Clinically Proven Skincare
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25 is formulated for individuals new to retinol or those with sensitive skin. Micro-encapsulated retinol gently accelerates cell turnover to improve skin texture, tone, and fine lines without excessive dryness.
01
0.25% encapsulated retinol provides a gentle introduction to retinoids
02
Diminishes early signs of aging, fine lines, and blemishes
03
PhytoShield Complex shields skin from free radicals and reduces redness
04
Prepares skin for higher concentrations of retinol
How to Use
Apply a single pump in the evening to clean, dry skin.
Start with 1–2 times weekly and increase frequency as skin adapts.
Always wear sunscreen during daytime.
Skin Type
First-time retinol users and sensitive skin types.
Dermatologist-Tested
Cruelty-Free
Medical-Grade Formulas
Made in the USA
Verified Customer Reviews
What Customers Are Saying
A representative sample of verified customer reviews for this product, collected from authorized SkinMedica® retailers — not reviews placed on this store. Ratings are shown across the full range, including critical reviews. Individual results may vary.
Too harsh
This is a very good product however it is to harsh for my skin. In the past I used this 2X a week and did not have a problem. Now even 1X a week is to much
Customer from Florida, Age 70-79Verified Purchase
Must buy!
I have super sensitive skin but wanted to start a retinal, this is the one!!! Didn’t irritate my skin like most do, must buy!
BRS1989 from North Carolina, Age 30-39Verified Purchase
Results for Millennial Beginners!
This serum from SkinMedica is a fantastic baby step into retinol, I have been using it nightly with any negative reactions (my first foray was 0.5 serum and it took a week for my skin to recover). I started by sandwiching the retinol between layers of moisturizer was helpful, but I’ve found I can now tolerate it well as a base layer and alongside my eye cream; for newbies, fear not! This product smells lovely and so easy to apply evenly, and is a great product for retinol newbies like me!
AutumnWinters from Massachusetts, Age 40-49Verified Purchase
Sensitive skin
this product dried my skin something awful. Don't recommend it
LMBROWN65 from Minnesota, Age 60-69Verified Purchase
Good News For Sensitive Skin
I can't use many skin products as they're too harsh. I'm aging as I write this so I was desperate to find something to use to exfoliate and fight against wrinkles. I'm glad to report the 0.25 is gentle. My plan is to move up to 0.5 with hopefully no problems
Lyndaaa from Pennsylvania, Age 60-69Verified Purchase
Good for sensitive skin
This is the first time I’ve used Skinmedica retinol. I’ve been using another brand for sensitive skin and wanted to try a less expensive option. I’ve had no redness or excessive dryness. It seems to be working for smoothness and even tone
Customer from South Carolina, Age 70-79Verified Purchase
Mild Retinol
I've using the .50 and it was getting a little too much. I am now using .25 and less irritation and less serious flaking so I can use it more often
DVSKIER from Arizona, Age 70-79Verified Purchase
ABSOLUTELY LOVEEE
This is by FAR AMAZING! I am very picky with my skin products, and I was absolutely blown away with this. I apply this after my.Alastin gentle cleanser, and then I will put my SkinMedica ceramide moisturizer and unbelievable results the next morning after the first week you can really see good results but the first time I use this I seen results the next morning I was blown away
Customer from New Hampshire, Age 40-49Verified Purchase
Love
My fav retinol in a lower percentage for my sensitive skin to tolerate
lanskincare from FloridaVerified Purchase
Effective Retinol for Sensitive Skin!
I love how gentle yet effective this retinol is. It helps with fine lines, uneven skin tone, and overall skin texture. I noticed improvements within a month and my skin feels soft, smooth, and radiant
Customer from IllinoisVerified Purchase
Just strong enough!
At my age (71) I know retinol should be a part of my skin care regimen. This product gives me a healthy dose of retinol without the side effects of a stronger formula with more retinol. Any product above 25% retinol turns my skin red and flaky. This does not. It goes on like a lotion and even feels moisturizing!
Grandmama from Florida, Age 70-79Verified Purchase
Literally. I have never used a retinol product before, so I wanted to start out with the lowest formula and work my way up. I have been using it every other night with SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced Serum. I think it is the perfect combination of products. I didn’t want to worry about redness and peeling which I have heard can occur whenever using a retinol product. I am on my second bottle of retinol now and I think I will be using this religiously forever. I have a friend who uses this product and has been for years and she suggested it to me. If her skin is any example, I will be using this forever
KonaSunshine from Hawaii, Age 70-79Verified Purchase
Good option for starting on retinol
Starting on retinol can be very drying and this is a good starting point for your skin to gain tolerance
Customer from Iowa, Age 50-59Verified Purchase
Good
So far so good. It will take time to see if there are results, but I like that it doesn’t have a strong fragrance and I have had no adverse skin reactions
Customer from Oregon, Age 60-69Verified Purchase
Nothing to report
I've been using this for a few weeks now, and I cannot say I have noticed any difference. In one way, that's good because my sensitive skin hasn't had a reaction to it. On the other hand, my skin looks dull and a little dryer. I definitely will not be repurchasing it
NoniVerified Purchase
Easy on the skin!
I peel very easily with retinol so going back down to the lower percentage has been working great!
KelliSmithRunyonVerified Purchase
Good retinol for starters
I used up a bottle of this retinol before moving to something stronger. Not sure if it gave me good results but didn’t break me out or irritated my skin. Good if you want something more mild or have sensitive skin
CustomerVerified Purchase
Not for me
To be fair to skinmedica, I just don't think I can tolerate retinol, even attempting 1x a week at this low dose. I get breakouts and weird sores. Just irritates, even if I buffer it with some HAT or replenish. Really bummed about it so using it on my inner arms and belly area lol. Certainly don't want to waste it! I have extremely sensitive facial skin
CustomerVerified Purchase
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.25
Just started using this product, it makes me a little itchy. Still using it, because it seems to be helping my fine lines
DDHVerified Purchase
Retinol with ease
SkinMedica's .25 has been an easy reintroduction after going off any type of complex for at least 6 months. I was apprehensive because it had been a short time since a severe sensitive skin reaction to another brand's product, but this was used without any problems. My skin is super reactive to various ingredients, especially fragrance, but SM causes zero problems. Will move up to .5 next go round
CustomerVerified Purchase
Great product
I use this once a week. I really like it so far
MANVerified Purchase






