The gold standard ingredient in skin care for just about every skin type, retinol (and its cousin, retinal) is launching on goop for the very first time. The difference this ingredient can make in your skin—whether it’s aging, oily, dry, or sensitive—is profound.

Derivatives of vitamin A, both retinol and retinal are essentially less-powerful types of retinoids, a mostly prescription-only class of drugs that increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production to deliver best-in-class results for everything from wrinkles, dullness, and texture to acne. “Retinol is vital in wellness of the skin,” says Chicago oculoplastic surgeon Julius Few, MD, who researches skin treatments extensively. “It aids in the preservation of a healthy cellular skin matrix and the reduction of aging inflammation on the skin surface due to acne or sun-related damage and actively assists in new vibrant skin production for all skin types.”

Why Do I Need It?

Ask any skin professional—retinol and retinoids work to transform just about anyone’s skin. The formulas can help to:

Smooth the look of deep wrinkles and fine lines

Boost glow and brightness

Even skin tone

Slow the effects of melanin production

Increase firmness and elasticity

Clear trouble spots

Reduce inflammation

Minimize the look of pores

Refine texture

We researched, sampled, scoured clean ingredient lists, and (really) grooved on the results we ended up seeing on our skin (which start showing up after about six weeks). We included both retinol and retinal treatments; fans of retinal say it’s less irritating and more effective than retinol, while retinol fans cite its long-standing track record in terms of both results and safety. “Retinol is an ideal form of vitamin A because it contains other nutrients, including fatty acids, that enhance the vitamin’s absorbability and effectiveness,” says Few.

These 6 Retinols Meet goop’s Clean Standards (and Really Work)

1. Made by a legendary physician and professor of regenerative science, this serum combines retinol with the brand’s groundbreaking ingredient complex called TFC8, which contains amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and synthesized versions of molecules found naturally in skin.

   

   Augustinus Bader
   The Retinol Serum
   goop, $350

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2. From Few, who is famous for less-invasive treatments, this cream delivers calming ingredients to address redness along with powerful retinol for next-level results.

   Exclusive to goop

   

   AFORÉ
   Dr. Few Clean Retinol
   goop, $199

   SHOP NOW

3. Potent yet remarkably gentle biofermented retinal is the star of this miraculous silky serum made with skin-boosting glycoin, goji berry, and hyaluronic acid by acupuncturist and aromatherapist Annee de Mamiel.

   

   de Mamiel
   Gravity Fix
   goop, $265

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Retinol Superstars Under $150

1. From a top New York dermatologist, this rich, whipped, skin-perfecting cream combines retinol with the retinol alternatives bakuchiol and rambutan, plus ferulic acid.

   

   Dr. Dennis Gross
   Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
   goop, $77

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2. Hydrate, smooth lines, and boost radiance with this beautiful face oil—it blends antioxidant green tea, powerful algae extracts, and cacay with retinol.

   

   MARA
   Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Face Oil
   goop, $120

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3. Supercharged with three different retinoid-related active ingredients—encapsulated retinol, retinyl sunflowerseedate, and bakuchiol—this luxurious balm-cream smooths and plumps at once.

   

   Marie Veronique
   Multi-Retinol
   Night Emulsion
   goop, $135

   SHOP NOW

   
   

What If I Have Sensitive Skin?

Ingredients like bakuchiol, phytomimetic vitamin A, and rambutan deliver profound results on skin that compare favorably with retinol, with much less potential for irritation and dryness. They make excellent alternatives if your skin won’t tolerate retinol or retinal.

1. Bakuchiol-Infused Face Oil with Clinical Results

   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGENES All-in-One Super Nutrient Face Oil
   goop, $98/$89 with subscription

   SHOP NOW

2. Brightening Eye Cream with Vitamin C and Phytomimetic Vitamin A

   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGLOW Vita-C Brightening Eye Cream
   goop, $58/$52 with subscription

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3. Nourishing Milk Serum with Alfalfa and Rose Hip Oil

   

   KORA Organics
   Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum
   goop, $75

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4. Hydrating Cream with Whole Bakuchi Seed, Lotus Flower, and Ashwagandha

   

   Ranavat
   Renewing Bakuchi Crème
   goop, $95

   SHOP NOW

5. Softening Body Oil with Orange and Carrot Oils

   

   The Organic Pharmacy
   Advanced Retinoid-like Body Oil
   goop, $80

   SHOP NOW

6. Clarifying Mask with Collagen and Fruit Enzymes

   

   Venn
   Collagen Intensive Phyto-Retinol Resurfacing Mask
   goop, $120

   SHOP NOW

7. Pillowy Face Cream with Antioxidants and Ceramides

   

   Alpyn Beauty
   PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer
   goop, $60

   SHOP NOW