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.
EllenLV says
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.
becomebetty says
Thank you Ellen! And I'll look into it.
Alek says
Happy birthday to you!!
becomebetty says
Thanks Alek!
LISA K says
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). 🙂
becomebetty says
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.
Keke says
If you read the directions, you arent supposed to use it every single day to start out...
becomebetty says
You are right but I've been using retinol for a while. And I absolutely needed moisturizer.
Pam Campbell says
I bought this very excited with the price. Long story short I used it once and ended up in the hospital. When I woke up the next morning my eyes were swollen and raw. They immediately put me on a steroid and two days later there was no improvement so I ended up on prednisone.they were afraid I was going to end up with cellulitis which I was told I could go blind. Three weeks later I am clear but my vision has been affected but not greatly. A big scare for sure and the cream is now in the garbage.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing your experience Pam, hopefully you avoided the eye area like the package said. I hope you are feeling better.
Mukta Bhatia says
After applying next day my face is full of small pink color pops like allergy i followed the instructions but i don't know why its happened 🙃
becomebetty says
Sorry to hear that Mukta! I know this one is strong and the first few days are rough. But if you think you are having an allergic reaction be sure to stop using it. You can always ask for a refund.
Shay says
I've been using it for about 3 months. I started really slow because I had never used retinol before. I used it twice a week and worked myself up to daily. If I notice any dryness I skip a day and usually it's better the next. I have only had a true peeling dryness for about 2 days, a week into using it.
As for results, I can definitely tell that I have a more even skin tone. Feels like the dark spots are starting to go. I never broke out with it.
Not seeing much in the way of wrinkles disappearing, but I'm happy.
Pros: it's cheap, dries without residue, helps even skin tone and has a convenient bottle.
Cons: looks and smells like turmeric paste(still convinced there is turmeric in there). Dryness in the first be week or so. Some peeling.
becomebetty says
Hi Shay! Thanks for sharing your experiences here.