Olay Retinol 24 vs. Max

So, you've decided you want to try one of Olay's cult-favorite, best-selling retinol products, but you can't quite figure out what the differences are? We've all been there, don't worry!

Come with us as we compare the two Retinol24 ranges side-by-side to help you decide which is right for you. Enjoy!

Olay Retinol 24 vs Olay Retinol 24 MAX

Both the Regenerist Retinol 24 and Retinol 24 MAX ranges include a moisturizer, serum, and eye cream, and both sets of products claim to deliver smooth and glowing skin, bringing improvements to fine lines & wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firmness, pigmentation, and pores—very enticing!

For the sake of conciseness, we're going to be comparing the Retinol 24 Moisturizer vs Retinol 24 MAX Moisturizer (i.e., the moisturizers) here, just so we don't repeat ourselves thrice for the sake of including the serums and eye creams. We'll touch on those shortly towards the end.

2024 update: It's important to note that the packaging varies heavily from region to region and from retailer to retailer. The differences discussed in this comparison apply across the board, though.

First and foremost, it's worth establishing the fact that the Retinol24 range is intended for those with oilier skin types or first-time retinol users, whereas the Retinol24 MAX range is intended for those with drier skin who require extra hydration or experienced retinol users. This gives us a bit of a clue as to what we can expect when we dive into the specific differences between the formulas themselves.

Speaking of which, if you put their ingredients lists side-by-side, there is quite literally zero difference—or at least, there's no difference until you consider concentrations. Although they both boast the same formulation featuring Retinol (resurfaces and rejuvenates), Niacinamide (reduces uneven skin tone), and Glycerin (hydrates and smoothes), the Retinol24 MAX Moisturizer contains 40% more hydrating ingredients and 20% more retinol compared to the Retinol24 Moisturizer.

With both being priced more or less the same per fluid ounce, it's clear to see that you would get more bang for your buck by opting for the Retinol24 MAX Moisturizer (since all other factors are the same). Unfortunately, it's not quite as straightforward as that when it comes to retinol... It's worth seriously having a think about how experienced you are with retinol products before taking the plunge, because trust us when we say that retinol burns are absolutely no fun at all.

If you've never used retinol before, we'd recommend initially opting for the Retinol24 Moisturizer regardless of skin type due to its slightly lower potency. If you've used retinol before and you understand how much your skin can tolerate, though, then the option is open to you: the Retinol24 MAX Moisturizer will better suited to you if you have drier skin (or if you want to maximise results), whereas the Retinol24 Moisturizer is for you if you have an oilier skin type.

To be clear, it's incredibly important not to over-use retinol. The best results come from steady, consistent application over a period of months, not sporadic blasts. The reviews for both ranges are overwhelmingly positive, but the most prevalent negative review is related to customers experiencing burns after not properly allowing their skin to get used to the potency. Please, take care.

Looking for a mild retinol range? (Beginners)
Try the Olay Retinol24 Moisturizer
Try the Olay Retinol24 Serum
Try the Olay Retinol24 Eye Cream

Looking for a strong retinol range? (Experienced)
Try the Olay Retinol24 MAX Moisturizer
Try the Olay Retinol24 MAX Serum
Try the Olay Retinol24 MAX Eye Cream

---

---