Do the Kardashians Use Retinol? What They Really Apply for Anti-Aging Skin

When you see the Kardashians on social media, their skin looks smooth, lit-from-within, and oddly untouched by time. It’s no wonder people wonder: retinol-is that their secret? The short answer is yes, but it’s not that simple.

Retinol Is a Staple in Their Routine-But Not the Only Thing

Kim Kardashian has openly said in interviews and on her app that she uses prescription-strength tretinoin, which is the gold-standard form of retinoid. Tretinoin is stronger than over-the-counter retinol and requires a doctor’s prescription. It’s the same ingredient dermatologists prescribe for acne and wrinkles. Khloé Kardashian mentioned in a 2023 YouTube video that she uses a retinol serum every night after cleansing, followed by a thick moisturizer. Kylie Jenner has also referenced retinoids in her skincare line, KKW Beauty, specifically in their Night Cream, which contains retinyl palmitate, a gentler retinoid derivative.

But here’s what most people miss: they don’t just slap on retinol and call it a day. Their routines are layered, precise, and often supervised by dermatologists. One of their go-to dermatologists, Dr. Dray, has publicly stated that retinol alone won’t give you their results. It’s the combination-sunscreen every morning, hydration, gentle exfoliation, and professional treatments-that makes the difference.

Why Retinol Works (And Why It’s Not Magic)

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that speeds up skin cell turnover. It breaks down old, dull skin cells and pushes new ones to the surface. Over time, this reduces fine lines, evens out pigmentation, and improves texture. Studies show consistent use of retinol for 12 weeks can reduce wrinkles by up to 20% and improve skin elasticity.

But it doesn’t work overnight. The Kardashians have been using retinoids for over a decade. That’s not a trend. That’s long-term maintenance. If you start using retinol today, you won’t wake up with Kim’s skin in a month. You’ll likely experience dryness, peeling, or redness-especially if you jump into high concentrations too fast. That’s why their team starts with low doses, like 0.025% tretinoin, and slowly increases.

What They Avoid with Retinol

One big mistake people make is combining retinol with harsh scrubs, strong acids, or too many active ingredients at once. The Kardashians’ team avoids this. They use retinol on clean, dry skin, wait 20 minutes, then layer on a ceramide-rich moisturizer. They never use retinol on the same night as a chemical peel or strong AHA/BHA treatment. Dr. Dray says overuse leads to a compromised skin barrier-which is the exact opposite of what they’re trying to achieve.

They also never skip sunscreen. Retinol makes skin more sensitive to UV rays. Even on cloudy days, they use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+. Kim has said she re-applies sunscreen every four hours when she’s on set or traveling. That’s non-negotiable.

What Retinol Products Do They Actually Use?

Here’s what’s confirmed from interviews, product launches, and dermatologist statements:

• Kim Kardashian: Prescribed tretinoin 0.05% (brand not disclosed), paired with SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic in the morning and La Mer Moisturizing Cream at night.
• Khloé Kardashian: Uses The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, followed by CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. She says she started with 0.3% and worked up to 1% over six months.
• Kylie Jenner: Uses KKW Beauty Night Cream, which contains retinyl palmitate (a weaker retinoid), and supplements it with prescription tretinoin twice a week.
• Kourtney Kardashian: Prefers gentler options like retinol alternatives-bakuchiol and niacinamide-especially since she’s more sensitive. She uses Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum, which contains a stabilized retinoid blend.

Notice a pattern? None of them use just one product. They layer strengths based on skin tolerance. And they don’t rely on drugstore brands alone-they mix prescription, medical-grade, and high-end skincare.

Can You Copy Their Routine?

You don’t need a celebrity budget to get results. But you do need patience and consistency.

Here’s a realistic starter plan:

1. Start with 0.25% retinol, 2-3 nights a week. Use a pea-sized amount for your whole face.
2. Wait 20 minutes after applying retinol before adding moisturizer.
3. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer with ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
4. Apply SPF 30+ every single morning-even if you’re indoors.
5. After 6 weeks, if your skin tolerates it, increase to nightly use or move to 0.5%.
6. See a dermatologist after 3 months if you want stronger options like tretinoin.

Don’t rush. Many people quit retinol after two weeks because of irritation. That’s not failure-it’s mismanagement. The Kardashians didn’t get their skin in six weeks. They got it over ten years.

What Happens If You Stop Using Retinol?

Retinol doesn’t permanently restructure your skin. It’s a maintenance tool. If you stop using it, your skin will slowly return to its baseline. Collagen production slows down. Cell turnover returns to normal. Fine lines creep back. That’s why the Kardashians never quit. It’s not about looking young-it’s about keeping skin healthy long-term.

They treat retinol like brushing your teeth. You don’t stop because you’ve got a nice smile today. You keep going because you want to keep it.

Alternatives to Retinol They Use

Not everyone tolerates retinol. That’s why they also use alternatives:

• Bakuchiol: A plant-based ingredient that mimics retinol without irritation. Kourtney uses it as her primary active.
• Niacinamide: Reduces redness, strengthens the barrier, and boosts hydration. Found in nearly all their serums.
• Peptides: Signal skin to produce more collagen. Used in their nighttime creams.
• Vitamin C: Brightens and protects against free radicals. Applied every morning.

These aren’t replacements-they’re teammates. Retinol is the lead actor, but the others support the performance.

Bottom Line: Retinol Is Part of the Puzzle

The Kardashians use retinol-but not because it’s trendy. They use it because it works, when used correctly. Their skin isn’t a miracle. It’s a result of years of careful, consistent care, professional guidance, and avoiding shortcuts.

If you want results like theirs, don’t copy their products. Copy their discipline. Start slow. Be patient. Protect your skin from the sun. And don’t expect overnight changes. Real skin transformation takes time. But if you stick with it, you’ll see the difference-not because you’re famous, but because you cared enough to do it right.