The day I purchased this product I had no idea that it would change my beauty regime right around. When I saw the difference in my combo skin (even tone, texture, firmness) I said to myself, "Hold up...my cleanser, toner, moisturizer needs an upgrade just to Keep Up with this Wonderful product." I didn't experience irritation or peeling. when I'm applying my Paula's choice creams at night plus the retinol, I honestly just glance down at this product and Smile cause I remember when I first purchased it.

Chevy

Bronx, NYC

This stuff is seriously good! I started using it every 3rd day initially, but was able to move forward to every other day, and then every day pretty quickly. I'm sure this is only because I've been using another retinol regularly for about the past year. I wouldn't recommend a new retinol user move to daily use as quickly as I did because you will likely experience a lot of irritation. As for me, I had some slight sensitivity around my eye area, but no redness or peeling. And my face is absolutely GLOWING. I'm 36 now, but throughout most of my 20's, I was an avid tanning bed user; I now have tons of freckles and sun damage on my face as a result. I never felt confident enough to go without makeup, but I feel like I may soon be able to. My skin already looks so much clearer and brighter, with a healthy, youthful glow that I haven't seen in ages. I don't have much in the way of wrinkles yet, so I can't speak to it's effectiveness there, but it definitely improves skin tone. For the last couple nights, I've used it in conjunction with the Azelaic Acid booster and that has vastly improved upon the already impressive results from the use of retinol alone. My skin is super smooth and soft and I couldn't be happier. Thanks for a great product!!

Wyndi

Annapolis, MD

I have combination skin and very rarely get an actual pimple, but have more clogged pores around my chin and a few every once in a while on my cheeks. I have tried everything- monthly facials, various peels, diet, changing my BC prescription.. nothing has worked. I've easily spent hundreds of dollars trying to get rid of the texture and flair ups. I finally thought to try retinol as it works from the bottom up. What a game changer! I've only used this product twice, but I used this product on Thursday and on Saturday and this morning I barely put any foundation or make up on. Since this is my first time with retinol, I read a ton of reviews and decided to use Herbivore's Emerald face oil (about 3 drops) and a pea size of the Retinol. I pat it on my face, focusing heavily on my chin and cheeks, and I am just amazed! I haven't had any peeling or burning, my skin is glowing in ways I have never seen before, and my texture is becoming more even. I will stay using this every other day or every 2 days for the first month so that I don't have any dryness or peeling, but I think the add moisture from the oil is what has saved me so far. It's very early in but I have to say I'm a believer so far!

Courtney

VA

This stuff works. I thought I knew better than Paula and started out using it two nights in a row. First night nothing dramatic happened. So I applied it the next night too THAT'S when my skin peeled off. The next morning I was like what the heck! Should have listened to Paula. Nothing that wasn't fixable with some VERY light exfoliation and moisturizer but it was a bit shocking to look in the mirror in the morning let me tell you. I was molting like a snake. So! Follow the directions people! She's not kidding!

Jenny

Macomb, MI

This retinol is wonderful! If I could afford the full size bottle I would get it! However, until that day I buy the travel size and use it once a week (or as spot treatment for acne). I have sensitive, dry, breakout-prone skin and this retinol smooths and brightens my skin.

Livingwithfourseasons

Boston, MA

I am typically not a person that leaves reviews, but this one is worth reviewing!! This product is a game-changer. Before, I was using a retinol that was $110 for three months. This one is SO MUCH better and cheaper!!! Definitely worth the price. My skin is GLOWING and so smooth. It will go through phases where your skin peels (mine does this about every three weeks) but I just use more moisturizer. With this, I almost never wear face makeup, and if I do, it is very little. I have always struggled with breakouts and acne scarring, but this product is helping it so much!!

Rainey

Nashville

I struggled with redness and acne scars so I thought I'd give this product a try. I was skeptical at first so I just bought the travel size, but just that small tube did wonders. So of course when I ran out I bought the normal size of this product and my skin has never looked better.

Ariana

Cuba, MO

I bought the sample size a month ago and even though it takes about 3 months for results to show, I see a difference in my skin already. I'm hoping that in 3 months or more I see a reduction in the wrinkles around my mouth. I started out slow (every other night) and now I use it every night with my usual AHA routine and so far this product has not irritated my skin or caused redness. I understand retinol takes awhile before you see any results, but so far I am happy with this product and will continue to use it regularly.

Cher

Jersey Shore

This has been my go to, holy grail retinol product for about 3 years. I have oily, acne prone, sensitive skin which I'm sure you can imagine comes with complications. PC products are skin care super stars. It took me some time, some, trial and error but now I have the perfect routine that works for me and this retinol is essential to that. It is rich but it absorbs quickly and has never caused blocked pores or breakouts. I suggest if you have oily skin to apply in very, very small amounts in patting motions. Instead of rubbing the product in, use your ring finger to pat and again use a very small amount for each section of your face. I apply this under my eyes and everywhere with no irritation. When originally applying for the first time, if I remember correctly I used it once every 2 days then graduated the amount on a bi-weekly basis. I apply it every night now but only bc MY SKIN CAN TOLERATE that frequency. PC just released a retinol booster and I'm buying that today just bc I'm curious as to how it works and what the differences are if any. I also want to see if any improvement happens. All in all PC's Clinical 1% retinol is worth your time and worth trying.

Jessika

Mobile, Alabama

I'm 27 and just recently started to up my skincare game. I have been a smoker for half my life so my skin isn't as youthful as should be at my age. Anyway, this is more of a first impression review since I have only used it twice. Definitely mix with half parts lotion if is your first time because my skin flaked off even with diluting it. At first I regretted using it because my skin was so sensitive and I couldn't use any active ingredients or acids on my it for 3 days.I also looked a bit sunburnt. But after the initial sensitivity went down I noticed how much my skin was glowing. My main concerns are textured skin and fine lines. It hasn't helped the lines much yet but my skin is really smooth. My pores are smaller. This is the first time I have used a skincare product that actually delivered really noticeable results so fast. My advice would be to spend the $11 for the trial size. It's super tiny but you don't need a lot in the beginning anyway. It also is still in a safe pump container. Just a super tiny one. I just wish all of Paula's products were available in the travel size.

Monica

Baltimore, MD