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If you’re looking to address signs of aging, the best retinol serums are touted for their ability to breathe new life back into your skin. They double as antiaging serums that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and overall improve skin texture. That said, retinoid-infused formulas are notoriously hard to get right. Going straight for the highest concentration may be tempting, but it could also come with its own share of issues (a.k.a. a retinol purge) like irritated skin, excessive dryness, and redness. This is why dermatologists recommend starting with a lower strength (0.05% is ideal if you don’t have sensitive skin) and building up over time.
To help you find the best of the best, we polled dermatologists for their favorites, then put the most popular OTC picks to the test. Our top overall pick was the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum because it’s loved by dermatologists, gentle and lightweight on skin, and non-comedogenic (meaning it wont’ clog pores). We also found drugstore picks, ones for mature skin, and more.
The best retinol serums and creams, at a glanceBest Overall
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum
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Best for Beginners
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
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Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum
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Best for Oily Skin
Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
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Best for Mature Skin
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
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Over a series of months, testers from age 26-56 put over a dozen retinols recommended by dermatologists to the test, collectively. While incorporating them into our routines, we looked at everything from ingredients, textures, how well they played with our various skin types, and if they were effective over time.
The ones that made this list had tolerable, lower concentrations of retinol starting at 0.1% to 0.5%, and came with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, niacinamide and squalane within their formulas to help combat dryness and skin irritation. The textures of the various over-the-counter retinol formulations we tested were lightweight, easily absorbed into the skin and did not leave behind a sticky residue. We used exclusively all of these at nighttime, and applied SPF during the day to make sure our skin was protected during our trials. The ones our testers praised helped correct areas of discoloration, clear pimples, and left a glowy complexion. Some are so good that they remain in our routines to this day.
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum
Original video by Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Face Serum
Pros: A good fit for oily skin due to its oil-free formula; effective when it comes to reducing the first signs of aging; hydratingCons: Not fragrance-freeThis weightless formula from La Roche-Posay may just be the answer to all your retinoid-related woes (like itching, burning or flaking). Whether you decide to use it on your face or neck (or both), you’ll be impressed with its ability to visibly improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. “It combines pure retinol with gradual-release retinol for a powerful yet gentle formula. It smooths fine lines and improves tone while niacinamide (an anti-inflammatory antioxidant) keeps skin calm and balanced. I love that it gives visible radiance and firmness without excessive dryness, which makes it great for all skin types, even sensitive,” says Hope Mitchell, MD a board-certified dermatologist at Mitchell Dermatology, who says it’s one of her favorites.
“My very moody, combination skin has had quite the tryst with this lightweight retinol serum. It simply drinks it right up, and I’ve never had issues with redness, sensitivity or tingling sensation (like some other OTC retinol that I’ve tried in the past). It creates a glowy sheen on my skin that doesn’t feel sticky or greasy, and I’m impressed with how calm and even-toned my typical areas of discoloration feel. The developing lines on my forehead also look a bit less noticeable, and my skin overall looks (and feels) plump and pleasant,” says Glamour commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best for Beginners: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Pros: Effective when it comes to fading blemishes and hyperpigmentation; nongreasy; affordable; beginner-friendlyCons: Might not be as strong for someThere’s no arguing that as far as affordable (and quality) skin care goes, CeraVe is definitely high up there thanks to its clinically proven and dermatologist-approved formulations. Take this resurfacing retinol serum, for one. Not only is it great for fading post-acne scars, but it’s also super effective when it comes to strengthening your skin’s natural barrier and evening out your skin tone. Formulated with encapsulated retinol, licorice root extract (for exfoliating), niacinamide, and ceramides, this unique formula is bound to take your complexion to the next level by delivering gentle exfoliation with an added brightening effect (a bonus for those of us with hyperpigmentation). Suitable for all skin types, this retinol-infused serum also has a nongreasy consistency and a nourishing feel.
