KELLY MCCARREN: 'The $6 retinol that's perfect for chest wrinkles.'

A thing you'll probably notice if you're a dame in your 30s and over: Chest wrinkles.

It's normal. Whether they're due to sun damage in your younger years (tsk tsk) or simply the way you sleep — it can be a niggling concern and there are approximately eleven million products on the market promising to be the solution. But what actually works when it comes to treating wrinkles and sun damage on your décolletage?

Well, a recent listener question on the You Beauty podcast asked just that. A lovely Youbie by the name of Claire recently asked:

"I've recently noticed my chest and décolletage area has what looks like the beginning of wrinkles. I've always been quite proud of this area. It has been one of those things I like most about myself, and now I'm slightly horrified, slightly freaking out," the 36-year-old listener wrote, admitting she hadn't been diligent with sunscreen in the past.

Well, You Beauty podcast host Kelly McCarren dropped a seriously affordable skincare solution that won't make your wallet cry — and of course, we're going to share it with you. Silly question!

Watch: Speaking of You Beauty, Here's Kelly McCarren talking about the best brow and lash serums. Post continues below.

Speaking to the emotional aspect of noticing these changes, Kelly shared: "Firstly, I don't want to sound too woo-woo in my 2025 era, but there is nothing wrong with wrinkles," she reminded listeners. "I know that this is a beauty podcast, and you're allowed to feel however you feel, but I hate that you say that you're slightly horrified and freaking out."

Hear, hear.

Then came the budget-friendly bombshell: you can use Kmart's $6 retinol serum on your décolletage.

"You can get a Kmart retinol for $6. The ingredients are absolutely fine if you're just looking for something really affordable and effective, just to use on that area and then to slug over the top," Kelly shared. "You don't need to spend heaps of money."

Want to listen to the full episode? Check it out below.

Here's what it looks like:

Image: Kmart 1% Retinol Serum.

Leigh Campbell chimed in with an important caveat about using retinol on your chest, emphasising that you should "definitely use a lesser percentage, because your décolletage is much more sensitive than your face."

Meaning? At one per cent, something like this is perfect.

If you're a beauty gal, you'll know the buzz around Kmart's affordable skincare products — but honestly, it can be hard to know what's really worth trying. While some skincare experts have varying opinions on budget retinol products, if Kelly MCarren said it's worth trying — you know it's worth trying! Especially if you're planning to use it specifically for your chest area.

Both Kelly and Leigh also shared several other clever tips for tackling chest wrinkles: including sleeping with a pillow in between "the girls" to prevent creasing.

Smart!

Kelly also suggested using thick, hydrating masks on your chest area or opting for good old-fashioned slugging with products like Nivea cream or Vaseline.

For those looking to really step up their chest care routine, Leigh's recommended Intima Breast Pillow (though at $136, it's definitely an investment!).

Image: Intima Breast Pillow. 

If you're looking for other options, Leigh also recommended using silicone patches during the day while working from home or at night while you sleep. You can also get creative with your LED mask by laying it flat on your chest (just remember to move it around!).

If you're keen to try Kelly's chest-care hack, she recommends firstly cleansing your décolletage area (just bring your usual face cleanser right down to your chest), before drying and applying the $6 Kmart retinol serum.

Kelly said you can also follow up with a thick moisturiser or "slug" with Vaseline.

And always, always, ALWAYS wear sunscreen during the day. (Obvs).

As Leigh pointed out in the episode, sun damage from decades ago can show up years later: "My pigmentation that's coming out is from 20 years ago. I used to roast that area because it went a beautiful brown, and now I literally use sunscreen, put on a shirt, hat and find some shade."

Whether you're dealing with early signs of sun damage like our listener or just want to take preventative measures, this affordable hack might be worth adding to your skincare routine. After all, if it's good enough for Kelly McCarren, it's good enough for us!

And remember — there's nothing wrong with wrinkles. But if you want to give your décolletage some extra TLC, it's nice to know you don't need to spend a fortune to do it.

What are your thoughts on the Kmart skincare line? Have you tried anything yet? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Instagram/Kelly MCCarren/Tiktok, @grace_edma_iris.