What actually changes?

DetailOriginal Retinol 24Retinol 24 MAX
Canadian rangeIncludes a night moisturizer, night serum and eye cream.Also includes a night moisturizer, night serum and eye cream.
Canadian formula descriptionUses Olay's Vitamin B3 and Retinoid Complex blend.The moisturizer claims 20% more Retinol 24 Hydrating Complex than base Retinol 24.
UK strength claimThe base range is separate from MAX.The MAX collection claims Olay's maximum concentration of retinol yet, without stating a percentage.
UK hydration claimThe Retinol 24 serum is the named comparison.The MAX night cream claims 40% more hydrating ingredients, specifically glycerin, versus that serum.
TextureThe Canadian original serum is described as lightweight.The Canadian MAX cream is described as rich and creamy; the MAX serum is lightweight.
PriceA matching original moisturizer price is not listed.The US MAX night moisturizer is listed at $46.65; a price premium cannot be calculated.
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Compare the same product type in the same country, because MAX is a name, not an international measuring system. A serum and a cream are different formats, and the UK cream's 40% claim compares it with a serum rather than the original night cream.5

Does MAX contain more retinol?

For the US and Canadian moisturizers, read "20% more Retinol 24 Hydrating Complex" literally: it refers to the named complex, not a disclosed increase in pure retinol. Both MAX ingredient lists include retinol, retinyl propionate and niacinamide, also called vitamin B3. Neither lists a retinol percentage. The UK collection makes a stronger retinol claim, but still does not give a numerical concentration. Do not treat 20% or 40% as the cream's retinol strength.1236

Which one should you choose?

Choose MAX if the extra hydration is the feature you want: Olay positions the US moisturizer for dry skin, and the UK MAX range emphasizes combating dryness. Choose the original if you want the base Vitamin B3 and Retinoid Complex formula without making extra hydration the deciding feature. Both ranges target smoother, brighter skin and visible signs of ageing; MAX is not a completely different category of treatment.134

The Canadian MAX cream is described as rich, quick to absorb and not greasy, so the intended finish is skincare rather than a pillow coating. If you prefer a lightweight format for layering, the Canadian range includes serums in both versions. Match the format to your routine before deciding whether to upgrade.24

How do you use the MAX night moisturizer?

  1. 1Cleanse to remove dirt, oil and makeup.
  2. 2Massage the moisturizer over your face and neck until absorbed. The Canadian directions specify applying it evenly.
  3. 3Use it at night. Olay's US directions specify nightly use for best results.
  4. 4Apply sunscreen the following morning. The Canadian directions also specify daytime SPF.
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How long does MAX take to work?

Olay describes the UK MAX night cream as making skin feel smoother after one night, with visible reductions in fine lines and wrinkles over time. For the US MAX moisturizer, Olay gives 28 days of consistent use as its results timeframe and claims 24 hours of hydration. An overnight change in how skin feels is different from a visible change in wrinkles, so use the longer timeframe when judging those results.156

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Retinol 24 MAX Night Moisturizer | Anti-Aging | Olayolay.com
  2. 2Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 MAX Night Face Moisturizer, 50 mLolay.ca
  3. 3Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Max Collectionolay.co.uk
  4. 4Retinololay.ca
  5. 5Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 MAX Facial Night Creamolay.co.uk
  6. 6Retinol 24 MAX Night Moisturizer | Anti-Aging | Olayolay.com