This was the first retinol product I ever used and I still love it but I do think there might be some stronger retinol products out there. A-Passioni is a yellow cream that blends easily into my skin. When I bought it, it still came in a tube, now it comes in a nice sanitary container like the rest of their products. I think this is a great retinol for beginners and for people who's skin is used to retinol. I personally, didn't have any issues with my skin peeling or getting dry and I went right ahead and started using it every single night as soon as I bought it. But, everyone has different skin!! Do a patch test, especially if you have never used retinol before! It seems to be gentle on my skin even though 1% is a decent amount of retinol. I always use Drunk ... MoreThis was the first retinol product I ever used and I still love it but I do think there might be some stronger retinol products out there. A-Passioni is a yellow cream that blends easily into my skin. When I bought it, it still came in a tube, now it comes in a nice sanitary container like the rest of their products. I think this is a great retinol for beginners and for people who's skin is used to retinol. I personally, didn't have any issues with my skin peeling or getting dry and I went right ahead and started using it every single night as soon as I bought it. But, everyone has different skin!! Do a patch test, especially if you have never used retinol before! It seems to be gentle on my skin even though 1% is a decent amount of retinol. I always use Drunk Elephant B-Hydra with any retinol product. A-Passioni has helped with fine lines and made my skin look brighter and healthier. But, after using it for so long I felt like it wasn't working anymore. So, I decided to take a break and try something else for a while...I got the Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Retinoid Serum, which is stronger and absolutely amazing and I highly recommend it. After taking a break I went back to A-passioni and it worked again... so I'm not sure if my skin just got used to it or if I just wasn't noticing a difference anymore because I needed something stronger. I still love A-passioni, it's a great product and highly recommend it. It'll always be part of my skincare collection!

Balanced Formula

I received a sample in my beauty loop box and was happy for that as this formula was the next retinol on my list to try.I have sensitive skin and found the formula to be very effective without being too and it mixes easily with hydrating serums (both DE and other brands) which is perfect for retinol beginners and those after a more hydrating approach to vitamin A.The ingredients list also includes other superstars like glycerine, niacinamide, stearic acid and jojoba oil which round out this product as more than just a retinol but a complete night-time serum.I started twice per week and now use it every other evening and have not experienced any irritation.5/5 stars as it does it's job well, the price is good value as in my case where it combines multiple ... MoreI received a sample in my beauty loop box and was happy for that as this formula was the next retinol on my list to try.I have sensitive skin and found the formula to be very effective without being too and it mixes easily with hydrating serums (both DE and other brands) which is perfect for retinol beginners and those after a more hydrating approach to vitamin A.The ingredients list also includes other superstars like glycerine, niacinamide, stearic acid and jojoba oil which round out this product as more than just a retinol but a complete night-time serum.I started twice per week and now use it every other evening and have not experienced any irritation.5/5 stars as it does it's job well, the price is good value as in my case where it combines multiple serums and it's a genuinly high quality retinol product!

Chemical burns

I started experiencing chemical burns on my face and peeling of the skin. I immediately cut out all my skincare unsure of what could have caused it. I then reintroduced each product individually with my daily moisturiser. When I introduced this retinol product, with just my daily moisturiser, over one occasion, I then experienced the chemical burns again. I’ve never had this problem with any other retinol product and avoid using retinol with any other highly reactive products i.e vitamin c or salicylic acids. I don’t tend to have sensitive skin and have used a wide range of skincare products without experiencing a reaction. I unfortunately wouldn't take my chances with this product. It took a little over a week to fully recover and even then I've re cut out some of ... MoreI started experiencing chemical burns on my face and peeling of the skin. I immediately cut out all my skincare unsure of what could have caused it. I then reintroduced each product individually with my daily moisturiser. When I introduced this retinol product, with just my daily moisturiser, over one occasion, I then experienced the chemical burns again. I’ve never had this problem with any other retinol product and avoid using retinol with any other highly reactive products i.e vitamin c or salicylic acids. I don’t tend to have sensitive skin and have used a wide range of skincare products without experiencing a reaction. I unfortunately wouldn't take my chances with this product. It took a little over a week to fully recover and even then I've re cut out some of my usual skincare items until my skin barrier fully recovers. There are plenty of retinols that have worked for me and caused no issues and for a cheaper price. Some examples are the inky list retinol and pixi retinol tonic.

