Retinol 101: A Guide to the Powerful Ingredient Beloved By Dermatologists (2024)

Even as a beauty editor who is constantly slathering products on my skin, I have not seen any ingredient improve the tone and texture like the best retinol serums and creams. It was the pandemic when I finally had enough time at home to take my skin-care routine seriously that I signed up for an online prescription service and was recommended a tretinoin cream—my first skin prescription since my hormonal, teenage acne days. Looking back, I didn’t even know I was being prescribed a form of retinol. Turns out, there are many forms of retinol to know; and we get it, this is understandably overwhelming. First used in over-the-counter creams in the ’70s, this potent form of vitamin A is prized for its proven youth-enhancing results. Read on to discover Vogue's guide to retinol treatments—from how to incorporate it into your regimen to the best products to use based on your skin type.

Vogue’s Favorite Retinol Products

• Best Retinol for Mature Skin: Lancer Advanced Retinol Treatment, $95
• Best Retinol Cream: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3, $78
• Best Retinol Serum: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum, $122
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, $22
• Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Cream, $25
• Best Retinol for Beginners: Glossier Universal Pro-Retinol, $35
• Best for Dark Spots: SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0, $96
• Best Retinol Oil: 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil, $250
• Best for Any Skin Type: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum, $62

In This Story

• What Is Retinol?
• What does retinol do?
• What are the benefits of using retinol?
• How to Use Retinol
• What is the best retinol strength to use?
• Retinol vs. Retinoid vs. Tretinoin
• What ingredients can you not use with retinol?
• When to Use Retinol
• How We Tested
• Meet The Experts

Best Retinol Cream: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

• Why We Love It: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3, a favorite of dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe’s, is a less invasive version of the brand’s original cult retinol formula and even includes bisabolol—chamomile extract—to help calm the skin’s irritation. Not to mention, this retinol utilizes a steady-release technology to optimize your treatment.
• Key Ingredients: 0.3% pure retinol, bisabolol (derived from the chamomile plant), boswellia serrata extract (derived from frankincense)
• Retinol Concentration: 0.3%
• Best For: Fine lines, dark spots, acne
• When to Apply: According to SkinCeuticals, apply a pea-sized amount to skin at night. The brand recommends using one to two times per week, then gradually increasing frequency to your liking.
• Size: 30 mL

Best Tretinoin: Nurx Tretinoin Cream

• Why We Love It: Tretinoin is often the chosen vitamin A derivative for those looking for a real skin transformation. While it's not necessarily more effective than retinol, Dr. Carmen Castilla tells Vogue “it can activate more receptors in the skin.” A type of retinoic acid (that doesn't require additional conversions to be effective, like retinol), its thought of as a more powerful solution to stimulate cell turnover, treat breakouts, improve hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, plus address fine lines and wrinkles. The catch? Tretinoin requires a prescription from your doctor or online services like Nurx, which offers tretinoin at three different concentrations. Getting one is as simple as signing up, filling out a questionnaire, and chatting with an online medical provider.
• Key Ingredients: Tretinoin
• Retinol Concentration: Varies - available at 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%
• Best For: Breakouts, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores
• When to Apply: Not listed - check with your online provider.
• Size: 20g / 0.7oz

Best Adapalene: Differin Adapalene 0.1%

• Why We Love It: “Adapalene is the first FDA-approved retinoid available on the counter for treating acne,” Green tellsVogue. The most common of which is sold over the counter as Differin. This offers 0.1% adapalene into a silky, non-comedogenic gel that can be used precisely atop blemishes or across the entire face to limit blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores.
• Key Ingredients: Adapalene
• Retinol Concentration: 0.1%
• Best For: Acne, enlarged pores
• When to Apply: According to Differin, apply a thin layer of gel to clean, dry skin nightly and follow with sunscreen in the AM.
• Size: 15g / 0.5 oz

Best Retinol Serum: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum

• Why We Love It: Powered by a potent 6.5% solution of stabilized retinoid blends and a botanical retinol-alternative extract, Sunday Riley’s serum certainly delivers the best of the vitamin A derivative—working in tandem with conditioning ingredients to keep skin calm and balanced. With consistent use, expect an even, youthful complexion.
• Key Ingredients: Retinoid ester blend 5%, liposome-encapsulated retinol blend 1%, 0.5% blue-green algae, CoQ10, Hawaiian white honey
• Retinol Concentration: 5%
• Best For: Fine lines, dark spots, dry skin, enlarged pores
• When to Apply: According to Sunday Riley, apply one to two pumps nightly. For those with sensitive skin, follow with a moisturizing oil.
• Size: 30 mL

