It's no secret that retinol is a powerful ingredient for achieving glowing and healthy skin. The vitamin A derivative offers countless benefits, such as reducing wrinkles, evening skin tone, and unclogging pores. That's why it's a popular ingredient in many skincare products.
With countless retinol creams on the market, finding one that caters specifically to your skin type can seem daunting. But if you're willing to splurge a bit more than usual - up towards $50 or so - medical grade skincare brands are sure to have an option for you.
We've rounded up the best retinols for all skin types, so no matter your concern, you can find something to address it.
Our top picks for the best retinol of 2023:
Best for first time retinol users: Skinceutical Retinols 0.3%
Best retinol for reducing wrinkles: Alastin Retinols 0.5%
Best retinol for a brighter, more even complexion: Zo Skin Retinols 0.25%
Best retinol for those with sensitive skin: PCA Skin Sensitive Skin Retinol
High-concentration retinol cream for fine lines, wrinkles, and skin aging: Obagi Retinol 1.0%
Retinol creams from beauty stores:
Best moisturizer with retinol: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
Best retinol cream for acne skin: Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Best retinol cream for the neck: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream
Best retinol eye cream: First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream
Best retinol body lotion: Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A, and it's an extremely effective skincare ingredient. It helps to speed up cellular turnover, which helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, unclog pores and fade dark spots. Retinol also has antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
How Retinol Works？
As we age, our skin's natural production of collagen decreases. This can lead to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Retinol helps stimulate the production of collagen, restoring elasticity and reducing fine lines. It also speeds up cell turnover, exfoliating away dead cells on the surface of your skin and revealing brighter, healthier looking skin underneath. It also helps to even skin tone and unclog pores, making it an ideal ingredient for treating acne.
Top retinol creams for 2023
Best for first time retinol users: Skinceutical Retinols 0.3%
Skin type: Oily, normal, and combination
Key ingredients: 0.3% Retinol, soothing complex (bisabolol and boswellia serrata extract)
Skin concern: Discoloration, acne, aging
Size: 30 ml /1 fl. oz.
What are the benefits?
- Promotes cellular turnover
- Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-, fragrance-, and gluten-free
Best retinol for reducing wrinkles: Alastin Retinols 0.5%
Skin type: All skin types
Key ingredients: Retinol encapsulated in a solid lipid, oat Extract, hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, silver mushroom, co-enzyme Q-10
Size: 1 Fl. Oz. / 29.6 mL
What are the benefits?
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Smooths skin texture
- Anti-irritants and antioxidants calm sensitive skin
- Potent hydrators protect against skin dehydration and support the skin barrier
Best retinol for a brighter, more even complexion: Zo Skin Retinols 0.25%
Skin type: All skin types
Key ingredients: High-potency retinol, oleosome delivery, Bakuchiol, brightening blend
Size: 50 ML / 1.7 Fl. Oz.
What are the benefits?
- Eliminates uneven skin tone
- Improve skin smoothness
- For maximized brightening
- Contains calming + soothing properties
Best retinol for those with sensitive skin: PCA Skin Sensitive Skin Retinol
Skin type: Sensitive/ultra sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Vitamin A, niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, inflaShield
Skin concern: Preventative, sensitive
Size: 1 FL.OZ / 29.5 G
What are the benefits?
- Encourages cell turnover to minimize the signs of aging
- Reduces redness, uneven skin tone
- Suitable for sensitive skin
High-concentration retinol cream for fine lines, wrinkles, and skin aging: Obagi Retinol 1.0%
Skin type: Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin, Oily Skin
Key ingredients: Retinol
Skin concern: Fine lines and wrinkles, skin aging
Size: 28G / 1 OZ.
What are the benefits?
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Promotes skin turnover
- Smoother skin texture and even skin tone
Best moisturizer with retinol: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
Skin type: Normal, Oily, Dry Combination
Key ingredients: Retinoid Complex, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Amino Peptide
Skin concern: Fine lines & wrinkles, uneven texture, dullness, dryness
What are the benefits?
