Derms Share Their Favorite Retinal Products—Including One That’s Under $15

Dr. Houshmand says this lightweight cream is her best suggestion for the sensitive-skin types. “It’s formulated with retinaldehyde, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to visibly reduce wrinkles and fine lines,” she adds. Dr. Lal also lists this as his all-time holy grail: “It has antioxidants and is three times stronger than retinol!”

Categorizing this treatment as a bit “more advanced,” Dr. Houshmand points to the formula’s mix of retinal and botanicals to “improve signs of aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles and skin elasticity.”

“This is a serum-like product that is very strong!” says Dr. Lal of the under-$15 fan favorite. “This is great for crow’s-feet and perioral lines.” Happy Sephora shoppers seem to agree: “I’ve been using this product for over a year and I must say I can’t go without it now,” shares one reviewer on the site. “I have acne-free skin. I got this at first just to help with the scars and hyperpigmentations. But to my surprise, it also helped with preventing acne on my face. Nowadays, except for the occasional hormonal acne I get during my period, my skin remains acne-free as long as I use this.”

“This face cream combines glycolic acid, retinaldehyde and squalane to even tone, remove dead skin cells and boost elasticity for brighter, smoother skin,” says Dr. Houshmand. “It really is a great multitasker.”

Billed as a “next-generation retinal not for beginners,” this just-launched serum was formulated in collaboration with New Orleans dermatologist Mamina Turegano, MD, as it promises to deliver a “skin-care triple” of Granactive retinoid, encapsulated L-Retinal and Bio-Bakuchiol.