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Neutrogena

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
Moisturizers

About this product

A retinol-based moisturizing cream designed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin texture and tone. Available in fragrance and fragrance-free formulations.

Best for

Type

MoisturizersCream

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Full ingredients

Guru Score

85%

Approved

6 experts · Moderate agreement
Guru Certified
Broad expert consensus
6Gurus
6Approved
0Mixed
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What the gurus are saying

The instant plumping effect comes from hyaluronic acid paired with a slow-release retinol that tackles fine lines and wrinkles without the irritation you might otherwise feel. Clinical studies showed significant improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and tone within eight weeks, with some changes visible in the first week. Those new to retinol or with sensitive skin should reach for the fragrance-free version, which is gentler and better tolerated than the scented formula.
Synthesized from 6 expert reviews · most recent take April 2026
Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Approved takes Critical takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored
Approved
"I also love the new Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream."
Approved
"The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair is one of our OGs that wins this category probably every year. This is a fond one for me. It's the first retinol product I ever used. Even though the concentration isn't disclosed, it is effective. They have a lot of studies backing it up. This retinol is paired with a lot of hydrating ingredients, so it offsets irritation, especially for someone who's just starting a retinol. I think this is a perfect pick. They have some really fascinating internal studies that show its retinol activity on the skin, actually acting in your skin compared to other moisturizers that have retinol in them. They really have a lot of good science behind their products, so they can stand behind them."
All 2 takes from Doctorly
Derm Compares Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 vs Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair vs RoC Retinol Correxion
"Efficacy is number one, right? Is it going to work or is it not going to work? When I see a study like that, you think to yourself, okay, I can count on this working. So that kind of shifted my bias. But barring that, because I don't know what the competitors have done, I'd say it really is just a preference on texture and maybe that extra peptide. So I'd say kind of all of them are equivalent, with me leaning more towards the Neutrogena one just because of the internal studies that I've seen."
Best Moisturizers of the Year | Doctorly Favorites of 2025
"The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair is one of our OGs that wins this category probably every year. This is a fond one for me. It's the first retinol product I ever used. Even though the concentration isn't disclosed, it is effective. They have a lot of studies backing it up. This retinol is paired with a lot of hydrating ingredients, so it offsets irritation, especially for someone who's just starting a retinol. I think this is a perfect pick. They have some really fascinating internal studies that show its retinol activity on the skin, actually acting in your skin compared to other moisturizers that have retinol in them. They really have a lot of good science behind their products, so they can stand behind them."
Approved
"Another great option that I've really enjoyed is Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair retinol. It could be fragrance or non-fragrance, and it's very affordable. They've even come out with the retinol plus line that does disclose the retinol, whether it's a serum or the cream. So good job to Neutrogena for getting into the disclosure game and telling us what percent retinol you have in your products."
All 4 takes from Dr. Daniel Sugai
Dermatologist Reviews: Affordable Drugstore Skincare Essentials
"Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, this is the jar that I reviewed before, and this is the new packaging. You've got a retinol, and they have a percentage disclosed on some of the retinols, but this is the OG that I'm most used to. You can get it fragrance free or with fragrance; this one's the fragrance free version. Very affordable, 30 something bucks for these. For a retinol, this anti-aging, you're going to pay a little bit more for it. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, I really like to pair this with the retinol oil, it just feels so silky smooth afterwards."
Dermatologist Reviews Affordable Retinols: The Best Options For Your Skin!
"If you're in your 30s and up, consider Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair. They've actually made a nice retinol, Rapid Wrinkle Repair Pro Plus, that discloses the percentage of retinol. I usually say go for 0.25% and up, and Neutrogena has made a nice new retinol that discloses at 0.3%. I'm actually going to say that's a good, big thumbs up. If you're in your 30s and up, go for Neutrogena, either their regular OG Rapid Wrinkle Repair or, if you want to go for their newer retinol Pro Plus, especially if you've tried and tolerated their original Rapid Wrinkle Repair, go for the higher one and see if you like it. I've actually enjoyed using that product. So just a shout out to Neutrogena for disclosing their percentage of retinol."
Dermatologist Explains: Top Beauty Secrets (and Can Exercise Help with Wrinkles?)
"Neutrogena makes a nice one, the Rapid Wrinkle Repair. If you're a beginner, have sensitive skin, or have rosacea, that's a gentle over-the-counter retinol option to start off with."
