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It shrunk our pores and plumped our skin without irritation.
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For an extra affordable find, we recommend theLilyAna Natural Retinol Moisturizer.
According to board-certified dermatologistDr.
Retinol regulates our sebum production, which makes it great for acne control, too, she adds.
PHOTO: Sephora
With so many retinol options to consider, wetestedseveral top-rated options to see if theyre truly worth the hype.
The formula also containslactic acidto gently exfoliate the skin and apple extract to provide a dose of antioxidants.
I only got one pimple during the testing period."
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At just $30, this one really impressed us.
My skin looks brighter, and my dark spots have faded."
Amelia, tester with combination skin:“I saw a notable difference in my skin tone.
PHOTO: Amazon
I’m more confident now that my skin is brighter and more even.”
Its a serum that feels like a weightless lotionit absorbs into the skin quickly and doesnt pill underneath moisturizer.
It utilizes the power of encapsulated retinol to helpfade dark spots, even tone, and reduce texture.
PHOTO: Amazon
We appreciate that the formula has threemoisturizing ceramidesto support a healthy skin barrier and prevent skin dryness.
It also containslicorice root extractto brighten your complexion andniacinamideto further even tone.
Also nice: It’s fragrance-free andnoncomedogenic, making it a great option for those with more sensitive skin.
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Maria, tester with combination skin and acne scars:“My skin appears more even-toned and slightly smoother.
It faded some of my dark spots and acne scars.”
It can be drying and sensitizing, so finding a product that counteracts these effects is key.
PHOTO: Ulta
However, it still layers beautifully underneath moisturizers without pilling or becoming too greasy.
It shrank my blemishes and lightened dark marks successfully."
It worked to smooth the skin a bit and give it a more plump, hydrated look and feel.
PHOTO: Sephora
There’s no scent at all and it’s truly fragrance-free, which is important to me."
Formulated with 1% encapsulated retinol andpeptides, it smooths texture, enhances radiance, and adds moisture.
It also worked toexfoliate dry patchesto create a generally smoother and more even complexion.
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It combines retinol and hyaluronic acid to improve the look ofcrow’s feetand fine lines, and fadeunder-eye circles.
Our tester, Sheila, was incredibly impressed by how well it addressed fine lines in the eye area.
She appreciated that the hydrating but lightweight texture absorbs quickly into the skin and layers nicely underneath the moisturizer.
PHOTO: Amazon
She just wished it were more effective at smoothing uneven skin texture.
Now, the indents are gone."
She also noticed a subtle improvement in the firmness of the skin.
PHOTO: Amazon
The gel-serum hybrid is nonirritating and works well with the products I already use."
(We love its skin-beneficial formula so much that we gave it aByrdie Beauty Awardfor our favorite retinol.)
My face looks pretty clear."
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Even though it contains so many actives, it also includes ingredients to soothe the skinsuch asshea butterand squalane.
Some studies have claimed that topical retinoids may be harmful during pregnancy.
For that reason, doctorsincluding Dr. Zeichnerdo not recommend using topical retinol while pregnant.
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Instead, he recommends reaching forbakuchiol products.
Again, he recommends reaching for topical bakuchiol instead.
Theresa Hollandis a beauty writer and self-proclaimed skincare aficionado.
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Antioxidants (Basel).
2019 Oct 1;8(10):445. doi: 10.3390/antiox8100445.
PMID: 31581512; PMCID: PMC6826613.
PHOTO: Sephora
Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G.Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging.
2012 Jul 1;4(3):253-8. doi: 10.4161/derm.21923.
PMID: 23467280; PMCID: PMC3583886.
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Kober MM, Bowe WP.The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging.Int J Womens Dermatol.
2011;57(6):665-667.
PHOTO: Naturium
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PHOTO: SkinBetter
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PHOTO: Amazon
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