Retinol is seemingly everywhere lately—why? The vitamin A derivative can help exfoliate dead skin, promote cell turnover, improve hyperpigmentation, even your skin’s tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Jennifer Sawaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners Scottsdale, previously told SELF. Whether you’re noticing deeper lines, duller skin, acne, or old pimple scars, retinol can help (yes, even if you have sensitive skin).
Given how powerful this ingredient is, there’s a sea of products that contain it, meaning it can be a huge challenge to find one that works for your skin type and concerns without causing irritation. That’s where we come in: We asked dermatologists which are the best retinol creams to try and how to shop for a product your skin will love.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
- Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
- Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Differin 0.1% Adapalene Treatment Gel
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream
- Best Extra-Gentle: Kiehl’s Daily Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Facial Serum
- Best for Travel: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules
- Best for Eyes: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
- Best Brightening: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
- Best High Concentration: Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
FAQs about shopping for retinol
Retinol is a type of retinoid, or vitamin A, derivative. While retinoids appear in prescription-strength topicals like Retin-A (also called tretinoin), you can find retinol in lots of over-the-counter (OTC) skin care, Linda C. Chung Honet, MD, FAAD, the founder of Honet Dermatology and Cosmetic in Michigan, tells SELF. Retinoids are known for speeding up skin cell turnover.This process clears out dull, dead cells faster, strengthens the skin’s barrier, and boosts collagen production, which can give your skin a firmer look and bouncier feel.
Retinol tends to be weaker than prescription-strength retinoid options, Dr. Honet says. That doesn’t mean OTC retinol products aren’t effective—they may just take a bit longer to produce the results you’re looking for. This is because drugstore retinols are often formulated with a lower potency, Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD, the founder of Houshmand Dermatology in Dallas, tells SELF. A lower potency isn’t a bad thing, though: Retinol can be irritating, and starting with a milder formula gives your skin time to adjust.
What are the potential benefits of using retinol?
With a consistent skin care routine (and a bit of patience), Dr. Honet says people with all types of skin concerns can benefit from using retinol. Jerome Potozkin, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and the founder of PotozkinMD Skincare & Laser Center in Danville, California, thinks of it this way: Retinol may be appealing to people embarking on a “skin rejuvenation journey” or who are hoping to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, clear up breakouts, smooth fine lines, or improve visible signs of sun damage. In other words, whether you want to even out your complexion, calm your acne, or just find a skin care product that will provide reliable exfoliation, incorporating it into your routine is a solid place to start, he tells SELF.
Retinol can increase photosensitivity, however, which means your skin may become more vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays after you’ve slathered it on. That’s why experts recommend applying retinol at night and being diligent about wearing sunscreen the next day. You may experience some irritating side effects too, like redness, dryness, itchiness, peeling, and flaking. Thankfully, there are ways to build your tolerance to potent products (including those that contain retinol), and you should notice fewer side effects over time.
How to find the best retinol product for you
Dry or sensitive skin
If you have dry skin, retinol creams and lotions are probably the best option for you, Dr. Houshmand says. They’re more likely to contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides, which help your skin retain moisture—even when using a drying ingredient like retinol, Aanand N. Geria, MD, FAAD, the founder of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey, tells SELF. A retinol concentration of 0.5% or lower is a good starting point for people with dry skin, he says.
Dr. Geria also recommends looking for products that contain encapsulated retinol, which is specifically formulated to be less irritating. For folks with super finicky skin, he suggests starting at an even lower retinol concentration (think: between 0.1 and 0.5%).
Oily or acne-prone skin
Have oily or acne-prone skin? Retinol creams are worth a try, but you may prefer the texture of a lighter-weight product like a serum or a gel, Dr. Geria says. Many dermatologists specifically like adapalene, a synthetic retinoid you can get over the counter, for treating breakouts.
Dr. Geria says you can also use retinol to complement other acne-fighting ingredients in your routine, like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide. (You may use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning, say, and then a gentle face wash paired with your retinol product at night.) He advises starting with a product that has a retinol concentration between 0.5 and 1%. Anything higher than that “can be irritating and may cause more breakouts,” he notes.
How long does it take to see results?
It can take anywhere from several weeks to six months of regularly applying retinol to notice changes in your skin, and you’ll likely need up to 12 months to see significant improvements in fine lines and wrinkles. The time it takes to see results will also vary depending on the concentration of retinol in your product, as well as how often you use it.
At first, take it slow: Your skin may “purge” by breaking out more than usual or growing flaky, dry, or straight-up angry. Applying retinol every other night to begin with, and using a product with a low concentration before building up, will help you find the frequency that works best.
