Why Biba Los Angeles' Meta Retinol Is Worth It
Also known as retinol for people who can't use retinol.


Welcome back to Worth It, a bi-weekly breakdown of the new beauty products I’ve tested and adored: I’m talking that drain-it-to-the-bottom-and-tell-my-friends-I’ve-found-The-One kind of love. If it's featured here, consider this my permission to splurge on it. Read on for the product you don’t want to live without, and catch up on the latest Worth It breakdown here.
The Promise
For the skincare-obsessed (like me), both retinol and Biba Los Angeles are must-haves in our routines. Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, is a skin all-star—incredibly potent and effective at resolving dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, and even clogged pores. And because it's so powerful, it's recommended that newbies use the ingredient just once a week at first, until your skin adjusts to it. Meanwhile, Biba Los Angeles is the beloved creation of Biba de Sousa, an aesthetician with A-list devotees in Miley Cyrus and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who raves about her products. One sure standout from the line is the Retinol Meta Concentrate, which seamlessly marries retinol with other active ingredients like niacinamide and kojic acid to help complexions retain moisture and look generally bright and glowy.
Why I'm Obsessed
I've been on the hunt for a retinol product that works with my skin for years. Years. Unfortunately, because retinol is so powerful, even the gentlest formula has inevitably wreaked havoc on my skin. My history with retinol goes something like this: I put a tiny amount of product on my face at night, once a week. The very next day, I have tiny pimple-like bumps all over my face, and the skin between my eyebrows immediately starts peeling. Though I don't normally consider my skin to be sensitive, I had to accept that retinol just didn't agree with me. Cue a broken heart.
When Biba's Retinol Meta Concentrate made its way into my life, I figured I'd give it one more try. I was shocked when, after the first application, the only difference I noticed in my skin was that it looked positively radiant. Six months later, I use this product three times a week and I have yet to see a negative reaction—no dryness, no rashes. For me, this is nothing short of a miracle. Instead, I notice fewer and fewer breakouts, the frown line on my forehead is significantly less pronounced, and my skin looks healthy and glowing nearly every day. I consider this step one of my skin slowly morphing into Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's, and I am very, very happy about that.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends. She's a fan of vodka tonics and creepy Wikipedia pages.
-
Princess Eugenie's on a Mission to Save Coral Reefs—And It Starts at Home
'Marie Claire' speaks with the royal about her role in a new ocean conservation exhibit.
-
I Scrolled for Hours to Find the Best Under-$150 Summer Dresses
Affordable styles for every event on your summer calendar.
-
We Had a Luxury Matchmaker Tell Us Just How Realistic 'Materialists' Is
She broke down everything in the film starring Dakota Johnson, from unicorns to non-negotiables.
-
Dark Spots Are the Bane of My Existence—Which Is Where My Summer Skincare Routine Comes to the Rescue
Clear, glowing skin for the win.
-
Drunk Elephant Just Launched a Lip Mask That Thinks Like a Serum
A collagen-boosting, line-smoothing, moisture-sealing magic balm.
-
SPF Setting Sprays Have My Makeup Lasting Through 8-Hour Beach Days
Sunscreen-packed setting sprays are on the up and up.
-
My Ultimate Summer Skincare Routine Is Designed For Combination Skin
The only formulas my combo skin loves.
-
This Summer, My Beauty Editor-Approved Skincare Routine Gives Equal Love to My Body and Face
I treat the skin on my face and body as one full system.
-
These 15 Best Ingrown Hair Products Banish Redness, Bumps, and Irritation
Bumps, be gone.
-
My Summer Skincare Routine Is Basically Just Endless Ways to Incorporate SPF Without Causing Breakouts
Guess who’s not getting skin damage or clogged pores this summer?
-
My Head-to-Toe Exfoliating Routine for Baby Soft Skin
Say goodbye to flakes, dullness, and doing the most.