Why’s My Skin So Good? It's Retinol, Honey!

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A few months ago, I tested out a super-cool new technology called the Visia scan, which analyzes your face and tells you how old your skin is in comparison to your actual age. Cool, right? Well, even cooler, I found out my skin is actually 10 whole years younger than my age—meaning I have the skin of a 17-year-old, and not just because I deal with more hormonal acne and oily skin at 27 than I do fine lines and wrinkles. Everyone in the room immediately gathered round to hear my secret to tight, firm skin. "The best retinol serums!" I belted from the rooftops to a group of beauty editors. That's simply it.

I've been coating my face every other night with retinol serum since I was 14, which is when I started breaking out with cystic acne. However, it's done wonders to keep my skin smooth, tight, and plump through the years. "Retinoids work by binding to retinoic acid receptors, which then can act as transcription factors and affect gene expression," explains dermatologist Hadley King, MD. "This makes them able to produce significant changes in your skin." These changes include encouraging your skin to churn out fresher, newer cells to reduce acne and hyperpigmentation, as well as increasing collagen production to help improve fine lines and wrinkles.

Because I've been using retinol serums for so long, I've tested pretty much everything out there, including the most intense prescription formulas, sensitive skin-friendly retinols, and even gentle alternatives like bakuchiol. And I have some serious thoughts on the best picks for every skin type, concern, need, and ~vibe~. Peep my favorites right here:

But pls grab a snack, because I have way more picks for the best retinol serum. Keep scrolling for all of the best, according to dermatologists and myself. Plus, I also got into exactly how to choose a retinol serum for yourself.

Beginner Retinol Gel

Confession: I'm pretty much Team Tretinoin (keep reading below for my full breakdown), as I have ironclad skin that can handle just about any acid I slather it with. But I actually went through an entire tube of this retinol gel last year, because it's both gentle and effective. It uses a granactive retinoid, a form of retinol that can be a lil bit gentler, which is why this serum is so great for retinol beginners and those with sensitive skin.

Other reasons I love it? The formula's loaded with moisturizers—ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, to get specific—that keep my skin barrier healthy and strong. Overall, I love this gel because it spreads so easily across my skin and doesn't cause any dryness or irritation whatsoever. Is it the most sophisticated, strongest, intense retinol? Nope, but it left my face smoother and fresher-looking in a matter of six weeks, which is perf for me.

• Key ingredients: Granactive retinoid, aloe extract, squalane, centella asiatica, allantoin
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "This is my first time using a retinol gel/cream, and this one is perfect. I can feel a slight tingling upon application, but I've had no issues with it. I really like the consistency, and it dried fairly quickly into the skin, and I am able to apply my serums on top with no issues."

Tretinoin

Retinoic acid, or tretinoin, is the retinoid form that is immediately available to skin, making it the most potent—but it's available only with a prescription, according to Dr. King. Meanwhile, over-the-counter retinoids (aka every other retinol on this list) uses a form of retinol that has to undergo a conversion into retinoic acid before your skin can use them. "In general, I recommend using the strongest version that your skin tolerates without too much irritation," Dr. King says. This is where I intro you to Apostrophe—a telemed service that pairs you with a derm virtually to prescribe a tretinoin formula that's right for your skin and goals.

FWIW, I've been getting my tret prescription from Apostrophe for a few months because it's so easy. But keep in mind: Tretinoin can be v strong, so start slow. Try it for one night for a week, then two nights a week for two weeks, then three nights indefinitely. "I use a prescription tretinoin on my face, but an OTC version on my neck and chest, where I have a difficult time tolerating a prescription version," Dr. King says.

• Key ingredients: Tretinoin
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I've been using this for about 3 weeks now, and I've already started seeing a big difference in my skin. I had some very congested pores in areas and huge pores in others, and this has cleared a lot of those up already with the tiny amount I use. I do have some peeling in my T-Zone, but I knew that could be a side effect. I've been moisturizing a ton and hoping that the peeling will improve soon."

Acne Treatment Gel

Listen, not all retinol serums are made equal, especially when it comes to treating acne. The only over-the-counter retinol that was developed specifically for preventing and treating breakouts is adapelene. There are multiple OTC adapelenes now, but my go-to is always the O.G. Differin Gel. It has a lightweight, matte texture that I love for my oily skin. It also helps smooth smooth uneven skin texture and fade hyperpigmentation, making it ideal for legit every step of your acne journey.

Before I got on the prescription retinoid train, I coated my face in Differin gel three nights a week (and tbh, I still use it on my neck, chest, and stomach to help smooth my skin, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and fade stretch marks). But because this is v strong, try the "sandwich method" to avoid dryness by layering a moisturizer underneath and over your Differin to keep your skin hydrated.

