Retinol Serums Are All Sorts Of Good For Your Skin—Here Are The Best Ones

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Anyone who's remotely into skincare has heard of the power of a good-quality retinol product. And, I'm here to tell you that the hype is *fully* worth it. I've sworn by retinols through many phases of my skin's life—from my teen acne years to hyperpigmentation in my early twenties, and the dry skin and hormonal acne I experience now.

Between serums, moisturizers, and oils, serums are notorious for providing the most effective skincare benefits, which is why my routine hasn't been complete without a retinol serum for nearly 14(!) years.

"Retinol is perhaps the best studied ingredient we have to fight the signs of aging skin," says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. It enhances collagen and elastic fiber production that in turn speed up cell turnover, which "improves skin texture and radiance, evens skin tone, and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," he continues.

Peep some of the best retinol serums, here:

Available both over the counter and by prescription, topical retinoids are a form of Vitamin A compounds, Dr. Zeicher says. While topical retinoids usually thicken the skin, they also thin the epidermis, which is why your skin might glow after usage. And because it's known to make skin more sensitive to sunlight, you'll also want to follow up with a good sunscreen to avoid burning easier than usual. If you notice your skin drying up, that's totally normal—simply use a moisturizer over it.

See below for the best dermatologist-approved and recommended retinol serums, whether you want to treat acne and wrinkles or even have sensitive skin.

Meet Our Experts: dermatologists Dendy Engelman, MD, Joshua Zeichner, MD, and Mona Gohara, MD

1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum

Infused with nourishing melon and raspberry oils, Farmacy's retinol serum is great for dry skin types, but it's also lightweight enough to play nicely with oily skin. "This serum contains both an immediate release form of retinaldehyde along with an encapsulated form of retinol to provide both instant and long term benefits," says Dr. Zeichner.

After you've used it for a while, this serum can help the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even out your skin tone, and give your skin a glow, he says.

Youth Got This Pure Retinol Serum

Both dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD and Dr. Zeichner recommended this one as a good choice for those with sensitive skin. "The non-irritating formula can generally be used across all skin types without causing irritation," says Dr. Zeichner. He also loves that it contains squalane, a skin-strengthening ingredient.

Retinol + Resurfacing Serum

"This works by retexturizing the skin with a silky formula to minimize fine lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Engelman, who recommends this one to patients who want to treat hyperpigmentation. "The skin-conditioning ingredient, vitamin E, promotes moisture in the cell barrier while the retinol is working to resurface the skin."

Resurfacing Retinol Serum

"Encapsulated retinol is specifically formulated to even out skin tone, especially after acne," says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, who's a fan of this budget buy from Cerave. The lightweight and fast-absorbing formula is particularly great for oily skin types, too.

Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment

I used this affordable gel and swore by its efficacy through my teen acne years. "This gel is much gentler than other products but it contains a powerful retinoid to clear acne and prevent future breakouts, as well as to prevent acne scarring," says Dr. Engelman.

.25% Pure Concentrate Retinol Serum

Dr. Engelman recommends that beginners start out with a retinol that has a lower percentage/dosage of the ingredient, and Dr. Gohara is a particular fan of this one from First Aid Beauty, which contains just .25 percent of retinol. "A perfect choice for beginners who want to dabble in the world of retinol, one single pump of this dispenses the perfect amount," she says. "And, the formula is creamy enough to keep skin hydrated, too."

Pure Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3

This one gets right to the point with a pure formula that doesn't contain a lot of extras—it's perfect if you already like your current skincare routine, but just want to add a retinol in. "This one's great for everyone from retinol beginners to pros," says Dr. Gohara, who says you can even use this on your whole body if you have acne or hyperpigmentation on your back or bum. "It's highly-concentrated, easy to layer, and doesn't have many other ancillary ingredients that can decrease the efficacy of the retinol."

Retinol Serum Ceramide Capsules

Ok so yes, this one is expensive, but my pro tip is that you can often get it on sale on Amazon, so budget buyers will want to watch out for that. And, it's a good investment if you have dry skin, according to Dr. Engelman. "These soothe and hydrate dry skin with a ceramide formula while repairing the skin barrier and minimizing signs of aging," she says.

Retinol 1% in Squalane

A personal favorite of mine because I have dry skin and am shopping on a budget. Dr. Gohara also approves of The Ordinary's serum, too. "I'm a fan of this serum because it's infused with squalane, which enhances skin barrier function to increase hydration," she says.

Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules

"I like these capsules because they help maintain the potency and stability of the retinol itself," says Dr. Zeichner, who recommends this to treat wrinkles. "Plus, you can’t over-apply because it comes in a specific, metered dose." Bonus: They're great for travel!

Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum

Whether you have dry skin or not, Dr. Zeichner recommends a serum that has hydrating ingredients in it, because that'll help to protect the skin's barrier. Biossance's formula contains both squalane and hyaluronic acid—two ingredients that are nourishing without leaving your skin feeling greasy. It also has niacinamide, "a form of Vitamin B3 that helps to soothe and brighten," he says.

Lastly, it contains bakuchiol, which isn't a retinoid at all, but has similar effects on the skin when it comes to enhancing collagen production. "It is a great option in people with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate traditional retinoids," he says.

