Roche

Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum.

Retinoids

About this product

A retinol serum designed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, formulated as an over-the-counter mid-strength retinol treatment for nighttime use.

Full ingredients

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Tetrahydroxypropyl Ethylenediamine, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Nylon-12, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Fragrance, Laureth-4, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, BHT, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Bisabolol, Retinol, Ascorbic Acid, Laureth-7, Copper Gluconate, Yellow 5

Guru Score

65%

Mixed

4 experts · Moderate agreement

What the gurus are saying

The fragrance is what divides experts on this retinol. Dr. Dray and Dr. Sugai both praise it as an effective, beginner-friendly formula (the first stabilized retinol RoC brought to drugstores) but wish it were fragrance-free, since scent can irritate sensitive skin. Nipun Kapur calls it one of the best mid-strength retinols available, even better than pricier dupes. Dr. Rattan, however, finds the fragrance a real problem, saying it's an irritant that shouldn't be there. A pea-sized amount at bedtime is all you need, and those new to retinol or with sensitive skin may want to patch-test first.

Synthesized from 4 expert reviews · most recent take November 2025

What they liked

Beginner-friendly retinol strength
Absorbs without residue
Good value on sale

What they flagged

Fragrance irritates sensitive skin
Stinging and irritation reported

Best for

Mature skin

Type

RetinoidsDrops & dropper

Key actives

Vitamin C RetinoidVitamin E

Formula notes

Contains fragranceNo drying alcohol

Where to buy

Amazon → Google →

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Scan it in the shopFree iPhone app. Scores in the aisle.

What the experts use it for.

The concerns the experts tie this product to, in their own words. Paid and founder takes don't count.

Fine lines and wrinkles2 experts

“The deep wrinkle is a really really good formula, it is better than the dupe, the drunk elephant retinol.”

Nipun Kapur, watch at 8:16

Clogged or visible pores1 expert

“If you're in your mid-20s and up and you want to work on fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and keeping your pores at a minimal size, consider a retinol cream or serum at bedtime.”

Dr. Daniel Sugai, watch at 6:53

Dark spots and post-acne marks1 expert

“If you're in your mid-20s and up and you want to work on fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and keeping your pores at a minimal size, consider a retinol cream or serum at bedtime.”

Dr. Daniel Sugai, watch at 6:53

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 Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored

Dr. Daniel Sugai

723k subs

~Yay

"They have to do a over-the-counter retinol like Olay retinol or say rocks retinol they have to stick with that something more gentle less potent to tolerate it"

All 2 takes from Dr. Daniel Sugai

I Went to Costco for Skincare… Here’s What You Should and Shouldn’t Buy!

"If you're in your mid-20s and up and you want to work on fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and keeping your pores at a minimal size, consider a retinol cream or serum at bedtime. All you need is a thin film, or a pea-sized amount to the entire face. RoC was the first retinol I ever used as a dermatology resident. My only critique is that this serum is quite fragrant."

The Retinol and Tretinoin Mistakes Derms Want You to Stop Making

"They have to do a over-the-counter retinol like Olay retinol or say rocks retinol they have to stick with that something more gentle less potent to tolerate it"

Dr Dray

2.69M subs

~Mixed

"This one is on sale $34.99, [...] which is $10.30 per ounce. I wish it were fragrance free though because I don't like scented face stuff."

Nipun Kapur

413k subs

~Yay

"It is one of the most fabulous retinol, beginner-friendly mid-strength retinol. [...] The company first formulated the over-the-counter retinol. Retinol was always a prescription-grade product, so it was not available over the counter. RoC stabilized retinol available over the counter, RoC actually maxed and mastered that formula, and since then they've just been innovating. [...] The deep wrinkle is a really really good formula, it is better than the dupe, the drunk elephant retinol."

Dr. Vanita Rattan

1.23M subs

~Nay

"It added fragrance and irritant it's a big mistake"

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Retinoids

Retinoids are among the best studied ingredients in dermatology, with solid evidence for acne and for the fine lines and rough texture that come from sun exposure. Dryness and flaking in the first few weeks are common and usually settle.

Source: DermNet

Vitamin C

Topical vitamin C is an antioxidant with reasonable evidence for dullness and uneven tone. It breaks down in light and air, so how a product is formulated and packaged matters as much as the percentage on the front.

Source: DermNet

Humectants and emollients

Ingredients like these draw water into the surface layers and slow how fast it leaves. The evidence is for comfort, softness and hydration rather than for changing the structure of the skin.

Source: DermNet

Frequently asked.

What is Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum?

A retinol serum designed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, formulated as an over-the-counter mid-strength retinol treatment for nighttime use.

Is Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum worth it?

The gurus mostly approve it, but with enough reservations to keep it in the middle at a Guru Score of 65%.

What is Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum's Guru Score?

Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum holds a Guru Score of 65%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 4 expert reviewers we have collected.

Who is Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum best for?

Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum is generally suited to mature skin.

What is Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum good for, according to the experts?

In their reviews, experts say Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum is good for fine lines and wrinkles (2 experts), clogged or visible pores (1 expert) and dark spots and post-acne marks (1 expert).

Is Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum good for fine lines and wrinkles?

2 experts who reviewed Roche Retinol Deep Wrinkle Serum say it is. Nipun Kapur put it this way: “The deep wrinkle is a really really good formula, it is better than the dupe, the drunk elephant retinol.”