Retinol: It can strike fear into those with marginally sensitive skin, while it can draw blank looks from others. It’s understandable, given there’s an ever-expanding list of skin care ingredients to keep track of. Charcoal, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and peptides, anyone? But retinol is essential to know because it offers clearer, more even skin for virtually every skin type.
Retinol is part of the retinoid group, which also includes retinoic acid and retin-A. It is pure vitamin A, explains Elizabeth Jones, advanced instructor at Dermalogica, and less potent than retin-A, or retinoic acid, which often requires a prescription. In terms of chemistry, our bodies have enzymes that convert retinol into a biochemically active form of retinoic acid that benefits skin by increasing cell turnover and renewal. This means that continued use of a retinol cream or serum can help fade acne scars, minimize hyperpigmentation and provide smoother, firmer skin.
Dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie adds that retinol helps with anti-aging because it improves the texture and tone of skin as well as radiance. Using retinol creams can also help with acne, decreasing the amount of whiteheads and blackheads as well as papules (small bumps).
Of course, there are some downsides to retinol. The aforementioned sensitivity is one issue. This is why Downie recommends that anyone using a retinol product should wear a proper sunscreen with SPF 30 or above every day of the year, regardless of their ethnicity. No exceptions.
Those with sensitive skin are still able to use retinols, however. Many new products have soothing, time-released formulas that minimize the negative effects of retinol without compromising efficacy. Dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman recommends that those with sensitive or compromised skin start with a lower dose or apply retinol less frequently to build up a tolerance. And remember, sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen.
Not sure which product to use? Scroll through the gallery above for the top-rated retinol creams and serums that help tackle a myriad of skin care issues without irritating skin.
Best Retinol Creams and Serums, According to Reviewers
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Neutrogena
This top-rated drugstore buy is proof we don't have to drop serious cash to get an effective retinol cream. The repairing night moisturizer has many longtime devotees because it visibly improves lines, bumps and redness as it moisturizes. The treatment absorbs into skin without leaving behind a potent chemical scent.
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer, $21.99 at Ulta
Yakkityyak from Ulta: "I've been using this in conjunction with the day cream for over a year. The results are very noticeable in the before and after photos I took. Fine lines under my eyes and my forehead are greatly diminished and my sun spots are almost gone! I use it every night after cleansing. It has a nice scent, isn't overly greasy and goes on nicely."
LizG84 from Ulta: "Amazing! I've been using this every night for three years now and I can't stop using it! I used to have redness and bumps around my cheeks, and now I don't! I have dry skin and this is very moisturizing but not greasy. It has a slight smell but it is not overpowering. I wake up the next morning and my skin looks amazing! I would strongly suggest to try this before you spend hundreds of dollars on other expensive skin care."
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Philosophy
Dealing with uneven skin tone and discoloration? Help is on the way with this time-released retinol treatment. The innovative formula uses encapsulated microsponge technology, which offers a gradual release of the formula along with soothing ingredients. In addition to minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fans praise the retinol for the way it gets rid of congestion and acne scars.
Help Me, $49 at Sephora
chowchow from Sephora: "This is one of my favorite products and I have been using it for five years. I don't have wrinkles, but have found that it is great for blackheads, congested pores, and discoloration."
cat1994 from Sephora: "I have been using this product for a few weeks now and I love it. My skin feels so soft and I have a more even skin tone. It may be expensive but it is worth every penny."
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Garnier
Streamline skin care routines with this two-in-one product. The pleasing swirl bottle delivers a serum and moisturizer in one pump to fight the signs of aging while hydrating skin. Users love the way it works seamlessly into their existing regimens and how it's effective, but still gentle enough for everyday use. Even those with sensitive skin praise the non-irritating formula.
SkinActive Ultra-Lift Wrinkle Reducer 2-in-1 Serum + Moisturizer, $16.99 at Ulta
catlover from Ulta: "I bought this product initially because it has retinol. I have continued to use it because it reduces wrinkles but is not too harsh for my sensitive skin."
Syl from Ulta: "I use this product in the morning and night. It leaves my skin feeling very good and the greatest part is that it's helping with fine lines."
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Peter Thomas Roth
This serum is free of fragrance and oils, but it's packed with an anti-aging cocktail of retinol and vitamins C and E. The formula increases skin's renewal process for a younger, more even complexion. The moisturizing formula combats the typical redness and irritation associated with harsh retinol products.
Retinol Fusion PM, $65 at Sephora
chrisgp from Sephora: "I thought it was going to irritate my skin if I used it every night but it is very gentle and moisturizing. Have begun noticing the difference in how I am not breaking out as usual and my whole face seems glowy. Would definitely keep using it and see what it can do long term for my skin."
Dana1784 from Sephora: "I'm obsessed with anti-wrinkle creams, serums, lotions, etc... This is by far the best one I've found and I keep buying over and over. My smile lines have noticeably faded and my skin absolutely looks smoother. It's a bit pricey but so worth it - plus, a little goes a long way!"
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Sunday Riley
Drift off to dreamland knowing that this next-generation retinol is hard at work reducing the signs of premature aging. The innovative formula transforms from deep blue to clear on skin. The formula combines retinol and essential oils that actually help minimize the appearance of redness along with age spots, wrinkles, dryness and uneven texture.