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

• Why We Love It: Anyone with acne-prone skin will find this CeraVe serum useful. Built around encapsulated retinol, which can help refine the look of pores by accelerating cellular turnover, plus licorice extract for brightening post-acne marks. Niacinamide and ceramides are featured, too, to ensure skin is kept moisturized, soothed, and balanced. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic and free of parabens and fragrances—designed to be gentle on even sensitive skin types.
• Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract
• Retinol Concentration: Not listed
• Best For: Acne-prone skin, dark spots, enlarged pores
• When to Apply: According to CeraVe, this is best applied at night before moisturizer daily.
• Size: 30 mL

Best Retinol Cream for Dry Skin: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream

• Why We Love It: “Using a retinol cream offers a host of skin benefits, including increasing the rate of skin cell turnover and exfoliating away dead skin cells to reveal healthy, new skin cells,” says dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. She recommends the RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Cream because it “offers the anti-aging benefits of retinol, combined with the ultra-hydrating and soothing benefits of hyaluronic acid.”
• Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
• Retinol Concentration: Not listed
• Best For: Dry skin, wrinkles
• When to Apply: According to RoC, apply this to the face and neck morning or night. In the AM, the cream should be followed with sunscreen.
• Size: 50 mL

Best Brightening: Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

• Why We Love It: This Paula’s Choice has the ability to promote firm, radiant skin sans irritation or redness through its supercharged blend—powered by a high concentration, controlled-release retinol.
• Key Ingredients: 1% retinol, vitamin C, licorice extract
• Retinol Concentration: 1%
• Best For: Wrinkles, fine lines
• When to Apply: According to Paula’s Choice, apply this to the face and neck up to three times per week. Follow with sunscreen during the daytime.
• Size: 30 mL

Best Korean Retinol: CosRx The Retinol 0.5 Oil

• Why We Love It: It comes as little surprise that the Korean marketplace is chock full of excellent retinols. Of the best, CosRx’s oil rises to the top. Here, 0.5% pure retinol is blended with squalane and vitamin E into a silky oil that not only delivers the wrinkle-smoothing, skin tone-evening benefits you’d expect from, but achieves next-level conditioning that leaves skin glowy and plump.
• Key Ingredients: Pure retinol, squalane, vitamin E
• Retinol Concentration: 0.5%
• Best For: Wrinkles, elasticity, dryness
• When to Apply: According to CosRx, apply to the face after cleansing (during the serum steph of your routine) two to three times per week.
• Size: 20 mL / 0.67 fl oz

Best Wrinkle Cream: Olay Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer

• Why We Love It: The benefits of retinol make it an excellent inclusion in any wrinkle cream. When we asked dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi which were her favorites, she cited Olay Retinol24. “It penetrates deep into the skin surface to address fine lines and wrinkles, as well as smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots, and pores,” she previously told Vogue. “It also hydrates the skin and help to maintain the natural skin barrier.”
• Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, peptides
• Retinol Concentration: Not listed
• Best For: Drugstore, wrinkles, dark spots, elasticity
• When to Apply: According to Olay, apply the cream to cleansed skin at night until fully absorbed. Follow with SPF in the morning.
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Best for Any Skin Type: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum

• Why We Love It: Retinal, the vitamin A derivative known to be less irritating yet more effective than retinol, is the star of Medik8's serum, alongside a nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E. Consistent use promotes improved radiance, texture, and skin tone—meaning reduced dark spots and smoothed fine lines. Crystal Retinal is available in five potency levels to help you choose the best for you—level one is designed for sensitive skin while level five is crafted for experienced vitamin A users. That being said, Crystal Retinal 3 is a perfect retinol for beginners.
• Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
• Best For: Various retinol tolerances, dullness, uneven tone
• Retinol Concentration: Not listed
• When to Apply: According to Medik8, apply two pumps of the serum to the face and neck at night, followed by a moisturizer. If you're new to retinoids, start with two times per week, increasing frequency as your skin gets accustomed.
• Size: 30 mL

Best Lightweight: Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum

• Why We Love It: One of the market’s latest formulas, the Augustinus Bader retinol serum has a dreamy, lightweight texture that manages to condition skin while diminishing the look of fine lines, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation concerns—powered by the acclaimed TFC8 you expect from the brand. When applied at night, skin feels soft, smooth, and firm even by morning.
• Key Ingredients: 0.06% pure retinol, a zinc complex, botanical extracts (manuka, black pepper, and magnolia), marine ectoine, Japanese knotweed extract, TFC8
• Retinol Concentration: 0.06%
• Best For: Wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, oily skin, dry skin
• When to Apply: According to Augustinus Bader, apply this serum to the face, neck, and décolleté.
• Size: 30 mL

