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Retinol Strengths Compared

A 3.5% retinoid complex is not 3.5% retinol. Lower retinol concentration is not a guarantee of tolerance, and a higher number is not automatically a better choice.

By Nora Ellison · Updated

Choose by form before percentage

Compare stated retinol percentages separately from retinoid-complex claims. These 4 records have stated concentrations; undisclosed values are unknown, not zero. We do not measure potency, stability, absorption or individual tolerance.

Read the practical guide · Filter exact forms and percentages · Compare purpose-based alternatives.

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Retinol

0.1% Retinol — Manufacturer-stated named active; percentage basis not independently measured.

0.3% Retinol — Manufacturer-stated named active; percentage basis not independently measured.

0.5% Retinol — Manufacturer-stated named active; percentage basis not independently measured.

Retinoid Complex

3.5% Retinoid Complex — Blend / complex, not an individual active percentage.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum

Retinoid Complex 3.5%

Scent ingredients flagged.

Recorded considerations: Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Aniba Rosodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Cupressus Sempervirens Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Abies Sibirica Oil, Linalool.

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How claims are selected and what they cannot tell you.