Shop the best retinol creams and serums
Below, you’ll find dermatologist-approved retinol products from brands like RoC, SkinCeuticals, Differin, Paula’s Choice, and more.
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
Pros
- Low retinol concentration won’t irritate skin
- Brightening
- Formulated for all skin types
Cons
Dr. Houshmand likes this SkinCeuticals night moisturizer because it’s gentler, due to its lower concentration of retinol. Snehal Amin, MD, FACMS, FAAD, the cofounder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology in New York, also recommends this pick to beginners, adding that it’s easy to switch to a product with a higher concentration (like the brand’s Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream) once your skin gets acclimated to this one. Another bonus: This cream contains vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that can help even skin texture and tone.
Other notable ingredients: Smoothing dimethicone, dark-spot reducing bisabolol | Size: 1 fl oz.
Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream
Pros
- Supports the skin barrier
- Contains soothing ingredients
Cons
- Contains strong fragrance that some Amazon reviewers report smells bad
Dr. Houshmand recommends RoC’s Deep Wrinkle Night Cream if you’re not ready to commit to a pricey product. In addition to retinol, it contains glycolic acid to exfoliate skin and squalane and shea butter to help retain moisture.
Other notable ingredients: Smoothing dimethicone, hydrating glycerin | Size: 1 fl oz.
Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Differin 0.1% Adapalene Acne Treatment Gel
Pros
- Prevents breakouts
- Helps lighten scarring
- Unscented
Cons
- May be too drying for some
- Some Amazon reviewers say it feels sticky
Now a gold standard OTC acne treatment, Differin contains adapalene and can work as both a spot treatment and a product for your entire face. It unclogs pores while preventing future breakouts (although you may go through a purging phase and see more pimples come to the surface when you first start using it).
“It works by reducing keratin surface skin cells and sebum production, which cuts down on oil production significantly,” Lauren Penzi, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, tells SELF. Basically, it can clear away hardened skin cell buildup as well as excess oils that often contribute to new breakouts.
Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing propylene glycol | Size: 0.5 fl oz.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Pros
- Contains soothing ingredients
- Fragrance-free
Cons
Since retinol can be irritating, you’ll want to be especially cautious if you have sensitive skin. “[This is] one of the most gentle, yet effective retinols,” making it a great option for skin care beginners and veterans alike, Dr. Penzi says. The formula includes an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates, along with anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea extract.
Other notable ingredients: Skin-barrier supporting ceramides and squalane, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, brightening niacinamide and vitamin C, wrinkle-plumping peptides, soothing allantoin | Size: 1 fl oz.
Best Extra-Gentle: Kiehl’s Daily Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Facial Serum
Pros
- Non-irritating—even for beginners
- Supports skin barrier
- A little goes a long way
Cons
This gentle formula from Kiehl’s is a favorite of SELF’s senior commerce editor. “This is the first retinol I tried, and it’s so good that I’ve stuck with it ever since. I have super sensitive combination skin, and this serum has never caused a breakout or any irritation,” she says.
“It’s very lightweight and sinks in in seconds—plus, I love that it doesn’t feel sticky or tacky after I apply it. Even though it’s very gentle, I have noticed a difference (especially when I forget to use it for a few days and then go back to it).” It’s so gentle, in fact, that you can work up to using it twice a day, according to the brand.
Other notable ingredients: Skin-barrier supporting ceramides, plumping peptides | Size: 1 fl oz.
Best Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer Cream
Pros
- Thick, rich texture
- Budget-friendly
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some Amazon reviewers say it doesn’t soak in well and can feel greasy
This cream works double-duty to provide the benefits of a retinol and a nighttime moisturizer in one product. “It’s great for all skin types,” Dr. Penzi says. As a bonus, it contains niacinamide and glycerin for an extra dose of hydration.
Other notable ingredients: Smoothing dimethicone, dark-spot fading niacinamide, plumping peptides | Size: 1.7 fl oz.
Best for Travel: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
Pros
- Supports the skin barrier
- Capsules help keep the product stable and potent longer
Cons
Dr. Houshmand likes this encapsulated retinol from Elizabeth Arden because it’s easy to take on the go and ensures you get the right amount of product every time. Inside each capsule is a cocktail of retinol, peptides, ceramides, and oils, which work in tandem to help your skin look smoother, clearer, and more hydrated over time. (And, if you ask us, the capsules are prettier than anything else we have on our bathroom shelves.)
Other notable ingredients: Smoothing dimethicone; moisturizing sunflower, olive, and avocado oils | Size: 0.95 fl oz.
