Retinol is the latest must-have anti-aging cream, and it comes with a fair share of scientifically proven research and good reviews.
It is derived from vitamin A and increases cell turnover and collagen, improving the appearance of sun damage, fine lines, acne scarring, and skin texture. Retinol also stops the process which causes pigmentation in the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation for a bright and even skin tone.
It’s not just mature skin that these cosmetics are recommended for, catch the early signs of aging by incorporating it into your skincare routine in your late 20s or 30s.
Baebody Retinol Moisturizer is a bestselling moisturizer sold on Amazon.
This cream is said to tighten the skin and minimize the pores. This particular moisturizer stands out due to its high percentage (2.5%) of retinol. This means results will appear quicker but it will not be suited to those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
Made in the USA, the moisturizer is paraben-free, phthalate-free, not tested on animals and safe for all skin types apart from that mentioned earlier. The company also created the super-popular Baebody Eye Gel.
Ingredients
- Retinol: A technical term for Vitamin A, a big active ingredient to battle the signs of anti-aging benefits. It will help diminish fine lines, improve uneven tone, tighten the skin, and protect from environmental damage.
- Aloe Vera: A natural anti-aging ingredient, this will nourish and soften the skin. Aloe Vera also helps increase the production of collagen that fills in fine lines and fights long-term signs of aging.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A natural humectant, it will attract moisture and help the body retain it. This ingredient will help hydrate and rejuvenate the skin.
- Green Tea: A powerful antioxidant, green tea is great for healing sun damage, reducing scars, and treating acne and other irritations.
- Jojoba Oil: An effective skin firmer, it increases its suppleness and will gently reduce fine lines.
- Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that helps fight the causes of free radicals and helps protect the skin from further damage.
- Vitamin B5: Stabilizes the skin barrier so that it retains more moisture.
How Do You Use Baebody Retinol?
I washed my face and patted it dry. I used my fingertips to apply one full pump size of the product to my face, neck, and chest. I used a gentle, circular upward motion, massaging the cream into my face. In the morning I applied it after cleansing and before primer.
In the evenings I used it after applying my nightly Vitamin C serum. I was advised to apply any other skincare, at least 30 minutes after the retinol moisturizer.
I love the packaging of the moisturizer. You push down the top and it comes out, and feels very sterile and convenient, it also means you’re less likely to spill or waste cream. I must admit it took me a little while to work out how to use it, I wasn’t expecting such sleek high-end packaging for such a reasonably priced item. The packaging is very well sealed, meaning those great ingredients will stay more potent for longer.
It felt refreshing and cool when applied on the skin, instantly making the face look smoother. I’ve started skipping primer and just applying this moisturizer, it has a similar smoothing effect. It had a nice light scent that did not linger after application.
At first glance, I didn’t see any miracles, and it felt very similar to other moisturizers I have used.
Because of the high level of retinol in this product, I did perform a patch test with it, it didn’t burn or cause any irritation on the place in my jaw where I applied it. I recommend trying this if you have sensitive skin or haven’t used this ingredient before, it’s a powerful little skincare ingredient that doesn’t work with all skin types.
I used it in the morning and in the evening. I also made sure I used to apply an SPF 30 sunscreen on my face as retinol can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. I only used the moisturizer three times a week, and after some research, I was apprehensive about using it anymore. Because retinol is not an exfoliant, although having some exfoliating properties, I used a chemical exfoliant on the days I didn’t use the beauty cream.
Did It Work?
Yes! Within days I could see my pores minimizing and my face feeling and looking tighter. After 3 to 4 days my skin looked healthier and had an enhanced natural glow, within 10 days I noticed a significant difference in the texture. Dermatologists recommend waiting at least 12 weeks to see a retinoic acid product work effectively on the skin if the effects are this good this quickly I am excited to see how well it will work in the 3 months.
I don’t have a huge amount of wrinkles, just some fine lines around the mouth and eye area, it helped me look more awake in the morning. I really noticed that it helped with my light acne, sped up the healing of old scars, and evened out my skin tone.
I looked like I had just had a facial!
My face looked smoother and I felt like it gave a lifting effect to the neck area. If I could notice an effect, I am sure someone who is more mature will really notice the tightening effect.
I noticed some slight peeling around my eyes, I made sure when using it again to avoid the eye even further. I exfoliated in the shower and it went away quickly. I didn’t find it too drying, but I had relatively oily skin that can handle chemical exfoliates and harsher beauty cosmetics.
I also have an African American friend who tried it out. She had no problems and said it is a fine eye cream for black skin.
What are the Downsides?
Be careful using too many retinol products, overuse of the ingredient can cause dryness and irritation. Some sensitive skins may not be able to tolerate the vitamin A form. Also, be mindful when combining these sorts of moisturizers with acid exfoliators.
I found that, at times, it made my face look a little bit too glowy and luminous, even under a matte base. I may avoid using this in summer, aside from leaving myself open to more sun damage, it made me look sweatier. If you don’t want that glowy look maybe try another cream because this, at the time, was borderline greasy looking.
The most common side effect of retinol products is dryness and irritation. For many people, this will diminish over time but you may need to use an additional heavy-duty moisturizer alongside anything with retinol in it. If you have dry or sensitive skin then it might be a good idea to skip it. There are many other brands and formulas which have a lower percentage of retinol content which may be better suited for your needs.
If you are also someone who has suffered from significant skin damage or is sensitive, you should avoid this product.
It can be very drying, so for those who already suffer from dry skin, use it only once a day or avoid it altogether. Dermatologists recommend if you suffer from dryness to only use this type of product three times a week.
Doctors advise avoiding using retinol when pregnant since excessive vitamin A may cause an increased risk of birth defects in a developing fetus. Consumers who are undergoing skin treatments for medical purposes with any form of vitamin A should consult a dermatologist before using it.
Avoid using this if you have rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis as retinol will make you more vascular, meaning you will end up suffering from more inflammation and the symptoms may worsen. Some clinical trials say it can help the negative effects of skin conditions but it’s not enough to risk serious cases.
Is it Worth It?
It is so well priced and great value for money. I have previously purchased cosmetics that contain active ingredients that are far higher priced and much less effective. At under $20, it lasted me about 2 months, I consider that great value for money.
I really noticed this making a difference in my skin. It made the redness in my cheeks fade and made me look more luminous and less dull. Using this product three times a week, twice a day, made me look and feel like I had been to a professional for a facial.
I noticed the acne scarring I had was fading and my acne was clearing up much quicker.
This face cream is not just an anti-aging beauty product. If you suffer from pigmentation, acne scarring, or redness this product will be worth it. It is also a good one to start using a moisturizer and eye cream in your 20s and early 30s and feels like you need to start using some preventative products in your skincare regime.
So yes, if you’re a fan of retinol or want to start using the ingredients this is a fantastic option for you. Amazing value for money, this is low cost and more effective than most other items on the market, including cosmetics from big high-end skincare brands!
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