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Retinol is one of the best-known skincare ingredients on the market, often referred to as a holy grail ingredient by many skincare gurus. It is said that its effect on the skin is almost like a long-kept skincare secret.
The best part about retinol is that there is an over-the-counter version, which is often used in skincare products that contain retinol. This means that you don’t need a prescription to purchase retinol-based products!
In this article, we'll dive into everything you need to know about retinol so that you can make an informed decision and our top 15 recommended retinol-containing Japanese products.
How we decided
- ValuePrice, availability, and overall benefit relative to cost
- EffectivenessAward-winning, best-sellers, or fan favorites in Japan, backed by positive user feedback
- FormulationActive ingredients address specific skin concerns, ensuring reliable results
- Quality & ReputationProducts from trusted Japanese brands known for quality, safety, and consumer satisfaction
1. Tunemakers Retinol Essence
If you’re in the market for a retinol skin essence, check out Tunemaker’s retinol essence. This high quality Japanese essence will help your skin to retain as much moisture as possible, making it an especially ideal essence for consumers with rough or dry skin. It can also be used to combat signs of aging.
Containing minimal ingredients, the retinol in this essence can penetrate into your skin easily, as it is a main active ingredient. You can also mix this serum into other skin products, such as moisturizer or cream deemed necessary.
Pros
- Deeply hydrating
- Minimal ingredient
- Can be layered with other products
Cons
- May be too light for very dry skin
- Not targeted for specific wrinkles
2. Kracie Hadabisei ONE Wrinkle Care Concentrate Serum
With a philosophy of enhancing your natural beauty in mind, Kracie Hadabisei’s ONE line is comprised of products that will make you feel comfortable in your own skin.
Specifically, this anti-wrinkle serum, which is packed with ingredients such as retinol, collagen, and hyaluronic acid work to hydrate your skin from within its inner layer. This product is especially useful for wrinkles around the eyes and mouth areas.
Pros
- Contains collagen & hyaluronic acid
- Hydrating
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Slightly sticky texture
- May require consistent use for results
3. Kracie Hadabisei Intensive Wrinkle Care Anti-ageing Eye Mask
Some areas of the face experience aging more than others. Unfortunately, the under-eye area is one of the most prone-to-aging areas. In order to combat this, try using these anti-wrinkle eye masks.
Formulated with retinol and hyaluronic acid as some of the main ingredients, these eye masks will surely help to keep the wrinkles away from the eye area. Plus, you can use these eye masks everyday if you want to!
Pros
- Contains retinol & hyaluronic acid
- Soothing
- Safe for daily use
Cons
- Short-term effect only
- Not for full-face application
4. Kracie Hadabisei ONE Wrinkle Care Essence Mask
For times when you’re too busy to think about your entire skincare routine, or times when you just want to treat yourself, a good facial sheet mask is essential. This face mask works to eliminate existing wrinkles while preventing new wrinkles from forming.
In addition, it contains ingredients such as retinol, elastin, and royal jelly to leave your skin feeling elastic and youthful. Treat yourself to one of these Wrinkle Care facial masks once in a while, or even everyday.
Pros
- Prevents new wrinkles
- Contains elastin & royal jelly
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin
- Single use per face mask
5. Kracie Hadabisei Moisture Lift Wrinkle Pack Facial Cream
Many anti-wrinkle products work to tackle wrinkles in only one area, such as under the eyes or around the mouth. This retinol and royal jelly-packed face cream can tackle wrinkles in BOTH areas! With this product, you won’t have to purchase two separate products to address wrinkles. Just use this cream instead!
Bonus points are that it will leave your skin feeling firm, supple, and most importantly, hydrated.
Pros
- Targets eyes & mouth
- Hydrating
- Firms skin
Cons
- Thick texture
- May feel heavy in hot weather
6. Shiseido Revital Wrinklelift Retino Science Face Mask 6 Sheets
This facial sheet mask is designed to target fine lines and unevenness on areas such as the cheeks, forehead, and around the mouth. Formulated with active retinol, the mask aims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by dryness and support a smoother, firmer complexion.
The non-woven sheets adhere closely to the skin, allowing the liquid formula to penetrate effectively and deliver ingredients precisely to the areas of concern. The snug fit ensures even coverage and prevents peeling during use.
