Retinol vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Which to Use? or Both? (Differences & Benefits)

• What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A which occurs naturally in your skin. It's one of the most popular skincare ingredients on the market today because formulas with retinol deliver visible results.

• Benefits of Retinol

In skincare, retinol is the gold standard for youth preservation (anti-aging) because it is the only scientifically proven ingredient that effectively stimulates the production of collagen while also being extremely effective against acne. Retinol is the only ingredient that the FDA will legally allow skincare companies in the US to refer to as "anti-aging."

Retinol itself doesn't actually affect the skin directly. Enzymes within the skin must first convert retinol into retinoic acid. It's only when it is converted into retinoic acid that it becomes effective. This isn't an instantaneous process, though. In fact it could take up to 3 to 6 months of daily usage for retinol based products to provide a noticeable difference.

•  What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, and it helps to bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated. It can absorb more than 1,000 times its weight in water.

• Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

As the chief glycosaminoglycan in skin, hyaluronic acid works to keep every aspect of skin stable, safeguarded, and constantly renewed. Hyaluronic acid is also a moisturizer, a type of hygroscopic skin care ingredient that means it draws moisture from the surrounding. Humectants are commonly found in water-based moisturizers, serums, and other leave-on skin care products because they help boost hydration of all skin types, which is especially beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin.

Scientific researches have shown that Hyaluronic Acid helps improve skin hydration and collagen production, fight free radicals, maintain skin elasticity, and even has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to wound healing.

• The Difference Between Retinol And Hyaluronic Acid

Now which one should you use: retinol or hyaluronic acid? It all comes down to what you are wanting to get out of the product. Retinol provides more anti-aging benefits for the skin, so if your main concerns are wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and a loss of firmness and elasticity, retinol is the better choice.

If you are dealing with dehydrated and/or dry skin and simply need hydration and moisture, then hyaluronic acid is your best choice.

• Can You Use Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid Together?

The answer is YES. It's actually very common to have both retinol and hyaluronic acid in the same product or as part of the same skincare regimen.

Retinol boosts collagen production to give you a powerful anti-aging and acne treatment while hyaluronic acid can actually help increase the benefits of retinol and draw moisture to the skin, which helps to hydrate the skin and replenish the skin barrier.

• Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid Picks

| CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

($16.40, up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

This formula with encapsulated retinol and licorice root extract reduces the appearance of post-acne marks and pores. Combined with three essential ceramides to help restore the skins barrier and soothing niacinamide. Skin appears refined, with a healthy appearance.

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| The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

($7.50, up to 14% cashback at LOOKFANTASTIC US)

$7.5 usually won't get you far when it comes to a skincare routine — unless you're dealing with The Ordinary's retinol-infused squalane oil. Formulated with 0.5% retinol as well as a hydrating mix of squalane and jojoba seed oil, this lightweight serum will not only restore and regenerate new, glowing skin but it’ll also plump and firm the skin. 

| Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

($28.99, up to 7% cashback at Olay)

Olay's Regenerist Retinol 24 cream is the brand's #1 best-selling retinol product. This moisturizer is formulated with a combination of Vitamin B3(Niacinamide) and Olay's Retinoid Complex, which includes retinol and retinyl propionate, that deeply penetrates the skin and does way more than assist with wrinkles. It also contains soothing ingredients like glycerin and peptides that help nourish the skin on top of that. And so, you're getting all of the benefits that retinol has to offer without the usual side effects. 

| The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

($7.50, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration. Infusing the follicle with moisture, this formula plumps the skin, smoothing out any fine lines, imperfections or wrinkles to provide long-lasting hydration.

| La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

($29.99, up to 8% cashback at La Roche Posay)

This anti-aging ultra hydrating pure hyaluronic acid face and neck serum leaves skin feeling plump to the touch and helps repair skin by replenishing the natural moisture barrier. This serum combines concentrated pure hyaluronic acid, madecassoside and vitamin B5 for optimal effectiveness while also being suitable for sensitive skin.

| Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

($19.99, up to 4% cashback at Bed Bath and Beyond)

This Neutrogena face cream is a great example of what the brand does best: affordable, effective products that feel expensive. Unique Hyaluronic Gel Matrix – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in skin. This acts as a sponge to absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and the formula leaves skin more supple and smooth. 

In addition to helping to hydrate your skin, incorporating the ingredient into your daily skin-care routine via this gel cream can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by enhancing the skin’s moisture content. This refreshing gel-cream works nicely on all skin types, thanks to its fast-absorbing, oil-free formula. 

• 2-in-1 Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid Products

| Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

($89/30ml, up to 8% cashback at Murad)

Fight the signs of visible aging and give your skin a radiance boost with the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum. The serum is powered by Retinol Tri-Active Technology to create luminous and visibly firmer skin. Added hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps, while minimizing dryness. The formula also contains Swertia Flower Extract to boost cell production to ensure smooth tone and texture. 

| Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

($17.99, up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

Designed for those with skin sensitive to retinol, this gentle facial night cream is formulated with a milder form of retinol in moisturizing cream to reduce irritation and keep the skin hydrated – not flaky.

It also contains hyaluronic acid to help bind essential moisture in your skin to re-plump wrinkles. Tested by dermatologists and clinically proven to visibly reduce the look of both fine lines and deep wrinkles in 12 weeks, RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is oil-free and non-comedogenic.

| Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream

($29.99, up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

This daily facial cream formula contains Accelerated Retinol SA (Neutrogena's fastest retinol formula) and is clinically proven to leave skin feeling smoother and looking younger. Retinol is a powerful ingredient that fights fine lines, dullness, wrinkles and dark spots. Plus, Hyaluronic Acid adds plumping moisture to help hydrate & rejuvenate the look of skin, making it the perfect addition to an at-home skincare routine. While vitamin C helps to brighten skin, and tackle uneven skin tone and discoloration. 

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