Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Review: Does this OTC Retinol Really Work?

This post is sponsored by Olay. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for your support. 

Let’s talk retinoids. We KNOW retinoids are proven to be the anti-aging superhero. But are you using them in your skincare routine?

Like many, I’ve had an off and on relationship with retinoids. So as a long-time user of Olay products, I jumped at the chance to review the Olay Regenerist Retinol24 collection for 30 days. 

The Quick DL on Retinoids

Retinoids, the collective term for retinol, is the best skincare ingredient you can find to combat the signs of aging.

It’s been proven to improve fine lines, skin texture, appearance and tone. But, it can also be harsh and irritating. This can makes it especially hard to find a good retinol if you have sensitive skin like me! 

In fact, most dermatologists recommend dipping your toes into retinol use by starting every few days and “working your way up” to daily or every other day use. Ouch.

Frankly, that’s intimidating! Which is why it’s so important to find the right one. And why many people end up having an off and on relationship with retinol products. 

30 Days with Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Review

The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 line consists of three products I tried; the Retinol24 eye cream, the Retinol24 serum and a fragrance-free night cream that’s quite heavenly. 

The products are gentle enough to be used on a daily basis—no need to work up to it! And my skin saw improved tone and texture right away. 

What surprised me most is how hydrating the night cream was (my favorite product of the trio.) 

I’ve tried many other retinol-infused night creams and serums in the past, but they can be a bit irritating. That’s not so with the Olay Retinol24 night cream. It’s fragrance-free, dye-free and instantly sinks into the skin. It’s non-oily and won’t transfer onto your pillow! 

In fact, I apply this at night and have no problems with transfer onto my silk pillowcase.

The texture itself is also lovely; I used the Olay Regenerist Night Cream in the old purple formula for nearly a decade and was extremely upset when the formula changed. This new Olay retinol night cream is very reminiscent of that. It has the same light texture I loved. 

Olay uses a proprietary blend of two types of retinol in their formula and vitamin B3, delivering all of the results of retinol in a super hydrating formula! 

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Should You Use Retinol? 

Retinol is one skincare ingredient everyone in their 30s should start. What’s great about the Olay Regenerist Retinol24 collection is it’s gentle enough to start using on a daily basis. 

With any retinol product, it’s important to remember to use a sunscreen during the daytime and only use these products at night. (I use this EltaMD sunscreen).

Retinol does make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you really need to protect yourself. 

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If you’re looking to combat aging and improve your skin’s texture, tone and appearance, give the Olay Regenerist24 collection a go. My skin is quite happy I decided to do so! 

Explore the collection here. 

Olay Retinol Ingredients

Here is the ingredients list for the Olay retinol night moisturizer:

Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Tapioca Starch, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, Niacinamide*, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4**, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, DMDM Hydantoin, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-4, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Laureth-7, Dimethiconol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Aminomethyl Propanol, Titanium Dioxide, Disodium EDTA, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Capryl/Caprylic Triglyceride, *Vitamin B3, **Amino-Peptide

Here is the list for the ingredients for the Olay retinol serum:

Water, Dimethicone, Propionate, Niacinamide*, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4**, Dimethicone Titanium Dioxide, C13-14 Dimethiconol, Glycerin, Retinol, Retinyl Crosspolymer, Polyacrylamide, Isoparaffin, DMDM Hydantoin, Mica, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-4, Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Capryl/Caprylic Triglyceride.

*Vitamin B3
**Amino-Peptide

And here is the ingredient list for the Olay retinol eye cream:

Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, Niacinamide*, Tocopheryl Acetate**, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Titanium Dioxide, DMDM Hydantoin, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-4, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Laureth-7, Dimethiconol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Disodium EDTA, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Capryl/Caprylic Triglyceride, *Vitamin B3, ** Vitamin E.

All three of these products are typically priced under $40, which is great for an over-the-counter retinol regimen!

One common question I get is how much retinol is in the Olay retinol products? Unfortunately, it doesn’t say on the packaging or ingredients list as Olay has it listed as proprietary information.

More, however, doesn’t always equal more. A higher percentage often leads to irritation, and discontinued use the product. I’ve seen great results personally and read many great reviews on Amazon, Ulta, etc.

UPDATE: ONE YEAR LATER

I’m happy to report that long after this initial review was published, I’m still using the Olay Regenerist Retinol24 collection one year later!

I love the texture, it’s gentle, and has firmly implanted itself into my skincare routine.

My favorite product is still the night cream, which I’ve also spotted as a twin set at Costco.

Here is a breakdown of my current anti-aging skincare routine, and how I incorporate it with the Olay Retinol24 products.

• Essence: Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence by Beautycounter
• Serum: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Facial Serum 3x a week
• Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc
• Eye cream: Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
• Moisturize: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Facial Moisturizer 3x a week

Depending on my skin, I do an acid twice a week. So the routine looks like:

• Essence: Countertime Mineral Boost Hydrating Essence by Beautycounter
• Glow: Counter + Overnight Resurfacing Peel
• Moisturize: Cerave Moisturizing cream

If needed on any night, sometimes I use this Indie Lee squalane oil. I personally like it better than the Biossance squalane and the Ordinary squalane as well.

I realize this is only 6 days and not 7, but that’s because I do pay attention to what’s going on with my skin as you never want to aggressively exfoliate. Sometimes that means a retinol twice a week and the overnight resurfacing peel once or twice.

And remember to use sunscreen if you are using actives like retinoids! It’s so important.

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Have you incorporated retinol into your skincare routine? What has your experience been like? 

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