For a beginner retinol, I would suggest the SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3. You only use a pea-size amount for your whole face, and you likely won't use it every night (a lot of people will use every other night), so that tube could last you 3 to 6 months. Mine lasts me 6 months because I do a 3-day skin cycle routine.
Not sure it's the exact same product, but I reacted badly to the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Baume: I applied it last night to my face and I woke up this morning with swollen eyelids and completely puffed up undereyes (this has only happened to this degree once before when I accidentally applied and eyecream containing arachide oil -- I'm Review: La Roche Posay Anthelios spf 50+ hydrating body milk eco tube r/SkincareAddiction • [Product request] Looking for a mild Vitamin C serum, preferably vegan & cruelty-free GNVD1qa.