“This line-smoothing pick was one of the first retinol products I ever used, and I’ve gone through two bottles now. It’s lightweight and absorbs nicely on the skin. I’ve never experienced irritation while using it, and I notice that my skin feels a lot smoother and radiant after consistent application. If you’re new to using retinol this was my mid 20s’ pick,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish SerumGlow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum
Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin; does a superb job at reducing inflammation and the look of acne scarsCons: Not fragrance-freeInspired by Korean skin care, Glow Recipe has launched a retinol formula to help minimize acne. “It contains a triple blend of retinol, retinal, and retinyl ester that may be helpful for those with acne-prone skin. The blackberry extract also acts as an antioxidant while the glycerin and ectoin help with hydration of the skin,” says Angela Brimhall DO, MS, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Sage Dermatology. Apart from its clarifying and healing benefits, this formula also helps plump up your complexion and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, all while keeping your skin nice and hydrated.
“What I love most about this product is how quickly it absorbs into the skin without forming that overly greasy layer. Unlike most retinoid formulas I’ve tried, the Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum doesn’t result in any irritation whatsoever. If anything, my skin ended up looking more soothed and hydrated,” says Glamour contributor Denise Primbet.
Best for Oily Skin: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Pros: Delivers great results when it comes to reducing wrinkles and fine lines; feels nourishing on the lipsCons: May not be suitable for eczema- or psoriasis-prone skin due to the medium retinol potencyDr. Brimhall recommends Paula’s Choice for an effective yet gentle option in an antiaging routine. “Not only does it help diminish fine lines and hyperpigmentation, but it also enhances overall skin texture.” Formulated with a moderate-strength retinol concentration, 2% plant-derived bakuchiol, and firming peptides, this potent blend of ingredients is a must for mature skin. This bakuchiol serum will also help promote your skin’s natural collagen production without compromising your skin barrier. It’s nourishing, lightweight, and doesn’t feel too greasy on the skin. Sure, it may not be the cheapest option out there, but trust us when we tell you that this formulation is well worth the investment. Better yet, it’s also vegan, and paraben- and cruelty-free.
Glamour’s Calle, who has combination skin, uses this retinol cream about once or twice a week. “I’ve been testing for a couple of month, and I’ve noticed overall smoothness on my skin. I’m in my 30s, so I like having a retinol product in my skin care routine, particularly for my ‘11’ lines. (I’m constantly frowning) It’s very gentle and absorbs quickly after applying. I haven’t experienced any redness or irritation, but it does have a slight off-putting scent to it,” she says.
Best for Dry Skin: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Pros: A solid option for dry or dehydrated skin given its hydrating formulation; nonirritating; rejuvenates the skin overnightCons: Expensive“Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize skin density and rejuvenation while minimizing irritation,” says Dr. Brimhall. Featuring a unique retinol tri-active technology, this serum combines fast-acting and slow-release retinoids to help tackle lines and stubborn wrinkles. Since it also contains hyaluronic acid and Swertia flower extract (a TK), this formula will work wonders on dry or dehydrated skin, particularly if your goal is to rejuvenate your skin overnight with that much-needed hydration.
“I’m a sworn member of ‘team dry skin,’ and I rarely come across retinoid-infused serums that won’t leave my skin feeling uncomfortably tight. I’m glad to confirm that this definitely wasn’t the case with this Murad formula. On the contrary, it paired really well with my skin, and the texture felt amazing: nongreasy yet deeply hydrating,” reveals Glamour’s Primbet.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Pros: Safe for sensitive skin; great for healing breakouts; has a lightweight consistencyCons: ExpensiveEver since Medik8 put retinaldehyde on the map—a type of retinoid that’s more gentle on the skin and acts 11 times faster than traditional retinol—the Crystal Retinal has been clinically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, brighten stubborn dark spots, and help plump up your complexion. “What sets this product apart is its unique graded system, which includes six different concentrations of retinal ranging from 1 (0.01%) for sensitive skin to 24 (0.24%) for expert users, allowing you to choose the right concentration based on your skin’s needs with an online quiz to help you determine your skin type,” says board-certified dermatologist Angela Brimhall.
