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“Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize skin density and rejuvenation while minimizing irritation,” says Dr. Brimhall. Featuring a unique retinol tri-active technology, this serum combines fast-acting and slow-release retinoids to help tackle lines and stubborn wrinkles. Since it also contains hyaluronic acid and Swertia flower extract (a TK), this formula will work wonders on dry or dehydrated skin, particularly if your goal is to rejuvenate your skin overnight with that much-needed hydration.
“I’m a sworn member of ‘team dry skin,’ and I rarely come across retinoid-infused serums that won’t leave my skin feeling uncomfortably tight. I’m glad to confirm that this definitely wasn’t the case with this Murad formula. On the contrary, it paired really well with my skin, and the texture felt amazing: nongreasy yet deeply hydrating,” reveals Glamour’s Primbet.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Medik8 Crystal Retinal
- Pros: Safe for sensitive skin; great for healing breakouts; has a lightweight consistency
- Cons: Expensive
Ever since Medik8 put retinaldehyde on the map—a type of retinoid that’s more gentle on the skin and acts 11 times faster than traditional retinol—the Crystal Retinal has been clinically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, brighten stubborn dark spots, and help plump up your complexion. “What sets this product apart is its unique graded system, which includes six different concentrations of retinal ranging from 1 (0.01%) for sensitive skin to 24 (0.24%) for expert users, allowing you to choose the right concentration based on your skin’s needs with an online quiz to help you determine your skin type,” says board-certified dermatologist Angela Brimhall.
Primbet also praises this retinol formula’s ability to help with acne: “As a 26-year-old, I’m not prioritizing youth-boosting skin care as of yet, though I have my fair share of skin concerns. A few months ago, my skin suffered through yet another PCOS-related acne breakout that was nearly impossible to control. After using the Medik8 Crystal Retinal consistently for 12 weeks, my skin texture and inflammation improved to a point that I can’t even remember where the acne was in the first place,” she shares.
Best for Experienced Users: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum
Original video by Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum
- Pros: A highly-effective formula; suitable for mature and acne-prone skin; features a blend of soothing ingredients to minimize irritation
- Cons: Expensive
We often associate effective and high-dose retinoid formulas with irritation, flare-ups, and dry skin, however, this serum from Sunday Riley proved otherwise. Perfect for experienced retinol lovers who are after a bigger boost, this bioavailable formula ensures none of the unwanted side effects that often come with retinol do not appear while delivering genuinely impressive results. Infused with 5% retinoid ester and 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol blends, this serum also features 0.5% blue-green algae (a natural ingredient that mimics the effect of retinoids) for maximum antiaging benefits. This innovative formulation also helps decongest the skin and heal UV-damage with the assistance of the encapsulated CoQ10, while the likes of Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, and cactus extract will soothe and calm in the process. Sure, its price tag is a tough pill to swallow, but this is one of the few cases when we can confidently say that it will be well worth the splurge.
“Fine lines have started to creep up on my forehead and around my mouth, so using a retinol has been highly recommended by my derm. When I’m not applying prescription-strength stuff, I like to reach for this OTC A-plus high-dose version because it helps plump and soften my skin, without irritating my acne or drying out my patchy areas. I love the consistency of this serum because it’s smooth and absorbs like lightning, and is generally much gentler than other OTC retinols I’ve tried in the past. I’d recommend this one for anyone who has combination skin that’s looking to address small wrinkles and lines. It’s able to do this without aggravating other skin issues,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Mature Skin: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
Original photo from Charlotte Twine testing Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
- Pros: Fragrance free; suitable for reactive and sensitive skin; helps firm and rid of sagging skin
- Cons: The formula is greasy
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