Best Retinol for Mature Skin: Lancer Advanced Retinol Treatment

• Why We Love It: Advanced plant-derived retinol, also known as bakuchiol, and collagen work together to soften the overall look of fine lines and wrinkles, while prickly pear extract plumps skin for a hydrated, smoother glow in Dr. Lancer’s treatment. It also includes the brand’s CoRetinol technology, which takes skin softness to a whole other level, improving the skin’s overall elasticity. Prickly pear is the cherry on top of this plumping formula. Its versatile benefits make it an excellent retinol for mature skin.
• Key Ingredients: CoRetinol technology (1.25% retinol, bakuchiol, and a soy complex), prickly pear extract, hydrolyzed collagen, squalane
• Retinol Concentration: 1.25%
• Best For: Wrinkles, fine lines, uneven texture, dryness, dullness
• When to Apply: According to Lancer, apply a thin layer of this treatment (using upward strokes) to the face, neck, and décolleté.
• Size: 30 mL

Best Drugstore Cream: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Face Cream

• Why We Love It: Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, a pick of dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman’s, “uses hyaluronic acid to help add moisture to the skin,” especially if you’re looking for a drugstore alternative or have sensitive skin—just look for the fragrance-free version. That said, its blend combats fine lines, dark spots, and dullness.
• Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
• Retinol Concentration: Not listed
• Best For: Dry skin, wrinkles, dark spots
• When to Apply: According to Neutrogena, apply a pearl-sized amount of product to the face and neck twice daily. In the AM, follow with sunscreen.
• Size: 50 mL

Best for Dark Spots: SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0

• Why We Love It: Designed to improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity, SkinMedica’s treatment is a thoughtful addition to any skin-care routine. Retinol works with an antioxidant complex to smooth intense wrinkles and diminish the look of dark spots to improve your complexion over time.
• Key Ingredients: Retinol, a PhytoShield Complex (rich in antioxidants)
• Retinol Concentration: Not listed
• Best For: Wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores
• When to Apply: According to SkinMedica, apply this to the entire face in the evening, starting with two to three days between treatments.
• Size: 30 mL

Best for Uneven Texture: iS Clinical Retinol+ Emulsion 0.3

• Why We Love It: iS Clinical believes that anyone should be able to achieve professional-grade treatments from the comfort of their home. That's why they've introduced this introductory retinol cream as a lower concentration of its Retinol+ Emulsion 1.0. This elixir blends retinol, bakuchiol, vitamin C, and the brand's proprietary blend of extremophilic enzymes to visibly reduce the look of fine lines, smooth bumpy texture, and even skin tone. Plus, there are natural nourishing agents like shea butter, squalane, and panthenol to ensure skin remains strengthened and hydrated, too.
• Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, ectoin, vitamin C, squalane, glycerin, rice bran extract, shea butter, lactic acid, panthenol
• Retinol Concentration: Not listed
• Best For: Fine lines, wrinkles, bumpy texture, discoloration, dullness, sensitive skin
• When to Apply: According to iS Clinical, apply two to three pumps across the face and neck every three days for three weeks. Feel free to increase cadence to every two days once skin gets acclimated to the formula.
• Size: 30 mL

Best for Fine Lines: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

• Why We Love It: What’s so special about Dr. Dennis Gross’ retinol is that it’s powerful enough to treat wrinkles, yet gentle enough to not irritate skin; it’s even suitable for daytime wear. Two types of retinol are featured, plus the retinol-alternative bakuchiol, ferulic acid, and rambutan to boost skin’s collagen production, smooth fine lines, and firm over time.
• Key Ingredients: Trans-retinol, encapsulated retinol, ferulic acid, bakuchiol, rambutan, ceramides, shea butter, centella asiatica botanical extracts (willow bark, apple fruit, lemon peel)
• Retinol Concentration: Not listed
• Best For: Wrinkles, dark spots,
• When to Apply: According to the brand, this is best applied to clean, dry skin across the face, neck, and décolleté. If using in AM, follow with SPF.
• Size: 60 mL

Best Retinol Serum for First Time Users: Glossier Universal Pro-Retinol

• Why We Love It: Hoping to achieve that signature Glossier glow? Be sure to add its retinol treatment to cart. Designed to benefit new and experienced users of the vitamin A derivative, this well-rounded targets various signs of aging from fine lines to bumpy texture and blemishes. And because it utilizes a lower concentration of a retinol derivative (0.5% retinyl sunflowerate), it's great for beginners who are getting used to increased sensitivity of vitamin A.
• Key Ingredients: 0.5% retinyl sunflowerate (a retinol derivative of retinol and sunflower seed fatty acids), stevia extract, mondo grass root extract
• Retinol Concentration: 0.5%
• Best For: Beginners, fine lines, enlarged pores, blemishes
• When to Apply: According to Glossier, apply a pea-sized amount of this treatment nightly, followed by a moisturizer. The brand recommends starting with one to two times per week, then gradually increasing frequency to your liking.
• Size: 35 mL