Pros
Cons
7. Shiseido Elixir Enriched Wrinkle White Cream S
While there are many effective anti-wrinkle creams on the market that will tackle the problems of, of course, wrinkles, there are not many wrinkle creams that double as whitening creams. If you’re looking for an anti-wrinkle cream but also want something that will help erase blemishes on the face and leave glowing results, try out this wrinkle whitening cream.
This wrinkle white cream is packed with retinol so that it will boost hyaluronic acid production in your skin, thus keeping it hydrated. Since it is also a whitening cream, it suppresses the production of melanin in your skin, so that new blemishes will not form.
Pros
- Penetrates fine lines effectively
- Snug fit ensures even coverage
- Hydrates for smoother, firmer skin
Cons
- Gradual results with weekly use
- Premium price compared to regular masks
8. Shiseido Elixir Superieur Enriched Wrinkle Cream S
This enriched wrinkle cream is perfect for those with dry skin who are looking for something that is packed with active retinol and moisturizing ingredients. Rest assured that this cream will help to diminish and erase wrinkles, while leaving the skin feeling extra soft. And remember, a little goes a long way!
Pros
- Anti-aging & brightening
- Boosts hydration
- Reduces melanin formation
Cons
- Small size
- Gradual introduction needed for sensitive skin
9. Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Eye Cream 15g
This eye cream is formulated to address fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes that are caused by dryness. It has a smooth, rich texture that provides deep moisture, helping to firm and rejuvenate the delicate skin in the eye area. The product incorporates Shiseido’s research on anti-aging and skin hydration.
Pros
- Provides deep moisture
- Targets delicate areas prone to sagging
- Promotes inner glow for radiant skin
Cons
- Results rely on consistent use.
- Requires proper upward massage for best effect
10. Sana Nameraka Honpo Soy Milk Isoflavone Wrinkle Eye Cream
This moisturizing eye cream is packed with retinol in vitamin A form, as well as soybean isoflavone to protect against aging skin. As an added perk, you can use this cream around the mouth to combat small wrinkles and fine lines.
Pros
- Targets wrinkles and signs of aging
- Moisturizing and gentle
- No fragrance, artificial colorants, mineral oil
Cons
- Results may take consistent use
- May not suit very oily skin
11. Sana Nameraka Honpo Isoflavone Wrinkle Gel Cream
Many anti-wrinkle products cater to those with dry skin, but that doesn’t mean that those with oily skin do not get wrinkles. This gel cream from Sana is not only suitable for those with oily or combination skin, but is also budget-friendly. Since this cream has a gel formulation, it will not leave an oily finish on the skin.
The best part about this gel cream is that this is an all-in-one product, as it has the added effects of lotion, emulsion, essence, and moisturization. This is especially suitable for consumers who do not want to invest in multiple skincare products but still want to experience the benefits of retinol.
Pros
- Multi-functional: lotion, essence, cream, mask
- Hydrates and fights small wrinkle
- Large jar, good value
Cons
- Not eye-specific
- Gel-cream may feel light for very dry skin
12. Kose Grace One Perfect Gel Cream Ex
If your goal is to achieve plumper, firmer skin, but you don’t want to purchase many skincare products, try this gel cream from Kose. This anti-aging product performs 8 functions in one to help you rejuvenate your aging skin.
Packed with skin-nourishing ingredients such as retinol, collagen, squalane, and hyaluronic acid, you’ll be able to achieve firmer skin with a moisturized skin texture.
Pros
- Plumping & firming
- 8-in-1 functions
- Contains retinol & collagen
Cons
- Moderate anti-aging strength
- Less intensive firming vs premium gel creams
13. Kose Clearturn Plumping Sheet Mask
Here’s a great sheet mask option from Kosé. These plumping and hydrating sheet masks are packed with retinol to enhance collagen and elastin production in your skin, which will keep it firm while preventing signs of aging.
Pros
- Deeply hydrates and plumps skin
- All-in-one functionality
- Contains retinol derivative
Cons
- Daily use can be time-consuming
- Premium price point
14. Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Oil In 90g
This all-in-one gel cream is designed for dry and mature skin, combining moisturizing and anti-aging properties in a single product. It contains jojoba essential oil and organic sesame oil to deeply nourish and restore the skin, along with retinol palmitate, which supports skin repair and anti-aging effects.
