What the science says about Retinol

• Some studies found retinol improved acne, especially red, sore spots
• It worked about as well as benzoyl peroxide in one clinical trial
• A retinol-based combination cleared acne about as well as adapalene 0.1%
• 5 studies back this, but one did not clearly show acne improvement
• Side effects were generally milder early on than adapalene in one study

5 studies

1. 1.

   A randomized controlled double-blinded split-face prospective clinical trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a novel 3-step routine compared to benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

   Archives of dermatological research·2024RCT21 participantsPositive

   In a 12-week study of 21 adults with acne, a routine with retinol worked about as well as benzoyl peroxide and people preferred it more.

   PubMed 38787441DOI

2. 2.

   A double-blind randomized controlled comparison of APDDR-0901, a novel cosmeceutical formulation, and 0.1% adapalene gel in the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

   European journal of dermatology : EJD·2011RCT97 participants0.03%Positive

   In a 12-week trial of 97 people with acne, a retinol-based combination cleared acne about as well as adapalene and caused fewer side effects early on.

   PubMed 21982956DOI

3. 3.

   Comparison of clinical efficacies of sodium ascorbyl phosphate, retinol and their combination in acne treatment.

   International journal of cosmetic science·2009RCT0.2%Positive

   In an 8-week study in people with acne, retinol used on its own reduced red, sore spots, and the combination with sodium ascorbyl phosphate worked best.

   PubMed 19134126DOI

4. 4.

   Acne treatment with oral zinc and vitamin A: effects on the serum levels of zinc and retinol binding protein (RBP).

   Acta dermato-venereologica·1978RCT75 participantsNeutral

   In a study of 75 people with acne, vitamin A changed blood markers, but the abstract does not report that it clearly improved acne.

   PubMed 82355

5. 5.

   Treatment of mild to moderate acne with a fixed combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol glycospheres and papain glycospheres.

   Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia : organo ufficiale, Societa italiana di dermatologia e sifilografia·2015Clinical trial94 participants1%Positive

   In a 12-week study of 94 people with mild to moderate facial acne, a gel containing 1% retinol used with other ingredients improved acne and was generally well tolerated.

   PubMed 25876142

Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.