People mainly take Retinol for skin & hair. Based on 15 first-hand reports and 138 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #268 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 88% are positive.
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: Exercise training represents an anti-inflammatory therapy and metabolism-improving strategy with minimal side effects for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
PubMed 36351545 ↗Conclusion: Limitations to our review include a limited number of randomized controlled trials and a need for long-term data on each cosmeceutical's efficacy and safety. Future research is needed to establish the long-term effectiveness and safety of cosmeceuticals.
PubMed 38758222 ↗Conclusion: Bakuchiol is a retinol alternative with anti-aging, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additional studies are warranted to better understand its applications in dermatology.
PubMed 36176207 ↗Conclusion: However, limitations included limited racial diversity, potential commercial bias, and variability in dermatological assessments. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for clinical decision-making in anti-photoaging therapy.
PubMed 40707570 ↗As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“Actually Im already using retinol 0.025% daily which i shouldve mentioned in OP, and I havent had acne for the last 3ish years.”
“there is definitely better stuff that is more well studied on skin, like retinol for example.”
“retinol - micro needling/ dermarolling - vitamin c serums, hyaluronic acid”
“Grab something with GHK-CU topical along with a good Retinol / Retinoid / Tretinoin / Adapalene product”
“You can also get retinol lotions.”
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate