Protinol™ vs Retinol Jun 4, 2025

Discover Protinol™: The Retinol rival that's revolutionising skincare worldwide

Power serum Power cream Multiprotection skin shield

Retinol not delivering the glow-up you crave? Fed up with the irritation and harshness?

For years, retinol has been hailed as the gold-standard in skincare. While there’s no doubt this ingredient delivers results, it also comes with more than its fair share of challenges, with skincare enthusiasts persevering through dryness, flaking skin and sore patches, all in the pursuit to achieve the skin of their dreams.

The strong properties of retinol are being widely recognised, with the EU introducing restrictions on new skincare products containing more than 0.3% retinol as of November 1, 2025. This is due to concerns about damaging the skin barrier and potential overexposure to Vitamin A, which can lead to potential side effects. While this regulation is currently only being implemented in the EU, it’s possible that similar restrictions could be adopted worldwide in the future.

But there's good news! Protinol™ is a gentle and effective rival that won't be affected by these restrictions – even at its highest concentration - and is proven to be better than retinol.

With the prejuvenation trend in full force as Gen Z search for preventative skincare, Protinol™ is an excellent solution. An award-winning1 multi-tasking skincare ingredient discovered by, and exclusive to, global beauty giant Avon, it offers all the benefits of retinol without the harsh side effects, making it the perfect choice for achieving your skincare goals without the worry of future bans.

First launched in 2020, Protinol™ has unique anti-irritant technology2 making it suitable for all skin types - including sensitive skin - all without compromising on powerful results. Not only does Protinol™ boost two types of collagen… but here’s our NEW discovery: at 10X concentration, it boosts a third type of collagen for your strongest skin yet. And that’s not all...Protinol™ lasts longer in surface skin cells and boosts elastin production twice as efficiently as retinol. The result? Plumper, firmer looking skin, all in just 7 days3.

 

The latest Protinol™-powered launch is the Power Multi-Protection Day Cream. Infused with 10X Protinol™4, Niacinamide and SPF15, this day cream is designed to help protect and renew millions of skin cells 89% of women who tried Multi-Protection Day Cream said they saw dramatic improvements in the look of their skin and would recommend it to their friends5.

This new day cream proudly joins the wider range, alongside the top-rated and award-winning Power Serum, Power Cream, Power Eye Cream and Skin Reset Plumping Shots. Use all five products together to supercharge your skincare and enjoy visible results in just one week.

Want to see these results for yourself? Why not embark on the 7-day switch and experience 7 powerful benefits in just 7 days6:

  1. Smooths skin
  2. Intensely hydrates
  3. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  4. Firms skin
  5. Increases radiance
  6. Strengthens skin
  7. Helps improve skin resilience

Justyna Jastrzebska, Head of Sustainable Formulation, at Avon, says, “We're thrilled to unveil the latest addition to the Protinol™-packed Anew family. All of our Anew products are developed with and by experts in science and dermatology. Our exclusive Protinol™ technology has been a real game changer in the skincare industry, especially at a time where increasingly consumers are looking for preventative products that deliver results without damaging the skin barrier. That’s why we’re especially proud of our patented Protinol™ technology and its unique ability to boost three types of collagen – collagen I, III and IV – for your plumpest, firmest and strongest looking skin yet.”

Dr Zoya Diwan, Expert in Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, who has worked with Avon on clinical trials showcasing the power of Protinol, says, “Protinol is an amino acid, which is a fundamental building block of proteins like collagen. With other active ingredients such as Vitamin C or retinol, you can’t increase the concentration without causing side effects and irritation. What I really like about the Protinol ingredient is that it can be dialled up to deliver a higher concentration and even more impressive results.”

 

 

1. Avon’s Protinol™ technology has been awarded silver in the advanced skincare category at the Edison Award’s which recognise the world’s most innovative new products, services and business leaders.

2. Based on historical testing vs existing Avon retinol formulas.

3. Based on a consumer study with 129 participants.

4. vs the level in existing Anew Moisturising Creams.

5.  Based on a consumer study with 120 participants after 4 weeks of use.

6. Based on a consumer study with 129 participants.