Additional ingredients like concentrated collagen HYGL, squalane, and double hyaluronic acid help maintain hydration, smoothness, and firmness.
Pros
- All-in-one lotion & moisturizer
- Budget friendly
- Targets small wrinkles caused by dryness
Cons
- Moderate anti-aging strength
- Less firming effect vs other enriched creams
15. Kose Anti-Dark Circles & Eye Bags Repair Eye Cream 20g
This eye cream is formulated to address dryness, dullness, and dark circles around the eyes. It combines retinol derivatives and niacinamide with hydrating botanicals such as hyaluronic acid and white fungus polysaccharide to support sensitive skin.
Regular use can help improve moisture levels and promote a smoother, brighter under-eye area.
Pros
- Has retinol derivatives and niacinamide
- Gentle formula with UV absorbers
- Includes hyaluronic acid
Cons
- Includes hyaluronic acid
- Results may take time with consistent use
What is Retinol: Benefits, Usage, Tips
Why is retinol so highly regarded in the skincare world? What exactly does it do? Retinol, which is a type of retinoid derived from vitamin A, has an oily texture that can easily be absorbed into the skin.
The molecules that make up retinol are small enough to go underneath the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, and deep into the inner layer, or dermis. Once the retinol molecules reach the dermis, they help to neutralize free radicals.
But what does this do for the skin? The results are that elastin and collagen are boosted in the skin, which provides a “plumping effect”. Another bonus is that retinol promotes the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin, which keeps it moisturized while providing a firm texture.
What is Retinol Good For?
There are many reasons to use retinol skincare products. The boost in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid is especially beneficial for anti-aging purposes. Retinol also works in the skin to help it reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Another great reason to use retinol-containing skincare products is if you are looking to clear up unwanted acne, acne scars, or signs of sun damage/sun spots. However, if you are using retinol for the purpose of clearing up pigmentation, it may be worth looking into a dermatologist-suggested prescription option.
Finally, retinol also helps in evening out skin texture by unclogging clogged pores by passing through the epidermis into the dermis.
How Often to Use Retinol?
To get the best results from your retinol-containing skincare products, try using them every day at first if you have normal skin. It may take up to a few weeks before you start seeing positive changes in your skin, and there is even a chance that your skin condition may get worse before it starts to get better. This is due to the fact that the retinol goes deep under the outer layer of the skin, into the dermis, in order to bring all of the impurities to the surface.
For those with sensitive skin, try using your retinol-containing products a few times a week. It is important to remember that while retinol can be purchased OTC, it is still very strong.
Once you start to see improvements in your skin, reduce the usage of your retinol products to one to a couple of times per week.
When and Where to Apply Retinol?
Retinol-containing products should be applied at night. Retinol is especially sensitive to light and UV rays, so refrain from use during the daytime. If you are often exposed to UV rays, be sure to follow up your retinol product with a UV-protecting product.
Feel free to use retinol-containing products anywhere on your face where you would like to see improvements. If you are using retinol for its anti-aging benefits, you may want to use products targeted for the eyes or around the mouth area. Just be sure to apply these products after washing your face and before moisturizing it.
When to Start Using Retinol?
If you are experiencing any of the skin concerns mentioned above, feel free to start using a retinol-containing product immediately! However, since the effects of aging begin around the mid-twenties to early-thirties, it may be beneficial to start using retinol around this time.
Side effects?
Even though retinol is approved for use by the FDA, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come with its own side effects. Overuse of retinol-containing products may lead to skin irritation. In extremely rare cases, some users may experience more severe side effects. If you begin to experience any of the following, please stop using your retinol-containing products immediately:
- An acne flare-up
- An eczema flare-up
- Skin discoloration
- Blistering
- Stinging
- Swelling
In cases of slight skin irritation, it is okay to continue using your retinol-containing products, but try applying them 30 minutes after washing your face.
Finally, it is recommended to start with using only one retinol product to be on the safe side. Many Japanese anti-aging products contain retinol, so please keep this information in mind when purchasing.
