Retinol comes in over-the-counter and prescription versions (that you can only get via a doctor or licensed physician), and most dermatologists recommend the prescription retinol kind. “Prescription retinoids like tretinoin (like Retin-A or Tazorac) are the gold-standard for anti-aging, collagen-promoting, and treating acne,” says board-certified dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD. Over the counter retinoids try to mimic the effects of the retinoids, but they are much less powerful.”

That said, using an over-the-counter retinol still has major benefits. Retinol is one of the best ingredients, after sunscreen, of course, for keeping your skin clear, smooth, and glowing,” says Dr. Marchbein. It works by increasing collagen production as well as increasing the rate of skin cell turnover, says Dr. Marchbein, adding that “the ingredient is highly effective at improving skin texture, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and even
decreasing pore size.”