We’ve all seen the retinol memes - if you remember owning a flip phone, coveting a Juicy Couture tracksuit or crushing on Dawson, it’s time to add retinol to your skincare regime. But we’ve also heard the horror stories of how this very active ingredient can irritate your skin.
Enter Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum. Featuring Elizabeth Arden’s iconic, pre-measured ceramide capsules that allow a precise, encapsulated dose of retinol, and a cocktail of power peptides and skin-soothing ingredients like bisabolol, oats and vitamin E, Retinol + HPR promises to be a next-generation retinoid, 10x more potent than pure retinol.
The results? The press release claims it’s proven to visibly reduce wrinkles in just one week, firm the skin, reduce dark spots and improve skin tone to reveal radiant and revitalised skin. The capsules are, clearly, wildly potent, yet gentle enough for everyday use on even sensitive skin. They sound like miracle drops which begs the question, do they deliver on these promises?
We asked an ensemble of readers to use Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum for around three weeks and report on their findings. Here's the results.
Alice, 39
Skin type: Fair/dry skin with oily t-zone. My main concerns are ageing and hydration. I’ve never used a retinol before, I’d heard of it but never purchased anything.
What differences did you notice to your skin?
It’s given it a hydrated feel and smoothed out my complexion; it helped with fine lines around my eyes and cheeks, and made those areas more plump and hydrated. It’s also reduced the redness on my cheeks. I’ve been amazed by the improvement in such a short time. I’ve had other people commenting that it looked good as well! It’s made me feel radiant.
Did you find the capsules easy to use?
Very easy to use. And nice to have the recommended amount per capsule. Sometimes with other products you're not sure how much to use. This way you know it’s the perfect amount and there is no wastage.
Will you continue to use this product?
Yes, most definitely. I LOVE IT.
What did you enjoy the most about it?
The texture and feel when applied to my skin. It felt super luxe and nourishing. I was amazed at how quickly I could see results and the radiance it has given me.
Jade, 42
Skin type: Olive, combination skin. My main concerns are ageing and sunspots.
I’ve used a variety of retinol products since turning 40, with the hope of a miracle cream that lives up to the hype of what we read and hear in social media.
What differences did you notice to your skin?
When I first started using the capsules, I noticed a dramatic difference in only a few days. My skin was noticeably softer, smoother, and felt more supple. I noticed strong results on my neck and chest, areas that I previously neglected. I feel my skin is noticeably more radiant. The serum itself is so velvety and luxurious.
Did you find the capsules easy to use?
I can honestly say that I have never used a product that feels so silky smooth. It spreads and absorbs well and feels gorgeous on your skin.
Will you continue to use this product?
Now that I’ve been spoiled with this gorgeous product, that I can say I now love, I hope that I can sustain the affordability of this new part of my skin care routine, because I’m hooked!
Suzy, 63
Skin type: Fair, dry and sensitive. My main concerns are sunspots, dryness and a loss of elasticity. I’ve tried a retinol cream I got from the doctor, but after a week my skin was very dry and flaking. So that scared me off trying another one, until now! In the past I’ve used the Elizabeth Arden Eight-Hour Cream religiously.
What differences did you notice to your skin?
I felt my skin looked smoother, finer and healthier. My lines are more deep than fine but I definitely felt they didn’t look so ingrained. After about a week I was delighted to notice that my skin looked more luminous and hydrated
Did you find the capsules easy to use
I loved the capsules, never having to worry if I was using too much. I think they would be great for travelling too. The best thing is the texture of the product, I never tire of the silky smoothness of the serum and the way it glides onto the skin. It’s a dreamy experience.
Will you continue to use this product?
Yes I will, there was nothing about this product that I didn’t like which is unusual for me because my skin is sensitive and I often end up just using simple creams I concoct myself. I really like that the phytoceramides are derived from plants, as opposed to synthetic or from an animal. I also appreciate that the ceramide capsule is made from vegetable extracts and that they dissolve in water when you're done, so there’s no waste.
Nicole, 29
Skin type: Olive. I also get rosacea and breakouts. I’ve just been prescribed a strong retinol medical cream by my doctor for acne. I’ve been using it because I’ve started to get a little bit of rosacea on my cheeks. I’ve never used Elizabeth Arden before but my Nana would swear by it.
What differences did you notice to your skin?
It looked more radiant. I also noticed it toned down my rosacea which is my biggest skin issue at the moment, and it is really hard to find products that help. I loved the feeling of the product on my skin. It seems like it's going to be thick but it's light and nourishing. The fact it's begun to tone down my rosacea is everything!
Did you find the capsules easy to use?
So easy they also are packaged beautifully.
Will you continue to use this product?
Absolutely, maybe 2-3 times a week.
Mini, 40
Skin type: Acne-prone, combination, brown skin-tone. My main concern is acne and a few dark spots. I use retinol regularly; it’s the only thing that keeps my adult acne at bay. The Elizabeth Arden Eight-Hour Cream is my go-to duty free purchase.
What differences did you notice to your skin?
My skin feels smoother and more hydrated. Other brands of retinol I’ve used can make my skin feel tight and stretched. This felt gentle, while also making a visible difference. I wake up with skin that feels plumper and not dehydrated.
Despite being 40, I don’t have too many fine lines, though I’d trade some acne for a line or two :) It’s disappointing to have spent my entire teens and 20s with clear skin, only to develop acne in my late 30s. It’s been a challenge to find a product that tackles acne, while also keeping my skin hydrated, and improving the texture and this product appears to do all that.
Did you find the capsules easy to use?
Yes, it feels like a compact, and hygienic way to package product. The product feels quite luxurious, like buttery silk and has quickly become a fave night time routine.
Will you continue to use this product?
Yes, it’s especially handy for travel, and frankly, just fun to use.
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum is available in 30 pieces (RRP $97) and 60 pieces (RRP$172)
