What are the best skincare products with Granactive Retinoid?
In the past couple of years, this new form of retinoid (Vitamin A) got under the spotlight for its anti-aging superpowers. Fans say it gives you the same benefits as retinol without the side effects.
Me? I wouldn’t go that far. So far, all the studies that prove its wrinkle-fighting abilities come from the manufacturer. Call me sceptical, but I need more proof than that.
Having said that, I wouldn’t dismiss Granactive Retinoid like that. If you’re new to retinoids or have skin so sensitive it can’t tolerate retinol, Granactive Retinoid can be a good alternative.
If you’re a bit further ahead on your retinoid journey and can easily tolerate retinol, why not go for products that have both forms of vitamin A? I do it all the time.
Here are the best skincare products with Granactive Retinoid to get you started:
P.S. Granactive Retinoid is the nickname for hydroxypinacolone retinoate. Because, who the heck can remember that?!
- Best Granactive Retinoid Serum For Beginners: Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum ($32.99)
- Best Granactive Retinoid Serum For Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane (£11.90)
- Best Granactive Retinoid Serum On A Budget: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (£8.00)
- Best Natural Granactive Retinoid Oil: Pestle & Mortar Superstar Night Oil (£68.00)
- Best Granactive Retinoid Cream For Antiaging: Indeed Labs Retinol Reface (£19.90)
Best Granactive Retinoid Serum For Beginners: Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum ($32.99)
No matter what form of retinoids you’re using, I’m a big believer in starting with a small concentration and working your way up slowly. Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum is the perfect place to start your retinoid journey. It only has a few drops of hydroxypinacolone retinoate – just enough to work its magic but not enough to irritate your skin. Plus, the serum is loaded with moisture-magnets like hyaluronic acid that deliver a big dose of water into your skin and phytoceramides and natural oils to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier’s against irritants. Hello, smooth, soft skin!
Available at: Free People and Ulta
Related: Are They Dupes? Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum VS The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Best Granactive Retinoid Serum For Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane (£11.90)
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane keeps it simple. It only has 7 ingredients, including granactive retinoid and Squalane. That’s good because every ingredient you add to a skincare product has the potential to cause another flareup in sensitive skin. Granactive retinoid keeps wrinkles at bay while Squalane provides a moisturising base that keeps skin soft and smooth. If retinoid serums – or anything else for that matter – makes your skin throw a tantrum, give this one a go. Seriously, if you can’t tolerate this, retinoids are NOT for you.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty and Feel Unique
Related: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% In Squalane Full Review
Best Granactive Retinoid Serum On A Budget: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion (£8.00)
Hydroxypinacolone retinoate doesn’t play solo here. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion also has microencapsulated retinol, making it more powerful (and harsher) than the serums above. If you’re ready to upgrade, this is a great – but basic – option to consider. The two forms of retinol smoothen out wrinkles. Bisabobol and Tasmanian pepperberry soothe skin, making retinol more tolerable. Glycerin and a coconut oil derivative moisturise skin, counteracting any dryness from the retinol. What’s missing? The oily base of the other The Ordinary retinoid products. If you can’t stand that, you’ll love this emulsion.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Feel Unique and Sephora
Related: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Full Review
Best Natural Granactive Retinoid Oil: Pestle & Mortar Superstar Night Oil (£68.00)
If you prefer to use all natural skincare products, get your hands on Pestle & Mortar Superstar Night Oil. This baby uses two forms of retinoids – retinol and hydroxypinacolone retinoate – to smoothen out wrinkles and brighten the complexion. The rest of the formula is made up of a bunch of natural oils with moisturizing and antioxidant properties: they counteract the drying side effects of retinoid and help it fight off the free radicals that give you wrinkles. The best part? Pestle & Mortar has stayed away from citrus, lavender, sandalwood and all those fragrant oils that can irritate sensitive skin. Bravo!
Available at: Feel Unique and Harvey Nichols
Related: 7 Natural Ingredients That Can Irritate Skin
Best Granactive Retinoid Cream For Antiaging: Indeed Labs Retinol Reface (£19.90)
Indeed Labs Retinol Reface is one of the most powerful retinoid products I’ve ever tried. Powerful in skincare means MORE effective – but also potentially MORE irritating. You’ve guessed, this isn’t for newbies. You have to work your way up the retinol scale before you’re able to use this one. But it’s worth it. It has 3 forms of retinoids: hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol and Palmitoyl oligopeptide, a retinol-like peptide that boosts collagen production. They’re nestled into a silicone base that helps the product glide smoothly on your face. The only con? It has no soothing agents to counteract the irritation and dryness from retinol. That’s why you need to be a pro to use it.
Available at: Asos
Related: Are They Dupes?: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion VS Indeed Labs Retinol Reface
Hello, Can I use retinol in the evening during springs and summer months? The skin isnt’t il more fragile and less resistant under the sun ? Thanks for your advice.
Pomeline, yes you can use it in spring and summer. It’s true it makes skin more photosensitive, but you can counteract that by wearing sunscreen every morning.