The Wirecutter Show

A retinoid is one of the best, scientifically-backed products you can use to keep your skin looking youthful. These vitamin A derivatives are among the very few skin-care products that can boost collagen, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. 

 

In this episode, we’re bringing on two experts to help you determine the type of retinol product that’s best for you. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nikhil Dhingra, of Spring Street Dermatology, explains how retinoids work and how to decide between using over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-strength products. Wirecutter editor Rory Evans shares the top OTC products from Wirecutter’s extensive testing. 

 

This episode covers:

What retinoids can do for your skin: Originally developed to treat acne, retinoids stimulate collagen, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They can also help with hyperpigmentation, protect the skin against sun damage, and thicken skin that’s starting to thin with age.

The difference between prescription-strength and OTC retinoids: Prescription-strength retinoids are generally more powerful and can also be more irritating to the skin. Some, such as tretinoin, are already in their active form, retinoic acid, while others bind directly to retinoid receptors in the skin. OTC retinol products, by contrast, are generally less potent and often less irritating because they must be converted by the skin into active retinoic acid before exerting their effects.

The difference between OTC ingredients: Although OTC products are often referred to as retinols, they feature a range of active ingredients. Retinal (short for retinaldehyde), requires one conversion step to become retinoic acid. Retinol needs two conversion steps, while retinyl palmitate requires three. Adapalene doesn't convert to retinoic acid and interacts differently with skin to limit oil production and minimize inflammation (which is why it’s mostly used in acne treatment).

Tips for using retinol products: Dr. Dhingra recommends starting with a pea-sized amount only a few times a week. To reduce irritation, you can also use the sandwich method—apply moisturizer, layer your retinol product, and top it with moisturizer again to safely dilute the product.

OTC retinol products, by skin type: Rory walks us through the top OTC products from Wirecutter’s extensive testing.

 

Products we recommend: 

Best for mature skin: SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0

Best for adjustable potency: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

Best for sensitive skin: Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum

Best for dry skin: LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream

Best adapalene for acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Best value: Trader Joe’s Retinol Night Serum

Best drugstore retinol: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol

Rory loves: Wander Sports Sun Visor

 

Additional reading:

The 7 Best Retinol Products of 2026 

The Best Face Sunscreens and SPF Moisturizers

The 7 Best Moisturizers of 2026 

Simple and Affordable Skin-Care

 

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you've ever bought a cell phone, an appliance, or any other high-value item, you've likely felt pressured to buy an extended warranty for peace of mind. However, these protection plans rarely pay off for most people.

 

In this episode, Wirecutter senior writer Liam McCabe explains why extended warranties are generally a “terrible investment,” how incredibly profitable they are for warranty companies, and the very few instances when paying for extra coverage might actually be worth it.

 

This episode covers: 

The difference between manufacturer and extended warranties: A manufacturer's warranty is automatically included for free as a promise against defects (usually for 30 days to a year). An extended warranty, on the other hand, is an optional, extra-cost protection plan that you have to actively choose to buy.

Why you probably won’t use an extended warranty: People tend to overestimate the failure rate of most products. And the likelihood that the product will fail during the extended warranty period is quite low.

How extended warranties mainly benefit warranty companies: Extended warranty companies generally only pay out around 25% of what they take in, keeping 75% of the money. By comparison, health insurance companies generally pay out 80% to 90% to policy holders.

When it’s worth getting an extended warranty anyway: Sometimes it’s worth getting one of these warranties, even if you’ll likely lose money. It could make sense if it offers you peace of mind, the product has a bad reliability reputation, or you’re buying something for an accident-prone kid.

 

Additional reading:

That Extended Warranty Is Almost Never Worth the Money. This Is Why You Fall for It Anyway.

Is That Extended Warranty Worth It? Take Our Quiz. 

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
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Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Moving can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode, Wirecutter travel writer Kit Dillon–who moonlights as a professional mover–shares insider tips on how to make the process less painful. 

 

From selecting the best packing supplies to hiring the right crew, Kit’s advice will help you save time, money, and hassle.

 

If you’re in the weeds of an upcoming move and need even more guidance, check out Wiriecutter’s series on moving (including a moving checklist, the best supplies for moving, tips for packing a moving truck, and essentials for the first week of your move).

 

This episode covers:

Why you should get uniform boxes: Professional movers can stack brand-new, uniform boxes neatly on a hand truck and more efficiently inside a van, potentially saving you hours in labor costs. In contrast, a hodgepodge of different-sized boxes is harder to move, and used grocery store boxes can harbor bugs or break easily.

Supplies that will actually protect your stuff: A heavy-duty mattress bag with handles offers far better protection than flimsy plastic versions. Light newsprint is the professional’s choice for packing kitchen gear and delicate items, and you should choose packing tape designed specifically for your storage conditions (such as cold or high-moisture environments).

