'My fine lines appeared softer': 13 women tried the savey retinol cream promising quick results.

When it comes to crash tackling just about any skin issue – think fine lines, breakouts, uneven texture and dark spots – retinol is definitely one you want on your side. 

She's stupidly effective, just ask any beauty expert, and can do lots of magnificent things for your skin (which is why she's having such a moment lately in SO many different products). 

BUT. She's fierce with boundaries. Retinol only performs her best under a specific set of rules and conditions, and can really turn on you if you're not careful. Especially if you're not pairing her with a big ol' lick of hydration. 

Some products, like Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream, promise to do some serious heavy lifting for us by combining 0.13 per cent pure retinol (vitamin A) with hyaluronic acid (hydration hero!) and glucose complex (anti-ageing!) into one glorious formula.

The result? Powerful retinol results for visibly smoother and younger-looking skin. As it's delivered to our noggin in such a rich and replenishing cream too, like a big drink of water for your skin, that's what helps keep your skin hydrated and happy and reduces the risk of irritation.

As soon as I read the promise of visible results in JUST ONE WEEK, we obviously felt we needed to have exactly 70 women from Mamamia's You Beauty Panel to rate it first and tell us every little detail on its performance.

Does it actually fade the look of lines and wrinkles in a week? What do retinol newbies and intermediate users think of it in comparison? Do we think this $49 cutie meets expectations?

Turns out a cheeky 93 per cent of Panellists said they'd recommend the Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream, with 76 per cent already keen repurchase once they polish off their first tub!

Here's some of their real, honest thoughts after trialling for themselves.

Prue, 52: "I liked the improved texture and smoothness of my skin."

"Upon application the cream felt moisturising and absorbed nicely into the skin. Although it is a retinol cream, I found the product was gentle enough not to irritate my skin. Having used it for 4 weeks, my skin feels and looks more hydrated. Some fine lines also appear softer, and I also liked the improved texture and smoothness of my skin following use. I would repurchase this product!"

Jessica, 37: "Skin felt lovely and hydrated next morning."

Image: Supplied.

"This seemed very gentle and I didn’t experience any dryness or flaking when I introduced it every second night, like can usually happening with retinol products. I have been using retinol every second night for a few years though.

"I really liked the thick balm-like texture, it felt lovely to apply and not irritating. Also, no need for night cream or oil on top. Skin felt lovely and hydrated next morning. I'm excited to see results after a few months of using this Neutrogena cream!"

Melita, 40: "This product is the perfect all-rounder."

"I actually loved everything about this product, and it is perfect for sensitive skin. I was concerned with starting the trial due to a recent perioral dermatitis flare up, but this product did not re-trigger it. 

"It goes on beautifully, not too heavy and wears well with sunscreen. My face was not oily at the end of the day and it has not broken me out. I noticed clearer and smoother skin after the first two weeks. I usually have an oily T-zone, dehydrated cheeks and enlarged pores, with the occasional breakout, so this product is the perfect all-rounder – not just for wrinkles!"

Linda, 49: "Left my skin feeling hydrated and plump."

"Excellent! Lovely product, VERY pleased with it. It was a lovely rich formula, easily absorbed by my sensitive skin. Was definitely suitable for daily use and left my skin feeling hydrated and plump. Fragrance free was an added bonus."

Kelly, 42: "I've never used retinol before. It made my skin look quite fresh and radiant!"

"I've never used retinol before, but I found this product lovely to use. I read up a bit on retinol and started lightly so as not to irritate my skin or compromise my skin barrier. I moisturised first then applied the cream twice a week and gradually increased the frequency. I was happy to see that it wasn’t harsh on my skin at all. It applied beautifully and was not greasy which I like.

"It absorbed quickly and wasn’t greasy. It also made my skin look quite fresh and radiant, so I will definitely continue using this cream in future!"

Angela, 41: "I noticed plumpness in my forehead and smile lines."

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"I'd not heard of this product before, but overall it was definitely a pleasant experience. I used only a pea-sized amount each time, as it applies so easily and absorbs well. I noticed plumpness in my forehead and smile lines after a couple of days of use, so would recommend this product."

De, 43: "Non-irritating and the cream was lovely, thick and rich."

"I really enjoyed using Neutrogena Retinol Regenerating Cream. I used this every alternate evening after cleansing. I found the cream thick and moisturising and felt rich and nourishing on my skin. It didn't cause any irritation to my skin as some retinol products can. Highly recommended and would purchase again."

Emma, 36: "Nourishing and luxurious."

"It was great, would recommend! The cream felt nourishing and luxurious without any discomfort or irritation. The feeling of my skin after application during this trial has definitely improved."

Wendy, 41: "I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed this product."

"I’m a regular retinal user and I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed this retinol product. It has a rich consistency that dissolves easily into the skin upon application and is fragrance free yet has a beautiful skincare smell. It is also safe to use on the neck and décolletage. 

"I used the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair nightly as my skin is already accustomed to vitamin A. I enjoyed that the rich consistency of this product did not dry out my skin, and it’s worth noting the product also contains hyaluronic acid to help hydrate my skin. I would recommend this product particularly as my skin was happy after using the product for just a week. I'm continuing to use to help achieve more visible changes to fine lines and wrinkles."

Clare, 43: "Perfect for sensitive skin."

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"This cream is excellent, I was pleasantly surprised at the benefits of this product. Love the fact that it’s fragrance free, making it perfect for sensitive skin. I loved the amazing texture of this product, it was a rich, creamy texture, making my skin feel smooth, silky and nourished. Would rate it 5/5."

Louisa, 39: "Gentle enough to use every day and I didn’t break out!"

"Loved it! Such a beautiful cream. I'm new to retinol, and I love that this Neutrogena cream has no fragrance and was really gentle and soothing. The fact it is a low retinol too really helped as my skin is sensitive and I break out a lot with harsh products. Gentle enough to use every day and I didn’t break out!

Emilyn, 35: "I'd recommend and repurchase."

"I really enjoyed my experience testing this product, the cream feels lovely and hydrating and packs a punch of retinol! I found it on the stronger side for my skin, though so I did take some breaks due to some initial flaking (very light). I definitely found it effective but it still feels nourishing. Also, I liked that it’s a budget friendly retinol option that could be used on the neck and chest lines. I'd recommend and repurchase this product."

Pamla, 46: "My skin felt hydrated and there was no irritation."

"Pleased with the result. Always a worry with oily/combination skin, however with this product it was not a concern. I would buy this product again and recommend it to friends: my skin felt hydrated and there was no irritation. There was no oily feeling after use which was great."

Shop the clinically-tested Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream online or in-store at Coles, Woolworths and Priceline. 

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia.