That’s how I knew that Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum — and not just my application method — was responsible for my first positive experience with retinol. (And based on the many five-star reviews of the product on the brand’s website, I’m not alone.) In terms of tolerability, the difference lies not in the retinol itself, but in what it’s paired with in a formulation:squalane and beta-glucan.
“Squalane is a skin-loving lipid that can help to counteract some of the irritation from retinol,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. Aha! I’ve used squalane-spiked serums andoils before to help maintain my moisture barrier in the midst of cold, dry weather — so it’s no wonder my skin loved this stuff.
Allure Contributor, Felicia Walker
Then there’s beta-glucan. “There are numerousstudieson the effectiveness [of beta-glucan] to calm down skin irritation,” says King of the blend’s other skin-soothing ingredient, a type of soluble fiber that can be derived from oats or mushroom (in this case, it’s the former). “[Beta-glucan] can also work to complement the effects of a retinol as it also works to plump the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” adds Dr. Garshick.
You can imagine how pleased I was when my reactive skin didn’t metaphorically shout or scream when I smoothed on this serum — even when I upped my dosage and started using it nightly.
“Smoothed on,” by the way, is in fact the best way to describe applying it — unlike other retinols, this serum isn’t sticky, smelly, or otherwise unpleasant. The gel-like formula melts into my skin with ease and leaves my complexion looking so dewy and feeling so hydrated that if I decide to skip applying moisturizer afterward, I don’t regret it the next morning.
All that said, the greatest incentive for using this serum is, of course, the longer-term results you’ll see. Dermalogica conducted a clinical test with 30 volunteers and was able to prove a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, pores, dark spots, and uneven texture over the course of two weeks.
As for me, since I started incorporating the serum into my evening skin-care routine about two weeks ago, I’ve noticed some of those pesky patches of hyperpigmentation have already become less pesky. My overall tone is brighter, and I look more fresh-faced. Andthat’s a fact.
