Cerave resurfacing retinol face serum before and after

“I noticed a marked improvement in my skin within a week.”

Published on November 1, 2021 @ 11:00PM

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

The highs of Halloween are high, but the lows, oh, the lows. My holiday includes guiltlessly eating as much candy as possible, only to remember that the aftermath makes my stomach want to die and my body feel sluggish and betrayed. Traditions! Even though I can't get this time back, a marked-down retinol that has reviewers raving can apparently take off the rest of the year.

Of all the drugstore brands out there, CeraVe might have the most glowing track record. As they say on TikTok, the brand doesn't miss; everything from its legendary Moisturizing Cream to its Healing Ointment (which recently saved me from a spate of picked-at, very angry skin) delivers outsized results with a miniature price tag. And according to shoppers, the Resurfacing Retinol Serum creates effects that rival products five times the price.

"I received this product about 10 days ago, and the only thing I am disappointed about is that I hadn't found this stuff sooner," wrote an impressed commenter. "I'm 43, and have a very defined 'What the actual hell?' wrinkle by my eyebrow — truly, that annoyed eyebrow has the most muscle definition anywhere on my body, and [the] chasm (that's no "fine line") to go with it. I noticed a marked improvement in my skin within a week."

Shop now: $15 (Originally $18); amazon.com

The raves continue: Shoppers say the formula diffuses fine lines like "magic" while clearing up stubborn red patches, brown spots, large pores, and crow's feet. "I don't need to spackle my face with as much foundation anymore, because my skin is more even and smoother now," one person reported. "The other day when I looked in the mirror, I was surprised to find myself looking youthful."

Unsurprisingly, smart ingredients are behind the Resurfacing Retinol Serum's considerable achievements. Retinol is notorious for drying skin as it increases your cell turnover and eases wrinkles, but the formula's three ceramides counter it by filling in the gaps between your cells, thus boosting your skin barrier (they're helped by phytosphingosine, a ceramide building block). Hyaluronic acid plumps skin, meanwhile, as niacinamide and an anti-inflammatory licorice derivative brighten and fatty alcohol softens your face.

Customers say they notice a difference the first day — and over the course of using it, they see no adverse reactions to speak of. "My skin is softer and smoother, and my fine lines are diminishing after just one bottle," wrote a 58-year-old. "My forehead wrinkles are reduced significantly… I can't live without this now!"

Its results on hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and deep, puckery, purple stretch marks are no less noticeable; while the vague remnants remain, "they are so much lighter and the skin texture is so improved," even on 60-something complexions. In the words of a last reviewer, "This stuff is amazing. It truly gave my skin new life."

Eager to see what "the perfect retinol product" can do for your skin? Get the CeraVe serum while it's a few bucks off on Amazon.