Olay Retinol 24 night cream review

What is in it, and how does it feel?

The US mini lists retinol, retinyl propionate, niacinamide, a peptide, glycerin and dimethicone. Olay describes it as a light cream that absorbs quickly without a greasy residue, rather than a thick, rich cream. It is fragrance free and dye free, and Olay lists normal, oily and dry skin as suitable skin types. Those features make it a practical option if you prefer a lighter night moisturizer; sensitive skin still needs caution.5

How long does it take to work?

Olay advertises 24 hour hydration and visible improvements after 28 days of daily use for the US mini. Separate hydration from wrinkle treatment: general retinol guidance puts noticeable skin improvement at several weeks, with wrinkle changes usually taking several months. Dark spots can also take months to lighten. Retinol increases skin cell production and collagen production, which helps explain its use for texture and fine lines.25

How should you use Olay Retinol 24?

1. 1Patch test a small area first. Wait a couple of days before adding the cream to your routine if the area is not very red or itchy.
2. 2At night, wash with a gentle cleanser and pat dry without scrubbing. Waiting 30 minutes after washing can help reduce retinol irritation.
3. 3Apply any other treatments from thinnest to thickest, then the moisturizer. Olay directs users of the US mini to massage the cream evenly over the face and neck, using a nickel sized amount across the face. Keep it away from the eyes, mouth and nose.
4. 4Begin every other night for the first couple of weeks as general retinol guidance, rather than starting with Olay's daily schedule. Increase frequency gradually as tolerated.
5. 5Use a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning.

Who should be careful?

Do not use retinol during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Sensitive or allergy prone skin can find retinol difficult to tolerate, and topical retinoids can worsen eczema through drying. Dryness, burning, itching, redness and peeling are possible side effects. Do not increase frequency while skin is irritated. If you use a prescribed retinoid, follow your prescriber's application plan rather than treating this cream as an automatic extra step. A dermatologist can assess dark spots that concern you or discuss prescription options if cosmetic retinol is not helping.267

What is Olay Retinol 24 Max night cream?

Max is a separate face moisturizer. Olay describes the US version as containing 20% more Retinol 24 Hydrating Complex than the original, which is not the same as saying 20% more pure retinol.1

Choose the original for the lower listed price, or Max if you specifically want Olay's increased complex. The mini has a lower upfront cost but a higher price per ounce, so the smaller jar is not doing charity work.1

What is Olay Retinol 24 Max night eye cream?

It is a separate eye area product, listed in the UK as Retinol24 MAX Night Eye Cream and in the US as Renewing Eyes Retinol 24 MAX Eye Cream. Olay describes the US eye cream as light, silky and quickly absorbed, targeting the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles.14

What is Olay Retinol 24 night eye cream?

The original is another separate eye cream, called Smoothing Eyes Retinol24 Eye Cream in the US. Olay gives it the same light, silky texture description and lists similar appearance goals. Neither eye cream's description is a reason to apply the face moisturizer close to your eyes, where retinoids can irritate.17