When a skin care product sounds too good to be true, it stirs my inner skeptic. Naturally, when I first heard rumblings about The Ordinary—a skin care brand fellow beauty buffs had applauded for its absurdly low pricepoint and highly effective formulas—I raised a brow. But after trying the brand myself a few years ago, I understood the hype. Now, I can hardly get enough.

The next product I’m eyeing? Its $14 retinol serum, which, according to  fans, works just as well as pricey options.  

The Ordinary Retinol 1% Serum

The Ordinary’s Retinol 1% Serum is a highly potent solution that diminishes and prevents visible signs of aging. Specifically, the $14 formula softens fine lines and wrinkles, enhances radiance, and improves skin tone by fading age spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation.

True to its title, the retinol serum stars pure vitamin A—the uncontested queen of anti-aging ingredients. Specifically, as dermatologist Dr. Ryan Turner, M.D., previously told InStyle, retinol “smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fades discoloration, [and] makes pores look smaller.” Furthermore, it increases cell turnover—i.e. the shedding of dead, dull surface skin that slows as we age. In turn, the ingredient restores youthful radiance.

Despite its myriad benefits, retinol does come with potential drawbacks, including dryness and irritation. However, The Ordinary’s retinol serum mitigates these potential side effects thanks to squalane—a skin-softening, dryness-quelling lipid. In addition to preventing flaky skin, squalane imparts a dewy plumpness.

The Ordinary’s retinol serum boasts more than 10,000 five-star ratings at Amazon, where the same number of people have purchased the formula in the past month alone. Reviews are equally impressive: One fan “noticed a visible reduction in fine lines and dark spots,” calling the formula “gentle, yet effective,” while another shopper “witnessed a remarkable transformation in [their] skin’s texture and appearance,” specifically regarding their fine lines, which “diminished” in weeks. Finally, a 70-year-old shopper said the $14 formula “polished” and brightened their mature complexion. 

For smoother skin, fewer fine lines, and improved radiance—quickly and affordably—shop the The Ordinary Retinol 1% Serum. Consider similar options, below.

Olay Retinol Face Moisturizer

Eight Saints Retinol Facial Moisturizer Cream

Cosrx Retinol 0.5 Oil