- There are reports that retinol has a positive effect on skin firmness, elasticity, and fine wrinkles.
- The evidence score is 81, and reliability is considered high.
- This information is relevant to those concerned about skin firmness and age-related changes.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A.
It is a component generally used in skincare with the aim of addressing skin concerns.
It has been reported that retinol may have a positive effect on skin firmness and elasticity.
In research using human skin models and similar methods, how retinol acts on skin condition was investigated. Specifically, it has been suggested that retinol increases the activity of genes that produce hyaluronic acid (a component that helps maintain skin hydration), which is involved in skin water content and wrinkle formation.
This research was conducted using an in vitro method (an experiment carried out in a controlled environment such as a test tube). In other words, this is research that confirms a mechanism using cell or skin models rather than a living body. Such research helps clarify the mechanism by which an ingredient acts on the skin.
There are reports that retinol has a positive effect on fine wrinkles.
This finding comes from an analysis that gathered a large amount of research data. Specifically, it uses data from 3,905 people included across 23 RCTs (a research method that verifies effects by removing bias through randomly dividing participants). Among this, it was shown that retinol, together with other ingredients, may improve fine wrinkles.
This analysis used a systematic review (a method that comprehensively gathers and analyzes past papers on a specific topic) and a network meta-analysis (an advanced analytical method that statistically compares multiple treatments). In other words, this can be described as a very large-scale investigation that combined many separately conducted studies and compared multiple ingredients simultaneously. The content of this article is based on a total of 3 research results.
Research has also been reported suggesting that retinol may reduce fine wrinkles in the skin of East Asian people.
This study was conducted with a group of 110 people of East Asian descent. The content confirms how retinol, a form of vitamin A, acts on age-related changes.
This study was carried out as an RCT (a research method that verifies effects by removing bias through randomly dividing participants). In other words, this was an experimental format that increased the reliability of results by dividing subjects into groups. This kind of research allows us to learn about responses in people from a specific region, but it may not suit every individual's skin condition.
| Study | Design | Number of Participants | Duration | Main Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archives of dermatological research (2017, PMID:28247017) | In vitro study | Not reported | Not reported | A positive effect was reported |
| Scientific reports (2025, PMID:40707570) | Systematic review | 3905 | Not reported | A positive effect was reported |
| Journal not reported (2015) | Randomized controlled trial (RCT) | 110 | Not reported | A positive effect was reported |
The subjects of the research include 110 people of East Asian descent, and 3,905 people who participated across 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Research using human epidermal keratinocytes, skin substitute models, and human ex vivo skin samples is also included.
Because research on people of East Asian descent is included, this can serve as a reference point for comparing with your own skin tendencies.
The study designs include in vitro studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and a systematic review.
This examination is based on 3 studies.
Data from a systematic review covering 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is included as part of the research.
Does retinol affect skin firmness?
Research has been reported showing a positive effect on skin firmness and elasticity. This examination is based on 3 studies.
Has retinol also been studied for wrinkles?
Research has been reported showing a reduction in fine wrinkles. This has been shown, among other things, in research involving people of East Asian descent.
How reliable are the research findings on retinol?
Reliability is considered high. This examination includes 3 studies.
Research suggests that retinol may have a positive effect on skin firmness, elasticity, and fine wrinkles. This information is based on 3 studies, but results may vary depending on cell-level experiments and differences in what was compared. The evidence score is 81, and reliability is considered high. Please also try using a self-check assessment to see whether it suits your own skin.