If you've tried it all—hydrating night cream,
moisturizer, and face serum—but you're still showing signs of skin damage, it might be time for the gold
standard in anti-aging: retinol. The over-the-counter vitamin A derivative clears acne flare-ups, evens out tone and texture, stimulates collagen, and minimizes age spots and wrinkles. "Retinol is the only topical ingredient that has scientifically proven anti-aging properties," says Tsippora Shainhouse MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.
While retinol
is extremely effective, it does have its drawbacks (namely that it can cause irritation and can be pricey), so it's important to note two key things. First, use retinol at night. The ingredient may make your skin more sun-sensitive, so it's best to slather it on around bedtime. Also important to note: Serums generally contain higher concentrations of retinol, so there can be a greater chance for redness, peeling, and dryness (especially if they're paired with other powerful ingredients, like
vitamin C). To reduce the risk of irritation, use a low percentage—like 0.025 percent—and ramp up as your skin adjusts, says Sonia Batra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Retinol creams, on the other hand, tend to be thicker and infused with deeply hydrating and nourishing ingredients that may offset some of the potential redness and irritation.
Our Top
Products:
1
Best Fragrance-Free Option
Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion Marie Veronique
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2
Best for Dark Spots
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane The Ordinary
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3
Best for Wrinkles
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Filler RoC
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4
Best Drugstore
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum Neutrogena
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5
Best High Concentration
Retinol 1.0 SkinCeuticals
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So, which retinol serum is the best? To help you navigate all the options available, we asked dermatologists to share the products perfectly suited for oily or sensitive skin, acne, dark spots, and, of course, wrinkles, they most often recommend. These are their favorites—and some were even developed by
dermatologists.
1
Best Fragrance-Free Option
Marie Veronique
Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion
2
Best for Dark Spots
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
3
Best for Wrinkles
RoC
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Filler
4
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum
5
Best High Concentration
SkinCeuticals
Retinol 1.0
6
Best Dermatologist-Formulated
Sobel Skin Rx
4.5% Retinol Complex Night Treatment
7
Best Lightweight
Lancer Skincare
Advanced Retinol Treatment
8
Best Vegan
Drunk Elephant
A-Passioni Retinol Cream
9
Best Multi-Strength
SkinMedica
Age Defense Retinol Complex
10
Best for Beginners
First Aid Beauty
Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate
11
Best for Acne
Differin
Adapalene Gel 0.1%
12
Best for Sensitive Skin
PCA Skin
Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night
13
Best with Vitamin C
Paula's Choice
1% Retinol Treatment
14
CeraVe
Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
15
Best Eye Treatment
Avène
Retrinal Eyes Contour Care
16
Elizabeth Arden
Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
17
Murad
Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
18
Best for Building Collagen
Alastin
Renewal Retinol
19
Neutrogena
Ageless Intensives Anti-Wrinkle Cream
20
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum