The Skincare Staple That Started The Retinol Craze Is Now Even More Gentle And Effective

Forbes

18-07-2025

Shani Darden Retinol Reform with 1% Encapsulated Retinol Shani Darden
The perks of retinol are many. A derivative of vitamin A, the magical multitasker is known for everything from stimulating cell turnover and collagen production to improving skin tone and texture, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation, and treating acne, with plenty of studies to prove it. But its side effects are famous too, which can include redness, irritation, dryness and even peeling skin. That's why Shani Darden, celebrity esthetician and founder of her eponymous brand, was determined to set a new standard with her Retinol Reform, offering all of the perks and none of the drawbacks. A decade later, the OG gamechanger is getting a makeover with Shani Darden Retinol Reform with 1% Encapsulated Retinol.
'It has really great ingredients in it, and obviously now it's a 1% encapsulated retinol, which is great, but it doesn't feel that much different on your skin,' Darden says. 'A lot of people get upset when you reformulate a product, especially when it's done so well, but I think people will be very happy because you won't notice a major change.'
The new Shani Darden Retinol Reform with 1% Encapsulated Retinol may not look or feel that different from the original—it is nearly the same exact color and texture, though the consistency is a tiny bit lighter—but its results are even better. The formula has been upgraded with the latest skincare advancements. It taps encapsulation technology to deliver the highest dosage of retinol available over the counter in the gentlest way to minimize irritation while maximizing results. It's even safe for sensitive skin.
Shani Darden Shani Darden
'In general, encapsulated retinol moves slower under the skin, so it gives you the same benefits, making it more gentle and slower to release,' Darden says. 'You're not going to get all of that downtime with something that was stronger or not encapsulated, which can cause peeling, dryness, redness and sensitivity. That's why encapsulated retinol can be great for all skin types.'
Darden wanted to improve the formula while staying true to her original vision. 'I launched it because I used to work for a dermatologist and she was prescribing Retin A and different retinoids to almost everybody that would come in, so I got to see the benefits,' she says. 'A prescription retinoid can make your skin more sensitive, so I wanted to get these same results—the anti-aging, acne, pigmentation—without using such a strong prescription. I wanted to make an over the counter. I was very unaware at the time that there weren't any, which is so mind blowing. Over the counter retinol has all the same benefits as using a prescription. The difference is a prescription will work faster. I don't always see the need to use a stronger retinoid unless your skin can tolerate it. Why do you want to use that for anti-aging if you're peeling every day and wasting your pretty years?'
Before and afters of the clinical testing for Shani Darden Retinol Reform with 1% Encapsulated Retinol Shani Darden
Now iconic, 51% of Shani Darden's total serum sales are Retinol Reform. But Darden has plenty of competition these days. 'There's newer technology, there's newer encapsulations and I wanted it to be a little stronger,' she says. 'I wanted to give it a facelift and elevate it. Everything's changing. There are 9 million retinols out there. Every brand has to make a retinol. My retinol was one of the first over the counter that you saw out there, so it was just time.'
It's not just the encapsulated retinol that's new. The formula also contains a tripeptide, prickly pear extract, apple fruit extract and glycerin, which work synergistically to renew the skin. Since the retinol helps with exfoliation, the ingredients can penetrate even deeper. 'Glycerin is a great ingredient to hydrate but also calm the skin,' Darden says. 'Prickly pear boosts your body's natural way of exfoliating. Peptides plump the skin, so it can help to decrease fine lines and wrinkles. Apple extract is an antioxidant, so it helps protect your skin from environmental stressors.'
Shani Darden Retinol Reform with 1% Encapsulated Retinol Shani Darden
To get the most out of the product, Darden recommends applying it at night after cleansing. However, if you include an essence in your routine, cleanse, apply the essence and then apply the retinol over that. 'If you have a problem with your skin getting too dry, you always can sandwich it with a moisturizer before and after. I don't think that's something you'll have to do with this product, unless you wanted to use it every night and your skin just wasn't allowing you to. Building up would be enough.'
It's always best to ease into a new retinol. Darden suggests starting with once a week, then adding a day each week and building up to as often as you can tolerate it. Be sure to always read the instructions for every retinol you try. 'Everyone's different,' she says. 'You might be able to use it only three times a week, every other night or every night. A lot of times when people have been using a retinol or prescription forever and they get a new retinol, they'll just jump into it. But it doesn't work that way. You want to make sure you always start with one to two times a week, depending on your skin type to be safe, and then building up slowly.'
Before and afters of the clinical testing for Shani Darden Retinol Reform with 1% Encapsulated Retinol Shani Darden
Even if you're switching from the original Retinol Reform to the new one, Darden still recommends taking your time. 'It's a different formula,' she says. 'That's the thing that people have to understand with all actives in general is to start off slow. If you got a salicylic acid serum, I wouldn't just jump into it every day because day three, all of a sudden, your skin's peeling off. Introduce it slowly. I say the same with starting a new product line—don't just jump in and use the whole line.'
Another misconception that Darden wants to clear up is the myth that retinols can't be used in the summer. 'A lot of people are so scared to use retinol in the summer, but you can use it all year round,' she says. 'I live in California. I always use retinol. It's always hot. It's just about wearing sunscreen.'
Shani Darden Retinol Reform with 1% Encapsulated Retinol has impressive clinical study results, including 100% of participants seeing an improvement in the appearance of a renewed youthful look, skin tone evenness and brightness, skin texture and smoothness, and skin elasticity after two weeks. After four weeks of use, they saw a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as in the appearance of horizontal neck lines. 'I was excited about the 100%,' Darden says. 'I was very impressed by it—I love those clinicals.' Who wouldn't be thrilled to get a perfect score?