Retinol has become one of the most popular ingredients in skincare in recent years. It’s known for its anti-aging properties and it can help to unclog pores that lead to acne. Consumers who are looking to add retinol to their skincare routine can also benefit from improved skin tone and a reduction in hyperpigmentation.
Keep reading to explore which retinol products are the most popular and discover how to select the right options for your buyers in 2025.
Table of Contents
Global market value of retinol
Popular types of retinol skincare products
Retinol serum
Retinol cream
Retinol eye cream
Conclusion
Global market value of retinol
There is now an extensive selection of advanced skincare products that contain retinol as their main component. Retinol can help to address a range of skin concerns such as wrinkles, visible signs of aging, and skin pigmentation but in advanced cases expert advice is necessary before using new products. New innovations in the skincare industry have also introduced time-release retinol which can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Currently, North America is the driving force behind retinol sales.
At the start of 2024, the global market value of retinol beauty products reached USD 0.89 billion. This number is expected to rise by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.06% between 2024 and 2029. This will bring the total market value up to approximately USD 1.27 at the end of this period. An increase in disposable incomes as well as a growing demand for luxury skincare products is helping the market to expand.
Popular types of retinol skincare products
The use of retinol in skincare products has only grown in popularity over the past several years. There are numerous skincare routines that include retinol, which is known to help with anti-aging and lessening the appearance of crow’s feet. With all of the products now available in stores and online, buyers have a lot of options available to them and it can be difficult to know what the best options are.
According to Google Ads, “retinol skincare” has an average monthly search volume of 14,800. The most searches appear in February and March when searches reach approximately 18,100. Searches appear to decrease to around 9900 per month between September and November.
Google Ads also reveals that the most searched for types of retinol skincare products are “retinol serum” with 368,000 searches followed by “retinol cream” with 301,000 searches and “retinol eye cream” with 60,500 searches per month. Keep reading to find out more about each of these retinol skincare products.
Retinol serum
Retinol is a powerful derivative of vitamin A, and it’s a very popular component of anti-aging products. Retinoic acid is the active ingredient in retinols, and it’s responsible for increasing cell turnover which helps promote healthy skin. Retinol serums in particular are among the most popular types of retinol skincare products.
These serums are available in different strengths for all skin types and usually include hydrating ingredients with them to minimize the chance of irritation. They stimulate the production of collagen, promote radiant skin, and improve age spots and skin elasticity. Using a facial serum can also help with uneven skin tone and protect from UV rays, though some may need a prescription from a dermatologist due to their concentration levels.
The daily use of retinol serums should be done with care though, and first-time users need to start with a lower concentration so the skin can adapt. Serums can be used with different skincare goals in mind, and there are distinct differences between them that need to be considered.
Retinol cream
People who use retinol cream often have dry skin or sensitive skin so they require additional hydration. Compared to serums, creams add a layer of moisture while at the same time delivering the benefits of retinol. They’re mostly used at night due to the thicker texture which needs to be absorbed for a longer period of time.
Retinol creams generally include hydrating ingredients such as peptides or ceramides which both help to repair the skin barrier. These everyday use creams are an effective but gentle choice for improving skin texture and helping to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles that occur with signs of aging.
Although retinol creams aren’t as concentrated as serums, they’re a versatile choice for any retinol skincare routine. They’re some of the best retinol products for beginners due to their hydrating properties that help to create a youthful appearance and the delicate nature of the creams.
Retinol eye cream
Fine lines and wrinkles often occur around the eyes, which is why retinol eye cream is a very popular choice among anti-aging skincare products. These eye creams are formulated to specifically target the delicate skin found around the eyes where crow’s feet and other eye wrinkles can be found. Since these creams are meant for the eye area, they use a milder concentration of retinol to prevent irritation and are often enhanced with hydrating ingredients like shea butter or hyaluronic acid.
Retinol eye creams aren’t just for fine lines and wrinkles though. They’re also known for helping to reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness by stimulating cell turnover. The eye creams are thinner and absorber quicker than regular retinol face cream so no greasy residue will be leftover. This makes these creams great for both day and night use, which isn’t something that can be said for other retinol skincare products.
Conclusion
When choosing the right retinol skincare products, consumers will want to take into account anti-aging benefits, their skin type, and their past skin care routine for the best results. Some retinol products are highly concentrated and can initially cause a high level of skin irritation, especially for people who have sensitive skin. A lot of people will need to start off with a low concentration of retinol in their products and progressively increase the dosage as the skin gets used to it.
The use of retinol in skin care products is set to increase in the coming years as consumers look for products that will help achieve youthful-looking skin and promote the regeneration of dead skin cells with different types of retinoids. Products that focus on the eye area in particular will be the most sought after and avoiding animal testing is a must.
