This $8 retinol cream hails from one of our editor’s favorite brands

It’s rare to find a seriously effective anti-aging product that costs less than a fancy latte — but here it is: the Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream has become that cult-favorite affordable secret in skincare, and yes, for only about $8, you might actually see results that make you do a double take.

This gentle retinol cream from Good Molecules — one of those brands that I’m very much obsessed with for its clean, approachable and result-driven formulas — brings a thoughtfully balanced 0.1 % retinol into a nourishing cream base designed specifically to be gentle enough for sensitive skin while still delivering the kind of anti-aging power most people expect from products costing ten times as much.

Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream

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Formulated with not just retinol but also bakuchiol (a plant-derived molecule known for retinol-like benefits without the harshness), grapeseed oil, allantoin and other soothing botanicals, this cream helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture and lack of elasticity without leaving your skin flaking or irritated.

As someone with sensitive skin, I’m all for bakuchiol. In fact, my dermatologist advised against using retinol for my specific skin type. So, for less than $10 and nurturing as can be, this one is a winner.

Good Molecules has built a reputation for products that feel sophisticated in performance yet stripped-down and accessible in formulation, and this gentle retinol cream is truly no exception.

Let’s talk about it. I’ve been religiously dispensing the brand’s Super Peptide Serum, which is only $12, and I can’t even begin to explain how life-changing its Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel is; I can’t get over how it’s only $6 and performs better for dark circles than some of my $80 ones!

The texture of this cream feels smooth and comfortable on the skin, absorbing easily without that heavy, greasy finish some creams have, which makes it a seamless addition to night-time routines.

Because retinol can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, I recommend layering it after your serums and finishing with a moisturizer and SPF the following morning.

For anyone curious about retinol but put off by the steep price tags of traditional anti-aging creams, this lotion gives you a chance to dip your toes into the world of retinoids without breaking the bank — and at $8, it may very well become your new tried-and-true.

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.