A dermatologist has shared her top choices for the best budget anti-again creams you can get on the market that won’t break the bank. Dr Aamna Adel, a consultant dermatologist based in London, regularly shares advice and recommendations for skincare products on social media.
In a video on TikTok Dr Adel listed the best budget retinol creams worth trying for 'softer and plumper skin'. On Adel's list is COSRX’s Retinol 0.1 Cream.
Dr Adel said: "If you are a complete retinol virgin, or if you're someone who has super sensitive skin, this one is for you. This is pure retinol so even though it is a small dose, it is going to deliver and it is going to give you the results you are looking for.
“It's also paired with Vitamin E and Panthenol which are super hydrating and are going to keep your skin barrier in tact. And honestly, for £30 you can't go wrong."
The COSRX Retinol 0.1 Cream 20ml is available at Sephora UK for £29.99. It targets the first signs of ageing, as well as ‘just emerging’ creases and wrinkles.
Its ingredients are said to help the appearance of fine lines, increase the skin’s elasticity and plumpness. As well as smoothing out skin texture and helps prevent acne.
Shoppers have frequently purchased the COSRX Retinol 0.1 Cream 20ml alongside the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence 100ml (was £27.99, now £20.49). And the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream 100ml (was £30.99, now £24.79).
On Sephora, commenting on COSRX's Retinol 0.1 Cream 20ml, one shopper said: “Gentle and beginner friendly. It’s also very moisturising. It didn’t cause any purging or irritation. Loving it so far abs it’s made a massive difference’s to my hyperpigmentation and pores. Skin is a bit smoother too!”
It’s also a highly rated product on Amazon, boasting of 4.2 stars out of five star. The cream is currently on offer in the retailer’s Premium Beauty Week sale, now priced at £13.99.
Amazon’s sale runs until Monday, April 22. One customer said: “Nice and gentle. After I had a bit of a nightmare last year with The Ordinary 5% retinol wreaking havoc on my skin barrier, I was nervous to try any retinoid again. But this product has been just what I needed for my reintroduction to retinol.”
Lisa said: “Brilliant item! I bought more. I use before bed in the evening on my whole face, little is more! I started at 3 times a week as I over did it a little, and it caused break outs which I don’t ever get. Eased myself in to it and keep to 3-4 times a week.
"Non greasy, my skin feels plump and soft. I’ve noticed it’s helped with fine lines on my forehead and eye area. Definitely recommend and I’ve sensitive skin and psoriasis skin, and this hasn’t aggravated in the slightest. Using for 6 weeks roughly.”
However, Saff commented: “I have sensitive skin and this doesn’t sting also haven’t had any bad reaction to it like I do with some products. Haven’t used for long still waiting for results although my skin does look more radiant and healthy. The tube doesn’t come full though.”
You can also find the COSRX Retinol 0.1 Cream 20ml at LookFantastic for £29.99, Beauty Bay (£30), Boots (£29.99), and ASOS (£29.99). Alternatively, Boots’ best selling retinol cream is the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Moisturiser With Retinol & Vitamin B3 50ml, which is priced at £38. Or if you have a Boots Advantage Card, you can get the moisturiser for £22.
The Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Moisturiser With Retinol & Vitamin B3 50ml has an average 4.6 out of five star rating from 2,598 reviews. 78 per cent of reviewers said they would recommend this product.
Wendy said: “Been using the retinol 24 night cream over 2years. Finding the right night cream for sensitive skin this works good, Lovely on skin feels refreshed in a morning wouldn’t use anything else.”
Or if you’re looking for added SPF, Boots also sells the No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Day Cream SPF15 50ml for £24.95. Other retinol creams and moisturisers include the FaceTheory Regena-C Moisturiser M4 (was £19, now £15.20) from FaceTheory, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 30ml (£49) at Space NK, and Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Night Cream 50ml (£100).