Expectations exceeded

This was my first try with a retinol and I wasn't sure what to expect. But I love most DE products-one of the things I love about them is that they sell the minis so I can see how they work for me. This worked unbelievable well on some new lines I was getting-those vertical puppet lines from the corners of my mouth down either side of my chin. Maybe because they were just starting to form, and even if it's just temporary-they are gone after just a few days use. On wrinkles that I've had for a while like my forehead worry lines I haven't noticed the same dramatic difference but I'm willing to keep using it to see if there's more improvement. One pump/pea size is enough for my whole face, it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any kind of shiny plastic look or film. I ... MoreThis was my first try with a retinol and I wasn't sure what to expect. But I love most DE products-one of the things I love about them is that they sell the minis so I can see how they work for me. This worked unbelievable well on some new lines I was getting-those vertical puppet lines from the corners of my mouth down either side of my chin. Maybe because they were just starting to form, and even if it's just temporary-they are gone after just a few days use. On wrinkles that I've had for a while like my forehead worry lines I haven't noticed the same dramatic difference but I'm willing to keep using it to see if there's more improvement. One pump/pea size is enough for my whole face, it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any kind of shiny plastic look or film. I didn't have issues with peeling or flakes, my aging oily skin drinks it up. I do use a small bit of B-Hydra™ on top of it, another DE product that really works for me without clogging my pores. I think it's worth trying out any of the minis to see if they work for you. Price-wise based on the small amount I need to use, the mini will last me a long time. I like that I can try, mix and match most DE products without having to pay full price for something that I ends up not working. Definitely going to get the full size when the mini one runs out.

Have been using it for 3 years now...

...and loving it! This is a great product for a reasonable price. It takes care of my acne, fine lines, and does not aggravate my sensitive skin. I did, however, had to build up usage so that I can use it every other day of the week. This retinol is VERY potent (1 %!) so if you haven't been using retinol products dip your toes in gradually. I've started with a pea sized amount 1x per week following with a moisturiser. I did this for 2 weeks. Then the next week, I've used it 2x per week with moisturiser for 2 weeks. Then built it up to 3x per week...Also, be careful with applying to the neck and decollate area as the skin is thiner here and may need more build up time than the face area. I, for one, haven't been able to tolerate this 1 % retinol on my neck so I have ... More...and loving it! This is a great product for a reasonable price. It takes care of my acne, fine lines, and does not aggravate my sensitive skin. I did, however, had to build up usage so that I can use it every other day of the week. This retinol is VERY potent (1 %!) so if you haven't been using retinol products dip your toes in gradually. I've started with a pea sized amount 1x per week following with a moisturiser. I did this for 2 weeks. Then the next week, I've used it 2x per week with moisturiser for 2 weeks. Then built it up to 3x per week...Also, be careful with applying to the neck and decollate area as the skin is thiner here and may need more build up time than the face area. I, for one, haven't been able to tolerate this 1 % retinol on my neck so I have not used retinol there. But Drunk Elephant has recently came out with a Marula Oil/0.5 % Retinol mix (half a strength), and I've been using that on my neck/decollate without any moisturiser with success. I think this is a great product just sad they got rid of the original packaging (tin tube) in favour of plastic packaging. I know lots of people had trouble dispersing the right amount of retinol from the tin tube, but all one had to do is tap the tube a couple of times to get rid of the air bubble.

New fave retinol for oily/combination skin

I love this retinol. Heard loads of reviews saying it gave them a bad reaction/caused lots of purging, but that didn’t happen to me. I mixed it 50:50 with the drunk elephant b hydra for the first couple weeks (as they suggest), then slowly increased the ratio of retinol. Didn’t really get any reaction or purging doing it this way, except for the odd spot near the beginning (I don’t normally get spots so this was defo purging, however it was only like 1 or 2 little ones at a time max). The retinol also leaves a nice feeling on your skin after application. I have oily/combo skin, and find retinols/night time skincare in general to be too greasy. But this one is nice and not greasy at all, it absorbs really well and leaves my skin soft to touch. The only other retinol ... MoreI love this retinol. Heard loads of reviews saying it gave them a bad reaction/caused lots of purging, but that didn’t happen to me. I mixed it 50:50 with the drunk elephant b hydra for the first couple weeks (as they suggest), then slowly increased the ratio of retinol. Didn’t really get any reaction or purging doing it this way, except for the odd spot near the beginning (I don’t normally get spots so this was defo purging, however it was only like 1 or 2 little ones at a time max). The retinol also leaves a nice feeling on your skin after application. I have oily/combo skin, and find retinols/night time skincare in general to be too greasy. But this one is nice and not greasy at all, it absorbs really well and leaves my skin soft to touch. The only other retinol I’ve found that’s not greasy/oily is La Roche Posay’ serum one with B3 in it. Think I prefer the drunk elephant one now tho.

No real change

I got this in a generous sample size with an order. I use this every other night alternating with the AHA/BHA serum from DE as recommended by the brand itself. I follow up with the Marula oil from DE. I have been using this for 3 weeks and can't say I saw any major positive changes in my skin. Perhaps my skin looks a little brighter. I did get some spots that I don't usually get so I think that was my skin adjusting to the serum which is usual with a retinol product (though having said that I had no such reaction from the 111 Skin retinol oil). I didn't have any major reactions though and I would say that this is worth trying if you have not used retinol before. But I won't be buying the full size until I have tried the Sunday Rile retinol to see how it compares.

