Like most eye care products, this La Roche Posay Retinol Eye Cream includes caffeine. As a natural stimulant, caffeine causes vasoconstriction (constriction of the blood vessel) when applied to the skin.

No, La Roche Posay is not cruelty free because La Roche Posay skin care products are sold in mainland China where animal testing is required by law. Is La Roche Posay Vegan?

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Some La Roche Posay retinol products contain fragrance, which could lead to skin sensitivity reactions Unfortunately, this is another La Roche Posay product that contains fragrance, which is strange since it’s marketed as a gentle option for sensitive skin. It’s best to use retinoids at night. We recommend this retinoid oil serum . It contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, an ingredient that provides similar benefits with less irritation. Not all retinol eye cream formulas are created equal. Here's what to know before buying, according to Dr. Yeh:

A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that adenosine demonstrated efficacy in as low as 0.1% concentration for improving crow’s feet and glabellar frown lines (aka the 11’s). Created with a 0.3% concentration of pure retinol, a vitamin A derivative that is the gold standard in treating wrinkles, the corrector stimulates collagen and elastin to promote a firmer and smoother appearance. An added retinol booster complex made up of retinal palmitate and adenosine works in perfect synergy to enhance the efficacy of the star ingredient, while LHA concentrated at 0.3% exfoliates the surface of the skin and increases cellular turnover. For example, one review says, “I honestly haven’t seen any real results with this serum. If anything I feel like I have more wrinkles. I also greatly dislike the smell of it. Serums shouldnt be scented at all. Not worth the price.” Why It's Worth It: The Allure Best of Beauty-winning Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment Serum goes above and beyond with the addition of exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids ( lactic acid, to be exact), which reduce the appearance of fine lines while having the added benefit of unclogging pores and minimizing breakouts. It's basically a two-in-one wrinkle and acne treatment that'll refine your skin texture, so it's especially great for acne-prone skin. Denatured alcohol offers some benefits, for instance, it dries up excess oil, it provides a temporary tightening effect, and it helps other ingredients penetrate the skin better. But these short term benefits are not worth the consequences of using alcohol-based products long term.Lastly, this serum contains a synthetic fragrance blend, which has the potential to cause skin sensitivity reactions. What makes matters worse is the fact that this serum is marketed as a gentle option for sensitive skin! In theory, you could start using retinol in your mid to late 20s. Prevention is better than cure – meaning, the earlier the better – but obviously, within reason (if you're under 25, you probs don't need it). What strength retinol do you need? apply at night. "Retinols are not meant for daytime use, as they break down when exposed to UV light," Dr. Yeh explains. Furthermore, alcohol disrupts the lipids that make up the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin), according to a publication in the journal BBA Biomembranes.

Microencapsulated retinol in this formula helps to fight fine lines and wrinkles, but it’s the other ingredients that make it an A.M. go-to. Namely, three kinds of hyaluronic acid that hydrate and plump fine lines (and also make this blend extra soothing, notes King), plus finely milled pearl extract that delivers a subtle luminosity. The two combined help create the ideal base over which to apply foundation and concealer, helping you appear bright-eyed and wide-awake. Like we said, just make sure you’re wearing an SPF 30+ sunscreen anytime you use any retinoid during the day—doubly important in the summer. You also can’t apply it to the eyelids, so just be careful when applying it. The brand combines retinol with several more beneficial ingredients in the La Roche Posay retinol products, one being niacinamide.To ensure your skin doesn't get too irritated, look for retinol products that are formulated with moisturizing ingredients like niacinamideor B3, which help to calm inflammation. This is even more important when it comes to extra-sensitive parts of the skin. Fenton recommends choosing a product specifically made for the eye area if using retinol around your eyes. They’re specially formulated to be extra hydrating and minimize the likelihood of irritation. If you want to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles around your eye area, there is no ingredient more scientifically proven than retinol. Yes, every dermatologist’s favorite ingredient is raved about for its ability to help stimulate collagen, retain water, and smooth the texture of the skin. But retinol is very powerful and can cause some irritation, so it needs to be used carefully and in the right potency, especially around the eyes. We asked New York City dermatologists Jeremy Fenton, MD, and Morgan Rabach, MD, for their advice. These aggressors, which vary from one person to another, stimulate the production of free radicals, responsible for oxidative stress, which causes cell degeneration. Bottom Line: A fragrance free eye cream with many beneficial ingredients (retinol, adenosine, caffeine) to help reduce signs of aging around the eyes. Which La Roche Posay Retinol Product is Best?

We love that both retinol and niacinamide are used in this La Roche Posay retinol serum, but we cannot recommend this product, unfortunately. Why? Well, if you take a look at the ingredient list, you’ll see that “Alcohol Denat.” (denatured alcohol) is the fourth highest concentration ingredient in this serum. Yes, technically there’s no retinol in this formula but we think it deserves a place on the list because some people truly can’t tolerate retinol at all. Not to mention that it’s a no-no when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The next best thing? Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient that’s been shown in studies to have almost identical anti-aging effects to retinol but without any side effects. It’s the star of the show in this creamy balm, which also boasts caffeine and algae to tighten, firm, and de-puff. There is also a slew of hydrating ingredients—hyaluronic acid, squalene, ceramides—that help to give this blend its pleasingly rich texture. This is one of the most expensive options on our list, but if retinol really doesn’t work for you, it’s well worth it for the results. The “B3” in the name of this serum stands for niacinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3. Just like retinol, niacinamide is truly an amazing, multi-tasking skin care ingredient that offers numerous benefits to the skin. This stress specifically related to sun exposure is photo-ageing, a form of premature ageing that affects every layer of skin.For example, a publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling. Pretty impressive, right?