When it comes to skincare, retinol gets a lot of hype—and for good reason—but for anyone just starting out, using it can feel like a minefield. That’s where Cocokind’s Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% comes in. It’s the kind of product that makes this star ingredient approachable without overcomplicating your routine.
For starters, the gel is lightweight and fast absorbing, which means no sticky residue, no heavy layers, just smooth, manageable skin. It’s designed to tackle the usual suspects—fine lines, crow’s feet, uneven texture and early signs of aging, without leaving your face feeling irritated or stripped. So if you’ve been hesitant to try retinol before, this one is easy.
The formula itself is also efficient and smart. The 0.1 per cent of retinol drives cell turnover for smoother, more resilient skin, but it’s balanced with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract, which calm and protect, and nourishing oils like jojoba and safflower to keep skin hydrated. All combined, it delivers the benefits of retinol but without the drama of redness, irritation, dryness and itching.
Using it is just as simple: start by applying a pea-sized amount on clean, dry skin at nighttime, once or twice a week. As your skin gets used to the product, step it up and add another application or two. Over the next few weeks, your skin will begin to look and feel smoother, have a more even texture, a brighter tone and fewer fine lines. It’s effective and low-maintenance—perfect for no fuss results. Just make sure to apply an SPF sunscreen over top of your daytime moisturizer in the morning, as retinol can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage and burning.
Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1%, $41.99 for 30 ml, available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
