Another very good retinol serum for newcomers to the ingredient is dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting's Flawless Nightly Serum (£39). It contains granactive retinoid, an ester of all-trans retinoic acid, that binds to retinoid receptors in the skin without needing to go through conversion, so it's gentle whilst being pretty effective.
Dr Bunting notes that the formula also "contains an additional three actives — bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative), niacinamide, and azelaic acid — to further help with redness, pigmentation, and blemishes. It removes the confusion of trying to combine lots of different actives in separate products by yourself because it's effectively a one-stop shop. There's nothing else quite like it on the market."