12 Over-the-Counter Retinols Dermatologists Swear By

PCA Skin Intensive Brightening Treatment ($117)

"My favorite retinol is the PCA Skin Intensive Brightening Treatment — it provides an amazing hydroquinone-free solution to fade sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and melasma in addition to providing the usual anti-aging effects. This particular product uses OmniSome technology — a blend of resveratrol and hexylresorcinol (both prevent and resolve pigment), plus niacinamide (to prevent skin irritation and dryness) — to stabilize the retinol and allows it to better penetrate deeper into the skin while minimizing the drying and sensitizing effects. This technology is found in the highest-grade pharmaceutical (aka prescription) products. It's the first time I have ever seen this vehicle used for cosmeceutical products." — dermatologist Suneel Chilukuri, MD