Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ – Budget Beauty Pick!

I was recently asked by a reader to suggest a good drugstore anti-aging retinol product. The first one that came to my mind was Alpha-hydrox retinol res-Q. I have been using this product for a while now and almost finished with my tube (as you can see in the pic below).

Product description

An effective anti-wrinkle firming complex that carries pure-active Vitamin A (Retinol) and the anti-oxidant powers of Vitamin C and E deep into the skin’s surface where wrinkles and damage develop.

Ingredients

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Emulsifying Wax, Glycerin, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Cyclomethicone, Retinol, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Acrylates Copolymer, Bisabolol, PEG-10 Soya Sterol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Stearic Acid, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Propyl Gallate, Polysorbate 20, Triethanolamine

I started out using Alpha-hydrox Retinol Res-Q twice a week just to see how my skin reacts to the retinol concentration but there was no peeling or flaking and now I use it  three times a week (at night). It is suggested to be used in a small amount all over face and neck and it’s best to apply a moisturizer afterwards. I just dab a very thin layer under my eyes as the undereye skin is more sensitive. Whether you are using it in daytime or night, just make sure to slather on your sunscreen when using this product as retinol increases skin’s sensitivity to sun.

The Good :

• Healthy dose of anti-aging ingredients like retinol and antioxidants vitamins E and C
• Gentle, non-irritating and fragrance-free formula
• Lightweight and non-greasy texture is suitable for all skin types
• A little goes a long way
• The active ingredients remain stable in the tube packaging without being exposed to air.
• Affordable price ($15.39 for 1.05 oz)

The bad :

• I couldn’t think of any except for the fact that this product is not easily available at drugstores and I had to order mine from Drugstore.com. (I have heard that Walgreens carries some Alpha-hydrox products so you might find it there)

Overall, I am very pleased with Alpha-hydrox Retinol ResQ as the formula is perfect for my dry skin and has helped to smooth and even out my skin tone. As my skin is a little sensitive, I was a bit concerned about using this retinol cream at first but I am glad it worked out well. I think it’s a great buy at the price and if you are just starting out with retinol products to prevent premature aging, this is an inexpensive yet effective option to begin with! (recently found that Philosophy’s Help Me Retinol night treatment ($45) has almost the exact same ingredients as this one)

Alpha-Hydrox Retinol ResQ is available at Drugstore.com and neotericcosmetics.com (they have free shipping on all US and Canadian orders during the month of August)