Retinol and retinal (abbreviated from retinaldehyde) can be bought over-the-counter and are weaker than retinoic acid, which is generally a prescription-only agent,” she says. Promising improvements in deep wrinkles after only two weeks, our expectations were high with this low dose retinol serum. Our lab test found it minimised fine lines and wrinkles, with testers finding it easy to dispense and saying they received compliments from friends. Going too strong, too soon, can cause dryness and make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced – not the aim of the retinoid game!

Skincyclopedia 10% Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Vitamin C, B5 Skincyclopedia 10% Hyaluronic Acid Serum with Vitamin C, B5

Don’t mix retinol with AHAs or BHAs because using too many active ingredients, too frequently, can spark sensitivity. When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits.To find the best retinol serums that actually work, the Good Housekeeping Institute enlisted over 200 panellists to help us test 14 brands. Infused with antioxidant vitamin E, it spread easily and left a soft, well-nourished feel, but some found it a touch too greasy. We do not share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we do not sell your information to others.

Skincyclopedia 10% Matrixyl 3000 Serum with Vitamin C

First-timers and those with sensitive skin may wish to try a gentler retinyl ester – look for retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate in the ingredients list. Understanding retinoids can be tricky if you aren’t a skincare guru, so we asked Dr Anjali Mahto, a medical and cosmetic consultant dermatologist, to explain the difference between the types. Once only found in dermatology clinics but now available over-the-counter, retinol can speed up skin cell regeneration and boost collagen production to smooth, firm and take years off your complexion. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average.

When she isn't busy scouring the new collections, sales and preloved marketplaces for beautiful pieces to add to her wardrobe, Jess can be found enjoying live music, making her first house a home and planning her next travel adventure.

Skincyclopedia 5% Glycolic Acid Face Wash and Pore Minimizer Skincyclopedia 5% Glycolic Acid Face Wash and Pore Minimizer

You will not see results overnight and it may take up to 12 weeks before any benefit is noticed,” says Dr Mahto. Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her first class bachelor's degree in cosmetic science from the Universy of the Arts London. Instant spa-style glow is what our lucky testers enjoyed after sweeping this fast-absorbing serum over their skin. Nearly everybody agreed that it shrunk large pores, with our lab team finding it decent at banishing wrinkles. Some brands do blend the two together, but these products have been carefully formulated to not cause irritation, so don't take a DIY approach.

Unsurprisingly given the high retinol content, a third also found it drying and had to apply more moisturiser than usual, but many also said it helped to shrink large pores and minimise fine lines and wrinkles. Our testers found it luxuriously silky to apply and said it glided on, making for a pampering nightly ritual. Many reported improved hydration and some spotted more glow, but a third struggled to notice any difference to their fine lines and wrinkles – go stronger if speed is of the essence.