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream

Again, this isn't exactly a serum, but it's another affordable option that Dr. Gohara recommends for wrinkle treatment because it's "efficacious" and "cosmetically elegant," she says. "I often recommend this to my patients who want a reliable retinoid that does not break the bank." I hear that!

She also loves that it has a really lightweight feel, too, so this is great for those with oilier skin.

Retinol 1.0 Complex

"Formulated with an antioxidant technology that enhances the retinol effect, this is one of my favorites," says Dr. Gohara. You can even use this one all over the body if you want to treat hyperpigmentation or acne elsewhere, too.

Retinol Eye Stick

A personal favorite of mine, I have melanin-rich skin which means I'm prone to dark circles. Luckily, I learned that retinol can even be used under the eyes, something Dr. Gohara recommends to allow for brightening and collagen production. "This is the most common place for inflammation, yet crows feet are a very common concern," she says. "A product to target both is perfect." I've been using this for years now, and I love that it's hydrating and that the stick formula makes it super easy to apply.

Renewing Bakuchi Crème

Skincare nerds like myself already know all about bakuchi, and derms are a fan now, too. Dr. Engelman says the ingredient is a great option if you have ultra sensitive skin or want to keep getting retinol-esque benefits while pregnant or breastfeeding. "Studies have shown that bakuchi/bakuchiol functions in a similar way to retinol, providing anti-aging benefits by increasing cell turnover and collagen production," she says.

I'm a huge fan of Ranavat's ultra hydrating bakuchi creme, but I also recommend these more affordable bakuchiol drops if you're on a budget.

RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum

Dr. Gohara recommends this retrinAL serum, which is "perfect for those with sensitive skin who want to dip their toes into the world of vitamin A derivative," she says. "This formulation of retinoid is gentle, and less irritating." It'll give your skin a glow while reducing deep lines and wrinkles.

Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum

This retinol serum, from TikTok-famous brand Versed, is "a great option for first time retinol users," Dr. Gohara says. "Coco butter and squalene help to protect the barrier and cushion the irritation that some retinol naive folks can experience."

BTW, WH included this on the full review of the entire brand and its products, and WH associate news editor Currie Engel loved how moisturizing and gentle it was on her skin.

Q10 Anti-Wrinkle + Pro-Retinol Night Cream

Dr. Zeichner recommends this rich cream, which "combines a potent antioxidant with a mild form of retinol, making it a great option for dry, mature, and sensitive skin," he says. "It can be used daily without causing irritation and is perfect for someone who hasn't tried retinol before or as maintenance in people who are sensitive."

Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Advanced Retinol Serum

"This is a unique formula that combines two of the biggest power hitter ingredients we have in skincare: retinol and hyaluronic acid," says Dr. Zeichner of his recommendation. "Besides providing immediate hydration and plumping, the hyaluronic acid makes the retinol more tolerable. The pure retinol found in the product is a specialized stable form making it both effective and well-tolerated."

Youthbomb Double-Retinol Action Skin Overhaul Serum

If you're a tried-and-true retinol user, check out this one from Beauty Pie, coming at the recommendation of Dr. Zeichner. It combines to forms of retinol, he says, plus, "has niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to maintain a healthy skin barrier," he explains. "Lactic acid in the formula also provides gentle skin resurfacing effects for instant brightness."

How Our Team Chose The Best Retinol Serums

For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including senior e-commerce editor Neha Tandon and editorial assistant Addison Aloian researched and tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated retinol serums. Our team consulted Dendy Engelman, MD, Joshua Zeichner, MD, and Mona Gohara, MD, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best 20 items for a wide range of needs and preferences.

What are the benefits of a retinol serum?

There are a ton, TBH. "Retinol helps increase our skin’s natural processes, like building collagen, cell turnover, Vitamin A replenishment, and hydration. This improves skin’s overall appearance and prevents acne," Dr. Engelman says. "Retinol also functions like an antioxidant that can interrupt the free-radical damage process that causes wrinkling and other signs of aging."

Who's a good candidate for a retinol serum?

Dr. Engelman recommends retinol serums to her patients who are interested in treating fine lines and wrinkles, but she also tells people in their twenties to start introducing retinol to their skincare routine as a preventative measure. As mentioned, it's of course also a great way to treat acne and hyperpigmentation.

Who should avoid using a retinol-based product?

Retinol has the reputation of being one of the more aggressive skincare ingredients, which is why Dr. Zeichner says he's careful in recommending products containing it to his patients—especially those with sensitive skin. And Dr. Gohara also recommends that her patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding stay away from retinol. (But, don't worry—there's a gentle, pregnancy-friendly alternative on the list!)

How does a beginner get started with retinol?

Dr. Zeichner says it takes the skin about two to four weeks to adjust to retinol, a process called "retinization". So, to introduce the ingredient to your skincare routine, he suggests starting with a pea-sized amount for your whole face. Apply it every other day underneath a moisturizer, and build up to a higher frequency if you feel your skin can take it. And, since retinol increases sensitivity to the sun, Dr. Engelman notes that you'll either want to use it at night only, or wear a good sunscreen over it during the day.

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