I Look Like I’m in My 20s Thanks to This Smoothing Retinol Serum

I feel attacked every time I see a millennial meme about using retinol. Think: “If you remember Disney Channel Original Movies, you should be using a retinol,” and “If you owned a Lancôme Juicy Tube, you should be using a retinol.” Internet, I get it. I should be using a retinol—so I do. And in fact, Kiehl’s Microdose Daily Retinol all but vanished the crow’s feet I’ve developed in my 34 years. 

I’m not completely new to retinol. After six years as a beauty writer, the number I’ve tested is in the double digits. However, none of them were gentle enough to use around my eyes, until I discovered Kiehl’s Microdose Retinol. It has replaced my eye creams and steadily sent my crow’s feet packing—and right now, you can grab it on sale during the Kiehl’s Friends & Family event.

Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum

My skin has always been sensitive, and that’s especially true of the delicate area around my eyes. Most active ingredients cause flaking, redness, and burning that lasts days. When I started using the retinol serum, I was worried it would be the same despite claims of being gentle. For the first week, I only applied it below the socket and above my brows—until I realized I had zero irritation on other areas of my skin, a first for me in my seemingly never-ending retinol journey. 

I decided to get adventurous, which, admittedly, doesn’t always go well for me and my skin barrier. Using the same amount of product as usual, I simply massaged some by the corners of my eyes during my nighttime application. The cream-like serum applied easily and dried quickly, causing no stinging, burning, or greasy finish. After a successful first night and no reactions the next morning, I kept the same routine. Within a few weeks, my crow’s feet became less pronounced. 

What makes the Kiehl’s formula so gentle but powerful is its inclusion of ceramides and peptides. While the anti-aging serum does contain a retinol potent enough to minimize wrinkles, the often-irritating ingredient is balanced out. Ceramides protect the skin barrier so moisture remains intact and dryness is minimized. Meanwhile, peptides boost collagen production leading to more resilient, firmer skin. 

One shopper said it’s “the best thing [they’ve] ever used on [their] face,” and another customer noted that they “can’t say enough good things” about it. A third person with acne shared that they’ve had to forgo the use of retinol in the past due to breakouts, but this anti-aging serum has left them with a “visible smoother complexion.”

Snag a bottle of the Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Retinol Serum on sale now during the brand’s 25 percent off Friends & Family event, and check out other shopper-loved products from the brand below. 

Ultra Facial Cream

Avocado Eye Cream

Midnight Recovery Concentrate 

Ultra Facial Cleanser