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SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol 0.25.

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol 0.25
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Retinoids
About this product

A retinol treatment for visible signs of skin aging, available in three strengths: 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1%.

More from SkinMedica 5 products · Guru Score 88% →

Guru Score

82%

Yay

3 experts · Moderate agreement

What the gurus are saying

Clinical trial data in a dermatology journal shows this retinol penetrates skin, activates retinoid markers, and visibly improves aging signs. The study was small, tested only Caucasian skin types, and was brand-funded, so worth noting those limits. It may not be less irritating than tretinoin (dryness and peeling matched tretinoin's, though redness was slightly lower), and costs around eighty dollars.
Synthesized from 3 expert reviews · most recent take December 2022

What they liked

  • Efficacy comparable to tretinoin
  • Fragrance-free
  • Pump delivery

What they flagged

  • Dryness and peeling like tretinoin
  • Study limited to Caucasian skin

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What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

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✓Yay
"In my practice I actually sell Skin Medica. We have this at 0.3, 0.5, and 1 percent. It comes in an opaque tube, it comes in a pump, it is scentless, and very, very elegant in formulation."
✓Yay
"But now that we have this paper showing it gets into the skin, activates the markers of retinoid activity, and shows clinical improvement in the visible signs of photo aging, I can actually recommend this product as a retinol. [...] I feel pretty confident that if you chose it you would at least be getting the benefits of a retinol, [...] although it's got its limitations, since this was a very small study that only enrolled Caucasian skin types and didn't control for the vehicle."
✓Yay
"Another retinol product that I really enjoy is the SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol. [...] If you're a beginner, I would start with their 0.25%. This retinol is more of a lotion texture, so it can kind of hit that sweet spot between a serum and the heavier cream. I think that this is probably one of the most recommended products that has a retinol in it that my patients have given to me."
All 2 takes from Dr. Sam Ellis
Dermatologist Explains Retinols for Beginners with Affordable Drugstore Options! | Dr. Sam Ellis
"Another retinol product that I really enjoy is the SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol. [...] If you're a beginner, I would start with their 0.25%. This retinol is more of a lotion texture, so it can kind of hit that sweet spot between a serum and the heavier cream. I think that this is probably one of the most recommended products that has a retinol in it that my patients have given to me."
Best Anti-Aging Skincare Ingredients to Add to Your Skincare Routine (Wrinkles, Dark Spots, & More)
"For over-the-counter retinoids I really like the SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex. This actually comes in a variety of strengths so you can start with a lower potency form of retinol and work your way up as your skin tolerates it, so that's a gentler way to introduce your skin to this powerhouse anti-aging ingredient."

Frequently asked.

What is SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol 0.25?

A retinol treatment for visible signs of skin aging, available in three strengths: 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1%.

Is SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol 0.25 worth it?

Yes. All 3 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 82%.

What is SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol 0.25's Guru Score?

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol 0.25 holds a Guru Score of 82%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 3 expert reviewers we have collected.

Who is SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol 0.25 best for?

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol 0.25 is generally suited to mature skin.

Cheaper alternatives the gurus rate.

Lower-priced retinoids the gurus still rate highly, versus this luxury pick.

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