Shani Darden Retinol Reform Takes Retinol to a New Level

Retinol MagicShani Darden Retinol Reform Takes Retinol to a New LevelRetinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and aloe smooth lines and fade hyperpigmentation, without irritating skin.

By Nicola Dall'Asen

March 2, 2022

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$88 at Sephora

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

• Best of Beauty
• 2020

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$88 at Sephora

TL;DR:

• What It Is: An Allure Best of Beauty-winning retinol serum by facialist Shani Darden
• What It Does: Helps smooth lines, fade hyperpigmentation, and deliver without irritating skin
• Who It's For: Anyone looking to give retinol a try; the addition of soothing ingredients make this a great choice for retinol beginners and longtime retinol fans, alike. Do not use this, or any retinol formula, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

"How'd you get your skin so clear?" Retinol. "How do you prevent fine lines?" Retinol. "What about hyperpigmentation?" No matter what question arises about my skin, the answer is more often than not this magical form of vitamin A — and Shani Darden's Retinol Reform is my new favorite way to work it into a skin-care routine.

The fact that this yellow, jellied serum is a Best of Beauty winner should tell you enough as it is, but I'll moon on anyway. Most retinol formulas leave my skin red and aching the morning after application, but this one houses aloe vera, glycerin, and rosemary leaf extract to hydrate and soothe, leaving behind fresh-looking skin that's not tight-feeling or itchy every single time I use it. It’s the rare retinol formula that is effective yet gentle, and it boosts its key ingredient with line-smoothing alpha hydroxy acids, too. It does not contain any harsh fragrances that could offset my sensitive skin.

If I could keep bulk stashes of it, I would become the Willy Wonka of retinol and hand it out to everyone who's ever asked why my skin is looking so good these days.

You’ll find Shani Darden Retinol Reform in the March 2022 Allure Beauty Box.

Shani Darden Retinol Reform

$88 at Sephora

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Nicola Dall'Asen is the digital news editor at Allure, where she oversees beauty news coverage and writes Learning Curve, a monthly column that unpacks the complicated experience of accepting your body in a world that doesn't want you to. She previously served as senior editor at Revelist and... Read moreNews Editor, Allure.com

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KeywordsABB ProductsAllure Beauty BoxShani DardenBest of Beautyretinolserums