Vitamin A derivatives. Retinol is the gentle form; retinal is one step closer to the prescription. Start three nights a week, pea-sized, over moisturizer if you are sensitive.
Expect a few weeks of dryness. Wear sunscreen. Skip it if you are pregnant or already on a prescription retinoid.
Nothing here is medical advice. Patch-test anything new on the inside of a wrist for three days.
Pick your answers and the shelf shows only what fits.
Encapsulated retinol with niacinamide and ceramides, for night use. Some reviewers call it a gentle first retinol, but the strength is not on the label.
Skip it if you already use a prescription retinoid
Retinal in a yellow night emulsion, the maker's strongest retinoid and meant for experienced users. Owners' biggest gripe is the color it leaves on their face and pillowcases.
Skip it if you are new to retinoids; the maker points you to milder ones
A stated one percent retinol with peptides and vitamin C in a light lotion. For skin already used to retinol, and priced like it knows that.
Skip it if you are new to retinol
What the maker calls pure retinol with niacinamide, and it says the serum suits sensitive skin. The list has alcohol denat. high up and fragrance, and owners split between smoother skin and red, swollen faces.
Skip it if fragrance or alcohol bothers you; both are on the list
An esthetician's retinol, stated at 1% encapsulated by the maker, with niacinamide and a tripeptide. Newcomers rate it well; people who used the old formula are its loudest critics.
Skip it if you loved the old version; owners say this one irritates