still manages to be lightweight. I find it quite hydrating and, as such, sinks immediately into the skin on application. This is brilliant because it means all skin types, especially those with oily skin struggling with the greasy formulations on the market, would enjoy this. It’s honestly just so lovely to use. Plus, the pipette dispenses just the exact amount of product you need.

Packaging, Price & Availability

Instead of the typical tiny 30ml bottle, this product is packaged in a 40ml bottle. But it still doesn’t justify the price here in the UK. Given all the affordable options on the market, it is still pricey. But if you’re in the US, you can get it for less than $25, which is honestly not too bad. Especially since you’re combining multiple ingredients rather than buying individual products.

If you want an even more multi-functional product, you can go with the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Moisturizer. Here you’re combining three serums with one moisturizer for the price. Not too shabby if you ask me. Plus, it simplifies your nighttime routine if you don’t have time or energy.

So, I used this extensively before moving to Differin, and I didn’t have any issues whatsoever. I think I can attribute this to the fact that I’m not a beginner at Retinoids, so this was a little too gentle for me. Nonetheless, it was great using a gentle product without any irritation or side effects. The other issue with Retinol is how long it takes to see visible results, so you really have to be patient and consistent with this one.

I typically use it in my nighttime routine on its own supplemented with other hydrating products because of my dry dehydrated skin. Then I finish up with a moisturizer and/or occlusive depending on the weather or the state of my skin.

To summarize my experience, here are some of the pros and cons of the product to give you a general idea;

Pros

• It’s beginner-friendly.
• It’s safe to use daily without any irritations.
• The formulation works across all skin types.
• It is non-greasy and non-sticky.
• It is moderately hydrating and won’t dry out your face.
• You most likely won’t experience the peeling or flakiness that typically comes with using Retinols.

Cons

• The percentage is not disclosed which increases the chances of being a low percentage high.
• It’s too mild for people that have built a tolerance for Retinols over time.

All in all, it is a pretty decent Retinol serum and a great introduction for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Olay Regenerist Retinol 24

• Can you use Olay Retinol 24 every night?
  • Yes, you absolutely can. It is completely safe to use daily.
• Does Olay Retinol 24 cause peeling?
  • No, it doesn’t. It is a mild and gentle night serum that is not strong enough to cause any kind of peeling except your skin is naturally dry and flaky.
• Should I Use Moisturizer After Retinol?
  • Yes, you absolutely should use a moisturizer to keep your skin nourished and prevent dryness.
• Can I use Olay Retinol 24 under the eyes?
  • Yes, you can under eyes. Just dab a little with your ring finger around the contour of your eyes.

Finally,

The Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 is a great beginner-friendly Retinol that is great for all skin types. It is also fragrance-free which makes it worth trying.