I Tested Dozens of Retinol Serums—These 12 Outperformed Them All

No matter where you are in your retinol journey, Medik8 has a line of formulas to meet you where you are. This serum uses retinal, a different, more potent form of vitamin A than retinol. Start with Crystal Retinal 1, its lowest strength, and titrate according to your tolerance level. Even better, the formula features hyaluronic acid and glycerin to curb any irritation.

Key ingredients: Retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin

Size: 1 fl oz

Dermstore rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “My first introduction to Medik8 was the Crystal Retinal line—bold, yes, but a risk well worth the reward. What helps is that the formula is quite hydrating, thanks to hyaluronic acid, so I didn’t experience the retinol scaries (flaking, irritation, etc.) you normally would with prescription strength formulas. My skin loved it and became much more radiant and smoother.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor