Now that I've celebrated my 40th birthday, retinol has become a nightly ritual. I usually use Ordinary's retinol. And it isn't that I love it that much. It is affordable enough until I can find something I really like.
Testing this
So if you are on social media and follow any dermatologists or some beauty bloggers retinol is the one thing that can help with fine lines and wrinkles. But, one thing that isn't focused on is how long this will take to see results. According to Harvard Health, it may take somewhere between 6-12 months of regular use to see some actual results. So, my testing of this is going to be somewhat incomplete and based mostly on early impressions of this product.
I've probably had this product for about a month. And I've been using it on and off. A common complaint when starting to use retinol is the drying. Whenever you use retinol follow it with some type of moisturizer. Also, be sure to use sunscreen as well to ensure that no further sun damage is taking place.
Now, this has some interesting ingredients: retinol, salicylic acid, vitamin c, and baobab seed oil. Salicylic acid is often used to treat acne as well as a peeling agent which might explain why some people who have tried this are complaining of dry spots. Vitamin C also helps prevent sun damage and improves the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles. The baobab seed oil can help to reduce redness and irritation.
My initial impressions of this were quite positive. I knew what I was getting myself into with potential dry spots and irritation. And as the saying goes, "beauty is pain" yes, this was a touch drying to my skin. This product went on smoothly and dried rather quickly with very little residue. After it had been absorbed I added my usual nightly moisturizer.
It felt fine the first few times going on. There was no fragrance to speak of and the ingredient list looks pretty good without much in the way of fillers. But the longer I used this I was breaking out around my chin.
So I'm down to using this just 2-3 nights a week. The other nights, I'm back to using Ordinary's Retinol. Not because I love it so much, but because my skin is used to it a bit more.
If you go into this hoping for results instantly, you are guaranteed to be disappointed. But if you are willing to go into it for the long haul, retinol can help with those pesky lines and wrinkles.
So in terms of how good this it, it is still to be determined. I'm having some minor difficulties but I'll see if that continues.
The packaging
The packaging here feels fancy. The box contains a glass pump bottle. The bottle is dark glass so as to not allow light in.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common product questions you might have
Trader Joe's Retinol Night Serum is now Trader Joe's first and only retinol product on shelves.
According to Harvard Health, it will take 6-12 months to start seeing results from regular retinol use.
Overall
So this isn't one of those products I can test in a day and say I look 10 years younger the next. That just isn't how this product (or any retinol product works). So temper your expectations here. If you can get through the initial stages of this, it may work for you. However, this is going to be very specific to the person trying this and how they react to it. I'll check back in about 6 months to update you on if I am still using this.
Would I buy this again? Trader Joe's Retinol Night Serum will need to wait a little longer for me to
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product photos
The box:
The ingredients:
Directions:
A quick warning label on this:
Out of the package you get:
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The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Retinol Night Serum
Product Name: Trader Joe's Retinol Night Serum
Product Description: Trader Joe's Retinol Night Serum is new and priced under $10.
Price: $9.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Retinol Night Serum is new and under $10.
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Affordable at under $10
- A good-sized product
Cons
- I found this product made me break out more than normal.
- It takes a while to actually see results from any retinol product.
I bought is as soon as it came out and have been using it daily, I can notice the difference. I like it. Brenda, would it be possible to move the sidebar, it is very hard to read your reviewS.
Thank you Ellen! And I'll look into it.
Happy birthday to you!!
Thanks Alek!
I bought this item and was so excited to try it out. I put it on after my nightly was, toner and applied the item then my overnight moisturizer for 2 nights. on the 3rd day when I woke up, I notice my face was hot then noticed my face was red. OMG! It almost looked like I had burned my face. I quickly washed my face. My face was so dry so I applied lots of moisturizer then later added Vaseline. For 3 days my face was dry, hot and first layer of my skin started to pill off. I exfoliated using a very soft clothes on the 4th day then the next morning, my skin was very soft and shiny (glow). I can't say if I like the product. I am giving it a rest for now but will try again (maybe twice a week). 🙂
Hey Lisa! I had a similar thing happen as well. I used it, my skin was peeling, but now I kinda really like it. Keep us posted. I feel like this review is more of an ongoing experience.