Luna Sleeping Night Oil, $105 at Sephora
SKparis from Sephora: "This oil is a magic potion when it comes to sensitive skin. I've had problems with acne for a couple of years now and I have tried almost everything on the market (natural, drugstore and high end). Nothing worked like this oil. I have been using it for three weeks now and I can see less redness, no breakouts at all and my acne scars are being erased like magic. I love this and it is worth every penny spent!"
j9kup from Sephora: "I've been using this oil for almost a year. I tried a sample and was shocked at how quickly I noticed a difference in my skin. It was hydrated and glowing! So I splurged on the bottle. My skin looks incredible, glows, and I rarely break out anymore. Well worth the price, because I still have about 1/4 of the bottle left and I've had it for eight months."
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RoC
This wrinkle treatment promises to improve the appearance of laugh lines and forehead creases in as little as 12 weeks. RoC fans claim the patented retinol formula delivers. Apply to face and neck for clearer, younger, more radiant skin.
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Night Cream, $13.78 at Amazon
LauraM from Amazon: "I have used this for a few years. Six months after I started using it I had people asking me what I was using because my skin looked so great. My pores were much smaller and my skin just looked fresher. I love, love this product."
Ryan Davis from Amazon: "I've been using this product for almost nine months and I swear it's what made my wrinkles between my eyebrows fade! I highly recommend this for facial lines, laugh lines. It's a miracle worker!"
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StriVectin
Just the word retinol can scare those with sensitive skin, but devotees of this night moisturizer promise it won't turn your face into a red, itchy mess. The overnight retinol treatment nourishes skin as it plumps fine lines and wrinkles. Fans love how it makes their skin look and feel amazing.
Advanced Retinol Intensive Night Moisturizer, $79 at Ulta
crissy from Ulta: "This is a great solution for those who become too dry or flaky with other retinols. Does not cause my sensitive skin to break out or become irritated."
Andrea from Ulta: "I have mature skin and after trying a sample of this product I had to go buy it. My skin is much softer. I am hooked."
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Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Are those days of sunbathing without sunscreen starting to show up on skin? Say goodbye to pigmentation, unevenness and lines with this vegan brightening solution. The supercharged formula combines retinol and ferulic acid for a double dose of anti-aging treatment. Don't worry, it's potent, but still kind to skin.
Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution, $88 at Sephora
Bridgey23 from Sephora: "I tried this as a sample and fell in love. Great on dark skin! It really works."
AK4SA from Sephora: "I have sensitive skin with rosacea, so trying out new skin products is always a challenge. But this serum is amazing! I've had no irritation or increased redness, and it's easy to mix with other serums or treatments because it's so light. The ingredient list is a powerhouse of skin-beneficial ingredients. I never thought I'd spend this much on one skincare product, but it's worth the price."
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SkinCeuticals
This maximum-strength retinol night cream brings out the big guns — namely, 1 percent retinol. It helps prevent damage caused by free radicals while restoring balance to skin. The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is suitable for a variety of skin types, but those who are dealing with acne, oil and wrinkles love how it tackles all of these issues.
Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream, $76 at DermStore
FA from DermStore: "Amazing product!! I was thinking of going for Botox but this retinol cream did the job without the expense. It really made a difference on all areas of my face including smoothing the skin around my mouth and the lines on my forehead. Love this product!!"
Anonymous from DermStore: "I used to use prescription Retin-A but the cost became too much. I have been looking for something that makes a difference and for me this is it."
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Paula's Choice
Even the most effective retinol formula is no good if it leaves skin feeling greasy and irritated. This may be a concentrated serum, but it still contains a gentle form of retinol that has been clinically proven to not irritate skin. It can even be used twice a day after cleansing. The treatment is specially formulated for those with very dry to normal skin. Buyers love how it hydrates skin while knocking off years.
Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum With Retinol, $34 at Paula's Choice
Lindsay from Paula's Choice: "I use this nightly all over my face and when I wake up in the morning my skin feels so soft and hydrated! No breakouts from this product at all and you really get 'feelable' results within the first week."
Ilaria from Paula's Choice: "When I use this serum at night my skin is very soft and relaxed in the morning. I like the consistency and the fact that you need very few drops. I think this is perfect in combination with the moisturizer to give relief to my dry cheeks, and it does not give any greasy finish to my forehead or chin."
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Amara Organics
From acne spots to discoloration to wrinkles, this 2.5 percent retinol cream tackles them all. And it does so without using parabens, fragrances or dyes. The formula stimulates collagen production to speed up cell turnover resulting in bright, no-need-for-foundation skin.
2.5% Retinol Cream With Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamins E & B5, $19.95 at Amazon
Brianna from Amazon: "I LOVE this cream. I wear it every night. And, maybe it's just in my mind, but my skin just FEELS better. I swear it gives my face a glow after using it."
shiran bass from Amazon: "I'm 36 years old and I have super oily skin, big pores, I still break out sometimes and I want to prevent my skin from aging. This serum takes care of all my problems!!! My skin is so smooth, not at all oily and my pores are almost invisible! I've used almost every product on the market and this is the first and only one that works for me! I keep reordering and I got it for my mom and she loves it."
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Algenist
Most skin care products take weeks, if not months, to see noticeable results, but advocates of this retinol serum swear they could see a difference in their skin simply trying a 10-day sample. The dual-action formula has alguronic acid and retinol to increase skin's elasticity and smoothness. It's also noncomedogenic, so it won't cause pimples.
Retinol Firming & Lifting Serum, $102 at Sephora
Babs5502 from Sephora: "I love this serum. I have used many and have not seen any improvement. I've been using Algenist for a week and already see a reduction in facial lines and a firmness that I thought was lost."
KTPOne from Sephora: "Gentle: I was previously diagnosed with rosacea and use this product with no irritation. Smooths lines, stops forming pimples in their tracks, skin is bright, looks fresh. This one is a keeper!"
