Shoppers Say This $20 Moisturizer Is “Some Kind of Sorcery” for Wrinkles, Acne, and Large Pores

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I can respect those skincare brands that constantly experiment with ~innovative~ new formulas and delivery mechanisms, but there’s something to be said for a brand that knows what it’s good at. For Radha Beauty, one of Amazon’s best-kept secrets, its dominion is organic face oils that deliver huge results. Which makes its occasional forays into other products all the more special, like the $20 retinol moisturizer that fights aging with an expertly tailored formula.

I haven’t nailed down the specifics of how much of the skincare industry’s sales come from retinol, but judging by the sheer number of dermatologists and skincare aficionados who worship at its altar, it’s likely up there — way up there. For good reason: As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman previously told InStyle, retinol works by enhancing collagen production and increasing the rate that skin turns over and regenerates, making way for glowing skin, tiny pores, and minimal fine lines and wrinkles.

RELATED: Every Question You've Ever Had About Retinol, Answered

While prescription retinoids are undoubtedly the strongest, going full force right away can lead to the retinol blues — irritation, dryness, and flaky skin that peels like an onion (sorry for that mental image). Which is why Radha Beauty’s gentle ingredient list is so smart; the night cream combines calming, inflammation-fighting agents like organic aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin, centella asiatic, and panthenol with retinol, along with “wildcrafted” green tea and propolis, which earns rave reviews on its own. Add in some vitamin C for brightening, and people who try it are walking on easy street.

“Actually a miracle product,” says one “desperate” 26-year-old shopper, who explains they only come out of the woodwork to review really good and really bad products (relatable). “Wow, is this a good thing! My skin is the healthiest it's ever been. My pores are so much smaller. Will use for the rest of ever.” According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo, the inclusion of 2.5 percent retinol (along with the skin-soothing ingredients mentioned above) is likely what makes this formula a success for so many.

“Retinol is highly effective at minimizing the appearance of pores and wrinkles, and even fighting acne,” she tells InStyle. “This moisturizer is a great product to incorporate into your skincare routine if you want to try out retinol.”

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Shop now: $20 (Originally $29); amazon.com

Older people notice an immense difference, too. “I'm one of those women who never took care of her skin until, at age 55, someone else mentioned my sun damaged skin and wrinkles. (harrumph!),” writes someone looking for help with menopausal breakout-outs, fragrance sensitivity, an uneven skin texture, and dark marks. “It does all that and more. My skin looks great, I require FAR less make-up than I used to use, and the change in the look and feel of my skin and the appearance of pores and wrinkles is really dramatic.”

Another reviewer says that after trying dozens of different creams and moisturizers, Radha’s is the only one that helps smooth out the wrinkles between their eyebrows, the “lines that make you look like you're either constantly concentrating super hard or really pissed off.” Changes are apparent within five days, and even those in their 60s say that consistent use completely banished their crows feet and deep forehead wrinkles.

“It’s some kind of sorcery!! It really is a miracle cream,” writes a last devotee. “It only took about two to three days and my face feels and looks amazing. It’s crazy... I actually can’t believe it. And all the ingredients look good and most of them [are] organic — which is a huge plus. I honestly can’t stop looking in the mirror!!” Want to see the results that have over 5,500 fellow Amazon shoppers leaving five-star ratings? Try Radha’s cream for yourself.