These serums are serious power players.
The reigning champion of skincare is retinol. This superstar ingredient, a form of vitamin A, tackles a range of concerns, from fine lines and dark spots to uneven texture and pesky breakouts1.
“The magic of retinoids lies in their ability to rev up cell turnover, gently exfoliate, and boost collagen production,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes, MD. “Plus, retinol helps regulate sebum production, which is a win for acne-prone skin,” she adds. “Consistent use can even minimize sun damage in the top layers of your skin.”
To help you navigate the world of retinol serums, we’ve curated a list of top picks, endorsed by derms and tested by Byrdie editors. We evaluated dozens of brands, comparing formulas based on active ingredients, targeted benefits, and even how they feel and absorb into skin. Here are the very best retinol serums, ready to help you achieve your most radiant complexion.
What’s Better, Retinol Serum Or Retinol Cream?
In general, serums penetrate deeper layers of skin, while creams form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to keep it hydrated. Retinol serums and creams both deliver the wrinkle-fighting benefits of retinol, but cater to different skin types and needs. Most retinol serums pack a higher concentration of retinol, are lightweight, and absorb quickly, making them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. Retinol creams are richer, more moisturizing and better for dry, sensitive, or mature skin. No matter what form they take, over-the-counter retinol products can be effective, but they generally aren’t as strong as prescription retinoids.
Best Overall
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
While over-the-counter formulas aren’t as strong as the prescription variety, Fusion PM holds its own. “I like this because the retinol is encapsulated and combined with vitamins C and E,” says Dr. Madfes.
This serum flaunts a generous 1.5% concentration of encapsulated retinol, meaning it releases slowly into your skin to sidestep irritation.1 In addition to the brightening antioxidants Dr. Madfes mentioned, she notes that the base is “very hydrating” thanks to the blend of humectants and skin-loving squalane, so you’re less likely to notice any dryness and inflammation from the retinol.
The Peter Thomas Roth Night Serum Tester
Olivia: “I am happy to report that my skin is the smoothest it’s ever been, and it looks refreshed all around. Most importantly, this serum lived up to its claim of being gentle as I experienced no irritation or redness while using it.”
Best Budget
The Inkey List Retinol Serum
If you’re on a budget, go with this option from The Inkey List. This brilliantly cheap serum contains a 1% concentration of stabilized retinol, 0.5% of granactive retinoid (the gentle cousin of prescription-only tretinoin), and squalane to deliver moisture while minimizing irritation.2
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Face Serum
“I recommend Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum because it contains stabilized retinol, and the formulation won’t break you out,” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. In a clinical trial commissioned by the brand, 100% of users noticed an improvement in their skin after just a week.
Best Splurge
iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance +
Charlene DeHaven, MD, says this advanced serum is an excellent spot treatment for inflammation and blemishes. “It contains high levels of wound healers for acne lesions, anti-inflammatories, and antioxidants from botanical sources,” she tells Byrdie. “This strong serum is also packed with vitamins A, C, and E and olive leaf extract.”
Best Overnight
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
Get your beauty sleep with Sunday Riley Luna. This overnight oil boasts an active retinoid complex, calming chamomile, and skin-loving plant oils like blue tansy, which contains azulene—one of the most potent skin-soothing ingredients on the market.3
Best High Concentration
Yeouth Retinol Serum
With 2.5% encapsulated retinol, this serum offers one of the highest concentrations you can get over the counter, while encapsulation allows for a slow release with minimal irritation. As Dr. Madfes explains, it creates a firming effect by activating the retinoid receptors within our skin, which “stimulates collagen and elastin production.”
Best for Crow’s Feet
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Triple Correction Eye Serum
According to Dr. Dennis Gross, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, this eye serum is meant to be “applied both under the lid and on top for a lifting effect and incorporates retinol for treating crow’s feet, fine lines, and 11s.” What’s more, he says the gel-like consistency offers a cooling, depuffing effect.
