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When it comes to top ingredients to introduce into your skin-care routine, retinol may be one of the most powerful to try. This is especially true if you’re looking to help clear hyperpigmentation, brighten skin, and improve the appearance of fine lines—among other reasons. The vitamin A derivative packs quite a punch in the beauty world, which is part of the reason why thousands of shoppers are in love with this Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer.
Experts in This Article
director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego
With over 22,000 ratings and just over 2,300 five-star reviews, it’s by far one the most popular night creams floating around Amazon—and for good reason. Not only does it contain the buzzy retinol ingredient to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles, the cream also features a powerful dose of hyaluronic acid (a type of humectant that intensely moisturizes your skin). This is particularly great for fighting dry skin and irritation, which is a common side effect from using retinol. Plus, did we mention it’s on sale?
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Moisturizer — $16.00
Originally $19.99, now on sale for $15.99
Designed as a night cream, this moisturizer uses a combination of retinol and hyaluronic acid to help moisturize your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
However, to really appreciate the power of the moisturizer’s formula, it helps to understand the extent of what retinol can do and how it works. Over time, our skin loses its collagen and elasticity, but retinol can help to build these back up. “Retinol works by binding to receptors in the skin that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to strengthen the foundation of the skin and fill in lines,” board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD previously mentioned to Well+Good.
At the same time, it’s important to be mindful of how often you apply any retinol to your skin. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, MBA recommends using it “every third night for two weeks” before slowly building up your frequency. In this way, you can safely see how your skin responds to the ingredient.
“I have been using anti-aging products since I was 19 years old,” a reviewer writes. “I’m 41 now and people think I’m 28-30. I’ve used so many products, from cheap to expensive, but I always come back to this. It’s affordable, feels nice and doesn’t pill up like other retinol products, and it actually works. It evens my skin tone, smoothes lines, and I can tell a huge difference when I stop using it vs. when I am using it.”
Another reviewer in their thirties also sang its praises and shared its positive effects on sensitive skin.
“I am 33 years old and am starting to get a few fine lines around my brows/eyes,” one shopper noted. “This absolutely helped lessen them in about a week. I paired this with Neutrogena’s hyaluronic acid moisturizer Hydro Boost and my face has never looked better. I also want to note I have super sensitive skin and I had no reactions to this at all! Only need about half a pump to cover the whole face too—will last so long.”
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