Retinol 24 Skin Renewing Retinol Cleanser
Retinol 24 Skin Renewing Retinol Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, fragrance-free cream cleanser formulated with Retinol, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate and smooth skin's surface while prepping it for the rest of your Retinol 24 skincare routine. Washes away dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping moisture.
Retinol + Vitamin B3 Complex
Olay's proprietary blend of Retinol and Niacinamide works to smooth skin's surface and improve texture with each cleanse.
Texture & feel
SENSORYRetinol + Vitamin B3 Complex
Olay's proprietary blend of Retinol and Niacinamide works to smooth skin's surface and improve texture with each cleanse.
Gentle Physical Exfoliation
Hydrated Silica particles provide mild physical exfoliation, buffing away dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
A low concentration of salicylic acid helps clear pores and support cell turnover for a brighter, more refined complexion.
Preps for Retinol Treatments
Designed to work as step one in the Olay Retinol 24 system, prepping skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENOT safe. Contains Retinol (a Vitamin A derivative) and Salicylic Acid, both of which are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor.
Use with caution. Contains Stearyl Alcohol, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, and Steareth-21/2. While fatty alcohols are generally considered safe, some individuals with fungal acne may experience sensitivity. Patch test recommended.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. As a rinse-off cleanser, ingredients have minimal contact time with skin, reducing pore-clogging risk significantly.
Formula includes Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which can be drying or irritating for very sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Monitor for tightness or redness after use.
No added fragrance, perfume, or essential oils. Safe for sensitive and reactive skin types that are prone to fragrance irritation.
Retinol increases photosensitivity. Always apply SPF 30+ during the day when using any retinoid product, even in a wash-off formula.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRetinol <0.5%Proven
The gold standard anti-aging ingredient. In a cleanser, concentration is low and contact time is brief, but it helps support skin renewal and primes the skin for leave-on retinol products. Retinol promotes cell turnover, stimulates collagen synthesis, and helps smooth fine lines over time.
- Research: Thousands of peer-reviewed studies confirm retinol reduces wrinkles, improves texture, and evens skin tone. It is 10-20x less potent than prescription tretinoin.
- In This Product: Retinol appears mid-list in the INCI, suggesting a low but present concentration suited for a rinse-off format.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) UndisclosedProven
A multitasking powerhouse that strengthens the skin barrier, brightens uneven tone, reduces inflammation, and helps retinol work better with less irritation. Niacinamide and retinol are a synergistic pairing commonly used in the Olay Retinol 24 line.
- Research: Clinical studies show niacinamide at 2-5% improves skin barrier function, reduces hyperpigmentation, and minimizes pore appearance.
- Synergy: Niacinamide buffers retinol irritation while enhancing its brightening effects — a well-studied combination.
Salicylic Acid (BHA) <2%Proven
A beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates into pores to dissolve oil and dead skin buildup. In this cleanser, it supports gentle chemical exfoliation alongside the physical exfoliant (Hydrated Silica) for a dual-action approach to smoother skin.
- Research: Salicylic acid is FDA-approved for acne treatment at 0.5-2%. It is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate sebum-filled pores better than AHAs.
- In This Product: Listed mid-INCI, suggesting a concentration under 2% — effective for mild exfoliation in a wash-off formula.
Hydrated Silica UndisclosedSupporting
A gentle physical exfoliant derived from silicon dioxide. Provides mild buffing action to slough off dead surface cells without microbeads, creating a smoother canvas for subsequent skincare steps.
- Function: Acts as a gentle abrasive to physically remove dead skin cells. Much softer than walnut shell or apricot kernel exfoliants.
- Benefit: Dual exfoliation (physical + chemical via salicylic acid) provides more thorough surface renewal than either method alone.
16 ingredients
Water, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Betaine, Hydrated Silica, Salicylic Acid, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Niacinamide, Retinol, PPG-30, Steareth-21, Steareth-2, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your evening cleanser to prep skin for Retinol 24 serums and moisturizers. Follow with SPF 30+ every morning.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face and neck. Avoid hot water, which can strip the skin barrier.
Apply Cleanser
Squeeze a small amount (about a nickel-sized dollop) onto fingertips. Gently massage over face and neck in circular motions for 30-60 seconds.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all residue is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel — do not rub.
Follow With Treatments
Apply your Retinol 24 serum and/or night moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp for better absorption.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a gentle anti-aging cleanser at a drugstore price
- You use other Olay Retinol 24 products and want a matching cleanser
- You prefer fragrance-free skincare
- You want mild exfoliation without harsh scrubs
- You are looking for a beginner-friendly retinol introduction
- You have normal, combination, or oily skin
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains Retinol + Salicylic Acid)
- You have very dry or eczema-prone skin (contains SLS)
- You need a high-potency retinol product (wash-off format limits efficacy)
- You have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to exfoliants
- You want a sulfate-free cleanser
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSalicylic acid helps control oil while the cream texture cleanses without over-stripping. Leaves skin clean and matte.
Contains SLS and exfoliating ingredients which may feel drying. Glycerin helps, but follow with a rich moisturizer immediately after.
Ideal match — effectively cleanses the oily T-zone while the creamy base prevents over-drying cheeks and dry patches.
Fragrance-free is a plus, but SLS and salicylic acid can irritate reactive skin. Patch test first and use every other day to start.
Salicylic acid and retinol both support acne management. Low comedogenic risk as a rinse-off product. Good as part of a complete acne routine.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Instantly Clean & Smooth Skin
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and smoother after the first wash. The gentle exfoliation buffs away surface dullness immediately.
90% noticed cleaner skinSofter, Smoother Texture
With daily use, skin begins to feel softer and more refined. Dead skin buildup decreases, and products applied after cleansing absorb more effectively.