Best Exfoliating: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

• Why We Love It: Drunk Elephant’s lightweight A-Passioni offers a multitude of benefits. The cream is formulated with 1% vegan retinol to exfoliate and erase any wrinkles, pollution, or UV-ray damage, such as dark spots, while vitamin F soothes the skin’s barrier, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitivities.
• Key Ingredients: 1% retinol, peptides, winter cheery juice, kale leaf extract, vitamin F, xanthophylls, botanical oils (virgin marula, passionfruit, apricot, and jojoba)
• Retinol Concentration: 1%
• Best For: Pigmentation concerns, bumpy texture, dullness, sensitivities
• When to Apply: According to Drunk Elephant, apply a pea-sized amount to clean skin morning and night. The brand recommends starting with one to two times per week, gradually increasing frequency to your liking.
• Size: 30 mL

What Is Retinol?

“Retinol signals your body to produce collagen and new cells for firmer and smoother skin, while also reducing hyperpigmentation and clogged pores,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anne Chapas, of its multitasking capabilities. Still, the superhero ingredient has its drawbacks, namely that it can cause dryness and irritation, especially in the colder months, and has a tendency to become unstable (and therefore ineffective) in the presence of oxygen and light.

The latest innovations seek to address and minimize these concerns; the best retinol creams of the moment feature timed-release technology, anti-inflammatory peptides, ultra-replenishing moisturizers, or even airless pump packaging to keep ingredients as lab-fresh as possible. Whether you choose a weightless serum or a line-softening cream, they belong in any anti-aging routine, from the acne-prone to those with sensitive skin. Keep these in rotation year-round or use them once or twice a week for a rejuvenating boost—and watch skin transform.

What are the benefits of retinol?

There are many anti-aging benefits to using retinol according to dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi, MD, including “reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing skin texture and shrinking the appearance of pores, decreasing acne outbreaks, diminishing pigmentation, and allowing for an overall tighter, plumper and brighter appearance to the skin.”

What does retinol do?

“Retinol speeds up the turnover of skin cells to improve texture and tone, and stimulates new collagen formation to treat and prevent fine lines and laxity,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose. “By speeding up skin cell turnover, skin appears smoother and clearer.The vitamin A derivatives like retinol also decrease sebum and oil production–excellent for acne treatment–and minimize the appearance of pores.”

How to Use Retinol

If you plan to introduce retinol into your routine, it is important to consider its implications on your skin. Hartman says the ingredient is safe for all skin types and tones but advises patients with rosacea or overly sensitive skin to consider a retinol alternative, as not to cause further irritation. Think gentle vitamin A derivatives like retinaldehyde, retinoic acid, and retinyl esters or plant-based options like bakuchiol. What’s more, Green emphasizes that retinol is not safe for those breastfeeding or pregnant.

What is the best retinol strength to use?

Penzi notes that over-the-counter retinol strengths range from 0.25% to 2%. “Lower
percentages are perfect for those patients in their 20s and 30s who are using the product for more preventative measures,” she continues. “Lower concentrations are also better for this with sensitive or eczema prone skin, as there is less chance of irritation. For more mature patients looking for more powerful anti aging effects, reach for a retinol withat least 1% concentration.”

Overall though, Murphy-Rose emphasizes using the percentage that treats your skin’s needs. “As your skin adjusts, you may be able to build up to using the product every night,” she says. “And don’t worry if not! It will still work just as well for your skin. There will be a correct frequency for you to use it that will be best for your skin. The best strength depends on the individual.”

Retinol vs. Retinoid vs. Tretinoin

Those new to the ingredient might need a quick explainer. Are retinol and retinoid synonyms? Do they have the same efficacy? What’s the benefit of one over the other? To be clear, retinoid is the general term for the group of molecules that react with retinoic acid receptors on the skin to address age spots, texture, and wrinkles. (Retinoic acid is the active form of retinoids that the skin uses for anti-aging and acne-fighting benefits.) “The pure form of retinoic acid can be too harsh on the skin,” explains Green. “To combat potential irritation, scientists developed other forms of retinoids that require additional conversion steps that gradually lead to retinoic acid.” These gentler solutions include retinol, tretinoin, isotretinoin (also known as Accutane), tazarotene, and adapalene. Below, a breakdown of the most common vitamin A forms—along with some general guidance on choosing the best for your skin type—courtesy of Green.