Amazon's Baebody Retinol Cream Is the Best Cheap Retinol That Works Fast

published 27 July 2018

You already know about retinol. You know that you should be using it (because it smooths fine lines, brightens dark spots, fades acne scars, prevents wrinkles, and treats acne), and you know that you have a billion options to choose from on the market. But what I’m guessing you don’t know is which one is the best of the best. Luckily, that’s where the internet comes in.

Because one retinol is currently rising above the rest in the unofficial competition for Best Cheap Retinol That Is Very Effective Yet Easy to Buy and Also Won’t Burn Your Face Off. Unsurprisingly, the competition is stiff. Surprisingly, the one product the internet seems to be obsessed with is a $19 jar of cream from Amazon. Yes, Amazon.

The Cult Following

Introducing Baebody Retinol Moisturizer, the number-one bestselling retinol on Amazon, with more than 3,300 glowing reviews from real people. “I can definitely tell that my skin is tightening up and pores are smaller,” reads one comment, while another verified-purchase user writes, “The fine lines are nonexistent and the deeper lines are far less noticeable after using for over 6 months religiously.” Read through the next 1,000 reviews, and you’ll get pretty similar happy vibes.

amazon.com

But here’s where my bullshit meter goes off: Based on the ingredients list, the retinol isn’t filled with anything magical—in fact, its formula is pretty average. Sure, it’s definitely more moisturizing than some other retinol creams, using aloe vera, sunflower and jojoba oils, and shea butter to moisturize, along with a dose of green tea to calm skin, but the retinol is, uh, just plain ol’ retinol. No magic, no fairy dust, just retinol (although, ask any dermatologist, and they’ll probably tell you that retinol is magical in itself).

The only difference between this cream and others at the drugstore is that it’s got a pretty high percentage of pure retinol—2.5 percent, to be exact—which will definitely show you faster, more “impressive” results that you won’t get as quickly from a gentle formula. Of course, that also means that this product is strong, which means you should keep it away from skin that’s sensitive or rosacea-prone.

Still, even if there’s nothing groundbreaking about its formula, the Baebody moisturizer is, in the end, a really, really good anti-aging moisturizer. Which means there’s virtually no harm in buying it (it’s only $19!) and testing it out on yourself to see if it’s actually worth the 3,300 positive reviews. Just promise you’ll keep me updated, okay?

And if you're not ready to take the plunge into the pool of retinols, yet, try one of these anti-aging serums that plump up your itty-bitty fine lines fast.

The 5 Best Anti-Aging Serums That Actually Get Rid of Fine Lines

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(Image credit: Olay)

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum

This silky serum is filled with the same type of collagen-building peptides you'd find in high-end and prescription formulas, but at a trillionth of the cost. It may not have the fancy name or packaging, but this stuff simply and seriously works.

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum, $20

BUY IT: amazon.com.

<p>Free radicals sound like a music group from the '60s, but they're actually environmental pollutants that cause dark spots, wrinkles, and irritation. Luckily, the antioxidant idebenone (AKA what this serum is filled with), cancels 'em out and improves the lines and wrinkles you already have.  </p><p><em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum, $162</em></p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">BUY IT: <a href="http://www.ulta.com/prevage-anti-aging-daily-serum?productId=xlsImpprod1930151">ulta.com</a>. </strong></p> — (Image credit: Archives)

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum

Free radicals sound like a music group from the '60s, but they're actually environmental pollutants that cause dark spots, wrinkles, and irritation. Luckily, the antioxidant idebenone (AKA what this serum is filled with), cancels 'em out and improves the lines and wrinkles you already have.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum, $162

BUY IT: ulta.com.

<p>If the idea of incorporating another product into your skincare routine sounds straight-up annoying, try this niacinamide-based booster, which strengthens the skin's moisture barrier and shrinks fine lines. Just add a few drops to your normal moisturizer and apply.</p><p><i data-redactor-tag="i">Paula's Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster, $42</i></p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">BUY IT: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Paulas-Choice-Niacinamide-Enlarged-Wrinkles/dp/B01GF1EOB8">amazon.com</a>. </strong></p> — (Image credit: Archives)

Paula's Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster

If the idea of incorporating another product into your skincare routine sounds straight-up annoying, try this niacinamide-based booster, which strengthens the skin's moisture barrier and shrinks fine lines. Just add a few drops to your normal moisturizer and apply.

Paula's Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster, $42

BUY IT: amazon.com.

Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.