I've Tried So Many Retinol Products But Nothing Compares to This £23 Face Serum

When it comes to my skincare routine, there's one product that I've always struggled with, and that's retinol. As I get closer and closer to my thirties I've been keen to introduce this product into my routine, but as someone with very sensitive skin, it's been hard to find a retinol product that I actually get along with. That was until I came across a particular product from CeraVe.

This brand has been a staple in my skincare routine for as long as I can remember. Not only are the products super affordable, but they work well with my sensitive skin (probably because they have been developed with actual dermatologists). So, when I saw that they had launched a retinol serum, I practically raced to checkout. I've been testing the product for over a month now and it's safe to say that I am obsessed. Want to know more? Keep on scrolling for my full review...

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Review

The Formula

First things first, let's talk about the formula. The product has been designed for post-acne skin, and works to smooth your skin's texture and reduce the appearance of post-acne marks. Although I don't suffer with acne, I do have a lot of skin texture which is what convinced me to give this product a go. What I love about this formula is that although it is exfoliating your skin, in true CeraVe style it also makes sure to protect the skin's natural barrier, which makes it suitable for sensitive and blemish-prone complexions (unlike many other retinol products out there).

It contains encapsulated retinol to increase cellular turnover, alongside niacinamide and ceramides to calm, nourish and protect the skin. The serum itself is incredibly lightweight and absorbs into the skin in seconds, keeping your routine quick and easy.

The Application

When it comes to retinol, it's important to follow the brand's instructions on the application, as not all retinol products can be applied every single day. I've definitely overused retinol in the past and experienced plenty of skin irritation because of this (hello redness).

CeraVe recommend using a small amount of this serum once a week and then building this up slowly. The brand also advises only using this product at night and always following up with an SPF in the daytime. As with most retinol products, it's also important to avoid your eyes and lips when applying this serum.

The Verdict

Junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay after testing the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum for a month.

So, how did I get on with the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum? Honestly, this is probably one of the best retinol products I have tried. The first thing that blew me away was that I experienced no irritation whatsoever. Unlike other retinol products, my skin never felt dry and never looked red after using (however I still made sure to use lots of hydrating products just in case).

The second thing that impressed me was how good my skin looked after a month of using this. It can definitely take a while to see results from retinol, and although I know that I need to use this for longer in order to improve my skin texture, I already feel like my skin looks smoother and more radiant.

For just over £20, I could not recommend this product enough. If you're thinking about introducing a retinol into your skincare routine, this would be one of my top choices.

Pros: More affordable than other retinol products on the market, good for sensitive and blemish-prone skin, lightweight formula and a little goes a long way

Cons: May take a while to see results

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