Retinols are a powerful skincare ingredient that work to slow down the signs of ageing and boost skin's natural collagen production. But while some people find them completely non-irritating and a total miracle worker, for others, even at lower concentrations, they can cause significant dryness, tightness, redness and flakiness. This is why it's important to start out with a very low-concentration formula and gradually build up your tolerance over time, and always use a high SPF during the day when using any product that contains retinol.

There are many forms of retinol available, with prescription-strength tretinoin arguably the gold standard. But for those who don't get on well with the higher-strength version, gentler options are also available – including crystal retinol. This overnight treatment from British brand Medik8 features a 0.3% concentration of the vitamin A derivative, alongside a blend of hydrating ingredients to help counteract any dryness or irritation. It's a great option for first-time users as it's also free from fragrance, preservatives, colourants and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

Drunk Elephant's latest launch is a cult favourite thanks to its clean and effective ingredients, and this one is no exception. It doesn't feature any of the brand's'suspicious 6', which is a list of ingredients that it's never formulated with (sulphates, fragrance, essential oils, chemical screens, drying alcohols and silicones) and instead opts for a super-gentle 1% retinol, plus soothing botanical extracts such as passionfruit, kale and apricot. It's also enriched with hyaluronic acid to leave skin feeling plumped and soothed.

This is a great pick for those with sensitive skin, as it's formulated specifically with the skin type in mind. The bestselling cream uses a 0.1 per cent retinol formula that's boosted by peptides and niacinamide to support its wrinkle-fighting abilities, and is free from irritating preservatives, fragrance, colours and is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It's also suitable for dry skin and those prone to breakouts thanks to antibacterial ingredients such as niacinamide.

Another budget-friendly option is this retinol serum from No7, which is ideal for those who want to target fine lines and dark spots but don't have the money to splurge on a more potent option. It's infused with the same retinol as the No7 option, but it also includes an added dose of vitamin C to brighten dull skin and improve brightness. It's available in both 0.5% and 1% concentrations, and like all No7 products, it's paraben-free, cruelty-free, and sulfate-free.retin a cream uk