In my five years as a beauty editor, I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been recommended the RoC retinol cream. A form of vitamin A derivative is oft-prescribed as an aging cure-all, but, despite the vast number of retinols on the market, the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle cream, which can be purchased for about $30 at your local drugstore or Amazon, has been cited as an excellent option by nearly every dermatologist I trust.
At such a low price point, it piqued my interest that something can be so efficacious while cost effective—especially compared to some of its pricier counterparts. “Drugstore retinols are just as good as the pricier options,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy Spizuoco reminds us, adding that the difference oftentimes is the inclusion of some trendy ingredients and complexes. “But the basic formulation of each retinol product lies within the concentration.”
About the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
- Why We Love It: A dermatologist-favorite, this night cream is known to target deep wrinkles with ease. The formula pairs retinol with glycolic acid, shea butter, and squalane to not only address signs of aging, but keep skin firm, smooth, and glowing with consistent use.
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, shea butter
- Best For: Deep wrinkles, dry skin, combination skin, dull skin
- Size: 1.0 fl. oz.
The star of this wrinkle cream is the brand’s pure retinol, which RoC’s chief scientific officer Arthur Pellegrino tells Vogue, “is clinically proven to accelerate skin cell turnover, helping to diminish deep wrinkles, enhance skin texture, and support collagen.” The reparative benefits of retinol are balanced by “ingredients like squalane, shea butter, and various oils (e.g., sunflower seed oil, soybean oil) to moisturize and soften the skin,” Spizuoco continues of those way of retinol’s drying effects. “Glycerin is also a humectant that helps retain moisture. Dimethicone is used as a silicone-based ingredient that creates a smooth, protective barrier on the skin.” It also leans on a blend of minerals, she says, like magnesium aspartate, zinc gluconate, and copper gluconate to enhance hydration. Pellegrino tells us this helps “to minimize the irritating effects and maximize the results of retinol.” The result? A formula able to decrease fine lines and wrinkles for a firmer, smoother complexion.
My Experience With the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
What I love most about the RoC retinol is that it’s exceptionally gentle. While I normally experience some sort of purging when I switch to a new retinol, my skin remained calm throughout my initial tests of this one. Perhaps that can be attributed to the type of retinol used here. “While we don’t publicly disclose the exact percentage to protect the integrity of our formula, RoC is known for using stable, high-quality retinol that effectively reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles and doesn’t plateau even up to one year,” Pellegrino says. “Retinol is a powerful ingredient, and when stabilized, it can work wonders even at moderate concentrations.”
The texture here is like a traditional cream; not overly rich, nor notably silky or tacky. You really only need a nickel-sized amount to treat the face and neck. It blends in easily, though, I don’t find it particularly hydrating on its own. I prefer to layer it with a more emollient face cream or oil to lock in moisture, and achieve a more luminous glow in the morning. I have normal-to-oily skin and I imagine those experiencing dryness would feel the same. (If you want something as nourishing as a face cream, I’d recommend the Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream from the same collection, which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Green previously said “offers the anti-aging benefits of retinol, combined with the ultra-hydrating and soothing benefits of hyaluronic acid.”) Just be sure to follow with sunscreen in the morning. With zero purging and its ease of use, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my trial—so much so that I’ve began to recommend it to anyone new to retinol, and our experts agree.
“This product is a great point of entry for those new to retinols,” says Dr. Camp. “It is accessible, well-tolerated, and easy to control the amount of product dispensed.” When asked who she’d recommend this to, Spizuoco says “anyone interested in having younger, healthier skin”—which is basically everyone reading this. Get it now while it’s 35% off during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who sees patients in New York and Long Island.
- Arthur Pellegrino is RoC Skincare’s chief scientific officer.
- Dr. Amy Spizuoco, DO is aboard certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist based in New York.
