'I asked ChatGPT what the best retinol for my sensitive skin is and this was the answer'

We probably all use AI at some points in our life nowadays, whether we realise it or not, but how good is it at giving beauty advice? As a beauty editor with around 15 years of experience, I put it to the test on one of the most confusing skincare topics – retinol – to see what is had to say – and I have to admit that I agreed with its findings.

Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives are widely regarded as some of the best skincare ingredients for a wide range of complexion concerns, from spots to signs of ageing, but with so many to choose from, it can be tricky to know which one is right for you – especially if you have sensitive skin. But I think ChatGPT has nailed it.

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I asked ChatGPT simply what the best retinol product was, and it helpfully give me a list of options for each skin type. For dry or sensitive skin, which I typically have, it recommended Medik8 Crystal Retinal – and I knew I could trust this advice.

Medik8's Crystal Retinal, which starts from £45, is a favourite amongst so many beauty editors and skincare experts for its easy-to-use formulas that really deliver results. It has a creamy, hydrating base texture that won't dry out the skin, and contains retinaldehyde instead of retinol, which is proven to work up to 11 times faster than standard retinol.

Most impressively, you can buy it in various strengths, meaning that you can build up the results; beginners (or those with sensitive skin) should start with Crystal Retinal 1 or 3, before gradually moving up to strength 24 if you feel like you can.

I've used it consistently in the past and really liked it – it didn't irritate my skin like many active ingredients do, and I did see results when used consistently. All in all, a trustworthy piece of advice from the AI bot, and one that clearly many agree with, as Crystal Retinal has over 6,000 positive reviews on the Medik8 website alone, plus it's branded the UK's number one dermatological face serum.

Going back to ChatGPT's answers, for a budget alternative the AI tool suggested The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, £8.50, while La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum, currently £33.60, and The INKEY List Retinol, £14, where also suggested. I haven't personally tried any of these three but they're all trusted brands that I know are unlikely to irritate delicate skin.

While I certainly wouldn't recommend replying on ChatGPT for all your skincare advice – especially if you have serious issues – on this occasion it has clearly trawled through thousands of actual expert recommendations for this product online, and come to an appropriate summary.