Potent formula calms my breakouts

The A-Passioni Retinol Cream is one of the few retinol products after using which I see results the very next day. To my initial surprise, I can actually feel the product working on my skin directly after application and, if my skin has been cranky in terms of breakouts, I can see a dramatic difference in the condition of my skin the very next morning. (To clarify, my skin suffers from an occasional zit or clogged pore here and there, but I am not particularly acne-prone.) This product will likely become a staple for me and I love the ease of use in mixing the "skincare smoothies" as per the brand's instructions. While I am not a fan of their creams, many of their serums kick bottom. (I know that technically A-Passioni is labeled as a cream, but I would classify it ... MoreThe A-Passioni Retinol Cream is one of the few retinol products after using which I see results the very next day. To my initial surprise, I can actually feel the product working on my skin directly after application and, if my skin has been cranky in terms of breakouts, I can see a dramatic difference in the condition of my skin the very next morning. (To clarify, my skin suffers from an occasional zit or clogged pore here and there, but I am not particularly acne-prone.) This product will likely become a staple for me and I love the ease of use in mixing the "skincare smoothies" as per the brand's instructions. While I am not a fan of their creams, many of their serums kick bottom. (I know that technically A-Passioni is labeled as a cream, but I would classify it as more of a serum). Drunk Elephant's always fragrance-free formula should suit most people, but If you have sensitive skin, I would start lightly with this very potent retinol product.

Probably the strongest retinol product I know for me.

My skin (yes, as a man you are said to have thicker skin than women) can tolerate all sorts of products, whether chemical or enyzmatic peels. As time goes by, the first wrinkles get deeper, the skin has a more troubled appearance, pimple marks take longer to heal, I have ventured into retinol and while I tolerate a 'Medik8' product excellently and without side effects, this product is probably the most effective and potent I have ever had: Started using it once a week in the evening and after a short while the skin looked smoother, rejuvenated, calmer, so I had started using the product about every 4-5 days until one night I got the stupid idea to apply it two nights in a row: Result was like an extreme sunburn, nothing could calm the skin, which burned and began to ... MoreMy skin (yes, as a man you are said to have thicker skin than women) can tolerate all sorts of products, whether chemical or enyzmatic peels. As time goes by, the first wrinkles get deeper, the skin has a more troubled appearance, pimple marks take longer to heal, I have ventured into retinol and while I tolerate a 'Medik8' product excellently and without side effects, this product is probably the most effective and potent I have ever had: Started using it once a week in the evening and after a short while the skin looked smoother, rejuvenated, calmer, so I had started using the product about every 4-5 days until one night I got the stupid idea to apply it two nights in a row: Result was like an extreme sunburn, nothing could calm the skin, which burned and began to peel. That was unpleasant 3-4 days, but then I probably had the most beautiful skin as not for many, many years. Even complexion, smaller looking pores and the skin felt soooooo soft. I now alternate between the Medik8 product and the drunken elephant every 3-4 days and that tolerates my skin now very well, the effect of the two products in combination is so good that I have now bought the small package for a friend so that she is also excited about it. Yes, expensive, but you really need and must use very, very little, so that a super price-performance ratio.

too strong for regular use

Let me preface this by saying I don’t have particularly sensitive skin—I’ve had no problem with even daily use of products like acids or other retinols in the past. However, even after 6 months of trying to get my skin adjusted to this product, I still can only use it once a week without getting EXTREMELY and noticeably flaky, even if I mix/follow it up with a moisturizer.I was introduced to this through a deluxe sample back when it was in a tube (I’m not sure if it was just an older and less active sample, if the tube had something to do with the stability of the retinol, or if they changed formulas). In the tube, I used the product ~4 times a week with no issue. I saw some improvement in forehead lines so I bought it myself (now in the pump bottle) and continued ... MoreLet me preface this by saying I don’t have particularly sensitive skin—I’ve had no problem with even daily use of products like acids or other retinols in the past. However, even after 6 months of trying to get my skin adjusted to this product, I still can only use it once a week without getting EXTREMELY and noticeably flaky, even if I mix/follow it up with a moisturizer.I was introduced to this through a deluxe sample back when it was in a tube (I’m not sure if it was just an older and less active sample, if the tube had something to do with the stability of the retinol, or if they changed formulas). In the tube, I used the product ~4 times a week with no issue. I saw some improvement in forehead lines so I bought it myself (now in the pump bottle) and continued use as I had before. My skin got extremely flaky, but I figured I was just adjusting to a “fresh” (and therefore more active) bottle. After 2 or 3 weeks of continued flakiness with no sign of improvement, I scaled back use until settling on once a week only, which I combined with B-hydra to avoid irritation. I’ve been using this product once a week (Sunday nights only) for about 5 months now, so last Thursday I thought I’d probably adjusted enough to use it twice in one week. I was wrong—it has now been 4 days since last use and I’m still extremely flaky to the point it’ll probably take another day or two before I’m back to normal.I’m giving the product two stars because, even just using once a week, my forehead expression lines and “11” are noticeably softer (although I just turned 28 so they weren’t thaaat deep to begin with). However, I don’t believe this is a product most people can build up to regular use with, or at least not in a reasonable timeframe. And, if only used once a week, I don’t feel like I’m getting as much anti-aging benefit as I would from a lower % product I could use more often. Basically, it’s just not worth the price, and there are other retinols that don’t tear up my skin.