• Key ingredients: Adapalene
  

• Size: 10.5 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I’ve been using this for years. Not every day just about every other day and I’ve noticed my skin smoother. My husband also uses it on a pimple hear and there."

Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

Not only does this drugstore retinol serum has over 19,000+ positive reviews, but it's loved by dermatologists too. Dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, previously raved to Cosmo about this over-the-counter retinol from CeraVe, noting that it's the amazing for sensitive-skin types. It actually uses encapsulated retinol, which "allows for deeper penetration and sustained release, making it a great formulation for sensitive skin," she says. "You are able to deliver the active ingredient where you want it to work deep in the skin, and this lessens any potential irritation at the surface."

• Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: " I noticed results within the first week of using this product! It is now a staple in my skincare routine and gentle enough on my normally fickle skin to use every day! My skin is BABY SOFT! Blemishes are mostly gone, my skin tone is much more even and glowy, and it's definitely reduced fine lines."

Retinol Reform Treatment Serum

Retinol is the GOAT for wrinkles, yes, but it's also fab for fading hyperpigmentation, whether you've got sun spots, acne scars, or melasma. And I'm a huge fan of this serum from Shani Darden (a celeb aesthetician who's worked with Shay Mitchell, Kelly Rowland, and Ashley Graham). It mixes smoothing, firming retinol with brightening niacinamide and lactic acid, an AHA that helps exfoliate dead skin.

Just make sure you start slow with this serum, as it's pretty strong, in my experience. Try it out for a few weeks just once or twice a week, then slowly build up to three times a week. And always, always, always follow with moisturizer and load on the sunscreen in the morning.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, lactic acid, niacinamide, aloe vera
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I absolutely love this product! It is so nice and has made my skin feel absolutely amazing. I have truly noticed a different in both the feel and appearance. This is definitely a must have in a luxury skincare routine."

Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum

I get it: Sometimes you just wanna be able to walk into your nearest drugstore and pick up an affordable retinol serum instead of wading through all the options online. If that's your approach, pls, I'm telling you, try Retinol 24 from Olay. It's actually the retinol serum I told my mom to try when she asked me for recs. It's gentle enough for retinol beginners, but also packs in some smoothing and firming peptides and brightening niacinamide, making it a v well-rounded choice for any routine.

FWIW, I'm also a huge fan of the Retinol 24 Cream, which is loaded with moisturizing peptides and panthenol, too.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, peptides
  

• Size: 1.3 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I have been using Retinol24 for 6 months and will not stop. I saw results in the first 2-4 weeks of using it. Less visible lines, brighter and softer skin in no time. I have received compliments on my skin such as 'Did you get Botox, did you have something down, did you just have facial, your skin looks amazing.'"

Retinal for All Renewing Serum

Lemme start by saying I'm obsessed with this retinal serum from Peach & Lily. But quick retinal 101 first: Retinal only needs one step to convert in your skin to retinoic acid, which is what helps boost your cell turnover, making it the strongest retinal available over-the-counter (only second to prescription tretinoin).

This is why it's generally pretty damn irritating for sensitive skin types, though... unless you combine it with ectoin, like this formula does, a compound that disrupts the inflammation receptors in your skin to help you handle retinol without the usual burning, itching, or peeling. And I can attest to this—I smoothed this over my face five nights a week until every last drop in the bottle was gone, and I never once noticed any irritation or sensitivity.

• Key ingredients: Retinal, ectoin, ceramides, bisabolol
  

• Size: 1.01 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I have oily/acne prone skin and this product is wonderful. No redness, dryness, clogged pores, purging, and any other skin concern that comes with retinal/retinol. Many complaints about the color but it doesn't bother me at all."

Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

I'm no snob when it comes to retinol serums, which is why I advise everyone to try out this budget formula from The Ordinary if they don't wanna spend a ton. It's the least expensive retinol on this list, yet still packs 2 percent granactive retinoid in this bottle. Plus, it's got bisabolol to help soothe and calm down any potential irritation you experience. Legit, just read the reviews (like the one below)—people swear by it for how simple yet effective it is, the fab price not even withstanding.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, bisabolol

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I have sworn by this product to help with early and mid signs of aging for years. It’s nice and thin, layers well and doesn’t irritate! But most of all... It just works!!"

Double-Retinol Action Skin Overhaul Serum

Dr. King loves this retinol formula because it actually contains two types of retinol: microencapsulated retinol, which helps with delivery into your skin to help stimulate collagen and encourage faster cell turnover, as well as granactive retinol, a less irritating form that helps double up on the effects. And for an extra dose of skin-smoothing, it's got some lactic acid (an AHA derms love because it's fairly gentle) to help improve uneven skin texture. "It also contains niacinamide to help improve tone and texture, and hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and protect the skin barrier," Dr. King adds.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid
  

• Size: 69 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I can’t get over how good this is!! I use it every other night and my skin is loving it!!! I’m never without this."

Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment Cream

Team Cosmo believes in the magic of peptides, y'all. Why? Well, because they're basically the key to plump, smooth skin. BB chains of amino acids whisper in your skin cells' ears to amp up collagen production, which can help soften fine lines and wrinkles. So when you combine it with retinol, like in this magic Paula's Choice serum, you essentially get a double-duty anti-aging workhorse. Sign me up, pls.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, willow bark extract, oat extract, peptides
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "Got a mini version before the full size. And now, I’m switching to the full size. And that explains everything! I’m enjoying it for both wrinkles and large pore problems. I put a layer of eye cream on my under eyelid before this. And it doesn’t cause irritation or redness. My under eye crepes are getting a lot lighter. Dark circles are getting a little lighter and lighter as well."

Deep Wrinkle Serum

Designed to treat wrinkles, dark spots, and legit any of the less-than-stellar impacts of being a normal, aging human, this serum uses a blend of retinol and vitamin C (a powerhouse combo, btw) to basically trick everyone into believing you're a whole lot younger than you are. It helps tighten to reduce sagging and lines, while brightening skin for a more radiant look. And did I mention it's less than $20?

• Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "My dermatologist recommended this as an over-the-counter retinol product to use. I could immediately feel and see a difference in my skin. There is a tad of tingling sensation and tightness to the skin when applied, but it tells you that right on the bottle, and that if it is doing that, it means the product is working. It is in no way discomforting."

Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%

As much as I am a retinol stan, I understand it's got a bad rap with dry skin folks. But I'm here to introduce y'all to this Naturium formula, which is legit the most moisturizing retinol I've ever tried. It combines retinal—reminder: this is the strongest form of OTC retinol—with a whole bunch of moisturizers, like triheptanoin, apricot oil esters, soy amino acids, glycerin, and yeast extract. The consistency is also a lightweight, gel-serum texture that absorbs quickly yet leaves my skin feeling hydrated.

• Key ingredients: Retinal, triheptanoin, apricot oil esters, soy amino acids, glycerin, yeast extract
  

• Size: 1.7 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I love this serum. It’s really gentle and has never irritated my super sensitive, dry rosacea skin! This is my second purchase."

The Straight A Advanced Gentle Retinol Treatment

This retinol serum also uses bakuchiol, an extract of the Babchi plant, which has been used historically in Ayurvedic medicine. Now, though, it's getting its flowers as a potential alternative to retinol for its anti-aging and brightening effects, says Dr. King. Based on studies, "bakuchiol seems to be activating the genes that regulate collagen and elastin production-- the same ones retinol activates," she says. "And it doesn't seem to irritate your skin the way retinol often does, so it appears to be a gentler option."

So if you want a potentially easier-to-tolerate serum, try this one from Maya Chia, which Dr. King also loves. "It contains retinol as well as bakuchiol, but also vitamin C and vitamin E," she says. "It's in a base of chia seed and buriti oils to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture too." Basically, it's ideal for anyone with v-dry or easily irritated skin.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, vitamin C, vitamin e, chia seed oil
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "When I say I noticed changes within days... I mean it. It is gentle enough for everyday use while potent enough for the results you hope to see from retinal. For those acne prone humans like me, don't be concerned about the oil formulation, it does not clog my pores."

Retinol Fine Lines and Wrinkles Serum

Brand-new to retinol? You don't have to spend a bajillion on a formula to start seeing results. This Inkey List retinol serum is effective without the fancy packaging or über-long ingredient list. Instead, it helps smooth and tighten your skin with two types of retinol, all the while moisturizing with squalane to offset some irritation.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, squalane
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I’ve been using this product for a long time and it’s great for the low price, good quality, and it doesn’t burn my face at all."

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

What do I keep telling you? Start slow with retinol—and this includes the concentration. But if you want a retinol serum that'll ~grow with you~, look into Medik8. They offer five different formulas, ranging from this beginner #1 serum to their most-advanced Crystal Retinal 10. But they've got a slew of options in the middle too, so no matter where you are on your retinol journey, there's a serum for ya. Once you can comfortably tolerate a formula and you feel like your skin can handle a bit more (i.e. you experience no spolotchiness or dryness and notice your results plateauing), then it's time to graduate to the next formula.

• Key ingredients: Retinal, squalane, carrot seed oil
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I've always had a hard time with retinol-like products. Either they had no effect or destroyed my skin. This was the first I've used that was gentle yet effective. The consistency is nice too, it just soaks in. I'm now going to try the level #3 next—fingers crossed it's the same."