Best Oil: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair 0.3% Concentrated Retinol Face Oil
Pros
- Lower retinol concentration is less likely to irritate skin
- A good value
Cons
Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in Solana Beach, California, previously told SELF that Neutrogena’s Rapid Repair Retinol Oil is her favorite OTC retinol product, and it’s easy to see why. Thousands of Amazon reviewers say it’s lightweight, easy to apply, and absorbs into the skin quickly.
Other notable ingredients: Brightening bisabolol | Size: 1 fl oz.
Best Eye Product: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
Pros
- Gentle
- Contains brightening antioxidants and de-puffing caffeine
Cons
Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, likes that this easy-to-apply, fast-absorbing retinol gel is safe to use around the eye area. He notes that in addition to retinol, it contains bakuchiol, a gentler, plant-based retinol alternative that may also stimulate collagen production.
Other notable ingredients: Dark-spot fading ferulic acid, calming green tea extract, hydrating glycerin | Size: 0.5 fl oz.
Best Brightening: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Pros
- Moisturizing formula
- Multiple ingredients help combat wrinkles
Cons
“This retinol contains a blend of peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants to help improve skin tone and texture while also protecting the skin against free radical damage,” Dr. Garshick explains. Free radicals are unstable molecules created in the environment via pollutants and the sun’s UV rays. They can cause fine lines, unevenness, and dark spots, but antioxidants (as well as sunscreen!) may help prevent that damage. Another bonus: This cream also contains an array of moisturizing ingredients, like virgin marula oil.
Other notable ingredients: Hydrating glycerin and jojoba oil, brightening niacinamide, skin-barrier supporting ceramides | Size: 1 fl oz.
Best High Concentration: Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Pros
- Combats wrinkles with multiple ingredients
- Has a high retinol concentration
Cons
- Fairly pricey, may be too drying for some
Dr. Geria recommends this retinol from Paula’s Choice, which has a smooth, lotion-like texture that absorbs quickly and contains soothing ingredients like oat extract to prevent irritation. With a relatively potent concentration of 1% retinol, it’s formulated to be highly effective without sapping your skin of its moisture.
Other notable ingredients: Smoothing dimethicone, hydrating glycerin, plumping peptides | Size: 1 fl oz.
Other great options
While the above products are our favorites, there are plenty of other retinols to peruse. If you’re still searching for the right fit, we think the serums and creams below are also worth considering.
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti Aging Retinol Cream
Pro
- Helps fade dark spots
- Great exfoliator
- Lightweight, serum-like texture
Cons
- Fragrance-free, but some Amazon shoppers don’t like how it smells
This cream combines retinol with lipo-hydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid, for a super exfoliating formula. “I really see a difference in smoothness, decreased pore size, and how radiant my face looks,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I can honestly say age spots have faded and my skin texture has improved,” another added.
Other notable ingredients: Hydrating glycerin | Size: 1 fl oz.
CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Brightening
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Some Amazon reviewers say it can pill under other skin care
If you’re looking for a more affordable retinol that’ll work for sensitive skin, this one from CeraVe is definitely worth a try. It contains three types of ceramides, which help protect and reinforce your skin barrier, as well as niacinamide, an ingredient that’s anti-inflammatory and soothing. Combining these with retinol means you can get the wrinkle-fighting power you want without major dryness and irritation.
Other notable ingredients: Moisturizing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter; smoothing dimethicone | Size: 1 fl oz.
Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
Pros
- Brightening
- Hydrating
- Rich feel
Cons
Murad’s thick night cream is a great option if you’re looking for a retinol product that can serve as a great moisturizer too. “This stuff is great. It doesn’t irritate my skin like some other retinols,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “It goes on great, I love the smell and texture, and I feel like it’s made a difference.”
Other notable ingredients: Soothing niacinamide, smoothing dimethicone | Size: 1.7 fl oz.
Naturium Retinol Complex Serum
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Contains several moisturizing ingredients
Cons
- Some Ulta reviewers say it has an unpleasant smell
This less expensive serum combines retinol with bakuchiol, so you’ll get even more anti-aging benefits with less potential for irritation. It’s also packed with calming, moisturizing ingredients like linseed oil and murumuru seed butter.
“I started using this product, and within days, my skin was glowing, plump, and tight. My natural trouble lines were instantly smoothed out. Not to mention my scars faded and my skin tone truly evened out,” wrote one Ulta reviewer. “I most definitely will continue to use this product. It’s non-irritating and just feels amazing going on, plus it layers very well with other moisturizers.”
Other notable ingredients: Hydrating glycerin and vitamin E | Size: 1.7 fl oz.
With reporting from Sara Coughlin and Jessica Kasparian
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