With more than 60,000 glowing reviews, Anua’s Visibly Firming Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream earned a permanent spot in my nighttime skincare routine.

I’m in my 20s, and yes, I only recently started using retinol consistently. (I know, a shocker.) The funny part is that I’ve interviewed dermatologists and skincare experts about retinol serums and creams for years, learning exactly why they’re considered a gold standard for smoothing texture, softening the appearance of fine lines, and supporting collagen production.

Even with all of that knowledge, I never actually committed to swiping one on every night. As I’ve become more thoughtful about my anti-aging routine — adding LED face masks, de-puffing devices and other skin-supporting staples — I figured it was finally time to practice what I’d been writing about. My answer? The Anua Visibly Firming Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream.

There’s a reason this formula has earned such a loyal following. The first thing that caught my attention was the built-in gua sha applicator, which feels like one of the smartest skincare designs I’ve used. Instead of buying a separate gua sha tool and remembering to clean it after every use, the applicator is already attached to the tube — a moment of silence and appreciation for that! — making it incredibly easy to massage the cream upward across my jawline, cheeks and neck.

It turns a step that could feel tedious into something I genuinely look forward to every evening.

The formula itself checks every box I was hoping for as a retinol beginner. Alongside retinol, it includes collagen, which, according to a 2023 study, helps support skin elasticity while delivering lasting hydration that leaves my complexion feeling comfortably moisturized. Since I have sensitive skin, I was prepared for irritation, but this cream has been surprisingly gentle.

During application, I noticed a little temporary redness from gliding the massage applicator across my face, but that quickly fades and feels more like the result of stimulating the skin than irritation from the formula itself.

My appreciation for Anua runs deeper than this one product. Last year, I flew more than 16 hours to South Korea and came home with a pink carry-on packed with skincare. While I was there — and after I returned — I reviewed practically every Anua product I could get my hands on. Spending time immersed in Korean skincare only reinforced why it continues to set trends around the world, especially when it comes to achieving that coveted glass skin glow.

This cream has become one of my favorite discoveries from the brand because it slips seamlessly into my evening routine. Since retinol should only be used at night, I smooth it on as one of my final skincare steps before bed, letting the formula get to work overnight.

For anyone who’s been hesitant to start using retinol, this is one of the best beginner-friendly options available. It combines a comfortable formula, an innovative built-in gua sha applicator and skin-loving ingredients that make consistency feel effortless. For me, that’s exactly what finally made retinol stick.

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.