Get Clear and Glowing Skin with these Best Retinol Creams and Serums

Retinol can solve almost any skin problem, including dark spots, acne, fine lines and dark spots, drooping or dullness, dark circles and enlarged pores. With consistent use, the best retinol serum or cream can address all these issues and improve your skin’s appearance.

What is retinol?

Pure vitamin A is the transformative ingredient. Retinol, along with many other vitamin-A derivatives beginning with the letter R is an example of a “retinoid” — this is the general term for all A-based formulas. It can be used both over-the-counter and prescription.

Retinoic acid, the active form vitamin A, is a refresher. It binds immediately with skin cells’ receptors, making them behave in a healthier manner. This directive can lead to many improvements such as normalized cell turnover and glowing skin. Balanced pigment production to reduce dark spots. Revitalized collagen synthesis for smoother skin, tighter pores and better skin.

What is the best concentration of retinol?

David Kim, MD, a New York-based dermatologist, says that it is important to know the percentage of retinol in a cream to ensure it delivers all the wonderful benefits vitamin A offers. “Studies have shown that retinol is about 10 times less potent than prescription-strength retinoic acid, so I usually recommend products with at least 0.25 percent retinol.”

What is the best time to use retinol?

Retinol treatments can be difficult to adjust to, especially for new users. The skin must convert over-the-counter vitamin A formulas to retinoic acids before they are effective. You should be careful with any retinoid, especially for sensitive skin. Only apply a small amount once or twice a week to help your skin adjust.

Will retinol irritate my skin?

Hadley King MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, reminds us that irritations such as redness, dryness, burning, and peeling are all normal. This should stop by the fourth week. A squirt with anti-inflammatory lotion or serum can be used to buffer your retinoids. These formulas include those that are high in niacinamide and polyphenols. These are well-respected doctors’ orders that we have long practiced and preached.

Even so, many people still fall for common retinol myths and go through some rough patches with retinoids. News flash: Although they don’t increase your chances of developing sunburns you should still use SPF. It takes patience and knowledge to find a retinol your skin will accept. However, cosmetic chemists have come up with innovative ways to deliver the retinol’s magic without any side effects.

We’ve found many standouts in our search for non-irritating, non-irritating retinals. They are both highly effective and gentle enough to be used by those who are retinoid-intolerant. These non-Rx gems are transformative because they contain either pure retinol, or a next-generation derivative that can turn on the same receptors to cause visible change.

What skin-care products contain retinol in them?

Before we get into the merits of each, let’s be clear: There are many oils and serums that claim to be retinols. Since they rely on plant extracts like rosehip oil as alternative sources of vitamin A, you won’t find any retinol or any other recognizable derivative in their ingredient lists.

Kelly Dobos, cosmetic chemist, says that there is no evidence that natural sources are more safe than synthetic retinoids. Also, their effectiveness is often highly suspect. Rosehip oil, for instance, contains just 0.4 parts per Million (0.00004 percent) retinoic acids, which are further reduced in final products.

To help you sort the amazing products from their suspicious or just-average counterparts, keep scrolling for our favorite, dermatologist-approved retinol creams, serums, and treatments.

Best Retinol Eye Creams

Sunday Riley 5 Stars Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum

Sunday Riley’s 5 Stars Eye Serum + Niacinamide Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Cream would get a rating. Treat your delicate eye area to this lightweight serum doused in retinol ester and liposome-encapsulated retinol to strengthen your skin’s natural collagen production, while niacinamide brightens instances of discoloration.

A moisturizing mix of ceramides, olive oil, and glycerin completes the dream team. This helps to protect your skin’s good ‘ol barrier and ensures that it doesn’t flake or itch.

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

RoC’s Retinol Correxion Eye cream, a three-time winner of the Best of Beauty Award, is a reliable retinol treatment that has stood the test of the years. Pure, stable retinol can help to relax any creases. It’s also accompanied by an antioxidant rich complex of copper, zinc, and magnesium. Mona Gohara M.D. is an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine. This helps in the formation of skin-plumping collab.

Best Retinol Serums

Youth to the People Retinal + Youth Serum with Niacinamide

The Youth to the People Retinal+ Niacinamide Youth serum is a great choice in this category. It contains retinal, which is a vitamin A derivative that smoothens the skin’s texture. It also contains niacinamide, which helps to reduce dark spots and adaptogenic mushroom to replenish skin moisture.