The Dr. Dennis Gross Triple Correction Eye Serum Tester
Sunita: “It absorbs quickly and wears well under concealer or makeup, with no stickiness or texture. My under eyes feel smoother and more hydrated. There are no immediate results of tightness or a firming effect under my eyes after application, those come with use over time.”
Best Capsules
RoC Smoothing Night Serum Capsules
A favorite of Dr. Madfes, RoC Night Serum Capsules boast a high concentration of pure retinol. In a clinical trial, 100% of people noticed a reduction in fine lines and visibly firmer skin after just four weeks of using the ceramide-infused anti-ager. This might be why it’s Amazon’s second best-selling face serum.
Best Exfoliating
Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum
As Dr. Madfes explains, “All retinoids increase cell turnover.” But Shani Darden’s Byrdie-approved Retinol Reform takes it a step further. It calls on alpha-hydroxy acid to gently slough off dead cells, brighten your complexion, and improve uneven texture.4
Best for Sensitive Skin
Maelove Moonlight Retinal Super Serum
Moonlight Super Serum contains retinal (short for retinaldehyde), which is believed to be more effective than standard retinol but still plenty gentle.5 Formulated with reactive complexions in mind, the Super Serum is filled with a medley of other soothing ingredients like aloe, witch hazel, green tea, and squalane. If you have eczema, rosacea, or your skin is particularly sensitive, this can be a gentle way to ease into using retinol in your regimen.
Best for Dry Skin
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
If your skin is on the drier side, go with CeraVe (words to live by). In addition to encapsulated retinol, this air-tight pump bottle is filled with ceramides to replenish and protect the skin barrier, plus hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.6
Best for Mature Skin
Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum
“Retinoids help to decrease wrinkles and brown spots and improve overall skin texture,” says Dr. Madfes. If you want noticeable results, reach for this hot pink potion from Josie Maran. It combines retinol with quercetin, plant oils, and squalane to tackle photoaging without irritation.7
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Board-certified dermatologist Melissa K. Levin, MD, recommends Differin Adapalene for clearing and preventing breakouts. “This powerful gel is the first FDA-approved acne-treating retinoid that’s over the counter,” she explains. “It’s an absolute game-changer.”
The Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Tester
Bianca: “The price and the results make this product worth adding to your routine, especially if you’re dealing with hormonal breakouts. After eight days of use, I noticed that my chest felt smoother. I also noticed I had no neck pimples the week before my cycle. Even the minor changes to the clarity of my skin on my neck and chest were enough to make this a new staple in my nightly routine.”
Best for Uneven Texture
Glossier Universal Pro-Retinol
If you’re dealing with uneven texture or hyperpigmentation, this little tincture from Glossier has your name on it. It contains 0.5% “retinyl sunflowerate,” a fancy name for a blend of pure retinol and sunflower seed oil. You’ll also get a dose of smoothing stevia extract, moisturizing shea butter, and soothing aloe.8
Best for Fine Lines
Naturium Retinol Complex Serum
This affordable formula from popular skincare brand Naturium combines micro-encapsulated retinol with retinol alternative bakuchiol to bring you a one-two punch of line-smoothing, wrinkle-preventing, skin-firming, pore-minimizing goodness, plus vitamin C to simultaneously brighten.9
Best for Beginners
Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 0.5
Board-certified dermatologist Julie Russak, MD, is a fan of Retinol Complete, which addresses hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and other signs of photoaging by encouraging cell turnover. “It’s formulated with humectant molecules that hydrate and also contains antioxidants,” she tells Byrdie. “This makes it much more tolerable and decreases any redness or dryness.”
Best Retinol Alternative
Ranavat Renewing Bakuchi Crème
Given that retinol can be too harsh for some with sensitive skin, and derms recommend against using it if you’re pregnant or nursing, you might be looking for an alternative with the same skin-restoring benefits. Bakuchi seed oil is the starring ingredient in this rich, concentrated cream. With lotus flower and ashwagandha, it’s formulated to target hyperpigmentation. And to boot, it boasts recyclable glass packaging.
“I’m a fan of this Ayurvedic brand, and was thrilled when I discovered this retinol-alternative,” says Byrdie associate editorial director Jill Di Donato. “Although not technically a serum, it has a silky potent formula that’s packed with botanic actives that my skin just drinks up, so it essentially functions as well, if not better than a serum, especially if you’re prone to dryness or have combination skin like me.”
Best for Oily Skin
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
In general, and especially if your skin is oily or acne-prone, you’ll want to pick a retinol product that is formulated for your skin type. CeraVe’s Retinol Serum is a fan favorite for its refreshing feel and the way it helps firm skin without aggravating breakouts. This light serum contains niacinamide and licorice root extract along with ceramides, making it a gentle option for sensitive skin. It’s unscented and formulated not to clog pores, and rings in at a very budget-friendly price.
Best Moderate Priced
baebody Retinol Facial Serum
We’re fans of this lightweight formula that absorbs easily into skin, and feels silky smooth, thanks to the addition of castor oil to the formula. We love this as a moderately priced option that features a naturally-derived ingredient list. We also like that the formula is safe for skin that’s prone to acne, as castor oil is known not only for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but also for its ability to diminish the appearance of scars.
What to Look for in a Retinol Serum
- Retinol form: Dr. Madfes recommends encapsulated retinol (sometimes called sustained-release retinol), as it offers a slower release into the skin, minimizing irritation and excessive dryness. You’ll also find various retinoid complexes, which means multiple forms are combined into one. Then there’s retinal (aka retinaldehyde), which has shown to be a little more effective than traditional retinol while still avoiding prescription-level side effects.
- Concentration: Over-the-counter formulas usually contain about 1% retinol, though you’ll find some lower and higher strengths. While OTC serums typically max out at 2%, they can go higher, depending on the form of retinoid used. Higher concentrations generally provide faster, more noticeable results, but if you have particularly sensitive skin, a lower concentration may be best.
- Hydrating and soothing ingredients: Since retinoids can cause dryness, Dr. Madfes says, “The trick is to create a balance to not dry the top layer of our skin.” She recommends formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, niacinamide (vitamin B3), ceramides, and plant oils. To minimize stinging and redness, opt for soothing ingredients, such as chamomile, aloe, witch hazel, and green tea. Squalane and various plant oils can also offer a calming effect.
FAQ
Are retinol serums safe for all skin types?
“Retinol serums are safe for all skin types,” confirms Dr. Madfes. However, if you have sensitive, reactive, or dry skin, look for a formula containing some of the hydrating and soothing ingredients mentioned above. Some users can experience dermatitis, or irritation, from using retinol.
Are retinol serums safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
“Retinol products are not to be used while pregnant,” Dr. Madfes tells Byrdie. To achieve similar smoothing, brightening, complexion-clearing benefits, she says, “Substitute vitamin C, vitamin B, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and antioxidants into your skincare regimen.”
How often should you apply retinol serums?
According to Dr. Madfes, a retinol serum should be applied daily, preferably at night. “If you experience dryness, change to every other night,” she adds. “It’s important to apply sunscreen in the morning to protect and continue the collagen-stimulating benefits.” Keep in mind that if you don’t like using a serum, there are also retinol creams available.
What percentage of retinol is best for skin?
A 0.5% concentration is a good baseline. From there, you can gradually increase your dosage as your skin acclimates to the treatment until you reach a 0.25% concentration. The strongest concentration of retinol you can get over the counter is 1%. However, most dermatologists agree that this concentration is too high for those starting out on the treatment, or beginning with retinol.
What happens when you stop using retinol?
Although retinol products can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and can also help to clear up acne, when you stop using the treatment, your skin will often return to baseline or pre-treatment condition.
Do you need to wash retinol off in the morning?
Yes. You will need to cleanse your face to wash off retinol or any other active ingredients before exposing your skin to sunlight.