retinol, one of the hardest working ingredients on the market, is often misunderstood or rife with myths and confusion. our philosophy is simple; we believe in the clinical strength of retinol, without irritation. but, beyond that, and whether you’re an aficionado or a skincare newbie, we’ve created a guide to take the guesswork out of retinol & reveal a path to glowing, healthy skin.

1. the basics. what is retinol and what does it do?

a derivative of vitamin a, retinol works by promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. this makes it a prime active for skin concerns from anti-aging to acne treatment. depending on its form, however, it can come with harsh side effects like flaky skin and sun sensitivity. we believe the key to harnessing its benefits without these effects comes from delivery.

2. concentration game. it’s not about how much you use. it’s how it’s delivered that makes the real difference.

does a higher concentration of retinol make a formula more effective? not necessarily. by encapsulating our retinol, thus making it gentler, it lessens the chance of an adverse reaction (i.e., red, flaky skin) one might receive using other retinol products. this provides a retinol experience that doesn’t compromise your skin barrier, but also prevents you from needing to build up to daily use (our [ultimate miracle worker] retinol range may be used daily, from am to pm).

3. the philosophy difference. it doesn’t have to hurt to work.
if you’re a previous retinol user, you may have hesitation from being burned in the past–literally. retinol burn (red, inflamed, flaky skin) occurs when a high concentration of retinol, applied topically, disrupts the skin barrier. our patented retinol complex is gentle enough for even the most sensitized skin to reveal a radiant, smooth complexion, while the sustained release formulas penetrate, going right where they’re most needed (and without irritation!).

“knowing that collagen is a
part of your skin's support structure, i am all about supporting it back with retinol! it
helps our skin with firmness and is a dermatology gold standard for aging with grace.”

- caroline walker, philosophy’s global brand ambassador.

4. early birds welcome. you can use retinol during the day.

a common refrain is to only use retinol at night. not the case with our superior retinol technology (remember, encapsulation is key for no irritation & targeted delivery!). using retinol both morning and night allows for consistent treatment and absorption, thereby maximizing the benefits of the formula and stimulating your skin’s collagen production. just remember to always top it off with spf. or use a formula with built-in spf like our [ultimate miracle worker multi-rejuvenating cream broad spectrum spf 30] which blocks harmful uv rays while it smooths the look of fine lines and deeply hydrates.


5. retinol from head to toe. the mvp ingredient for your entire self-care routine

is the skin around your eyes too sensitive for retinol? no, but the formula should be targeted and gentle. can I apply retinol to my body? you sure can! applying the same principles from our face products to our ultimate miracle worker eye power treatment fill & firm and ultimate miracle worker resurfacing body serum, we crafted formulas that take the benefits of retinol and work to smooth fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes as well as smooth crepey skin on the body. both formulations are irritation-free, non-greasy, and intensely hydrating.

6. what’s in a trend? buzzwords versus sound advice

from skin cycling to a retinol sandwich and everything in between, how do you start to incorporate retinol into your regimen? rather than skipping nights or days with a formula likely to cause irritation, every philosophy retinol product may be used daily, with many safe for use am & pm. our latest, the [ultimate miracle worker nourish & rejuvenate face & neck cream] is a clinical-strength retinol you don’t have to build up to. not only does it work to revitalize and hydrate the skin, but it also addresses the four signs of aging (gradual decline of collagen and elastin fibers, dryness and dullness).


retinol 101 tip list


1. go for encapsulated retinol to prevent irritation.


2. consistency is key. Use am & pm to get the max benefits.


3. always wear spf–layer on top during the day or opt for a formula with it built-in.

pick your retinol

did you know?

your purchase helps us support community-based initiatives to improve women's mental health through our [hope & grace initiative]. where there's hope, there's grace.