'I'm a beauty editor over 30. Here's my honest review on that popular $60 retinol.'

As someone who tests beauty products for a living (yes, it's a real job, I promise!), I've tried my fair share of retinol products. And as someone in their early thirties, it's an ingredient that's become a firm staple in my skincare routine. 

Dubbed the "gold standard" of skincare ingredients, retinol is a form of vitamin A and a powerful anti-ageing ingredient that works to address all different skin concerns – from plumping out fine lines and wrinkles, to reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture.  

However, as with most skincare ingredients, not all retinols are created equal. 

While there might be a whole slew of different retinol serums and face creams on the market, it can be really quite confusing to know which formulations are good and what's actually worth spending your money on.

Enter: Olay's Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Cream Moisturiser ($59.99). 

Tried it? Heard of it? Seen it doing the rounds on shelves?

Well, in the interest of finding out if a retinol could be gentle, effective and affordable (sounds like a unicorn, I know) – I decided to put it to the test. 

I trialled Olay's formula for 28 days and documented my entire experience. Pervy!

Curious? Here's what happened.

What is Olay's Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Cream Moisturiser?

In case you've missed the buzz around Olay Regenerist Retinol (where've you been?!), word on the (beauty) street is that it's Australia's number one retinol range. Meaning? It's pretty dang popular.

But in a world of "viral" products and fluffy marketing, is it actually any good? Well, that's why I'm here.

Formulated with a unique retinoid complex which promises to be less irritating, but still potent for visible results (we love to see it). Olay's Regenerist Retinol is supposed to be perfect for everyone from beginner retinol users to those more experienced retinol users. 

It also promises to offer an array of benefits for all different skin concerns, renewing and resurfacing your skin at night for plumper skin.

Sounds pretty good!

Image: Supplied. 

The non-drying formula is also supposed to provide 24 hours of hydration (can you hear my dry skin celebrating?), is fragrance-free, and doesn't include things like synthetic dyes, sulphates, and phthalates. As someone with sensitive skin, this all sounds like a very good time.

When it comes to the all-important instructions (not to be glossed over when we're talking about retinol), Olay's formula is meant to be used at night, and teamed with SPF during the day (which we all do every day, anyway! Right? RIGHT, YOU GUYS). 

Because it takes time for your skin to adjust to this powerful ingredient, retinol beginners are meant to start off by using it once a week, before building up to two to three times a week depending on your skin's tolerance.

As I'm a regular retinol fan, I used it around three times a week. 

How did you go with it?

Okay, time for the juicy stuff. As I mentioned before, I trialled the product for a total of 28 days, and you BET I have thoughts.

Firstly, let's start with the all-important packaging, shall we? 

The retinol cream comes in a weighty, luxe-looking purple glass pot with a silver screw-on cap and is delightfully fragrance-free. (The scent of a product is usually make or break for me – so this was a big old tick in my books!)

Thick, yet surprising lightweight on the skin, the slightly whipped texture feels both parts luxurious and nourishing on the skin. While retinol can be notoriously drying, this seems to offer hydration that actually lasts – which is important for someone with perpetually dry and sensitive skin.

Image: Supplied.

Upon application I found a little goes a long way, and it sinks in quickly, leaving your skin feeling smooth and silky. Importantly, it doesn't leave your face feeling the slightest bit greasy or "heavy" – which is utterly delightful, because there's truly nothing worse pre-snooze.

Now, even as an experienced retinol user, I often find I'll experience a little pinch of irritation (usually I'll have a bit of redness or flaking) when trialling a new retinol. However, I was surprised to find my skin... loved it. 

Thanks to the unique retinoid complex, my skin experienced no side effects, and I woke up morning after morning with plump, hydrated, and happy skin.

While retinol results can obviously take a while (you can't rush skincare!), over the course of the 28 days I noticed several notable changes in my skin. 

First off, there was a visible difference in the appearance of fine lines on my forehead, crow's feet, and nasolabial folds around my mouth. I found these lines looked less noticeable, with the areas looking plumper and more hydrated than they did prior to using Olay's formula. 

I usually find that whenever I wear foundation, it annoyingly creases and sits in the lines around my eyes and mouth, which makes them even more visible. However, I found everything started to appear a lot smoother and even with this guy in my line-up.

Then there was my skin tone. I noticed a significant improvement when it came to my dull skin and the visible pores around my nose and chin. Prior to trialling the formula, my skin looked tired, congested and just a bit... blah (to be fair, it was also nearing the end of the year when I started the trial – so your girl was tired!). 

However, after using Olay's retinol formula, I found that my redness had subsided and my skin looked fresher, more uniform, and miles brighter. The niggling pores around my nose and chin also looked way less obvious, which was another major plus. 

Just have a wee peek at my before and after trialling the product for 28 days:

Before and after using Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturiser. Image: Supplied.

Am I right? My skin looks brighter! More even!! Just.... BETTER!

The verdict.

You guys, I'm impressed. I truly think the Olay Regenerist Retinol offers the best of both worlds. While it's gentle and comfortable on the skin (even if you're someone with sensitive skin like me, or new to the whole retinol thing!), it's also mighty effective. 

For me, the heavy-lifting formula certainly lived up the hype, and kicked some major goals when it came to targeting some of my most pressing skin concerns such as fine lines, dull skin and uneven skin texture. Post-trial my skin looks fresher, brighter, and healthier.

This anti-ageing cream is the perfect option for those who don't want to drop of heap of money on retinol (read: all of us), but still want noticeable results (also, all of us).

As someone who tries and tests a lot of different skincare products, not many of them end up making their way into my regular routine. However, this formula has firmly earned a spot in my skincare cabinet and I'll continue using it to the very last drop.

If you're looking for an effective, affordable, and non-irritating formula, or want to finally dip your toes in the retinol skincare game, this is your guy!

Have you tried Olay's Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Cream Moisturiser before? What are your thoughts? Share them with us in the comments below.

Shop Olay's Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Cream Moisturiser at Chemist Warehouse.

Olay Regenerist Retinol is the number one retinol range, according to IRI MarketEdge based on data definitions provided by Procter & Gamble.

Feature Image: Supplied.