75% noticed smoother skinImproved Tone & Radiance
Skin tone starts to look more even. When paired with Olay Retinol 24 moisturizer or serum, users report a noticeable transformation in brightness and texture.
65% noticed brighter complexionVisible Anti-Aging Benefits
With consistent use as part of a complete Retinol 24 routine, fine lines appear softer, pores look refined, and overall skin health improves noticeably.
55% noticed reduced fine linesRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Affordable drugstore price (~$15) for a retinol-based cleanser
- Fragrance-free formula suitable for sensitive noses
- Leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and smooth — not tight or stripped
- Gentle exfoliation that doesn't irritate like harsh scrubs
- Great prep step for Retinol 24 serums and moisturizers
- Widely available at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and drugstores
- Paraben-free, phthalate-free, no synthetic dyes
Criticized
- Contains SLS — may be drying for very dry or eczema-prone skin
- Retinol in a wash-off product has limited efficacy vs. leave-on
- Small 5 oz bottle for the price — runs out fast
- Doesn't produce much lather — may feel different than expected
- Not pregnancy or breastfeeding safe
- Not cruelty-free (Procter & Gamble tests on animals)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar concept with retinol in a cleanser format. Contains Retinol SA (stabilized retinol), hyaluronic acid, and glucose complex. Larger 5.1 oz size at a lower price. Contains fragrance, unlike the Olay.
Features salicylic acid + ceramides instead of retinol. Better for barrier support and acne-prone skin. Larger 8 oz size offers better value. No retinol, but gentler overall. Fragrance-free.
A gentle, non-stripping cleanser with squalane for hydration. No retinol or exfoliants — designed for gentle cleansing. Much simpler formula. Pairs well with a separate retinol serum for similar results.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep cap tightly closed between uses to maintain retinol stability.
Opaque squeeze tube — protects light-sensitive retinol from UV degradation better than clear packaging.
Yes — 5.0 fl oz (150 mL) exceeds TSA carry-on limit of 3.4 oz. Place in checked luggage or decant into a smaller container for air travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo. This cleanser contains Retinol (a Vitamin A derivative) and Salicylic Acid, both of which are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Retinoids in all forms — including in wash-off products — should be avoided as a precaution. Consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist for pregnancy-safe cleanser alternatives. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser are commonly recommended pregnancy-safe options.
Use with caution. The formula contains fatty alcohols (Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol) and emulsifiers (Steareth-21, Steareth-2, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether). While fatty alcohols are generally considered safe for malassezia-prone skin, some individuals may still experience sensitivity. As a rinse-off product, the risk is lower than with leave-on formulas. If you have active fungal acne, patch test on a small area first or consult a dermatologist.
Yes, but with care. Since this is a wash-off product, the actives have brief contact with skin, so it layers well with most routines. However, if you use a separate leave-on retinol serum, AHA, BHA, or strong vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) in the same routine, you may experience increased dryness or irritation. Start by using this cleanser every other day alongside your other actives, and increase frequency as tolerated. Avoid combining with prescription tretinoin without dermatologist guidance.
This cleanser works best for normal, combination, and oily skin types. The dual exfoliation (physical + chemical) and salicylic acid make it particularly suited for those dealing with dullness, uneven texture, enlarged pores, and early signs of aging. Dry or very sensitive skin types should use caution — the SLS content and exfoliating ingredients may feel stripping. If you have dry skin, consider following immediately with a hydrating toner and rich moisturizer.
You should notice cleaner, smoother skin after the very first use. Within 1 week of daily use, most users report softer and more refined skin texture. For more significant anti-aging benefits (improved tone, brightness, and reduced fine lines), expect to wait 4-8 weeks of consistent use — ideally paired with Olay Retinol 24 leave-on products like the Night Moisturizer or Serum. Remember that a cleanser alone provides limited retinol exposure; the biggest benefits come from the complete routine.
This cleanser is always Step 1 — the very first product in your routine. Use it in the evening to remove makeup, dirt, oil, and impurities before applying toner, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer. If you double cleanse, use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water first to remove makeup, then follow with this Olay cleanser as your second step. In the morning, you can use a gentler cleanser or just water if your skin is dry, saving this for PM use only.
This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. As a rinse-off product, ingredients are only on the skin briefly, which significantly reduces the chance of pore-clogging. The salicylic acid actually helps unclog pores by dissolving oil and dead skin inside them. It is generally safe for acne-prone skin, though the fatty alcohols in the formula may bother a small number of very clog-prone individuals. If concerned, try it for 2 weeks and monitor for breakouts.
The estimated Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Retinol is a light- and air-sensitive ingredient, so store the tube tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The opaque tube packaging helps protect the retinol from degradation. If the product changes color, smell, or texture, discard it even if within the 12-month window. A 5.0 fl oz tube typically lasts 6-8 weeks with once-daily use.
Verdict: The Olay Retinol 24 Skin Renewing Retinol Cleanser is a solid, affordable drugstore cleanser that combines retinol, niacinamide, and salicylic acid in a gentle exfoliating formula. While the retinol in a wash-off product offers limited direct anti-aging benefit compared to leave-on treatments, it excels as a surface-smoothing prep step for the rest of your evening skincare routine. At around $15, it's an accessible entry point into retinol skincare. Best suited for combination and oily skin types looking for a no-frills, fragrance-free cleanser with mild exfoliating benefits. Pair it with a dedicated Retinol 24 serum or night cream for the full anti-aging effect.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 3 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Stearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Foam Boosting, Masking, Opacifying, Refatting, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydrated Silica
Absorbent, Abrasive
|
|