The Retinols, Retinals, and AHAs We Use Every Day
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This story first appeared on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, intheStrategist Beauty Brief,a weekly newsletter in which our beauty writers share their must-tries, can-skips, and can’t-live-withouts. But we liked it so much we wanted to share it with all of our readers. If you want more first impressions of buzzy launches, quick takes on what’s trending on TikTok and Instagram, and deep dives into the week’s best beauty launches, sign uphere. TheStrategist Beauty Briefis delivered every Wednesday.
If you’re a regular reader of theStrategist Beauty Brief, you know we’re pretty picky about our products. Yes, we’re always down to try a dupe and test trends. But we’re passionate about our basics, too. This week, we’re sharing our go-to retinoids.
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I was a die-hard tretinoin (prescription-strength retinoid) user for nearly a decade, but if you’re looking for a nonprescription product,Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Creamcomes very close. It’s super gentle so I never had a “retinol uglies” phase, and it didn’t even bother my mild rosacea. —Dominique Pariso
I started testing theSkinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Creamfor a retinol story a year ago and just never stopped using it. It’s moisturizing and nonirritating, solving two of the big retinol pain points, and I’ve noticed that my skin has become a bit more even over time. I’d always intended to use it as a way to “prep” for tretinoin, but now I like it so much I might never make the switch. —Tembe Denton-Hurst
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I took a break from actives for a bit after realizing my skin barrier needed some love. It’s back at a pretty good place now, so I’ve reintroducedthis retinolinto my weekly rotation. So far, I haven’t had any irritation, and my skin has been a lot smoother since I’ve been using it consistently. —Arielle Avila
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I’ve had a weird relationship with retinoids: When I was younger, I was convinced that I’d triggered a never-ending purge by using one, but it turned out that my acne was just hormonal … Once I got that under control, I decided to slowly incorporate the retinal fromMedik8into my routine. I have extremely sensitive skin and was drawn to a retinal as it’s closer to retinoic acid than retinol, meaning it converts faster and is supposedly less irritating. I’m almost at the end of my second bottle and have no flakiness or redness to report. —Rachael Griffiths
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I, too, am a fan of Skinbetter Science’s retinol. I alternate between its formula (because it includes lactic acid, I don’t have to add a separate acid to my skin-care routine) and a prescription-strength tretinoin fromMusely. I like its “veteran” formula because it’s the highest strength tretinoin (I’ve been on retinoids since I was a teenager for acne), and it also contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid so it’s moisturizing and soothing. —Crystal Martin
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