Pure Retinol Face Serum

With two types of retinol (retinol and retinyl palmitate, a gentler version), plus niacinamide, this serum is a dream for keeping skin clear and smooth. It basically is the reason I didn't have a nose full of blackheads in college, even after I barely remembered to wash my face between late-night library visits and margarita Monday.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "So far my face has never been smoother and more radiant. I can see a difference in the appearance as well, only using it a short time!"

Software Update Retinol Body Serum

Soft Services never misses on products that help me treat my body with the same TLC I do my face, and this retinol body serum is no exception. It has a really thin, serum-like texture that absorbs into my skin basically 30 seconds after I rub it in, which makes layering on body cream so easy (and there's no pilling, which I often experience with other body serums unfortch). I massage it in my entire body, from feet to neck, four nights a week, and I'm truly the smoothest I've ever been.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, glycerin
  

• Size: 2.5 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I’m loving everything from this brand! I’ve never used a body retinol before, but this stuff is working amazing. I can definitely tell a difference with the appearance of my skin. I will be repurchasing."

Dreamwave 2% Bio-Retinoid Complex Overnight Serum

This is the newest retinol in my arsenal, and I'm loving that it uses a clean formula (we <3 clean beauty around here) while also combining retinol and tranexamic acid, an ingredient that helps brighten dark spots. It's got a spreadable, ~viscous~ texture that feels so good on my skin. Dare I say, it's actually kinda moisturizing (ty, squalane and shea butter)?!? I have seriously been looking forward to my skincare routine every night that I get to slather this on.

• Key ingredients: Retinal, niacinamide, tranexamic acid
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "The application was smooth and effortless, and the serum absorbed quickly into my skin without leaving any greasy residue. The formula is perfect without causing any irritation or sensitivity - perfect for beginner retinol users like myself!"

Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum

Even beauty editor pals of mine with the most sensitive skin I know (hello, former deputy beauty director Chloe Metzger, I'm looking @ you) can tolerate this gentle retinol serum. It uses a mix of microencapsulated retinol—which slows down absorption to make it less intense on your skin—and bakuchiol, a gentler option that is said to offer up similar smoothing, firming results to retinol.

When you're first incorporating it into your routine, try it only once or twice a week. And feel free to load on your favorite rich, soothing moisturizer too to help reduce any potential dryness.

• Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, bakuchiol, sea fennel extract, chlorophyll (soothing)
  

• Size: 1 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I have sensitive skin, so I was nervous to try a retinol, but this one has worked great! I love how it makes my skin feel each morning. Paired with the moisturizer, it’s a great duo."

What does retinol serum do?

Retinol serums "increase the turnover of skin cells, reduce the tendency of cells and keratin debris to clump together and clog up pores, increase collagen production, and decrease discoloration," says Dr. King. Basically, it's as hard-hitting as it gets when it comes to ingredients for anti-aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, skin-tightening, and more. This is why it's often touted as "Botox in a bottle"even. But this is also why it's can be v irritating. Which brings me to...

How to choose the best retinol serum for you:

Assess your skin's sensitivity levels.

If you've got extremely sensitive skin, your approach to retinol is def going to be v diff from someone with oily, acne-prone skin that can handle the strongest of treatments. Consider how sensitive your skin is before choosing a retinol. Like, if the thought of acids makes your face burn, opt for a gentler retinol alternative, like bakuchiol, or go with something sensitive skin-friendly, like a low-concentration formula filled with soothers. But if your skin can handle a bit more, dial it up a notch with retinal.

And if your dermatologist recommends it, try tretinoin, the strongest version of retinoid you can only get by prescription. It's intense, but it works.

Start slow.

There I go again—but it's extremely important to keep things minimal when you're starting with retinol. First of all, begin with the lowest percentage you can find and then work your way up to a higher percentage or concentration, especially if your skin is sensitive. Consider starting with a gentler retinol type as well, like granactive retinoid or retinyl palmitate (we listed our faves above, ofc). But you should also go slow with use. "Start by using your retinol cream every other night for a few weeks and increase the usage as the weeks go on," aesthetician Victoria Russo previously told Cosmo.

Meet the experts:

• Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

• Jessie Cheung, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with practices in Chicago, IL, and New York, NY. She focuses on the intersection of dermatology and overall wellness, taking a holistic approach to acne and skin. She was previously interviewed about retinol for sensitive skin.

• Victoria Russo is a licensed aesthetician based in New Jersey and New York. Russo has a over a decade of industry experience and has trained with some of NYC's top dermatologists. She specializes in anti-aging and acne treatments for all skin types at GlowDoll Skin and Aesthetics in Middletown, NJ. She previously spoke to Cosmopolitan about retinol creams.

Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?

Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with nearly six years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from clear sunscreens to face oils to blind pimples. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to retinol serums, thanks to years of testing them on her own acne-prone skin, as well as constantly interviewing dermatologists and aestheticians.

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