Peace Out Retinol Face Stick

We love the Peace Out Retinol Face Stick for its convenience. This easy-to-use stick contains a three-percent effective blend of encapsulated retinal to smoothen fine lines, a blend o papaya enzymes and pumpkin enzymes to reduce pores, and bakuchiol for even texture. It’s a good idea to take it with you on the move for touch-ups throughout your day.

RoC’s Derm Correxion Fill and Treat Serum

RoC’s DermCorrexion Fill+ Treat Serum receives an A+ because it convinces us to forgo filler and even botox. The three forms of Hyaluronic Acid immediately make a difference in plumping up lines. Retinol creates a smooth base, which is why it was awarded the Best of Beauty Award 2022.

Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum

Farmacy’s 1% Vitamin A Retinol Skin Serum contains a variety of skin-loving ingredients. You will see results quickly. The first ingredient is retinal. This instantly gives the skin a tighter texture and works to improve its appearance. To combat wrinkles and fine lines, retinol is next. Kalahari melon oils, which soothe and replenish moisture, is last.

Peter Thomas Roth Smoother Glycolic Renewal Serum

Although $65 might seem expensive, we are convinced that the Peter Thomas Roth Even smoother Glycolic Retinol Serum is well worth it. The formula contains retinol and glycolic acid, which will make your skin’s texture smoother over time. You will also find hydrating and plumping ingredients such as collagen and hyaluronic acids, along with niacinamide. This will make discoloration and dark spots disappear.

Alastin Skincare Renewal Vitamin A.5

Marina Peredo M.D. is a New York City-based board certified dermatologist. She tells us that Alastin Skincare Renewal Retinol.5 has retinol that is encapsulated. This improves stability and allows for slower delivery. She says that the antioxidants, which include hydroxymehtoxyphenyldecanone, support [the production] of natural hyaluronic acids.”

What other ingredients are there? Dr. Peredo states that moisturizing silver mushrooms and calming oatmeal extract are two additional ingredients that can greatly benefit the skin and reduce irritation caused by retinol.

Mele Even Dark Spot Control Serum

Dr. King loves Mele’s Even Dark Spot Control serum, which is specifically formulated for melanin rich skin. However, all skin types can benefit. She says that the hyperpigmentation-fighting fluid contains pro-retinol, a less irritating form of retinol that often combines pure retinol with fatty acids (in this case, retinyl propionate) to help reduce dark spots and niacinamide to even skin tone and smooth texture.

“It also contains hexylresorcinol [a molecule with melanin production-inhibiting tyrosinase], which helps to brighten skin, as well as vitamin E,” she notes. It’s also reasonably priced at $24, which means you don’t need to spend a lot to achieve the radiant results that you desire.

The Inkey List Retinol Cream

Retinol products don’t have to be costly. The Inkey List’s Retinol serum costs just $10. Slow-release vitamin A that smoothens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines is made up of 0.5 percent granactive and retistar stabilized retinol. Squalane is a natural skin moisturizer that helps to cushion the effects of the retinol and keeps your skin hydrated and soothed.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Another Best of Beauty Award winner, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum was a great choice for this list. Shari Marchbein M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist, said that it’s a “great, over-the-counter brightening cream.” Niacinamide, a powerful anti-inflammatory vitamin B3 derivative rich in antioxidants and vitamin B3, has been scientifically proven to reduce redness and pigmentation.

This affordable drugstore formulation also contains retinol encapsulated, which means it is released slowly and should be easier to tolerate for sensitive skin.

Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster

Paula’s Choice offers a variety of retinol products, but the brand, which was acquired by Unilever, insists that the 1% Retinol Booster is its best-selling product. A slow-release delivery system, as well as a host of soothing extracts, such 1 percent retinol, are not jokes.

This retinol cream can be mixed with (read: diluted with) your favorite moisturizer to further cushion any possible damage. Our rosacea-prone test subject has been using the retinol serum every night for the past few weeks. She blends it with a hydrating cream and wakes up to smoother, plumper skin. She tried it straight once or twice, but she didn’t experience any irritation nor stinging. However, she says mixing is better for her sensory experience.

Eve Lom Time Retreat Face Therapy

We were not surprised to see Eve Lom Time Retreat Face Therapy’s non-aggressive approach after noticing that niacinamide is a barrier-enhancing ingredient. Encapsulation makes the retinol less irritating and maintains its strength.

Eve Lom’s luxurious vibe was loved by our tester as well as the quick returns. This means that skin is smoother and fresher in just two weeks. This water-light serum is a great choice for anyone who likes to apply multiple products before going to bed.