“Does retinol really work?” is a question I’m often asked as a beauty editor. Retinol is one of those buzzy anti-aging skin-care ingredients beauty influencers talk about a lot on social media, even if it’s not always clear to lay people what they’re talking about. For those who’ve been confused by what exactly retinol is (like me!), here’s the deal: Retinol is one of many vitamin A compounds that are known as retinoids. In the past decade, these skin-resurfacing agents have become omnipresent in anti-aging circles so much so that prescription Retin A (another retinoid, known more commonly by its generic name, Tretinoin) is now, according to dermatologists, a skin-care must-have for anyone looking to slow the march of time.
Quick Overview
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Peter Thomas Roth
This product hits the serious octane retinoid serum sweet spot: At 1.5% retinol concentration, it’s incredibly potent, while not so strong that your face will start molting within the first week of use. That’s because it’s made with 8-hour slow-release microencapsulated retinol, which tends to be less irritating, and also because it’s brimming with skin brighteners like vitamin C along with healing emollients vitamin E and squalane, which help keep your face hydrated while soothing redness.
The texture of this serum is particularly standout: It’s silky and smooth, as opposed to tacky and viscous. When I used this product last year for three months, I saw an almost immediate skin-tightening effect. Over the weeks there was more clarity in my skin tone and the lines in my forehead appeared less deep.
It’s difficult to choose a retinol serum that will work “best” for all skin types, but with its high-quality ingredients and thoughtful formulation, this one comes closest to being a one-size-fits-most skin-care star.
