Retinol is considered the “gold standard” ingredient in anti-aging skincare for a reason. It has the most evidence backing up its use when looking to improve fine lines, loss of firmness, uneven skin tone, as well as issues with pores and texture. Retinol isn’t without issues. They should be avoided in pregnancy and nursing, and it can cause skin irritation, making it difficult to tolerate.

I have sensitive skin due to rosacea. I’ve had a hard time finding a retinol that my skin can tolerate, here are my tips for using a retinoid with sensitive skin. I am able to use Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum daily, I think this is due to the daily-strength micro-dose retinol. It’s just enough to get me the results I want, but without irritation.

Now that I’ve been tolerating nightly retinol for a bit, I’ve been thinking about stepping up my routine a bit. Kiehl’s has just released their new Fast Release Retinol Night Serum, and I have seen even more improvement in my skin than before!

Which Serum is Best for You?

Yes, there are now 2 Kiehl’s Retinol Serums. But they really are different and are meant for different groups of people.

Are you new to retinol or do you have sensitive skin? Then you should use Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum. It is formulated to deliver these results to this group. You’ll get all the benefits of using retinol, without irritation. You can also use this serum as a part of your morning or nightly skin care routine.

If you have already been using a retinol or your skin is more tolerant, then Fast Release Retinol Night Serum is a good option for you. It has 0.3% Retinol, so is a step up in intensity from the Micro-Dose Serum. Despite my sensitive skin, I was able to handle the Fast Release Retinol Night Serum just fine, I think because I’ve been using the Micro-Dose Serum for a while now. My skin has adjusted to having a daily retinol, and this bump up in intensity didn’t result in any redness or irritation.

How is the Fast Release Retinol Night Serum Different?

The Fast Release Retinol Night Serum is a little different from other serums, because you actually have to mix it yourself. You unscrew the bottom of the bottle, and replace it with this special white cap. Push down on the button, and a retinol powder is released. Shake well and it will mix easily into the serum. Now just put the original bottom back on the bottle!

When using the serum, you’ll press a button on the bottom of the bottle to help release product. Just a few pushes gets a generous drop, which is enough for 1 application. The serum is not sticky, has no scent and doesn’t sting at all. I think it sinks easily into the skin, and I pair it with other skincare products.

How Did Fast Release Retinol Night Serum Work For Me?

I’ve been using the Fast Release Retinol Night Serum for a few weeks now, and I’ve noticed an improvement in skin texture and pore size already. I like that this is a lightweight serum, and I’m able to easily incorporate it into my nightly skincare routine. Note that I’m using instead of the Micro-Dose Serum, this really is a replacement product for those that are ready to step up their retinol routine.

I’ve been pairing it with my beloved Ultra Facial Cream and Super UV Defense.

Are you ready to bump up your retinol routine?

You can find the new Kiehl’s Fast Release Retinol Night Serum at Nordstrom!

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This post is a collaboration with Kiehl’s and Nordstrom, but the opinions are all my own.