The anti-aging gold standard of retinol has had a really big year—coming out of the shadows as a standard cream and making its way into really unique (and modern) formulas. Here are some of the most interesting on our radar.
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The Retinol Drops
Zelens Power A Treatment Drops ($195)
You can use this high-potency product in a few different ways: Add to other products, apply all over or just dab a tiny drop on as a spot-treatment.
The Retinol Self-Tanner
James Read Express Bronzing Mousse ($45)
A self-tanner that goes on seamlessly and has vitamin A? It’s almost a no-brainer—plus, it actually gives a believable bronze.
The Retinol Eye Cream
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Eye Cream ($55)
Never irritating but always effective, this foolproof under-eye cream takes on every around-the-eye concern.
The Retinol Peel
Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel ($88)
Launching this January, this powerful retinol peel is the trifecta of anti-aging: It works to retexturize, improve fine lines and wrinkles, and firm. Yes, it’s strong, but it’s also super moisturizing so skin is kept radiant and fresh, not red.
The Retinol Eye Mask
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask ($63)
Place these stay-put sheet masks under your eyes for 15 minutes to instantly look better. They brighten, attack dark circles, plump up skin and deliver pure retinol to smooth wrinkles.
The Retinol Mist
Éminence Organic Skin Care Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist ($39)
Dry skin be gone with this boosting toner. It contains a natural retinol alternative complex and nourishing coconut milk to balance skin and give it some big-time anti-aging benefits.
The Retinol Aromatherapy Treatment
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil ($105)
You can practically feel this blue-colored, essential oil–packed product working to nurture skin as soon as you apply it. It’s meant to be worn as you sleep; when you wake up you literally have more radiant, smoother and perfectly hydrated skin.
The Retinol Capsules
Nuance Salma Hayek Time Release Retinol Capsules ($25)
Twist these tiny capsules open to reveal a potent drop of paraben-free vitamin A, which works to minimize lines and wrinkles, reduce uneven skin tone and improve texture.
The Retinol Gel
Rodial Glamtox Night ($110)
For the most effective overnight facial, apply this gentle retinol gel at night and let it work its resurfacing magic.
The Retinol Pore Minimizer
StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner ($99)
This lightweight, pore-minimizing lotion helps improve cell turnover while delivering instant and long-term pore reduction. Skin is left looking mattified, fresh, hydrated and smooth.
The Retinol Serum
Perricone MD OVM Serum ($155)
The texture of this overnight serum goes on like silk as its star ingredients of eggshell membrane and a high level of retinol go to work to make skin more resilient.
The Retinol Oil
Verso Super Facial Oil Set ($195)
These game-changing facial oils are the only ones on the market with concentrated vitamin A, according to the company. New for March: effective masks that also deliver the anti-aging active.
The Retinol Wipes
Skin+Pharmacy Restoring Retinol Wipes ($20)
These easy-to-use wipes are seriously the lazy retinol user’s answer to never forgetting to use the powerful ingredient.