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Image Credit: Mytour / Kristin KempaWhen it comes to non-prescription skincare, incorporating a retinol serum can significantly enhance your daily skincare routine. Retinols, which are derived from vitamin A, have been scientifically shown to help thicken skin, boost exfoliation, reduce oil production to fight acne, and stimulate collagen and elastin production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, says Heidi B. Prather, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas.
Whether you’re new to retinol and searching for a mild product or a seasoned user looking for a fresh formula, sorting through the vast selection of retinol serums can feel overwhelming. To simplify your search, we consulted Dr. Prather for expert guidance and compiled our list of the top retinol serums based on factors such as skin compatibility, price, and formula. We also included suggestions from the beauty editors at Mytour.
Editor's Choice
Sepia Eventide Retinol Renewal Serum
Image Credit: Sepia SkincareSepia Skincare’s entire range, including this serum, is created with a focus on inclusivity.
The serum's premium price might not be ideal for those on a tighter budget.
The Eventide Retinol Renewal Serum by Sepia Skincare is highly recommended by our beauty director Heather Muir Maffei, who particularly appreciates the brand's commitment to inclusivity in its product formulation. "Once a product is developed, it undergoes third-party clinical trials, which test it across all six Fitzpatrick skin phototypes, ensuring representation of various ethnic groups and genders. It's a practice that seems simple, but I discovered many brands don’t follow this approach," Maffei explains.
This retinol serum boasts a 0.3% formula that not only adheres to an inclusive approach but also effectively absorbs into the skin with minimal irritation. It features copper and amino acids, which work to promote collagen and elastin production for smoother skin. Additionally, the serum contains lipids, ceramides, and German chamomile to calm the skin and reduce redness and flaking. Despite its thoughtful formulation and inclusion focus, it does come with a higher price tag compared to some of the other options on this list.
Size: 1 ounce | Active Ingredients: Retinol, copper, amino acids, ceramides, and German chamomile | Concentration (% retinol): 0.3%
Best Overall
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Image Credit: UltaThis gentle formula contains encapsulated retinol, ceramides, and niacinamide, which work together to minimize irritation.
It is not specifically designed to target wrinkles or fine lines.
CeraVe is known for offering gentle yet effective skincare at an affordable price, and this retinol serum exemplifies that reputation. It’s a popular choice for those new to retinol, as the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum helps improve skin texture and promote resurfacing. The formula features encapsulated retinol that releases slowly, making it less likely to cause irritation.
Each CeraVe product, including this serum, includes three essential ceramides that help strengthen your skin barrier and retain moisture. Additionally, this formula contains licorice root extract for brightening and niacinamide to soothe the skin. To reduce irritation further, it's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
Although this product is intended for skin resurfacing, it is specifically targeted at improving the appearance of post-acne marks and minimizing pores. If your main concern is fine lines and wrinkles, you might want to seek out a formula designed to address those particular issues.
Size: 1 oz | Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, ceramides, niacinamide | Retinol Strength: Not provided
Top Drugstore Choice
No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex
IMAGE: AmazonThis product provides anti-aging effects thanks to its peptide complex and includes bisabolol to soothe potential irritation to your skin.
With the brand’s recommendation of using two pumps per application, it may not last as long as you’d expect.
Previously known as the No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate, this accessible drugstore serum delivers a 0.3% retinol concentration and features an encapsulation system to improve the absorption of retinol. For those concerned about irritation, it is fragrance-free and contains bisabolol, which helps calm the skin.
For additional anti-aging benefits, the serum also includes Matrixyl 3000 Plus™, No7’s exclusive peptide complex that helps minimize the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. However, note that No7 suggests using two pumps with each application, so if followed strictly, this may lead to quicker usage of the serum.
Size: 1 ounce | Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, bisabolol, and peptides | Retinol Concentration: 0.3%
Top Pick for Luxury
Kiehl’s Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing 0.3% Retinol Night Serum is designed to tackle signs of aging with its effective retinol formula.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Amazon.The product’s unique “mix-in” feature enhances its effectiveness.
The mixing process could require extra care, which might lead to some inconsistencies.
If you're ready to indulge, Kiehl's potent 0.3% retinol serum is a must-try. With pure retinol in powder form, it targets aging signs and reveals fresh skin. The serum and retinol are kept separate, and you must combine them before use to activate the serum. This method ensures the product's maximum effectiveness right from the start.