Dermatologist Explains: Which is the Best Retinol for You!
"Another great option that I've really enjoyed is Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair retinol. It could be fragrance or non-fragrance, and it's very affordable. They've even come out with the retinol plus line that does disclose the retinol, whether it's a serum or the cream. So good job to Neutrogena for getting into the disclosure game and telling us what percent retinol you have in your products."
Approved
"An example of a great gentle product would be Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair. It's a gentle retinol in it, it is safe for the neck, low chance of irritation."
All 3 takes from The Budget Dermatologist
Shop With Me: Drugstore Anti-aging | The Budget Dermatologist
"You should buy a Neutrogena retinol like the Rapid Wrinkle Repair product because it has actual retinol in it."
Should You SPEND $100 On A Neck Cream?! | Anti-aging Skincare Advice
"An example of a great gentle product would be Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair. It's a gentle retinol in it, it is safe for the neck, low chance of irritation."
The Retinoid Ladder Approach For Your Anti-aging Skincare Routine
"Neutrogena has one of the best retinols you can buy over the counter at the drugstore. They actually come in several strengths, so this is the Rapid Wrinkle Repair, fragrance free of course. You can even start low strength within one brand such as Neutrogena and build up to some of their stronger retinols. This is another long time Holy Grail, tried and true version."
Approved
"The pharmaceutical company that owns Neutrogena, in clinical studies, is really trying to upregulate retinoid receptors and response in the skin, improving the onset and the benefits while at the same time reducing irritation. It also contains glycerin and dimethicone, which is why I think it gives the cream a little bit more richness and creaminess, so more support to your skin, especially if you have dry skin. So I really love this one. I recommend checking this one out if you have more dry skin and are looking for a good anti-aging retinol moisturizer."
All 4 takes from Dr. Jenny Liu
Retinol for SENSITIVE SKIN | Dermatologist's Guide
"For all skin types, especially if you have sensitive skin, if retinol serums are not your thing or you're looking to simplify your routine, or you worry that retinol serums may be too irritating, then go with a retinol based moisturizer, and here I recommend the Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream from Neutrogena. Make sure you pick the fragrance free one, because they make the exact same product with fragrance. This retails for 28 dollars. Reasons I love this one: number one, Neutrogena has a lot of research into their retinol, and definitely clinical studies as well demonstrating efficacy and tolerability. This one contains retinol SA, which stands for sustained action, so it's formulated with the glucose complex to really enhance delivery but reduce irritation. This moisturizer also contains hyaluronic acid. For individuals that have more sensitive skin, especially if you're looking for a one stop shop moisturizer and retinol combined in one, I like to go with a more nourishing formulation, which is why I picked this Neutrogena one. I do find that for most people with dry and sensitive skin this moisturizer is enough, unless you are like me during the winter time here when it's so dry and cold, you may feel the need to layer on an extra layer of just plain old moisturizer, which you can certainly do after applying this."
Dermatologist creates anti-aging routine for $100 | Dr. Jenny Liu
"The pharmaceutical company that owns Neutrogena, in clinical studies, is really trying to upregulate retinoid receptors and response in the skin, improving the onset and the benefits while at the same time reducing irritation. It also contains glycerin and dimethicone, which is why I think it gives the cream a little bit more richness and creaminess, so more support to your skin, especially if you have dry skin. So I really love this one. I recommend checking this one out if you have more dry skin and are looking for a good anti-aging retinol moisturizer."
Dermatologist Reviews Neutrogena's Retinol Cream and Pro Serum
"The first one is the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream. This retails for around 33 dollars. This is a rich, nourishing cream that contains the retinol we talked about in comparing two other retinol based moisturizers. I think it's more on the creamier and richer side, but actually in clinical studies has demonstrated to be very effective at targeting fine lines on human skin tone and skin texture. In the Neutrogena studies, which you guys don't always have access to but as a dermatologist this is something that I can readily find, Johnson and Johnson actually conducted an eight week double-blind study of 40 women who used this moisturizer once daily and they noticed a significant improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture and skin tone, as well as improvement in under eye wrinkles, and some of that improvement was noticed even within the first week of use. This does come in a fragrance and non-fragrance version. I always recommend picking the fragrance free for a few reasons. Number one, with this formulation I think it's great for those who are really new and starting off with retinols, and if you're new to retinols it can be irritating, so looking for a retinol product that is fragrance free can help improve the tolerance when you have never used a retinol before. Two, if you have sensitive skin and want to use a retinol, when it's fragrance free that formulation is going to be better tolerated by your skin."
