Olay

Retinol 24 Max.

Retinoids

About this product

A lightweight retinol serum designed to target fine lines and wrinkles, formulated with retinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide.

Best for

Mature skin

Type

RetinoidsLiquid

Key actives

Retinoid Niacinamide Peptides

Formula notes

Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

Full ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Tapioca Starch, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Retinol, Retinyl Propionate, Niacinamide*, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract**, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4***, Dimethiconol, Laureth-4, Polysorbate 20, Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Polyacrylamide, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl Propanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Titanium Dioxide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

Guru Score

71%

Mixed

Early verdict · Few reviews so far

2Gurus

1Approved

0Mixed

1Skip

What the gurus are saying

One expert praises it as a reliable, gentle choice for sensitive skin starting retinoids, noting the formula rubs in smoothly without stinging and includes niacinamide to help with oil control and brightness. However, another points out that retinol requires two conversion steps in the skin to become active retinoic acid, whereas stronger retinoids like retinaldehyde need only one, meaning this product is less potent than prescription-strength options, though still effective with fewer side effects. Those with sensitive skin may find the gentler strength suits them, while anyone seeking maximum strength may want to explore other retinoid forms.

Synthesized from 2 expert reviews · most recent take May 2025

Where to buy

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How it works Independent by design. Every take comes from a creator we have no relationship with. We do not ask anyone to review, and affiliate links never move a score.

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.

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Dr. Daniel Sugai

718k subs

~Approved

"For those with sensitive skin and you really want good evidence-based ingredients to help with fine lines and wrinkles, say you're in your late 20s and up, I would probably still go with the Olay Retinol 24. This one still wins in my book. No fragrance, no sting, rubs in well. My skin feels nice and smooth because I think Olay has nailed their serum game in terms of texture and finish. It has niacinamide, which is great for regulating sebum production and help brightening the skin. The retinoid complex has retinol and retinyl propionate, which we know works well on collagen production. So I'd say this one I would use more reliably. Always follow up with a moisturizer after your Retinol 24."

Top Pick: retinol product

The Budget Dermatologist

719k subs

~Skip

"Olay Retinol 24 Max, same thing retinol not retinaldehyde in that product. The reason I say this is not my first choice is because retinol has to undergo two conversions to get to retinoic acid if you remember the retinaldehyde has to only undergo one so this is closer to prescription strength. Retinol can still be effective and you'll get even less side effects with that but it's not the strongest option."

Common questions

Frequently asked.

What is Olay Retinol 24 Max?

A lightweight retinol serum designed to target fine lines and wrinkles, formulated with retinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide.

Is Olay Retinol 24 Max worth it?

The gurus mostly approve it, but with enough reservations to keep it in the middle at a Guru Score of 71%.

What is Olay Retinol 24 Max's Guru Score?

Olay Retinol 24 Max holds a Guru Score of 71%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 2 independent expert reviewers we have collected. At least one expert has named it a Top Pick in its category.