Avène RetrinAL 0.05% Serum: a Guru Score of 88% from 2 experts

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

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✓Yay

"The formulation is really everything, and here with this formula it's gentle but effective. Texture-wise it's a really nice elegant serum, hydrating and not greasy or heavy. It also contains peptides and vitamin E that can work together synergistically with the retinol to combat signs of photo aging. If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, this is one that I recommend splurging on. If you're looking for a retinal-high product, this is one I personally do think is really worth it."

All 2 takes from Dr. Jenny Liu

Retinol for SENSITIVE SKIN | Dermatologist's Guide

"The formulation is really everything, and here with this formula it's gentle but effective. Texture-wise it's a really nice elegant serum, hydrating and not greasy or heavy. It also contains peptides and vitamin E that can work together synergistically with the retinol to combat signs of photo aging. If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, this is one that I recommend splurging on. If you're looking for a retinal-high product, this is one I personally do think is really worth it."

Dermatologist's favorite Retinols for Sensitive Skin

"It's a French brand and really formulated for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Avène's retinoid line really only contains the active retinaldehyde, which is definitely different than the retinols I've recommended earlier. Retinaldehyde is a really up-and-coming ingredient. I've already seen so many brands coming out with their own version of retinaldehyde. Avène RetrinAL is formulated with retinaldehyde. It comes in two concentrations: the 0.005% as well as 0.1%."

The Budget Dermatologist

724k subs

✓Yay

"My favorite over-the-counter option is by Avène, it's from their Retronal line, which is the closest thing to prescription strength. The main retinoid ingredient in it is called retinaldehyde and it comes in a 0.05 strength and a 0.1 strength. Start with the 0.05. [...] It is the one product that is the biggest game changer in my own routine. You can actually get immediate results with it when it comes to skin texture and glow, and then your anti-aging results will build gradually over time."

Top Pick: over-the-counter retinoid

All 2 takes from The Budget Dermatologist

Avoid Retinol Side Effects! | Fast 5 Retinoid Tips by The Budget Dermatologist

"My favorite over-the-counter option is by Avène, it's from their Retronal line, which is the closest thing to prescription strength. The main retinoid ingredient in it is called retinaldehyde and it comes in a 0.05 strength and a 0.1 strength. Start with the 0.05. [...] It is the one product that is the biggest game changer in my own routine. You can actually get immediate results with it when it comes to skin texture and glow, and then your anti-aging results will build gradually over time."

Retinol vs. Retinaldehyde: Which Is Better For Anti-aging? | The Budget Dermatologist Explains

"This one also comes in a 0.05 version which is kind of like a mid-strength version. [...] If you are just getting started with a retinoid product or just getting started with this brand, you can easily start with a day cream form then build up to the mid-strength 0.05 and eventually you can work your way up to the 0.1 intensive."

What the evidence says.

Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

Frequently asked.

What is Avène RetrinAL 0.05% Serum?

A gentle retinaldehyde serum from Avène's RetrinAL line, formulated at 0.05% strength for those new to retinoids or with sensitive skin.

Is Avène RetrinAL 0.05% Serum worth it?

Yes. All 2 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 88%.

What is Avène RetrinAL 0.05% Serum's Guru Score?

Avène RetrinAL 0.05% Serum holds a Guru Score of 88%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 2 expert reviewers we have collected. At least one expert has named it a Top Pick in its category.