What retinol strength should a beginner start with?

Most dermatology guidance favors starting low—around 0.2% to 0.3%—and using it two to three nights per week before building tolerance. In this pool, The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane is the clearest low-strength entry point, while encapsulated formulas like CeraVe's are also positioned as gentler introductions.