- Smoother and glowing skin
- Hydrates your skin for 24 hours
- Deeply penetrate the skin with anti-aging ingredients for maximum benefit
- Specifically formulated for maximum skin absorption
Best retinol cream for acne prone skin: Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Skin type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Key ingredients: Retinol 0.3%, Bakuchiol 2%, Peptides
Skin concern: Fine lines and wrinkles, pores, and loss of firmness and elasticity
Size: 1 oz/ 30 mL
What are the benefits?
- Retinol at 0.3% strength reduces signs of aging
- 2% bakuchiol enhances retinol's ability to reduce wrinkles
- Peptides enhance collagen for enhanced skin firmness
- Light lotion texture absorbs quickly
Best retinol cream for the neck: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream
Skin type: All skin types
Key ingredients: Retinol, Niacinamide
Skin concern: Wrinkles
What are the benefits?
- Wrinkles are visibly reduced
- Improve uneven skin tone and texture
- Firmer and tighter contours on the face and neck
- Complexion looks brighter, healthier-looking
Best retinol eye cream: First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream
Skin type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Key ingredients: Microencapsulated Retinol, Microencapsulated Retinol, Micro-Pearls
Skin concern: Fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity, dark circles and puffiness
Size: 0.5 oz/ 15 mL
What are the benefits?
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Promote skin health through collagen production and cell renewal
- Microencapsulation delivers retinol over time making it safe to use around the delicate eye area.
- Intensely moisturize your skin with the Tri-molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid
Best retinol body lotion: Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion
Skin type: Recommended for dry skin
Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol (0.10%), cocoa butter (2.5%), squalane (1.0%), vitamin e (0.01%)
Skin concern: Aging skin, dryness, dullness
Size: 6 fl. oz. / 177 ml
What are the benefits?
- Firms, smooths, and brightens from the neck down
- Vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested
- Safe for sensitive skin types
Retinol cream FAQs: everything you need to know
What to avoid when using retinol?
When using retinol, it's important to be mindful of concentration. Start with a low retinol concentration and slowly increase as your skin adjusts. It's also best to avoid pairing retinol with other active ingredients like glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as they can cause dryness and irritation. Lastly, make sure you wear sunscreen during the day as retinol increases sun sensitivity.
How often do you need to use retinol to see results?
Retinol works best when used consistently. Depending on the product and strength, you may start to notice visible results in as little as one week or up to three months. Be sure to follow the directions for use on the product you select, especially if it's your first time using a retinol product. As with any new skincare product, start slowly with just a few nights a week and work your way up to the recommended usage amount.
Is pure retinol better?
The answer to this question is not a simple one. In some cases, pure retinol may be more effective than other forms of vitamin A; however, it can also cause skin irritation in certain individuals. Furthermore, some studies suggest that a combination of other forms of vitamin A and retinol might be more effective than pure retinol alone. Ultimately, it is best to consult with your dermatologist or healthcare provider to decide which form of vitamin A is right for you.
Is retinol serum safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not recommended to use retinol products while pregnant or breastfeeding. Retinol can increase skin sensitivity, which could make it more vulnerable to irritating ingredients and environmental stressors. Additionally, since the safety of retinoids during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid using retinol products when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can I use Lactic Acid with Retinol?
It is possible to use lactic acid with retinol, although it should be done carefully. Lactic acid can increase the skin's sensitivity to retinol, so if you decide to combine these two ingredients, start by using a low concentration of each and gradually build up. It is important to note that combining active ingredients such as these may increase the risk of irritation and skin redness. It is also important to make sure you are using products with non-irritating formulations, as well as applying a broad spectrum sunscreen during the day. If your skin shows any signs of irritation or redness, stop using the combination until it has cleared up.
Is there a Retinol alternative if my skin cannot handle it?
There are a variety of Retinol alternatives that can be used if your skin cannot handle Retinol. These alternatives include products containing Vitamin C, Glycerin and Hyaluronic acid, Glycolic Acid and other natural extracts such as Green Tea and Aloe Vera.
We hope this guide has helped you choose the best retinol product for your needs. As always, be sure to consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns about adding new products or ingredients to your skincare routine.
