Retinol confusion

[CasuirDubh]

I am looking for retinol for anti aging but I am completely confused. I currently use differin 0.1% which I am prescribed for acne though I don't have acne anymore and though I have oily skin I am mainly concerned with retinol for anti aging as I find niacinamide much more effective for the oiliness anyway.

I went on to the Boots website and was surprised that they have 2% and 5% formulations. Seems very high? If they're on the market why on earth do I need a prescription for 0.1?

Please don't suggest those 2 subscription services that are often recommended here as neither ships to my country. I am in the EU.

Any suggestions, especially cheaper ones, are much appreciated.

It's just different forms of retinol/retinal/encapsulation etc. Tretinoin is strongest form. It's cheap enough on the continent from the pharmacy. Introduce it gradually and 'buffer' it with moisturiser if it irritates your skin too much.

@omgsally any suggestions where to buy it from? I don't want to get anything that isn't legit.

I'm not sure where you live but if it's France, Spain, Greece, you can buy it from the chemist.

Medik8 retinol is the best there is but definitely isn't cheap. Geek n Gorgeous A game is also very good.

You've already said you can't get Dermatica or the other one!

You can pay a private dermatologist for a prescription of tret but that's not cheap either.