Is 1% Retinol about to disappear? Here's what you need to know.

If you have been thinking about adding a 1% retinol into your skincare routine, now may be the time to consider it.

Across Europe cosmetic regulations are changing. New rules are placing limits on the amount of vitamin A derivatives including retinol that can be used in cosmetic products. While it isn't a ban on retinol it does mean that many high strength formulas are being reformulated or discontinued.

Why are the rules changing?

Retinol remains one of the most researched and effective skincare ingredients available. It can help improve fine lines & wrinkles, uneven skin tones, pigmentation, acne, skin texture and collagen production. The regulatory changes are not because retinol is unsafe. Instead regulators are looking at peoples total vitamin A exposure from food, supplements and skincare combined. For people with the highest overall intake cumulative exposure may become a concern. So limits have been introduced as a precaution.

What does this mean for skincare?

Many brands are reformulating products like myself to meet new concentration limits. This means some retinol products may disappear from certain markets, existing formulas may become lower strength, packaging will include additional vitamin A warnings. Brands may introduce alternative ingredients such as retinal, peptides or bakuchiol alongside lower strength retinol formulations.

Should we all panic?

No. Retinol is not being banned. It will still be available but the strongest over the counter products are becoming less common in regions following the updated regulations. Many people also achieve excellent results with lower concentrations when they are used consistently and correctly.

My advice

If your already using a 1% retinol and it works well for your skin it may be worth buying an extra bottle or two when the formulation is still available. However stronger doesn't always mean better. Consistency, the right routine and professional guidance are far more important than simply choosing the highest percentage.

If your unsure which retinol is right for you, book a consultation and i

'll help you choose a routine that suits your skin goals.