If I had to pick my favorite skin-care ingredient, hands down, it would be retinol. It’s a powerhouse. A legend. The GOAT. (You get it.)
“Retinol is one of the main forms of vitamin A,” cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson previously told Allure. “It can help stimulate cell turnover as well as help stimulate collagen production.”
I already use a prescription-strength Tretinoin three to four times a week, but for those nights when I don’t, I need an over-the-counter active that works but isn’t too active. I have sensitive skin, so I can’t overdo it with the hard stuff.
That’s why I like the Theralogic RetinA Anti Wrinkle 3D Ampoule. The lightweight K-beauty serum—formulated with wrinkle-busting retinol and collagen production-boosting adenosine—is gentle enough for easily irritated skin, like mine.
Like I said, I use it on nights I’m not using my Tret (usually three times a week) as the main course of my routine. So after cleansing, I dry my face and then gently pat about half a dropper’s worth of serum onto my face, from my forehead to my neckline (and a little lower if I have extra). It seeps into skin in seconds, layers well with my moisturizer (which is applied next), and gives my skin a dewy glow the next morning.
Plus, I love that I don’t have to travel to all the way to Seoul to get another one when I inevitably run out. Although, I could use a vacation right about now…
You can find the Theralogic RetinA Anti Wrinkle 3D Ampoule, along with other editor-loved products, in the January Allure Beauty Box.