The 16 Best Retinol Creams for Smoother, Brighter Skin (2024)

Retinoids, peptides, and hydrating glycerin combine in this plush night cream to deliver smoother, more radiant skin overnight while you sleep. You'll notice skin-transforming results in as little as 28 days.

Customer review: "I’ve been using this product for over 2 years and wouldn’t be without it. Even in the beginning stages, I never experienced any skin irritation. Within the first month I noticed a definite improvement to an “even skin tone”, no more discolorations! My skin is much softer and has a nice, healthy glow. I use this product every other night, it’s not thick or greasy, to me, it’s the perfect night cream!" —Shoppermom

Created by leading plastic surgeon Julius Few, this gentle night treatment combines retinol, Argireline (a peptide that smooths the appearance of lines), matrixyl (a peptide that helps stimulate collagen), and green tea that hydrates and calms the skin.

Customer review: "The Clean Retinol is an amazing introductory retinol for those who have never used retinol before, and also for those who are looking to maintain retinol use. I use it nightly and my skin does not dry out. It has helped to smooth out fine lines and even out my complexion." —Tiffany S.

Ibrahim counts this daily moisturizer as one of his favorite retinol creams. Because it's formulated with SPF, it can be worn daily. Plus, ceramides are also beneficial as a protective barrier for the skin.

Customer review: "Love the matte finish. I use it like a sunscreen, not a moisturizer. I use a gentle water-based moisturizer first then apply this day cream. I love the effect." —Christel

For those dealing with dry skin and fine lines, this hydrating retinol—also containing hyaluronic acid—should be right up your alley, since it's made to keep your skin moisturized for up to 24 hours.

Customer review: "My skin feels supple and dewy after applying. Can be used around sensitive eyes. Unscented for those with sensitivities to fragrance." —Daphne

This cream contains bakuchiol and broomrape extract to help increase cell turnover. It has a really nice texture, making it a good option for people hesitant to use retinol.

Customer review: "Love the texture and creaminess. I put it on at night for my last step and it feels really moisturizing." —Allison S.

They call it beauty rest for a reason, and this hardworking retinol cream from the experts at Perricone MD makes it easy to get plenty of it—and then some. This favorite harnesses the power of hyaluronic acid to plump and smooth skin as you sleep while reducing fine lines and loss of elasticity.

Customer review: "I was skeptical but this product has made my face so smooth and moist. I use it every night and my lines are lessening. I feel and look fresher. Try it!" —Cynthia K.

For a lighter take on a retinol cream, try this formula from Elizabeth Arden. The water cream texture can be used morning and night and never feels cloying on the skin. But with HPR (or high-performance retinol), skin-strengthening ceramides, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, it's just as—if not more—effective as the formulation may help reduce wrinkles in just one week.

Customer review: "This is my first skincare product from Elizabeth Arden and now I understand why there are so many fans of this brand. Retinol is an absolute must for my skin, and I can trust that this brand uses the highest quality retinol possible over the counter. Feels wonderful on my skin."—BirdNerd

For more advanced retinol users, this vegan, one-percent formulation from Beauty Pie might become your new favorite. In addition to leaving skin looking and feeling more plump and hydrated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter, it also uses vitamin C to brighten discoloration while you sleep.

Customer review: "Been using for only a week so far, but skin is glowy, lines are softer, hyperpigmentation reduced. Pores smaller, better skin texture. Will continue using it. Smells lovely, too." —KimH81

We consider this staple from Murad one of the best retinol creams because of its versatility. Not only is it ideal for firming skin and reducing fine lines, but the formula—also containing algae extract and niacinamide—also aims to help strengthen the skin barrier.

Customer review: "This product is amazing! After using nightly, my skin was smoother, more plump, and I noticed a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles." —RDarr

This face cream is a powerhouse of skin-restoring ingredients. In addition to retinol, it also contains plumping hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid to minimize hyperpigmentation, and the brand’s signature ECG Complex to keep skin firm.

Customer review: "Really loving this wrinkle cream, I just turned 40 and I’ve been using this cream almost twice daily for about three weeks. I can see a real difference! A lot of the fine creases around my eyes have diminished and the deeper smile lines are plumper." —misspriscilla96

Another of our favorite retinol creams, this ultra-rich version uses hyaluronic acid and fatty acids to minimize irritation and includes the brightening power of vitamin C for the ultimate glow-up.

Customer review: "This moisturizer is amazing. I am 52 and have been using this for about a year—it has really made a difference in the appearance of my skin. I noticed a difference after a couple of weeks. My complexion is smoother, clearer, and the fine lines around my eyes are a lot less noticeable." —Tracy S.

This highly rated face cream has a little bit of everything: A low concentration of retinol (0.01 percent) provides line-smoothing benefits. Jojoba oil keeps skin hydrated, while a whole host of antioxidants protect skin from environmental stressors.

Customer review: "I use this product every day after my routine and it has become my favorite moisturizer. The visual results that come from this are amazing. It has helped keep me clear and my skin looking vibrant and fresh."—ST

Fans of Avène's Thermal Spring Water and tinted sunscreen should make room in their summer lineup for this velvety retinol cream from the brand. In addition to vitamin A, it also uses ingredients like vitamin E to even skin tone while smoothing deep wrinkles and protecting against environmental stressors.

Customer review: "My aesthetician recommended this product a few years ago. I have sensitive skin and have been very pleased with the results. I use it every other night." —Colleen

Retinol, retinal (a relative of the former), and niacin combine to leave skin looking refreshed overnight. We love how this cream also has anti-redness ingredients, just in case your skin is a little more sensitive.

Customer Review: "Great moisturizer and reduces the look of fine lines! I have purchased it before. This is a reorder. Buy it and your skin will thank you!" —Maura M.

Apply this powerful cream—which combines encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, soybean extract retinol, and botanicals to brighten hyperpigmentation and soothe visible redness—to your face and neck to redefine beauty rest.

Customer review: "I have had issues using retinol in the past but this one is extremely gentle. I love the results. It's made my skin vibrant, smooth and clear. I suffered with acne and fine lines and it's helped with both."—Heathersbarre

Nearly all of the top anti-wrinkle all-stars—retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C—combine in this budget-friendly formula, which is one reason why it works quickly to transform fine lines and dark spots. If you’re looking to get into retinol but don’t want to spend a small fortune, this jar is a good place to start.

Customer review: "I love the way my face looks and feels all day after applying my moisturizer." —CJ

• Libby A Rhee, D.O., is a clinical instructor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
• Omer Ibrahim, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology.

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