While it does require some initial effort and may allow for human error, this formula is designed to speed up the skin’s surface turnover process. Retinol can penetrate as deep as 15 layers of skin and, over time, may help minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Size: 0.94 ounces | Active Ingredients: Retinol | Retinol Concentration: 0.3%
Ideal for Acne-Prone Skin
Paula's Choice BOOST 1% Retinol Booster is a powerful product designed to enhance your skincare routine with 1% retinol to target fine lines and texture.
PHOTO: AmazonThis product is rich in skin-boosting ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and plant extracts.
The amount of product is quite small, so you may find yourself buying it more frequently.
Paula’s Choice offers a fragrance-free 1% Retinol Booster designed to target pores, uneven skin tone, bumps, and wrinkles. Its lightweight formula makes it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, while the slow-release retinol system reduces irritation. This booster helps reveal clearer, younger-looking skin.
In addition to retinol, the formula includes soothing plant extracts like oat and salix alba, providing antioxidant benefits. Ceramides work to lock in moisture and fortify the skin's barrier, while peptides support collagen production, leaving the skin firmer and plumper. However, note that the bottle only contains 0.5 ounces, meaning you may need to repurchase it often.
Size: 0.5 ounces | Active Ingredients: Retinol, ceramides, and peptides | Concentration (% retinol): 1%
Ideal for Dry Skin
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Face Serum with Peptides
IMAGE: AmazonIt contains a mild retinol complex that helps reduce the redness and irritation typically caused by retinol treatments.
The visible changes in the skin may take longer with this milder formula.
If you’ve been on the lookout for a gentle retinol solution for dry skin, the First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Face Serum with Peptides is an excellent option. This nurturing formula, designed to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, combines both retinol and retinyl propionate, which works to reduce redness and irritation while supporting skin renewal. Retinyl propionate, a milder ingredient, is perfect for those with sensitive skin, providing all the benefits of retinol without drying your skin further.
It’s important to note that this formula requires more steps than regular retinol to convert into retinoic acid, which is the form your skin can use. As a result, you may need to be patient before seeing noticeable changes. However, the serum includes peptides to help promote smoothness and glycerin to enhance hydration. Additionally, it’s free from drying alcohols and artificial fragrances that could increase irritation.
Size: 1 ounce | Active Ingredients: Retinol, retinyl propionate, peptides, and glycerin | Concentration (% retinol): 0.3% retinol complex (featuring retinol and retinyl propionate)
Ideal for Fine Lines
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ 0.5% Power Facial Serum
IMAGE: AmazonIts lightweight, non-comedogenic formula works to boost skin firmness and elasticity while addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
It contains fragrance, which could potentially irritate sensitive skin.
This 0.5% retinol serum from Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair collection is an ideal option if you’re after a formula that supports skin firmness and elasticity. With Neutrogena’s highest level of pure retinol, it targets signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. This product is suitable for most skin types and is free of parabens, mineral oils, and dyes. It’s non-comedogenic and lightweight, making it a great choice for those with oily or combination skin types.
However, it’s important to note that this serum includes fragrance, which may not be the best option for sensitive skin. The concentration could also be too strong for first-time retinol users. For those looking for a gentler alternative or a creamier option, Neutrogena also offers the Rapid Wrinkle Repair Pro+ 0.3% Night Cream.
Size: 1 oz | Key Ingredient: Retinol | Retinol Concentration: 0.5%
Top Retinol Capsules for Smoothing
RoC Smoothing Night Serum Capsules for Skin
PHOTO: Courtesy of AmazonEach dose is encapsulated in a biodegradable capsule to preserve the freshness of the retinol serum.
It may be a bit expensive for long-term use, as each jar contains only 30 capsules.
These RoC retinol capsules provide a convenient way to dispense the perfect amount of retinol for your skincare routine — just twist them open and apply! One capsule contains enough serum to cover your face and neck, and this unique packaging seals in the retinol to maintain its potency and freshness.
Each capsule includes retinol, ceramides, and bio-derived antioxidants, which work together to firm the skin and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. The formula is fragrance-free, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. RoC advises starting with using the retinol every other day and gradually increasing the frequency. Keep in mind that if you decide to use it nightly, you may need to purchase a new jar each month, which could add up over time.
