The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us?
No7’s retinol night concentrate has more than 50% off at Boots right now
Tried and tested by us, we definitely recommend adding it to your skincare routine
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Retinol is widely considered the gold standard of anti-aging ingredients – it’s loved by dermatologists and skincare aficionados for its ability to tackle fine lines, sun damage and scarring, while generally smoothing and brightening the complexion.
Derived from vitamin A, it’s available over the counter in different percentages. In the UK this ranges from 0.1-1 per cent.
The best way to introduce it to your skincare routine is by starting with a low percentage, using it only in the evening on clean skin, two to three times and week, and gradually building up your tolerance.
Because of its multitude of benefits, it’s often expensive, so when No7 launched a budget-friendly product for £34 in June 2020, it quickly amassed a 100,000-strong waitlist – the largest ever sign-up for a single product from Boots.
Now, as part of Boots sale, the retailer has slashed the prices of No7 products by up to 50 per cent, and its retinol is part of that, costing just £15.18 for a limited time.
Read more:
We’ve also tried it ourselves, putting it to the test against Dr Dennis Gross, a high-end brand known for its vitamin A products, so we can vouch that not only is this an absolute steal, but it will also make a difference to your skin. Keep reading for our in-depth review and how to get your hands on this unmissable bargain.
Our IndyBest team hand-picks every deal we feature. We may earn some commission from the links in this article, but our selections have been made independently and without bias. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
No7 advanced retinol 1.5% complex night concentrate: Was £34, now £15.18, Boots.com
Housed in a simple yet practical bottle, this squeezy tube is a deliberate choice at it allows you to get the maximum amount of product out. It’s also opaque, which prevents the retinol from degrading due to sunlight exposure.
“The formula is a lightweight, thin, non-oily cream and it has a good slip across the skin, meaning a little goes a long way. It absorbs quickly, leaving no tackiness behind, and is fragrance free,” said our reviewer, adding, “we experienced no irritation or dryness when used every evening (though our skin is already acclimatised to using retinol; we’d still suggest you ease yourself in if you’re a first-timer). After using this consistently for two weeks, our skin was soft, bright and we’d started to see some impact on the fine lines on the forehead.”
While the product label says it’s a 1.5 per cent retinol product, this number is made up of retinol, Matrixyl 3000+ and bisabolol, which combined, help to restore plumpness to slack skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles.
As our reviewer explained, “A 1 per cent retinol is the maximum that can be sold over the counter in the UK, so this product couldn’t be 1.5 per cent concentration, but many consumers won’t be aware of that fact. The reality is that at 0.3 per cent... a gentle, entry-level retinol.”
We loved the results this gave and if you’re new to retinol it’s a great option to slowly introduce into your routine. So don’t be put off if you’ve never used the ingredient before.
Retinol can make your skin more photosensitive, so make sure you’re extra vigilant at applying SPF every morning (you can find one that works for you in our guide to the best sunscreens for your face that offer daily protection without feeling greasy).
Voucher codes
For the latest discounts on skincare and other beauty buys, try the links below:
Keep your pout protected for the sun with our best SPF lip balms that are hydrating and non-sticky