The Best Retinol Creams and Serums, According to Dermatologists (2024)

Finding the best retinol cream for your skin might take some trial and error, but the search will be worth it: This science-backed ingredient has earned its hype. Dermatologists agree that retinol is versatile and effective, as long as you keep your complexion’s needs in mind. Below, we’ll dive into the basics and share experts’ tips for buying—and using—retinol creams, serums, and gels.

Our top picks:

1. Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
2. Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
3. Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: Differin 0.1% Adapalene Treatment Gel
4. Best for Sensitive Skin: Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream
5. Best Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer
6. Best for Travel: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules
7. Best Oil: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil
8. Best Eye Product: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
9. Best for Brightening: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
10. Best High Concentration: Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

How does retinol work?

Retinol is a type of retinoid, or vitamin A, derivative. While retinoids appear in prescription-strength topicals like Retin-A (tretinoin), you can find retinol in over-the-counter (OTC) skin care, Linda C. Chung Honet, MD, FAAD, the founder of Honet Dermatology and Cosmetic in Michigan, tells SELF. Retinoids are known for their near-panacean ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines, brighten your complexion, and improve the health of your skin overall. This is largely because they expedite skin-cell turnover. This process clears out dull dead cells faster, strengthens the skin’s barrier, and boosts collagen production, which can give your skin a firmer look and bouncier feel.

Retinol tends to be weaker than prescription-strength retinoid options, Dr. Honet says. That doesn’t mean OTC retinol products aren’t effective—they may just take a bit longer to produce the results you’re looking for. Since drugstore retinols contain a range of concentrations, formulas with lower potency typically need more time to take effect, Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD, the founder of Houshmand Dermatology in Dallas, tells SELF. A lower potency isn’t a bad thing, though, because retinol can be irritating, and starting with a milder formula gives your skin time to adjust.

What are the potential benefits of retinol?

With a consistent skin care routine (and a bit of patience), Dr. Honet says people with all types of skin concerns can benefit from using retinol. Jerome Potozkin, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and the founder of PotozkinMD Skincare & Laser Center in Danville, California, thinks of it this way: Retinol may be appealing to anyone embarking on a “skin rejuvenation journey,” in which they’re hoping to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, clear up breakouts, smooth fine lines, or improve the visible signs of sun damage. In other words, whether you want to even out your complexion, calm your acne, or just find a skin care product that will provide reliable exfoliation, incorporating it into your routine is a solid place to start, he tells SELF.

Retinol can increase photosensitivity, however, which means your skin may become more vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays while using it. That’s why experts recommend applying retinol at night and being diligent about wearing sunscreen the next day. You may experience some irritating side effects too, like redness, dryness, itchiness, peeling, and flaking. Thankfully, there are ways to build your tolerance to potent products, including those that contain retinol and you should notice fewer side effects over time.

How to find the best retinol product for you

Dry or sensitive skin

If you have dry skin, retinol creams and lotions are probably the best option for you, Dr. Houshmand explains. They’re more likely to contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides, which help your skin retain moisture, even when using a drying ingredient like retinol, Aanand N. Geria, MD, FAAD, the founder of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey, tells SELF. A retinol concentration of 0.5% or lower is a good starting point for people with dry skin, he says.

People with sensitive skin will also benefit from using a cream, Dr. Potozkin says, as they tend to be more moisturizing and soothing, and thus less likely to cause a reaction. Dr. Geria recommends looking for products that contain encapsulated retinol, which is formulated to be less irritating than other forms. For folks with super finicky skin, he also recommends starting at a lower retinol concentration between 0.1 to 0.5%.

Oily or acne-prone skin

People with oily or acne-prone skin can give retinol creams a try, but they may prefer the texture of a lighter-weight product like a serum or gel, Dr. Geria says. Dermatologists specifically like adapalene, a synthetic retinoid you can get over the counter, for the treatment of acne. Dr. Geria says you can also use retinol to complement other acne-fighting ingredients in your routine, like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or niacinamide. (You may use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning, say, and then a gentle face wash paired with your retinol product at night.) He advises starting with a product that has a retinol concentration between 0.5 and 1%. Anything higher than that “can be irritating and may cause more breakouts,” he notes.

How long does it take to see results?

It can take anywhere from several weeks to six months of regularly applying retinol to notice changes in your skin overall, and you’ll likely need up to 12 months to see significant improvements in fine lines and wrinkles. The time it takes to see results will also vary depending on the concentration of retinol in your product, as well as how often you use it.

At first, you’ll want to take it slow: Your skin may “purge” by breaking out more than usual or feel flaky, dry, or straight-up angry. Applying retinol every other night to begin with, and using a product with a low concentration before building up, will help you find the frequency that works best for you.

The best retinol creams and serums

Below, you’ll find dermatologist-approved retinol products from brands like RoC, SkinCeuticals, Differin, and Paula’s Choice.