There are brilliant budget-friendly beauty products, and then there are those that are worth splashing out a bit more cash on. Then there are those products with eye-watering prices that you have on your dream beauty list. They’re the things you fantasize about trying.
However, are they really worth their expensive price tags? Are they that much better than their less expensive sisters, or is it just all fancy packaging and not-so-different results? I wanted to test one out.
I put the Youth Corridor RetinUltimate Transforming Gel ($450, NET-A-PORTER) to the test. It was developed by plastic surgeon Dr. Gerald Imber and is formulated with a patented retinol derivative to improve skin. You are instructed to apply it nightly before your moisturizer. This is the description from NET-A-PORTER:
“Renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Gerald Imber created Youth Corridor to help “every woman radiate beauty, health, energy, and vitality.” Designed to slot into your nightly skincare routine, this ‘RetinUltimate Transforming Gel’ is formulated with a non-irritating, patented Retinoid specially developed to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, improve discoloration and boost skin rejuvenation.”
Other products in the range include the Youth Corridor Ultimate Nourishing Creme ($320, NET-A-PORTER) and Youth Corridor Ultimate Antioxidant C Boost Serum ($195, NET-A-PORTER). Other products in the range include the Youth Corridor Ultimate Nourishing Creme ($320, NET-A-PORTER) and Youth Corridor Ultimate Antioxidant C Boost Serum ($195, NET-A-PORTER).
The Youth Corridor RetinUltimate Transforming Gel definitely does look like a luxe beauty product. It doesn’t have the flashy crystals and gold that some do, but the blue and silver jar is very chic. It was also surprisingly heavy. The 50 ml jar probably weighs a pound or two.
In terms of the actual product, it has a different consistency compared to a lot of other gels. Many gels can be on the runny side, but the RetinUltimate Transforming Gel is anything but. It has a consistency almost like hair gel, minus any stickiness.
The gel comes with a mini spatula that you can use to scoop out the product and apply it to your face. It should also be noted that it is absolutely filled to the top.
The Youth Corridor RetinUltimate Transforming Gel is fragrance-free, but I found that it has a very subtle scent that reminds me a bit of juicy dates. When I applied it to my face, it had a texture that felt both rich and lightweight at the same time. You do not need to apply a lot because of the thicker consistency. It also absorbed into my skin without too much patting.
A lot of people are hesitant to try retinol because it can irritate your skin. The fact that the Youth Corridor promised the benefits of retinol minus the irritation intrigued me.
I had success with the Osmosis Calm Level 2 Vitamin A Serum, so I had high hopes for this one. I did a patch test for the first few nights and found that it did not irritate my sensitive skin at all. When I applied it to my entire face, I still did not experience any irritation.
After using the Youth Corridor RetinUltimate Transforming Gel for more than a month, I can tell that the texture of my skin has changed for the better.
My face also feels very balanced and hydrated. Another bonus is I have barely noticed any difference in the amount of product left in the jar. It is still quite full.
Can I throw out all my skincare products and just use the Youth Corridor RetinUltimate Transforming Gel? No. It’s not a cleanser, toner, sunscreen, or mask.
It’s not a multitasking miracle product in that sense. It doesn’t claim to be, either. Is it a great retinol for sensitive skin?
Yes. It also helps that the texture makes it feel very indulgent when I’m applying it to my face. It will be tough to find another retinol that has a similar texture and non-irritating results as this one. I might just be addicted.