# Menarini A-Ret Gel for mature skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for mature skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Brand: [Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/menarini)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with mature skin: fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for mature skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for wrinkles and fine lines due to tretinoin, which promotes skin renewal, but it is moderately unsuitable for your normal skin as it can cause irritation and dryness.
- While the formulation is safe for your normal skin with no harsh ingredients, the potential for dryness and irritation from tretinoin outweighs its benefits for your skin type.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your normal skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin): Low (this page)
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Tretinoin, Propylene Glycol, Isopropanol, Carbomer, Butylated Hydroxytoluene

## What the research says

- Topical tretinoin daily application for 10 to 12 months produced an 80 percent increase in collagen I formation in photodamaged human skin compared with a 14 percent decrease with vehicle alone. ([The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/))
- Topical tretinoin improves clinical appearance of photoaging in terms of wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, sallowness, and lentigines and is safe and well tolerated. ([International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/))
- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is safe as used in cosmetic formulations at concentrations ranging from 0.0002% to 0.5% due to low dermal penetration and systemic exposure compared to oral administration. ([International Journal of Toxicology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12396675/))
- A galenic compound containing essential oils and tretinoin demonstrated anti-acne efficacy and anti-inflammatory activity, significantly reducing papular erythema and retinoid-induced rashes compared to clindamycin-tretinoin gel in sixty volunteers over 30 days. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/))
- Topical tretinoin precursors and tretinoin showed no significant difference in efficacy for moderate to severe facial photodamage in 20 patients, while tretinoin precursors caused erythema six times less frequently. ([JAMA Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35675051/))
- Topical tretinoin significantly improved photoaging and caused histologic changes in the forearms and faces of treated patients compared to vehicle cream, with side effects limited to skin irritation. ([JAMA, 1988](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3336176/))
- Treatment with a combination of propylene glycol, ethanol, water, and shampoo was found effective, easy to use, and cosmetically attractive with no observed side effects in patients with dandruff. ([Cutis, 1988](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2970946/))
- A moisturizer containing glycerol and propylene glycol reduced transepidermal water loss, decreased epidermal thickness, increased stratum corneum thickness, and reduced dermal inflammatory infiltrate compared to untreated disrupted skin in six healthy beagle dogs. ([Veterinary Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32628309/))
- The use of 70% isopropyl alcohol in conjunction with scrubbing with a bristled brush significantly reduced positive bacterial cultures at the nail fold compared to povidone-iodine with soft sponges in volunteers. ([The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15866960/))
- Friction with 70% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol immediately eliminates the heart-shaped pigmented lesion characteristic of terra firma-forme dermatosis in a 14-year-old boy. ([Cureus, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38826967/))
- Rubbing 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes cleared persistent reticulated brown patches in five patients with terra firma-forme dermatosis. ([Skinmed, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27871345/))
- Topical chloramphenicol-betamethasone combined with sodium hyaluronate/trehalose/carbomer gel compared to chloramphenicol-betamethasone alone reduced most subjective symptoms at 1 week but increased blurred vision at 4 weeks following strabismus surgery in 31 patients, with no significant differences in conjunctival inflammation between treatments. ([Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31298607/))
- Incorporating nanoemulsions into hydrogels with increasing Carbopol 934 proportions from 1% to 3% progressively decreased the percutaneous flux rates of terbinafine and citral, increased drug accumulation in the stratum corneum while decreasing it in the epidermis/dermis compared to nanoemulsions alone, and shifted delivery routes from skin appendages to intercellular paths. ([International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27877042/))
- Topical liquiritin carbomer gel treatment restored skin barrier function, increased barrier proteins and antioxidant enzymes, and decreased inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in a mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced skin inflammation. ([Pharmaceutics, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39204346/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this product is highly effective for improving skin texture, clearing acne, and providing an anti-aging glow, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin due to its lightweight, non-clogging formula. Users frequently mention its affordability. A significant number of reviews note a strong alcohol smell and potential for initial irritation or peeling, suggesting a need for a careful moisturizing routine.

- Liked: Highly effective results (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight, non-clogging (often mentioned)
- Liked: Very affordable (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Alcohol smell and drying (often mentioned)
- Liked: Noticeable skin radiance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Availability and shipping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial irritation and peeling (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Texture inconsistency (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this serum in your PM routine. Start by applying it 3 times a week, and work up to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply this serum after your toner and before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- You can apply the serum on dry skin for the best results against fine lines.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the sensitive eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Menarini A-Ret Gel a weak match for mature skin?

Menarini A-Ret Gel is a weak match for your mature skin because, while tretinoin helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles through skin renewal, it can also cause dryness and irritation that outweighs its benefits. A treatment for this skin needs to safely target wrinkles with high-quality ingredients, combine potent antioxidants with hydrating components and skin-repairing nourishers, and avoid any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/), [International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/)

### Which ingredients make this gel a poor fit for mature skin?

Tretinoin is the main ingredient that makes this gel a weak match for mature skin, because it can cause dryness and irritation. A treatment for this skin needs high-quality ingredients that target wrinkles while providing deep hydration and antioxidants, without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/), [International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/)

### What does Tretinoin do for mature skin?

Tretinoin helps mature skin by smoothing fine lines, fading dark spots, and improving overall texture for a healthier look. Daily use over several months may also boost collagen in sun-damaged skin to make it firmer and more youthful.
Sources: [The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/), [International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/)

### What does Propylene Glycol do for mature skin?

Propylene glycol helps keep mature skin feeling soft and smooth by holding onto moisture and boosting how well other helpful ingredients sink in. It is unlikely to cause irritation on normal skin, though it helps to watch for any sensitivity.
Sources: [The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38622775/)

### Where does this gel go in a skincare routine for mature skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, though it is a weak match for your mature skin as it may cause dryness and irritation. A product of this type for mature skin needs gentle hydrating ingredients and soothing moisturizers to keep skin soft and comfortable.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36798538/)

### Can I use this gel with benzoyl peroxide, and in what order?

Using this gel with benzoyl peroxide may dry and irritate your skin, so you should use them on alternate nights or consult a doctor before combining them. Mature skin needs hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and gentle moisturizers to protect its barrier when using strong treatments.
Sources: [American Family Physician, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23062156/), [Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37356627/)

### How often should I use this gel?

This gel is a weak match for your mature skin because its active ingredients can cause dryness and irritation that outweigh its benefits. To safely use a treatment like this, a routine needs hydrating ingredients and moisturizers that calm the skin and keep it soft.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36798538/), [International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/)

### Can this gel clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for mature skin?

This gel is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts, but it may cause initial peeling and dryness on mature skin. A product of this type needs soothing and moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin soft and comfortable.
Sources: [International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/)

### Is this gel fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for mature skin

- [Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/drunk-elephant/a-passioni-retinol-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit — A$71.86 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — A$50.60 at Amazon
- [La Mer The Regenerating Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-mer/the-regenerating-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — A$740.13 at Amazon

## Routine for mature skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/full-fit-propolis-synergy-toner/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$37.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$116.08 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$30.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$59.95 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Purito Centella Unscented Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/purito/centella-unscented-serum/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$32.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$116.08 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$30.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$73.61 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/amorepacific/treatment-enzyme-peel/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$83.06 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$28.48 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Purito Centella Unscented Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/purito/centella-unscented-serum/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$32.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — A$116.08 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Australia has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Tretinoin, Propylene Glycol, Isopropanol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Methyl Hydroxybenzoate, Propyl Hydroxybenzoate
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin