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The Retinoid Ladder: Everything I Actually Use

7 items

Kayla Briseno

Sections

The Bottom Rung: Bakuchiol

The Second Rung: Encapsulated Retinol

The Third Rung: Traditional Retinol

The Top Rung: Tretinoin

The Bottom Rung: Bakuchiol

Not technically a retinoid, but it acts like one, with virtually zero irritation. This is your starting point if your skin is sensitive, reactive, or just retinoid-curious. No drama, and all the benefits.

Plant-based retinol alternative that actually delivers. Great texture, gentle on sensitive skin, and a perfect first step if you have never used a retinoid before. This is where I tell nervous beginners to start.

HERBIVORE Bakuchiol Dual-Retinol Serum

Bakuchiol plus ceramides in one step, which means you are getting the retinol-mimicking benefits AND barrier support at the same time. Smart formulation for anyone whose skin needs a little extra love.

EQQUALBERRY Bakuchiol Plumping Face Serum

The Second Rung: Encapsulated Retinol

Same retinol benefits, but wrapped in a protective coating that releases slowly on your skin. Way less irritation than traditional retinol, and the perfect bridge step before you commit to something stronger.

It literally says encapsulated right in the name, which I appreciate. No guessing, no label reading: just a gentle, effective moisturizer that works while you sleep. Great for anyone who wants to dip a toe into retinoids without diving in headfirst.

Wildfleur 0.05% Encapsulated Retinol + Bakuchiol Renewing Moisturizer

Uses a liposomal delivery system (a fancy word for encapsulation) specifically formulated for the delicate eye area. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your face, so having an encapsulated formula here is a really smart move.

K-SECRET SEOUL 1988 Retinal Eye Cream

The Third Rung: Traditional Retinol

This is where most people land when they get serious about retinoids. Over the counter, available in a range of concentrations, and effective for cell turnover, texture, and pore refinement with consistent use. Just remember: patience is the whole ga...

My current pick at this rung. The built-in niacinamide buffers irritation, which is a genuinely smart formulation choice. A great option if you want retinol results without going in completely unprotected.

Anua Retinol 0.3 Niacin Renewing Serum

Numbuzin No. 9 NAD+ Retinol Volumetox Eye Cream I use this as my eye cream and I love that I am getting retinol specifically around the eye without even thinking about it. Bonus: the NAD+ in this formula supports cellular repair at a level most eye c...

Numbuzin No. 9 NAD+ Retinol Volumetox Eye Cream

The Top Rung: Tretinoin

Prescription strength. The most studied retinoid in existence. The gold standard for long-term skin results. This rung is not for beginners, and it is not something to rush into, but when your skin is ready, nothing works quite like it. Follow along ...

Tretinoin is prescription only, so it's important to talk to your dermatologist or explore online prescription services like Amazon Pharmacy, Curology, or Apostrophe.

Retin-A (Tretinoin) 0.05% Cream - Amazon Pharmacy