Welcome, Lykkers! Retinol and I didn’t start off as friends. The first few tries were a bit of a learning curve, but once I figured out what my skin could handle, everything started to make more sense.

Now it’s one of those ingredients I rotate in slowly, not something I rush.

These serums are the ones I keep going back to, each one showing up depending on how my skin feels that week.

1. b.pure Glow Up Retinol Serum

This is the “no-stress” option in my routine. Nothing about it feels intimidating, which makes it easy to stay consistent. The texture is light, it layers without fuss, and it fits neatly into nights when I just want a simple retinol step without overthinking my skincare.

I didn’t notice dramatic changes overnight, but over time my skin started looking a bit smoother and more even. It’s more of a slow and steady kind of product, which honestly makes it easier to stick with.

2. Volition Sémillon Overnight Retinol Serum

This is the one I treat as my main retinol. There’s a balance in this formula that makes it feel more “complete” compared to the others. It gives me that smoother, more refreshed look the next morning without making my skin feel overwhelmed. Whenever my skin is stable and I want more visible progress, this is the serum I naturally gravitate toward. It just fits into my routine in a way that feels effortless.

I don’t think retinol has to be complicated—it just has to match your skin’s mood. The b.pure serum is my easy entry point, and Volition is the one I rely on when I want something a little more effective. Some weeks I stick to just one, other times I rotate depending on how my skin feels.