Like many women over the age of 35, give me a product containing ingredients from the retinoid family and I’ll likely give it a go. The vitamin A derivatives are known to speed up cell turnover, boost collagen production and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, so when I was given the opportunity to try Murad’s new Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment, described by some as a “miracle in a bottle”, I was game.

Wait, what? There’s a difference between retinol and retinal?

Although they sound similar, retinol and retinal are not to be confused. Both in the retinoid family, they need to convert into retinoic acid before they can create change. A major difference between them is that retinal only converts once, whereas retinol converts twice. It’s this critical process and the shorter time it takes to convert into an active that means the retinal works faster — a good thing for your skin.

In Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment, retinal is encapsulated in a special delivery system that penetrates deep into the skin’s surface, while (unlike some retinoid products) still being gentle. And it doesn’t work alone. Kangaroo paw and olive leaf extracts offer further improvements by working to sculpt and lift, and oat lipids and alpha-glucans boost moisture and restore the skin’s barrier to counter the dryness and irritation that’s a typical drawback of using retinoids.

The 411 on its head-turning claims to fame

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment is a next-generation serum that’s clinically proven to improve the key signs of advanced ageing. Used correctly, it can visibly lift saggy jowl and neck skin, and smooth deep-set wrinkles. It also increases the elasticity of your skin, and hydrates so it look less crepey. They’re big claims, so I had to see for myself.

Result!

I applied a thin layer of Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment every evening after cleansing, ensuring I smoothed it right down onto my usually-neglected neck and noting how quickly it absorbed. After a week, I noticed the texture of my skin had changed — it definitely looked more radiant. I can also confirm that two weeks later, my neck looked less crepey. And all this without any irritation at all.

I’m always on the hunt for a product that’s hard-working enough to create real change without stressing my skin, and this one ticks numerous boxes. I’m excited to keep using it as it works more magic over time.