Dermatologist's favorite Retinols for Sensitive Skin
"For all skin types, especially if you have sensitive skin, if retinol serums are not your thing or you're looking to simplify your routine, or you worry that retinol serums may be too irritating, then go with a retinol based moisturizer, and here I recommend the Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream from Neutrogena. Make sure you pick the fragrance free one, because they make the exact same product with fragrance. This retails for 28 dollars. Reasons I love this one: number one, Neutrogena has a lot of research into their retinol, and definitely clinical studies as well demonstrating efficacy and tolerability. This one contains retinol SA, which stands for sustained action, so it's formulated with the glucose complex to really enhance delivery but reduce irritation. This moisturizer also contains hyaluronic acid. For individuals that have more sensitive skin, especially if you're looking for a one stop shop moisturizer and retinol combined in one, I like to go with a more nourishing formulation, which is why I picked this Neutrogena one. I do find that for most people with dry and sensitive skin this moisturizer is enough, unless you are like me during the winter time here when it's so dry and cold, you may feel the need to layer on an extra layer of just plain old moisturizer, which you can certainly do after applying this."
Approved
"The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, the fragrance-free one, I have been recommending for years and years and years. I swear it has this instant plumping hydrating effect. It likely has to do with the hyaluronic acid, which helps to improve the dryness, the irritation that one might experience from their very effective stabilized retinol. That's slow release, sustained action. That's a great formula with hyaluronic acid."
Sponsored
All 7 takes from Dr Dray
Dermatologist Answers Your Skincare Questions: Retinol, Polynucleotides and MORE
"I do suggest going with retinols from well-established brands that have a lot of R&D, and I always recommend the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair retinol."
6 Skincare Ingredient Duos That Work Better Together | Dermatologist Explains
"The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, the fragrance-free one, I have been recommending for years and years and years. I swear it has this instant plumping hydrating effect and it likely has to do with the hyaluronic acid which helps to improve the dryness, the irritation that one might experience from their very effective stabilized retinol that's slow release sustained action. That's a great formula with hyaluronic acid."
Dermatologist Q&A: Tretinoin, Retinol, Sunscreen & Sensitive Skin
"When it comes to retinol specifically, I do encourage people to stick with brands that have large R&D. They have a large presence in the industry because they put a lot into their formulations. So I always recommend, for example, the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream. Neutrogena has been doing retinols for a very long time, and they've taken their retinols into the clinic and done clinical studies on them."
Top Drugstore Skincare Products For Women In Their 40s
"Yall already know this this is one of my all-time favorites it's great for mature skin for improving the look of sun damage"
The Skincare Trifecta - What A Dermatologist Really Thinks
"I love Neutrogena retinols. I can't help but notice a lot of people are using one of my favorite cosmetic retinols, the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream. Neutrogena, a Johnson and Johnson company, they've been doing retinols for a long time. They earned my trust long before I was ever on YouTube as an over the counter cosmetic retinol to recommend to patients, and you will see me recommend it over and over again. Full disclosure, I am sponsored by Neutrogena, I do a lot of sponsored promotional content over on Instagram and TikTok with them, so there is that, but like I said, I have been a long time user, recommender, a fan of Neutrogena products, and their retinols are some of the best in the industry in my opinion."
Retinol, Exfoliation & Sagging Skin | Dermatologist Answers
"I like the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream. I've been recommending that for years."
6 Skincare Ingredient Combos That Work Better Together
"The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, the fragrance-free one, I have been recommending for years and years and years. I swear it has this instant plumping hydrating effect. It likely has to do with the hyaluronic acid, which helps to improve the dryness, the irritation that one might experience from their very effective stabilized retinol. That's slow release, sustained action. That's a great formula with hyaluronic acid."
Common questions

Frequently asked.

What is Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream?

A retinol-based moisturizing cream designed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin texture and tone. Available in fragrance and fragrance-free formulations.

Is Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream worth it?

Yes. All 6 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 85%.

What is Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream's Guru Score?

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream holds a Guru Score of 85%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 6 independent expert reviewers we have collected. It is also Guru Certified, our mark for products that hold broad approval across many expert reviewers.

Who is Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream best for?

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream is generally suited to mature skin.

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