For beauty devotees, retinol has long been considered a holy grail skin care ingredient. It increases cell turnover and exfoliation, and even instructs your skin to grow more collagen. It can be very effective, but does have a reputation for being a fairly aggressive active ingredient. For those with sensitive skin, finding the right formulation can be a game of trial and error, but I’m pleased to report that Shani Darden’s Retinol Reform serum is the answer to our beauty prayers.
This celebrity- and beauty enthusiast-beloved retinol serum was recently reformulated with a slow-release, advanced 1% encapsulated retinol that can help to reduce common signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, dull or uneven skin tone and more — all without irritating even the most sensitive skin.
The formula also includes other powerhouse actives, like tripeptides to help speed up cell turnover and refine texture, while prickly pear extract supports all the ingredients, boosting exfoliation and cell renewal, leaving you with silky smooth, soft and hydrated skin.
Before getting pregnant in late 2023, I was as hardcore as one could get about my skin — chemical peels, lasers and prescriptions for tretinoin and hydroquinone ruled my routine. All of that went out the window and was replaced with gentle alternatives once I conceived, as certain harsh “active” skin care ingredients are considered risky to use during pregnancy.
