Retinol is widely acknowledged as the holy grail/desert island skin-care must-have of many a beauty expert. But before we go any further, a quick skin-care 101 refresh: “Retinols are a derivative of vitamin A that help boost collagen production and aid in appropriate cell turnover. This results in more even, smoother skin, and helps reduce the appearance of sunspots, fine lines, and wrinkles,” explains dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD