It's a multi-tasking formula that performs like a much (much) pricier one.

Photo: George Marks/Retrofile/Getty Images

Editors' Picks are the Fashionista team's true (#notspon) fashion and beauty obsessions, handpicked by professionals who see it all. Any beauty product you see here has been vetted and tested by the editor recommending it.

There's a TikTok trend in which creators document themselves squeezing entire tubes of Tretinoin or other retinoids into giant tubs of body cream and then mixing the two together, expecting to, (1) avoid the irritation and dryness that can accompany retinol by buffering it with moisturizer and, (2) wind up with a potent anti-aging cocktail to slather all over their bodies. While I can certainly understand this impulse — especially as I make my way through my 30s and start considering how I can prevent wrinkles from forming on my body as well as my face — experts agree that this method isn't actually a smart one, since mixing the retinoid into a giant, air-exposed tub of product doesn't just dilute it, it also undoes the preservative measures in place and renders the Tret basically powerless. (Those ugly little aluminum tubes serve an actual purpose, people!)

So instead of wasting precious retinol by dumping it into a random body lotion, why not seek out a product that's been intentionally formulated by actual scientists who know what they're doing to deliver that same combination of moisturizing-and-anti-aging benefits to the body? See: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion, my new favorite body cream.

Photo: Courtesy of Gold Bond

Let me state the obvious: This is not a sexy or luxurious product in appearance. But you can't always judge a body cream by its bland drugstore packaging; the thick, almost frosting-like formula inside feels plenty fancy. The balm-like lotion spreads easily and absorbs into skin in a few minutes, and it's unscented, so it doesn't compete with other products. I'd be willing to bet that in a blind test, it would be impossible to guess that this is, in fact, a drugstore formula that costs only $12.

Then there are the actives: In addition to the titular retinol, the lotion is formulated with exfoliating urea, tightening peptides, brightening niacinamide, moisturizing shea butter, glycerin, jojoba, squalene, macadamia seed oil and cocoa seed butter, plus vitamin-rich watermelon, apple and lentil extracts. There's a whole lot going on here for what on its surface appears to be a simple drugstore lotion.

I've been using it in the evening after my post-workout showers, and my skin still feels smooth and quenched the next day (which, in the winter, is really saying something). While the formula is made for use on both the face and the body, I personally haven't put it on my face, as it feels a bit heavy for my congestion-prone complexion. (And I have a prescription retinoid I use on my face anyway.) But I do think it would be a great starter face retinol for those who haven't used prescriptions and are prone to sensitivity and dryness.

I've already gone through one tube of this stuff, and I definitely plan to stock up on more, stat.

Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion, $12, available here.

Please note: This product was gifted. Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. In no way do either affect our editorial decision-making.

Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter.

Nearly 5,000 Amazon shoppers are super fans of the Revlon product that's discounted right now — blink and you'll miss this sale.

These top-rated bags easily stash your toiletries, jewelry, electronics and more.

Shoppers say it's 'like a Mary Poppins bag' with how much stuff it can fit!

Over 47,000 Amazon shoppers love these — snap them up while they're over 40% off.

"Most of us are not," the star said while addressing the pressure and criticism she faces.

It's rare to find a pair of seamless panties that actually do what they say — these are the exception.

Classic white Keds on sale, a massively popular 42-inch smart TV for $180 and more.

These discounts are only good for 24 hours before the next batch of sale items drops!

It's not just Apple that shoppers are comparing them to — they rival Samsung too: 'Just as good as Galaxy Buds.'

'I sweated a ton. This might be the greatest cardio equipment on Amazon.'