Why you should pack a “first night” box: Pack a single, clearly marked box with your immediate essentials—a bathrobe, toothbrush, chargers, and a favorite book—to make your first night in a new home bearable.

Strategies for hiring movers: Kit advises getting at least a few quotes from different movers.A suspiciously low bid can be a red flag for cut corners. Always ensure a company is insured and dive deep into user reviews to see if specific movers are mentioned by name for their consistency.

Tipping etiquette: While not strictly required, tipping is highly encouraged for such physically taxing work. If the move goes well, try to give cash directly to each individual mover at the end of the day.

 

Products we recommend:

Uniform medium boxes: uBoxes Medium Moving Boxes (pack of 20) or uBoxes Basic Moving Kit

Light newsprint for packing: uBoxes Newsprint Packing Paper - 10 lbs

Heavy-duty mattress bag: Belador Extra-Thick Queen Mattress Bag with Handles

Great all-purpose moving tape: Scotch Tough Grip Moving Packaging Tape

Packing tape for long-term storage: Scotch Long Lasting Storage Packaging Tape

Packing tape for additional weather resistance: Gorilla Tough & Wide Shipping Tape (currently out of stock)

An easy to use tape dispenser: Uline H-150 Tape Dispenser

Kit loves: Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max

 

Additional reading:

Plan Your Move With These Tips from Wirecutter

The Best Supplies and Packing Advice for Making Moving Less Miserable

The Ultimate Moving Checklist and Tips for a Seamless Move 

4 Easy Tips for Packing a Moving Truck Like a Pro

The Fire Extinguisher, Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide Detector, and Other Safety Essentials You Need in Your Home

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summer travel season is here, and you might be tempted to download a language-learning app before your next trip. But which ones actually help? Wirecutter writer Matthew Guay tested 15 different language apps to figure out how they can (and can’t) help you learn a foreign language. 

 

This episode covers: 

Why language learning apps are better for travel confidence than fluency. Matthew explains that most apps won’t make you conversational, but they can help you recognize words, order food, ask basic questions, and feel less intimidated traveling abroad. 

How to choose the right language app for your learning style. Rather than naming one universally “best” app, Matthew breaks down which apps work best for different types of learners—whether you prefer grammar explanations, TikTok-style video lessons, addictive streaks and rewards, or long-form audio lessons you can listen to during a commute.

Why practicing with real people matters more than endless app lessons. Matthew says the sweet spot for language apps is learning enough to start trying small real-world interactions, like ordering at a restaurant or introducing yourself. That’s the point where language learning starts to feel rewarding and where you can decide whether you want to pursue it more seriously.

 

Products we recommend: 

Best for learning theory alongside vocabulary practice: Babbel

Best for visual learners: Speak

Best for free vocabulary lessons: Duolingo

Best for classroom-style lessons: Pimsleur

 

Additional reading:

The 4 Best Language Learning Apps

The Best Gear for Travel in 2026

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever wondered what happens to products that aren’t sold or the items that you return to a store? It turns out, a lot of them end up in the trash. This week, Wirecutter Deputy Editor Annemarie Conte discusses her recent reporting on how and why stores throw away perfectly good products. 

 

Annemarie takes us from the strip malls of Dallas-Fort Worth to the curbs of New York City, shadowing social media influencers Dumpster Diving Mama, GlamourDDive, and The Trash Walker who rescue everything from kids' toys to slashed Coach bags. We dive into why retailers often find it cheaper to destroy and toss items than to donate or recycle them, the environmental life cycle of these items and what companies (and consumers) can do to move toward a more circular economy.

 

This episode covers:

The economics of retail waste: Why it is often more profitable for major retailers to throw away perfectly good products—and even intentionally destroy them—than to donate or liquidate them.

The world of dumpster diving influencers: A look at the community of people who film their "hauls" to expose corporate waste and re-sell goods that are headed for the landfill.

The overproduction problem: How the sheer volume of goods has overwhelmed the logistics chain, creating a secondary market where items are sold by the pallet or simply discarded because they are too expensive to re-process.

Potential solutions for a circular economy: The environmental impact of overproduction and how legislative changes, like those seen in the EU, could encourage companies to stop destroying unsold goods and find more sustainable alternatives.

 

Additional reading:

Why Do Stores Throw Away So Many Perfectly Good Products? I Went Dumpster Diving to Find Out. 

What Slashed Coach Bags Found in a Dumpster Can Teach Us About Product Waste 

We Bought a 450-Pound Mystery Pallet Packed With Returned Goods From Amazon and Beyond. Here’s What We Found Inside.

Inside Wirecutter’s Mystery-Pallet Adventure 

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.