real simple
ROAD TEST
Retinol
Road Test
RETINOL IS THE GOLD-STANDARD
ANTI-AGING INGREDIENT, DERMS AGREE:
IT REVS CELL TURNOVER SO SKIN
LOOKS SMOOTHER, PLUMPER, AND
MORE EVEN. FIND THE BEST ONE FOR
YOU FROM OUR TOP PICKS.
By Lisa DeSantis
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide
Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
The potential downfall of retinol: It can cause sensitivity.
But these biodegradable capsules—which you twist open to
dispense a single, fresh dose—are laced with ceramides to
counteract irritation. You reap the line-smoothing
benefits without peeling. They’re also great for travel.
TO BUY: $84 for 60; elizabetharden.com.
EASIEST TO USE
Skinbetter Science
AlphaRet Exfoliating
Peel Pads
Up to three times a week,
swipe onto clean skin to
help make pores, patches,
and lines less noticeable.
TO BUY: $95 for 30;
skinbetter.com.
BEST BARGAIN
RoC Retinol Correxion
Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
Wearing retinol by day is
normally a no-no. This
version contains a stabi-
lized formula plus SPF,
making it safe. TO BUY:
$18; walmart.com.
BEST OIL
StriVectin S.T.A.R.
Light Retinol Night Oil
This oil packs the
anti-aging powers of
retinol in a nongreasy
squalane base. Press two
drops into skin before
bed. TO BUY: $99;
strivectin.com.
BEST NIGHT CREAM
Kate Somerville
+Retinol Vitamin C
Moisturizer
The glow-boosting duo of
vitamin C and retinol
lessens the look of dark
spots. TO BUY: $90;
ulta.com.
BEST FOR ACNE
Acne Free
Adapalene Gel
Formulated with
adapalene (part of the
retinoid family) to
help treat and prevent
breakouts. Use all over
skin. TO BUY: $12;
walmart.com.
Read more about
the ingredient at
realsimple.com/retinol. PRODUCT IM
AGES COURTESY OF M
ANUFACTURERS
THE REALIST
52 REAL SIMPLE SEPTEMBER 2019