Size: 0.35 oz (30 capsules) | Key Ingredients: Retinol, ceramides, and antioxidants | Retinol Concentration: Not specified
Final Thoughts
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum is our top choice for a retinol serum, thanks to its affordability, gentleness, and inclusion of skin-nourishing ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide. If you’re looking for a formula specifically to target fine lines, we also suggest Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ .5% Power Facial Serum. Although slightly more expensive than the CeraVe serum, it’s specially formulated to address the needs of mature skin and comes in a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula.
How to Choose Retinol Serums Like an Expert
Key Active Ingredients
Common side effects of retinol serums include redness, dryness, peeling, and heightened skin sensitivity. To reduce these effects, many retinol serums include soothing components. Dr. Prather explains that “Products with niacinamide help with redness and irritation.” Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is often added for its soothing and hydrating properties, making it great for sensitive skin, though it should be avoided for acne-prone skin.
For anti-aging effects, retinol products often contain peptides, which promote collagen and elastin production to help the skin look firmer and more plump. Many retinol formulas also include ceramides, lipid molecules that play a key role in supporting the skin barrier.
Retinol Strength
Many skincare brands choose not to disclose their retinol concentrations, as it's often considered proprietary. However, for those that do, you'll typically find retinol concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1%. Common over-the-counter concentrations include 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1%. Beginners in retinol skincare are generally advised to start with lower concentrations, around 0.1% to 0.3%, to reduce the risk of irritation.
You can't always predict the effectiveness or irritation potential of a retinol product based solely on its concentration. Dr. Prather highlights that a retinol product’s formulation is just as crucial in determining how deeply it penetrates the skin and how irritating it might be. Certain formulas also include calming ingredients to reduce irritation.
Your Skin Type
Taking your skin type into account can guide you in selecting a retinol product that’s both effective and comfortable. Dr. Prather recommends lighter, gel-based formulas for those with oily or acne-prone skin. For dry or sensitive skin, opt for lower-strength retinoids in more hydrating formats, like creams, oil emulsions, or encapsulated formulas, which tend to be gentler.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do retinol serums differ from other skincare treatments?
Retinol is commonly available in lotions, creams, or serums. Lotions and creams are thicker and more moisturizing, with the main difference being that lotions have a higher water content, making them slightly lighter than creams. Serums, on the other hand, have the lightest and thinnest consistency of the three. While serums often contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, some creams and lotions also pack a potent amount of retinol.
Lotions and creams tend to offer more moisture than serums, which can help reduce the irritation associated with retinol, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin. However, retinol serums frequently include calming ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides to support and soothe the skin.
If you’re unsure whether a retinol serum is right for you, consider retinol alternatives. Dr. Prather notes, “There are products that deliver similar anti-aging benefits without the irritation of a retinoid, such as bakuchiol.” Derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant, bakuchiol can be incorporated into skincare as an anti-aging ingredient.
How strong of a retinol percentage is too much?
Most brands suggest concentrations of 0.1% to 0.3% retinol for beginners, while anything above 0.5% is suited for more experienced users. Dr. Prather advises introducing retinoids gradually, starting with two to three applications per week. If there’s no irritation, you can slowly increase the frequency until it’s used every night.
Can you combine other skincare products with retinol serums?
It’s generally recommended to use retinol serums in your nighttime routine since they are unstable under UV exposure, which can reduce their effectiveness. Additionally, they can heighten skin sensitivity to UV rays, so applying sunscreen the following morning is essential.
The sequence of your skincare routine is important too. Dr. Prather suggests applying retinoids to clean skin or after lighter serums have dried. Using them after a moisturizer may reduce their potency. Some ingredients shouldn't be layered with retinol, as Dr. Prather explains that retinoids can be less effective when combined with low pH products like glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Trust Us on This
This article is authored by Stacey Nguyen, a contributing writer for Mytour with extensive experience in lifestyle content creation. To identify the best retinol serums, she thoroughly examined numerous retinol formulas available, considering aspects like ingredients, retinol potency, and price. For professional advice on selecting the right retinol serum, she reached out to Heidi B. Prather, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas.
