I really like this serum! I have tried other versions of retinol, and decided after a lot of research that retinaldehyde is the best most effective choice for my sensitive aging skin (I'm 46 and have normal to dry skin, visible pores, some wrinkles forming, and lots of discoloration - a little too much time in the sun when I was younger....) I love that this serum smells like citrus - I mostly smell oranges, but it might be a little lemony too. I apply this after my evening shower three times per week, (using up another product or using lactic acid on the other days,) and I find I don't always even need to follow up with additional moisturizer. The instructions on the bottle say to wait as long as 30 minutes after application to apply any other products, if at all possible. So I apply it right out of the shower, and then go to work on blow-drying my hair. By the time I'm about done with that, the serum has had a chance to fully absorb and settle into my skin. On more humid days, I can go to bed with just the serum, but it's not TOO moisturizing, that I think more oily skin types would enjoy this too. Just use it alone as your one-and-done night time product. I sometimes add a simple moisturizer over the top (I like e.l.f.'s holy hydration) and then I'm set. I'm not sure that I am noticing a huge difference in terms of wrinkles or discoloration, but my skin texture is fantastic with this product. Smooth, clear, glowy, soft, comfortable - what more can you ask for? I also had been using a high quality routine prior to trying this product, so that might be why I didn't see much difference. Maybe it's helping to PREVENT new problems with my skin too? Not sure. But for this price point, and this non-offensive fragrance - I'm sticking with it. :)
