Join the TZR editors for Main press, a series dedicated to sharing the beauty products we love – whether they’re bold, effective, or just plain fun – that make our week just a little bit better. Ahead, Team TZR presents its favorite retinol serum moment.
Skincare trends come and go at a breakneck pace, but some ingredients, like retinol, defy social media algorithms. As an at-home topical treatment option for many common concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture and discoloration, retinol is appreciated by dermatologists and estheticians because it is thoroughly tested and delivers results. However, despite all its advantages, this ingredient is not without its disadvantages. The biggest problem is that vitamin A can be very irritating when you first start taking it, causing side effects such as redness, scaling, dryness and tightness. There is an art to incorporating this into your routine. You usually start slowly, applying it a few times a week until the evening when your skin can tolerate it. If the process sounds like a headache, the best retinol serums are a secure choice because the risk of experiencing “ugly retinol effects” when using them is minimal.
These formulas, containing soothing and moisturizing ingredients that act as a protective cushion for the skin, are balanced so that your skin is not damaged after the introduction of retinol. Because there are so many options on the market, TZR editors make finding the Holy Grail retinol a lot less stressful—and irritating, quite literally. Ahead, these serums offer the benefits of vitamin A without burning or stinging the skin.
“Shania Darden’s Retinol formula is the only over-the-counter formula that I’ve really loved. It works incredibly quickly and brightens my skin, lightens murky spots and smoothes wrinkles after the first month of daily operate. And even though my skin is on the drier side, it didn’t really make it worse – my standard moisturizer was enough to avoid flaking and irritation.” – Amanda Ross, beauty editor, TZR
“As a girl with sensitive skin, I have to be very careful with products with retinol because I am prone to irritation and rosacea flare-ups. Although Sunday Riley’s A+ contains a high dose of retinol, it is extremely gentle and does not irritate my skin thanks to the calming ingredients it contains, such as Hawaiian white honey. The formula is a delicious, creamy serum that works wonders on my arid skin. I used this product several times a week and noticed smoother, brighter skin.” – Rebecca Iloulian, ddirector, newsletter revenue and marketing
“This serum is unique because it combines retinol with bakuchiol and rambutan, two popular plant-based alternatives to the ingredient, for additional brightening and smoothing benefits. When I first tried it, I went all out, applying a silky serum every day, followed by a opulent moisturizer without any problems. After a few weeks of using it as my routine, I noticed that my skin looked more even and polished. The ease of operate and noticeable results make this one of my favorite retinol serums.” – Erin Lukas, deputy beauty editor, TZR
“We all know that retinol can irritate the skin, so I generally proceed with caution. Of all the formulas I have tried, this one causes the least amount of reactions. Perhaps it’s the calming effect of the Reishi mushrooms in the formula. Whatever the botanical magic, I’m craving this moisturizing treasure.” —Angela Melero, editor-in-chief of TZR
“I usually operate prescription retinol, but until my skin can handle the dose, I started with Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Retinol Serum. My skin felt moisturized, never arid, flaky or irritated, and thanks to the benefits of vitamin A…smoother and brighter skin. It was a seamless introduction to retinol.” – Kathy Lee, TZR editor-in-chief
“You only need a pea-sized amount of this powerful retina serum to get maximum results without any discomfort. I’ve been using it twice a week for the last few weeks with no blockages and my skin looks noticeably brighter. Plus, you really can’t beat the price of The Ordinary products in terms of formula quality.” – Luke
“Even though I’ve only been using Olehenriksen’s Double Rewind Pro-Grade 0.3% Retinol Serum for two or three weeks, I’m already noticing a difference in my bumpy skin texture (caused by years of picking out acne in high school). For now, my face is much smoother and brighter. It is worth adding that the dainty formula does not irritate my skin. I apply it every other night and then follow with Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Water Cream – highly recommended.” — Kelsey Stewart, deputy fashion editor, TZR