Primbet also praises this retinol formula’s ability to help with acne: “As a 26-year-old, I’m not prioritizing youth-boosting skin care as of yet, though I have my fair share of skin concerns. A few months ago, my skin suffered through yet another PCOS-related acne breakout that was nearly impossible to control. After using the Medik8 Crystal Retinal consistently for 12 weeks, my skin texture and inflammation improved to a point that I can’t even remember where the acne was in the first place,” she shares.
Best for Experienced Users: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol SerumSunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum
Original video by Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum
Pros: A highly-effective formula; suitable for mature and acne-prone skin; features a blend of soothing ingredients to minimize irritationCons: ExpensiveWe often associate effective and high-dose retinoid formulas with irritation, flare-ups, and dry skin, however, this serum from Sunday Riley proved otherwise. Perfect for experienced retinol lovers who are after a bigger boost, this bioavailable formula ensures none of the unwanted side effects that often come with retinol do not appear while delivering genuinely impressive results. Infused with 5% retinoid ester and 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol blends, this serum also features 0.5% blue-green algae (a natural ingredient that mimics the effect of retinoids) for maximum antiaging benefits. This innovative formulation also helps decongest the skin and heal UV-damage with the assistance of the encapsulated CoQ10, while the likes of Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, and cactus extract will soothe and calm in the process. Sure, its price tag is a tough pill to swallow, but this is one of the few cases when we can confidently say that it will be well worth the splurge.
“Fine lines have started to creep up on my forehead and around my mouth, so using a retinol has been highly recommended by my derm. When I’m not applying prescription-strength stuff, I like to reach for this OTC A-plus high-dose version because it helps plump and soften my skin, without irritating my acne or drying out my patchy areas. I love the consistency of this serum because it’s smooth and absorbs like lightning, and is generally much gentler than other OTC retinols I’ve tried in the past. I’d recommend this one for anyone who has combination skin that’s looking to address small wrinkles and lines. It’s able to do this without aggravating other skin issues,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Mature Skin: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night MoisturizerOlay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
Original photo from Charlotte Twine testing Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
Pros: Fragrance free; suitable for reactive and sensitive skin; helps firm and rid of sagging skinCons: The formula is greasyBecause mature skin types dry out easily, they can benefit from retinol that’s encapsulated in a thick, hydrating cream to keep skin balanced. That’s where this heavy duty night cream comes in: it’s packed with retinol, peptides and glycerin to gently diminish the look of crepeiness, sagging and wrinkles, for a smoother, fresher and youthful glow. We recommend applying it at night, after cleanser, for best results–and we love that it’s fragrance free, making it suitable for those with reactive skin.
“I was surprised at how quickly it absorbed, which is unusual for rich night creams. After using it for the first time, I woke up the next morning with my skin looking a bit smoother and firmer than usual, an ideal surface for putting on makeup. Over a few days of use, the discoloration and lines on my face are a bit less prominent and my skin looks glowy,” says Glamour copy manager, Charlotte Twine.
Best for Undereyes: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + RetinalBeauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal
Original video from Denise Primbet testing Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal
Pros: Visibly fades undereye fine lines; rejuvenates the skin; improves skin tone; reasonably pricedCons: Might not be potent enough for someFeaturing an oil-free ingredients list, this gentle serum offers faster results thanks to the 2% liposome-stabilized retinal that transforms into retinoic acid, which in turn maximizes efficacy. Meanwhile, the nourishing ginseng-root extract helps your undereyes maintain optimal hydration levels and restore the skin’s elasticity, making it a great pick-me-up product to apply as part of your evening skin care routine.
“My skin and eyes are both super sensitive so I’m always cautious when trying new skin care; however, I’m glad to report that this formula didn’t result in any irritation whatsoever,” shares Glamour’s Primbet. “After using this formula for five weeks, I saw evident results and noticed that most of my fine lines were a lot less obvious.”
Best Budget Pick: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in SqualaneThe Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
Pros: Great for sensitive skin due to small retinol percentage and the fact that the ingredient is submerged in squalane (which is nourishing and helps the skin retain moisture).Cons: Takes a few minutes to dry down; may pill if you don’t let it fully dryThis lightweight oil-like formula is a treat to apply, and is the most affordable of the bunch, which is great if you you’re just dipping your toe (or face) into retinol for the first time. It’s combined with squalane (a TK), which helps guard against irritated, dry, flaky skin. Dr. Mitchell recommends pairing it with a thick moisturizer to help calm your skin barrier as you increase use.
