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Last Updated on March 9, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

avoid retinol products packaged in jars

I don’t get it.

Would you buy a delicate designer dress that’s “dry clean” only and throw it in the washing machine?

Of course not. You know that’s like throwing $1000 down the toilet. *shudders*

Yet that’s exactly what you’re doing when you’re buying a retinol cream packaged in a jar. Here’s why:

What Is Retinol?

NOTE: This post is all about retinol, but everything I say in this paragraph (and the next one, for that matter) is true for all form of Vitamin A (retinoids). Retinol happens to be the most used so it gets the spotlight.

A form of Vitamin A, retinol is an antiaging superstar. It’s been studied for decades and remains one of the very few skincare ingredients that dermatologists, cosmetic chemists, and beauty lovers all swear by. Why? Because it actually works. It fights wrinkles in three different ways:

  • It speeds up cellular turnover (skin’s natural exfoliating process) to reveal smoother and brighter skin.
  • It destroys free radicals before they can give you wrinkles.
  • It boosts collagen production, keeping your skin firmer for longer.

And it doesn’t stop there. Retinol is also a game-changer for acne. It prevents clogged pores, reduces inflammation, and helps fade those annoying post-breakout dark spots.

So if you’re over 25, you definitely need this in your routine, whether you’re fighting fine lines, breakouts, or just want that glow.

But hold up! Not all retinol products are created equal. Packaging matters A LOT.

Related: 3 Reasons Why You Should Use Retinoids

Need help creating an anti-aging routine that really works? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Anti-Aging Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).

Why You Should Never Put Retinol In A Jar

Retinol is a superstar. And superstars are divas.

Retinol is very unstable. Every time it’s exposed to light and air, it oxidises a little. That means it loses a bit of its effectiveness until – poof! – one day, it stops working completely.

The more often you force it to come in contact with its enemies (i.e., every time you open that jar), the sooner your precious retinol turns into… well, an expensive basic moisturizer. Hydrating, sure, but definitely not the anti-aging or acne-fighting treatment you signed up for.

How Do You Know If Your Retinol Has Gone Bad?

When in doubt, here are the signs to look out for:

  • The color changes (it turns yellow or brown).
  • The smell is off (it starts to have a rancid or unpleasant odor).
  • You’re not seeing results anymore.

If you see any of this, ditch the product and buy a new batch.

How Fast Does Retinol Go Bad In A Jar?

It depends on how often you use it. If you’re opening the jar every single day, it can become useless in as little as one month. If you’re careful about storage, it might last longer. But why take the risk?!

Sure, you could try to get the most out of it by using retinol morning and night (which, btw, is a terrible idea if you’re new to retinol – hello, irritation and peeling). Dermatologists recommend starting slow with retinol: 2-3 times a week at first, then increasing frequency as your skin adjusts. (I’ve outlined exactly how to do that in this post).

Stop wasting your time and money on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on the image below to download “Skincare That Works” and finally get your best skin day – every day.

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What About Other Types Of Packaging?

While we’re on the subject, this doesn’t apply to jars only. Any type of packaging that exposes retinol to light and air is a no-go. That includes see-through bottles, too.

FYI, see-through bottles are even worse. At least with jars, it’s the top layer exposed to the sun that gets damaged. In a see-through bottle left around in your bathroom (and constantly exposed to sunlight), the whole formula gets spoiled.

Fun fact: when researchers first started playing around with retinol, they thought it was useless. That’s because they were using retinol that had been exposed to too much light for their experiments. No wonder it wasn’t working!

Related: The Complete Guide To Retinol: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It

What’s The Best Type Of Packaging For Retinol?

So, should you ditch retinol altogether? Nope. You just need to be picky about how it’s packaged.

Look for retinol products that come in:

  • Opaque tubes (no light getting in!)
  • Pump dispensers (no air exposure!)
  • Air-tight bottles (bonus points for airless pumps!)

And store them in a dark place. This means:

  • Not on your bathroom counter where it’s exposed to light.
  • Not in a steamy, hot shower area (heat can degrade retinol too!).

A cool, dark drawer or cabinet is your best bet. That way, your retinol will actually work until the last drop, and you won’t be unknowingly slathering on a useless cream.

If you don’t know where to start, check out this post with my fave retinol picks. They’re all packaged the right way.

The Bottom Line

Retinol is an anti-aging diva that doesn’t like to be exposed to sunlight. If you’re buying a serum or moisturiser with retinol, make sure it comes in an air-tight, opaque tube or bottle that keeps it from spoiling too soon.