"Finally! A 1% retinol cream that doesn't scorch the skin. It balances and hydrates and protects and I can't say enough about this product. It's everything that's been needed in a retinol formulation. It also comes in a 0.5% formula. It contains prebiotics, probiotics, ceramides, and niacinamide. Just like the gut, the skin microbiome refers to the mix of bacteria, yeasts, and parasites that live on your skin. Yummy. Pre and probiotics keep the skin's barrier healthy and intact. So important when your applying a product that sloughs off your dead skin cells. Niacinamide, another of my fave ingredients, is a specific and very stable form of vitamin B3. It is restorative and versatile; It soothes and fights inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, (there it is again, the skin barrier!) fades fine lines and dark spots and normalizes oil production, and combats acne. Most importantly for me, my family, and several of my clients it can also be used by all skin types— even the most sensitive—and its potential for irritation when combined with other ingredients is little to none. Has anyone else noticed that a lot of people have very sensitized skin lately? I plugged in the ingredients into my ingredients app and no alerts! Saying all this, this is a very active product. I could feel it doing it's job. But no burning! As an esthetician for almost 30 years, I have to recommend that If you are not on a retinol regimen, start with the 0.5% formula. I've been using exfoliating products and mild peels, so I was ready to jump in with the 1%. But, I'm a professional, so I know what my skin can take. And it loves this product. My skin is brighter, firmer and hydrated. I highly recommend pairing this with MDPen Cellular Renewal Serum. Your glow is obtainable with MDPen."