Ingredient
Retinoids
Also called: Retinol, Retinaldehyde, Adapalene, Differin, Tretinoin, Retin-A
The best-studied night active for acne, texture, collagen support, and long-term skin quality.
Sharon’s verdict
Worth it
What Sharon would tell you
Retinoid is the umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives like retinol, retinaldehyde, adapalene, and tretinoin. This is the night active with the strongest long-term evidence.
Start slow, use a pea-sized amount, apply to dry skin, and moisturize. Adapalene is an excellent over-the-counter option. Tretinoin is prescription strength. Pregnant or nursing patients should skip retinoids.