We all know the wonders that vitamins can do for our bodies, but vitamins also can be powerful ingredients in skincare too. From working to reduce fine lines, boost hydration or brighten complexion, vitamins play an important role in skincare. One of the most powerful vitamins in skincare is Vitamin A. Typically derived from plants and synthetic sources, Vitamin A serums can work to reduce acne, stimulate collagen and even in some cases has antioxidant properties making it a great ingredient for all-round skin health.
Vitamin A can be used topically in a concentrated serum, however, you can also find Vitamin A through retinol creams. Here’s some of the best Vitamin A serums and products to shop.
The best Vitamin A serums and skincare products 2024
01
Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol
from $84.95 at Alpha-H
Best for: Those who want a true Vitamin A serum.
As retinol is a part of the Vitamin A family, most people can get their Vitamin A fix through a retinol. However, it’s important to remember that whilst all retinols are Vitamin A, but not all Vitamin A are retinols.
This is why a true Vitamin A serum can give you a wider array of benefits over just a retinol.
Sizes: 25mL, 10mL
Key features:
- Concentrated Vitamin A serum
- 0.5 per cent retinol
- Tomato fruit extract for brightening
- Vegan
Available at:
- $84.95 from Sephora
- $84.95 from Adore Beauty
- $84.95 from Mecca
02
ASAP Super A+ Serum
from $93 at Adore Beauty
Best for: A powerful retinol and Vitamin A combination
The ASAP Super A+ Serum is a powerful retinol and Vitamin A combination which helps promote cell-turnover and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Sizes: 30mL
Key features:
- Australian made
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
- Fragrance free
Available at:
- $90 from Oz Hair and Beauty
- $88 from RY
03
Aesthetics Rx A Serum Retinol Restorative
from $119 at Adore Beauty
Best for: Sensitive skin
For those of us with sensitive skin, dabbling with Vitamin A and retinols requires extra caution. The Aesthetics Rx A Serum Retinol Restorative is positively reviewed by skin-care lovers to be sensitive-skin friendly. Despite this, it’s important to always patch test a product before putting it directly onto your face.
Sizes: 30mL
Key features:
- Australian made
- Artificial fragrance free
- Paraben free
- Sulphate free
04
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
from $89 at Adore Beauty
Best for: entry level retinal serum
As we already know, retinol sits under the Vitamin A umbrella, so too does retinal. Retinal differs from retinol as its more potent and closer to the active form of Vitamin A which may deliver results more quickly for some individuals. It’s generally also better than retinol for those with sensitive skin.
The Medik8 Crystal Retinal entry level retinal serum for sensitive skin or for those who are starting their retinol journey.
Sizes: 30mL
Key features:
- Gentle ingredients
- Cruelty free
- Artificial fragrance free
Available at:
- $85 from The Iconic
- $85 from Oz Hair and Beauty
What are the benefits of Vitamin A in skincare?
Just like Vitamins B, C, D and E, Vitamin A can be found in many products thanks to its stellar skincare properties including:
- Collagen production
- Cell turnover
- Reduction of acne
- Antioxidant properties
- Reduction of hyperpigmentation
- Regulates sebum (oil) production
How does Vitamin A differ from retinol?
Vitamin A is the umbrella ingredient that retinal, retinol and retinoic acid. As retinol is just one member of the Vitamin A family, the vitamin is present in retinol skincare products. However, whilst all retinols are Vitamin A, not all Vitamin A is retinol. There are a host of other benefits of Vitamin A that you cannot get from just retinol alone which is why a specific serum can be a better choice for those who want the benefits of Vitamin A.
