Beautycounter developed a plant-based version of retinol for its new anti-aging skin-care line - here's what it's like to use and why the dupe may be a safer option

This was one of the best products of the collection. Its combination of fermented sugars, mineral-rich seawater, and the Retinatural Complex made my skin look glowy, tight, and firm. The company cites a clinical study of 32 subjects where, immediately following a single application, the formula had improved the skin's barrier function (its main goal).

After the mineral-rich essence, you massage this serum into your decolletage, neck, and face in upward motions. Peptides, amino acids, and the Retinatural Complex work together to support the skin's moisture barrier, improve hydration and radiance, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Post-use, my skin looks glowy and firm, and it locks in the products underneath.

As I learned when a dermatologist critiqued my skin-care routine, serums are considered workhorse products. They deliver actives deep into the skin to target your specific concerns: fine lines, hyperpigmentation, etc. If you're only going to make one Countertime purchase and you really want to make it count, this is a good candidate.

True to its description, this is a soft and velvety cream. Alongside the Retinatural Complex, nasturtium flower extract helps protect the skin against drying environmental stressors. It's lush, sinks into the skin without leaving any residue, and left me with a healthy, plump glow. Based on a 35-subject consumer perception study the company cites, 100% of participants agreed their skin looked brighter and more radiant after four weeks of use. I'd agree with them.

Alongside the Retinatural Complex, Beautycounter packed this overnight cream with tetrapeptide to increase skin elasticity and minimize the appearance of fine lines, and fermented sugars to optimize hydration in renewed skin cells.

I wouldn't recommend spending $89 on an overnight cream unless it's a comfortable expense for you, but, in the off-chance that it is, this is one of the best for deep hydration without blocking pores in the process. It goes on as an unapologetically thick, rich night cream but it never clogged my acne-prone skin. In the morning, my skin felt hydrated — the happy place in between dry and oily — and firm.

The Retinatural Complex and Persian silk tree extract work together to reduce the appearance of under-eye shadows and crow's feet. In a 34-subject consumer perception study cited by the company, 91% said they experienced a brighter eye area and 94% saw a reduction in the appearance of crow's feet over the course of four weeks. In person, it's a medium-thickness cream that goes on smoothly, absorbs well, and makes the eyes appear brighter. I did wake up with slightly less puffy eyes post-application.

Eye creams can be expensive, but this one should last you for months. A little goes a long way.

If you want to own the whole routine, you can buy it together in the Countertime Regimen Set ($267).

If you're just looking to buy the highlights and save yourself some money, I'd recommend checking out the Essence, Serum, and Supreme Cream first.