Next to sunscreen, retinol is one of the best over-the-counter ingredients you can add to your skin-care routine. The vitamin A derivative has an entire laundry list of benefits, including treating and preventing acne, boosting collagen production, and brightening skin—but all of this (unfortunately) comes with some pretty annoying downsides. Retinol is known for causing dryness, irritation, inflammation and a weakened skin barrier—which can be especially pertinent if you have sensitive skin or are using a product that’s too strong.

“Ultimately, the benefits of retinoids are in a tug-of-war with the negatives of inflammation,” saysRobert Anolik, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. While your skin will get better at tolerating the ingredient over time, there’s no need to suffer for the sake of the cause. Instead of starting out with a super-strong formula, derms recommended starting out slowly with a low concentration and building your way up, which is where Fig. 1’s retinol system comes in.

The brand offers its retinol formulas in three strengths: 0.15 percent ($42), 0.3 percent ($52), and 0.6 percent ($62) so you can level-up once your skin adjusts. The idea is that you can start with the 0.15 percent option, then work your way toward using one of the more intense formulations as your skin starts to adjust. It’s an amazing system for retinol newbies or those with sensitive skin who want to see how it reacts with vitamin A.

“There are different concentrations and formulations which consequently affect the strength of the product: For instance, a 0.025 percent cream is not as strong as a .5 percent cream,” explainsJennifer Chwalek, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City.

Each of Fig. 1’s formulas is made with “encapsulated” retinol, which means the ingredient is released into the skin slowly over time instead of in a sudden burst all at once, helping to reduce irritation. The retinol creams also include moisturizing and soothing ingredients like ceramides, squalane, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. These are all emollients, which “are moisturizers that add oil to the skin to help soften, smooth, and repair the skin barrier,” saysTiffany Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island. By strengthening the skin barrier and providing moisture, these ingredients can help to offset some of the side effects of retinol.

Fig. 1, Retinol Night Cream Level 1 — $42.00

Key ingredients: 0.15% encapsulated retinol, bioactive peptides

This night cream is made with a low concentration of 0.15 percent retinol, which allows the skin to adjust and acclimate to the ingredients with minimal irritation. It’s ideal for shoppers who are new to retinol and want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles without upsetting skin.

Size: 50 ml/1.7 fl. oz.

Buy a refill here. 

Pros: 

• 0.15% encapsulated retinol for an even, timed release
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Infused with peptides for elasticity
• Refillable system

Cons: 

• Pricey
• Can still be a bit strong for users with very sensitive skin
• Not recommended for those pregnant or nursing

Fig. 1, Retinol Night Cream Level 2 — $52.00

Key ingredients: 0.3% encapsulated retinol, bioactive peptides

Once your skin is used to Level 1, you can move on to Level 2 which contains a 0.3 percent concentration of retinol plus those skin-supporting peptides. The higher percentage of vitamin A is ideal for intermediate users who have already used retinol but aren’t ready for the strongest dose. Slather it on at night to unclog pores, blur lines, and increase cell turnover. Talk about getting your beauty sleep…

Size: 50 ml/1.7 fl. oz.

Buy a refill here. 

Pros: 

• .3% encapsulated retinol for an even, timed release
• Infused with peptides for skin support
• Moisturizing and long-lasting
• Refillable system

Cons: 

• Pricey
• Not recommended for those pregnant or nursing

Fig. 1, Retinol Night Cream Level 3 — $62.00

Key ingredients: 0.6% encapsulated retinol, bioactive peptides

And once you’re a retinol pro, it’s time to graduate to Level 3. It contains a .6 percent concentration of retinol—the highest concentration in the trio. This means it works extra strong at getting skin smooth, even, and bright, all while moisturizing and unclogging pores while you sleep.

Size: 50 ml/1.7 fl. oz.

Buy a refill here. 

Pros: 

• .6% encapsulated retinol for even, timed release
• Infused with peptides for skin support
• Ultra-powerful
• Long-lasting hydration
• Supports collagen production and cell turnover
• Refillable system

Cons: 

• Pricey
• Very potent—might be too strong for those with sensitive skin
• Not suitable for those who are pregnant or nusing

“It usually takes about three weeks for your skin cells to adapt to retinoids, and mild redness and irritation are a sign that it’s working,” saysMichele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. “But, if you experience extreme discomfort and diffuse redness, it may mean that you need to switch to a lower dose or use retinoids less frequently.”

So if you’ve been wanting to try retinol but are worried about potential side effects, the Fig. 1 Retinol Night Cream System is the perfect place to start.

Learn more about the benefits of retinol: