Shoppers Say This Affordable Retinol Serum Gives Them ‘Unmatched Glow,’ Targets Wrinkles, *and* Squashes Acne—And It’s 20% Off Right Now

Photo: Stocksy / Alina Hvostikova
With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they’re betting you’ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOP

The beauty market is oversaturated, and when products use many of the same ingredients, it can be hard to tell when one is truly performing differently on your skin than others. It's rare to find a formulation that is so good you keep going back. But it's the experience shoppers are having with The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum—and right now, you can get it for up to 20 percent off.

"I have tried SO many retinols, and while I typically need retinol for acne, this one manages to get rid of my wrinkles AND my acne," writes one shopper." I have tried a new retinol twice since I found this one and I immediately go back every time. My skin drinks it like water, and the glow is unmatched. My only complaint is that I wish they sold a larger size!"

The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum

Originally $13, now $160 for Rouge, $170 for VIB, and $180 for Insider

This serum uses a blend of two types of retinoids for a slow release along with hydrating and soothing squalane to offset any side effects.

The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum is one of the many skin-care goodies you can save on during the Sephora Spring Savings Event, that's happening now through April 24. The only catch, though, is that you have to be a Sephora VIB member to participate—and the higher status you have in the loyalty program (AKA the more you spend at the retailer annually), the better deals you'll get and the sooner you can start saving. So if you're not a member, sign up now to save that 10 percent. Simply enter the code SAVENOW at check out and watch the price of your cart contents plummet.

Although we love the Inkey List Retinol, we know that not every product works for everyone. And because spring is the best time to introduce retinol into your skin-care routine to get all the acne-clearing,  line-smoothing, skin-illuminating goodness sans major irritation, we want you to have options. So shop a few more customer-favorite, best-selling retinols to get during Sephora's spring sale.

Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum

Originally $60, now $160 for Rouge, $170 for VIB, and $180 for Insider

Get a blend of fast-acting retinal and encapsulated retinol to see results with minimal irritation. Plus, the formula has upcycled Kalahari melon oil and raspberry seed oil which are rich in antioxidants, soothe, and replenish moisture.

“I never write reviews—I know; it’s a cliché statement! But it’s my truth as a Sephora Rouge,” writes one reviewer. “This serum is it! The first time I used it I saw a big difference. My skin is dry and prone to hyperpigmentation if I use anything insensitive. Because this is a retinol, there’s an automatic scare that it would be harsh, but not with this. I highly recommend—game-charger.”

Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

Originally $62, now $160 for Rouge, $170 for VIB, and $180 for Insider

This treatment heroes a potent, slow-release retinol and pairs it with skin-soothing oat, willow bark, and licorice extracts plus a skin-firming triple peptide blend.

“I’ve been using their BHA/AHA toner for years, it always gives me glass skin, so I ventured out to try more of Miss Paula’s potions and THIS…. THIS RIGHT HERE is GOLD! By far, my favorite retinol I have ever used,” writes a reviewer. “If there’s one thing I have learned, it is that Paula’s Choice knows EXACTLY what they are doing. 10000/10 would recommend if you are looking to get into retinol or looking for a new brand.”

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment

Originally $105, now $160 for Rouge, $170 for VIB, and $180 for Insider

New from Murad, this serum uses retinAl (a faster-acting, more potent retinoid than retinOl. It also has skin-firming kangaroo paw flower extract, and a moisture-boosting blend of olive, oat, and alpha glucan.

“As a person who has very dry and aging skin, I’ve been enjoying this Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment that I recently got complimentary from Murad,” writes a reviewer. “I don’t have a lot of wrinkles, only crow’s feet and nasolabial folds that started bothering me a lot, lately, and was looking for some anti-aging products that work for loss of elasticity of my skin. I can see that this serum helps to smooth my skin and soften those lines, I use it in my nightly routine. I follow up with my favorite moisturizer and I’m good to go.”

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Originally $74, now $160 for Rouge, $170 for VIB, and $180 for Insider

This serum combines 1 percent retinol with a skin-firming and skin-strengthening triple peptide blend and soothing vitamin F.

“This has been a savior for my skin,” writes a reviewer. “My mature, sensitive, combo, acne-prone skin has faired very well from incorporating yet another fabulous Drunk Elephant product into my routine. I did have to learn the hard way that less is more with this bad girl. But bad girl as in, my pores are less congested, my texture is evening out. My GF complimented me apx 2 months after I started this that my skin looked more glowy. I was like, that right there justifies what I spent on this for looking glowy W/OUT wearing bronzer or highlighter!”

Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment Serum — $-2.00

Originally $88, now $160 for Rouge, $170 for VIB, and $180 for Insider

Encapsulated retinol blends with exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and antioxidant-rich apple fruit extract to smooth skin, reduce visible signs of aging, and defend against pollution.

“I’ve [been] living off of a few 10 ml bottles of the Retinol Reform and want to delay purchasing a full bottle because I have too many skin-care products to use up. However, I have to say I really miss having this retinol in my night routine,” writes a reviewer. “This is so far the only retinol product that has lived up to the name of retinol, this magical ingredient that so many products now include. When I use the retinol reform at night, I wake up with super smooth skin the next morning and it doesn’t dry me out like other retinol products do!! Definitely worth the price and I will be buying a full-size bottle soon!!”

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Retinol Remix 1% Retinol Treatment With Peptide & Tranexamic Acid

Originally $48, now $160 for Rouge, $170 for VIB, and $180 for Insider

Takle hyperpigmentation with this serum that blends 1 percent retinol with skin-brightening tranexamic acid. Plus it has a mix of centella asiatica, tazman pepper, and roman chamomile to visibly minimize signs of irritation, bumps, and flaking associated with retinol use.

“When I first started using retinol, I had super red and inflamed skin,” says a review. “It took a full 2 weeks for things to calm down and since then, I have stuck to low concentration (like .3% to 5%). I have been afraid of bumping the percentage up. I took the chance with this product, and I’m so glad that I did. I have not had any irritation with the 1% and I don’t feel like I need to slather the moisturizer on afterwards (but I still do!).”

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Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

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