“As someone with reactive skin and uneven texture, particularly from acne redness on my nose and chin, I really enjoyed using this retinol serum. It’s not sticky (though it takes a minute to dry down), and I found that it helped reduce discoloration after a few weeks in these areas. My skin looks calmer in general, and I’ve noticed less acne crop up in my usual spots. I would recommend waiting for this to completely dry before applying other skin care products on top, as it has a little tendency to pill. Otherwise, as the most affordable serum on this list, it holds up against the others really well,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Frequently asked questions
Retinol is basically a catchall term for topical skin care products that contain a vitamin A derivative. If you want to talk specifics, retinol is technically a type of retinoid. “Retinoids work by increasing collagen production, as well as increasing the rate of skin-cell turnover,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
What are the benefits of retinol?
“Retinol helps treat acne, clogged pores, and blackheads by reducing the stickiness of the cells that clog pores, as well as speeding up the rate at which the skin turns over and regenerates,” says Dr. Marchbein. Because of this, the best retinol serums and antiaging creams, are ideal for evening out skin tone, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, improving overall skin texture, eliminating blemishes, and decreasing pore size.
How to use retinol correctly
Dermatologists recommend starting at a lower strength (0.05% is a good place to start if you don’t have sensitive skin) and building up over time. You might also want to ease into it and start with one or two applications a week to build up your tolerance. Anything with higher than 1% might be too irritating to the skin.
Otherwise, you might end up dealing with something that’s known as “purging”: irritation that includes redness, peeling, and increased breakouts. You can also try buffering—sandwiching retinol between two layers of moisturizer—to minimize retinol burn, flaking and dryness.
It’s also worth noting that retinol works best when used at night. “Most retinoids are not stable in the sun,” says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Not to mention all retinoids can make your skin somewhat sun-sensitive due to their exfoliant properties, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, she adds.
How often can you use retinol?
“If you’re new to retinol, begin with a small percentage (0.03% to 0.05%) two or three nights a week,” says Dr. Mitchell. Once your skin builds tolerance, you can work up to using it every night. “Always follow with a moisturizer to reduce dryness and make sure you wear sunscreen every day. You can also opt for a retinol alternative such as bakuchiol which is gentler on dry and sensitive skin types. Retinol and UV exposure do not mix, so protection during the day is non-negotiable,” she says.
Which is better: retinol or hyaluronic acid?
While both retinol and hyaluronic acid are widely considered to be the most popular skin care ingredients, each performs a different function, so putting them against each other is like comparing apples and oranges.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture, making it the number-one hydrating remedy for every skin type. We’re willing to bet that this clever ingredient is already present in most of your go-to products, such as hydrating serums, face moisturizers, and toners.
Retinol, on the other hand, is a derivative of vitamin A, which is an active ingredient that helps renew and rebalance the skin. It works by stimulating your skin’s cell turnover and encouraging the formation of new cells, therefore boosting collagen production, smoothing out wrinkles, and improving skin texture.
Long story short, while both ingredients are just as important, retinol’s benefits are way more versatile, and you are definitely more likely to see visible results from incorporating it into your daily regimen. Ideally, you would use a quality hyaluronic-acid serum alongside your retinoid-infused products to maximize hydration.
Which is better: retinol or vitamin C?
Retinol differs from vitamin C which is an antioxidant that addresses hyperpigmentation.“Vitamin C is great for morning use to brighten and protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV exposure. Retinol is best at night because that’s when your skin is in repair mode, and it helps stimulate collagen and cell turnover,” says Dr. Mitchell. When used together, (vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night), they work synergistically for radiant, glowy skin.
Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in LAMona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Branford, ConnecticutShari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYCMona Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of MedicineAngela Brimhall DO, MS, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Sage DermatologyHope Mitchell, MD and board-certified dermatologist at Mitchell Dermatology
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