The best retinol serums and creams can dramatically improve your skincare routine – when used right. Retinol is an ingredient you will have likely heard about. If you’re looking to improve uneven skin texture, tone, laxity and overall radiance, it is widely regarded as the gold standard.
’s best retinol serums at a glance:
However, because retinoids can sometimes cause irritation, dryness and/or flakiness, it’s essential to find a formula that suits your specific skin type — and that’s where we come in. What exactly is retinol? How does it benefit the skin? What types are available, and which one is best for you? is here to guide you through it all.
Once you’ve chosen the right retinol product for your skin and begin using it consistently, you’ll likely start to see noticeable improvements in skin texture and overall quality — benefits that few other ingredients can deliver. From boosting cell turnover to encouraging collagen production, the right retinol can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. If you’re new to this science-backed powerhouse, we recommend starting with our guide to the best retinols for beginners.
“When it comes to over-the-counter retinol serums, concentrations of 0.01% or higher are effective — there's no need to start with the strongest option, as it may overwhelm your skin,” advises Dija Ayodele, skin health expert and founder of the Black Skin Directory. “Begin with a low dose and gradually increase. A 1% formula is best reserved for those whose skin is already used to retinol.”
Black Friday is fast approaching (27 November) – and some of the biggest and best discounts that you’ll find are on skincare. This includes the gold standard ingredient retinol in both cream and serum form. Here are the deals with the seal of approval.
- Why it’s -approved: CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is brilliant for those suffering from blemishes or acne, as well as enlarged pores and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. With encapsulated retinol, it’s gentler on the skin barrier, so it won’t cause further irritation to the skin.
- Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol, liquorice root extract, niacinamide, ceramides
Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
- Why it’s -approved: While retinol works to diminish the appearance of lines, boost collagen for better plumpness and restore brightness, other included actives like niacinamide help to fade dark spots and imperfections, while dipeptide ensures the skin barrier is strengthened and supported.
- Ingredients to note: retinol, niacinamide, dipeptide
To help you find the best retinol creams and serums for clearer skin (and the rest), we put our heads together to decide which ones we love the most. We tested them for consistency, comfort and above all, their power to deliver results. It took a while, but here’s our shortlist.
Read more: The Best Retinol Body Lotion Is Here to Transform Skin Below the Neck
Retinol has made its way to the mainstream, and as beauty editors, it is the ingredient that we are asked most about from colleagues, friends and those looking to supercharge their skincare routine. There is a wealth of products on the market, and we have taken it upon ourselves to try the top-rated over an extended period of time to ensure that we sample through the acclimation period to the true results. Our team of reviewers – contributors Hannah Coates, Tracy Achonwa and Georgia Day – and editors Morgan Fargo and Ellie Davis are true experts when it comes to the vitamin A derivative.
Shop the edit of retinol skincare below
- Key ingredients: 0.01 per cent stabilised retinal, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E
- Why it’s -approved: Medik8 is a brand well known for its stellar retinoid formulas. Beginners should start with Crystal Retinal 1, which contains 0.01 per cent stabilised retinal, a retinoid (meaning it’s in the same family as retinol) which has been shown to work 11 times faster on the skin. This formula really works and the number rating system (there is a Crystal Retinal 2, 3 and 4, for example) makes the sometimes confusing task of increasing your retinal strength very easy.
- “Though marketed as a serum, Medik8’s viral retinal feels much more like a lightweight cream. It’s deceptively cosseting – just one use stimulates results, and I was pleasantly surprised to see some dry patches had smoothed out overnight. It also works quickly without being aggressive on the skin barrier. Within a month of using it, I noticed my complexion was calmer and clearer with fewer breakouts. If, like me, you have sensitive skin, you will love this one – as will anyone just starting on their retinol journey.” —
- Gentle but effective
- Different strengths to build up safely
- Firming, plumping and brightening
- May irritate blemish-prone complexions
Why it’s -approved: Skin + Me takes a personalised approach to skincare. Before you have the opportunity to add its products to your basket, you must first complete a questionnaire detailing your concerns and information about your skin type. The final step is a selfie from three angles. Armed with the answers and your photo, the brand’s dermatologists create a customised formula to suit – all without expensive dermatologist fees. Then you wait. In the post, you receive your daily doser, in which one turn is all you need for full-face coverage. As I have acne-prone skin and want to incorporate retinoids into my routine to maximise skin turnover (without irritation), I was prescribed tretinoin with azelaic acid, and I’ve been seriously impressed with the results. I began using it at night just once a week – always followed by SPF the following morning – before increasing to twice a week and now three times a week. I have never got so many compliments on my skin.
Read more: The Best Bakuchiol Products For Retinol Results Without The Irritation
- Key ingredients: 2 per cent granactive retinoid, squalane
- Why it’s -approved: The Ordinary is renowned for bringing us premium ingredients at affordable prices, and this product is no exception. High potency, minimal irritation, low price – what’s not to love?
- Shouldn’t irritate sensitive skin
- Cannot be used in tandem with peels
- Product type: Serum
- Hydroxypinacolone retinoate, bakuchiol, soybean extract, squalane, vitamin E
- In the evening, after cleansing
- Why it’s -approved: If you’re not already using a retinoid in your skincare regimen, it’s not too late to start. A great place to start is with Skin Rocks, whose retinoid offering is straightforward and easy to understand. As for its benefits for mature skin, there are plenty, from improving radiance and reducing dark spots to firming lax skin and improving cell turnover.
- Helpful quantity marker on the lid so you use the right amount of product
- May even work for sensitive skin types, although practice caution and build up slowly
- On the more expensive end of the price spectrum
Celimax The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster
Why it’s Celimax’s The Vita-A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster is a targeted wrinkle-smoothing treatment that is powered by retinal (with an a) – a more potent vitamin A derivative than retinol. As retinal converts more efficiently into retinoic acid within the skin, it delivers faster, more visible anti-ageing results, helping to soften fine lines, refine texture and improve overall skin clarity. With almost miraculous effects, just a drop of this Korean cream is enough to boost elasticity in the skin, even on neck wrinkles. The treatment contains 0.1 per cent pure retinal and 3 per cent Matrixyl 3000, a combination that improves skin resilience and texture. Penetrating deeply, it also promotes a more toned and even appearance, while minimising wrinkles. Be cautious, however, if you have really very sensitive skin because retinal is a very potent ingredient, which means the booster is not suitable for all skin types and may cause redness or irritation.
- Why it’s -approved: Dr Murphy-Rose is fond of Naturium’s retinol-enriched cream. “This combines retinol with hyaluronic acid to plump and firm the skin,” she notes. “It also has squalane to support the skin’s protective lipid barrier.” The lotion contains an encapsulated form of retinol, which means that the ingredient is released slowly over time to avert the risk of irritation. As such, retinol rookies might consider starting with a gentler formulation like this one, which is also fragrance-free.
- Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, allantoin, shea butter
- Best for: Smoothing, brightening, improving skin texture
- Gentle enough for regular use
- Some report a slightly clinical scent
Allies of Skin 0.1% Retinal & Peptides Advanced Repair Night Cream
- Why it’s -approved: Formulated using encapsulated retinaldehyde, an active that boosts skin renewal but with minimal irritation, this supercharged night cream, which is available in two strengths, is ideal for anyone looking for a potent formula to address signs of ageing like dullness, dryness, lines and uneven texture. For general brightness, boosted hydration, strength and better clarity, there’s also plenty of peptides, antioxidants, ceramides and omegas.
- Ingredients to note: encapsulated retinaldehyde, peptides, antioxidants, ceramides and omegas
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
- Why it’s -approved: A potent hit of retinol, one of the most highly researched ingredients for anti-ageing on the market, Kiehl’s has paired the powerhouse ingredient with peptides and ceramides so that, while it gets to work increasing cell turnover, you are strengthening the skin barrier at the same time. This makes the vitamin A derivative far more tolerable, which is ideal for those just starting out on their retinol journey.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, peptides and ceramides
- Why it’s -approved: There’s no shortage of excellent formulations among Korean skincare products, but few have matched the efficacy and results of this eye serum. It’s a favourite of Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, for its combination of ginseng and retinal, which she calls “powerful anti-ageing ingredients.” (Retinal is a more potent cousin to retinol; it’s thought to be gentler too.) She also gives it bonus points for its “lightweight, lotion-like formulation,” she says. However, because it contains a retinoid, it’s better used only at night.
- Key ingredients: Ginseng, retinal, peptides, macadamia seed oil
- Best for: Those with milia, fine lines, or uneven skin texture
- Why it’s -approved: Alongside a pure retinol concentration, this lightweight, non-irritating serum contains the brand’s signature TFC8 complex, which is formulated specially to inject skin with vitality and health. As a result of this powerful combination, fine lines and wrinkles are softened; scars, blemishes and pigmentation are reduced; and skin feels better hydrated and supple.
- verdict: “Although it’s an investment, my skin looked visibly brighter, clearer and plumper after using this serum consecutively. The hyperpigmentation, which I always struggle to address, was noticeably less dark too. I’m impressed,” says Georgia Day, beauty contributor.
- retinol, TFC8 complex
- Combines retinol with advanced TFC8
- Great for skin texture and radiance
- No overwhelming fragrance
- An investment serum
- Pay attention to the quantity used as a little goes a long way
- Key ingredients: retinoid, vitamin B3
- Why it’s -approved: This moisturiser had a huge waiting list when it first launched, and there’s a reason for that. Marrying vitamin B3 with retinoids, it hydrates, smooths and soothes while encouraging collagen production. It’s not the cheapest in the affordable bracket, but for the results it delivers, it’s more than worth the money.
- Great starter cream
- Rich texture
- Mature skin types may want a more potent formula
Pure Retinol Revitalift Night Serum
- Key ingredients: retinol, macro hyaluronic acid
- Why it’s -approved: While on the pricier side of affordable, this powerhouse serum offers a lot of bang for your buck, so we had to include it. Formulated with a high concentration of pure retinol, it is one of the brand’s most potent blends, and targets fine lines and wrinkles, while added hyaluronic acid replenishes the skin with moisture. It’s particularly good for those who want to target the signs of ageing in the skin.
- Impressive results on uneven texture
- Only need a very small amount
- May irritate sensitive skin
Retinol Youth Renewal Oil Drops
- Key ingredients: Retinol, rice bran, rosemary extract, omega-6 fatty acids
- Why it’s -approved: Brilliant for nighttime, this nourishing face oil marries retinol with bio-fermented algae oil to moisturise and nurture the skin, while retinol gets to work over time. Go to sleep looking luminous and wake up looking even better. No brainer.
- Lightweight, non-greasy and non-fragranced
- Can use nightly
- Suits sensitive skin types
- On the higher end of price spectrum
- Why it’s -approved: CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is brilliant for those suffering from blemishes or acne, as well as enlarged pores and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. With encapsulated retinol, it’s gentler on the skin barrier, so it won’t cause further irritation to the skin.
- Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol, liquorice root extract, niacinamide, ceramides