[ad_1]
Women’s Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
2
Most Dermatologist-Recommended Retinol Serum
Bliss Youth Got This Pure Retinol Serum
2
Most Dermatologist-Recommended Retinol Serum
Bliss Youth Got This Pure Retinol Serum
Now 23% Off
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.
| Key Ingredients | Amino acids, peptides, squalane, and antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | Unspecified |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply onto clean, dry skin in the morning and at night. Follow up with sunscreen in the morning. |
3
Best Retinol Serum For Hyperpigmentation In Dry Skin
Glo Skin Beauty Retinol + Resurfacing Serum
3
Best Retinol Serum For Hyperpigmentation In Dry Skin
Glo Skin Beauty 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.”
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin E and sodium ascorbate (a form of vitamin C) |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | 0.5 percent |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply to clean skin in the evening two to seven times a week and follow up with a moisturizer 30 minutes after. |
4
Best Retinol Serum For Hyperpigmentation In Oily Skin
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
4
Best Retinol Serum For Hyperpigmentation In Oily Skin
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Now 13% Off
“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.
| Key Ingredients | Licorice root extract, ceramides, and niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | 0.3 percent |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply evenly to the face daily and use sunscreen while using this retinol. |
5
Best Retinol For Acne
Differin Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment
5
Best Retinol For Acne
Differin Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment
Now 11% Off
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.
| Key Ingredients | None |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | 0.1 percent |
| Formula | Gel |
| How To Use | Apply a thin layer once a day every day all over your face and follow up with sunscreen. |
6
Best Retinol Serum For Beginners
First Aid Beauty .25% Pure Concentrate Retinol Serum
6
Best Retinol Serum For Beginners
First Aid Beauty .25% Pure Concentrate Retinol Serum
Now 14% Off
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.”
| Key Ingredients | Peptides and their signature blend with hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, aloe, ceramides, vitamin C, and vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | 0.25 percent |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply to clean skin three nights a week and increase it to daily use when your skin is used to it. Follow up with sunscreen in the morning. |
7
Most Pure Retinol Serum
La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3
7
Most Pure Retinol Serum
La Roche-Posay 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.”
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone, and La Roche-Posay thermal spring water |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | Unspecified |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply to clean skin on the face and neck at night. Follow up with sunscreen in the morning. |
8
Best Pricey Retinol Serum For Dry Skin
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Serum Ceramide Capsules
8
Best Pricey Retinol Serum For Dry Skin
Elizabeth Arden 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.
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, peptides, and avocado, sunflower seed, and olive oils |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | Unspecified |
| Formula | Capsules |
| How To Use | Apply to the face and neck and follow up with sunscreen. |
9
Best Affordable Retinol Serum For Dry Skin
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
9
Best Affordable Retinol Serum For Dry Skin
The Ordinary 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.
| Key Ingredients | Squalane |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | One percent |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply a few drops to the face at night and follow up with sunscreen in the morning. |
10
Best Capsule Retinol Serum
RoC Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules
10
Best Capsule Retinol Serum
RoC Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules
Now 43% Off
“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!
| Key Ingredients | None |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | Unspecified |
| Formula | Capsules |
| How To Use | Apply to the face and neck at night and follow up with sunscreen in the morning. |
11
Most Hydrating Non-Retinol Serum
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum
11
Most Hydrating Non-Retinol Serum
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum
Now 41% Off
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.
| Key Ingredients | Bakuchiol, squalane, and niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | None |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply onto a clean face and neck in the morning and at night. |
12
Best Retinol For Wrinkles
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream
12
Best Retinol For Wrinkles
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream
Now 12% Off
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.
| Key Ingredients | None |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | Unspecified |
| Formula | Cream |
| How To Use | Apply nightly to a clean face and neck and follow up with sunscreen in the morning. |
13
Best Retinol Serum Splurge
SkinMedica Retinol 1.0 Complex
13
Best Retinol Serum Splurge
SkinMedica 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.
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, squalane, and glycerin |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | Unspecified |
| Formula | Cream |
| How To Use | Apply after cleansing and toning the face at night before applying moisturizer, beginning twice a week, two or three days apart. Advance frequency to every other night or every night as tolerated. Follow up with sunscreen in the morning. |
14
Best Under Eye Retinol
Peace Out Retinol Eye Stick
14
Best Under Eye Retinol
Peace Out 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.
| Key Ingredients | A power peptide complex and bakuchiol |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | Unspecified |
| Formula | Stick |
| How To Use | Applying at night after your serum and moisturizer all over the face and eyes and then follow up with susncreen in the morning. |
15
Best Retinol Alternative While Pregnant/Nursing
RANAVAT Renewing Bakuchi Crème
15
Best Retinol Alternative While Pregnant/Nursing
RANAVAT 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.
| Key Ingredients | Bakuchi seed, lotus seed, and triphala |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | None |
| Formula | Cream |
| How To Use | Apply to a clean face, neck, and décolleté in the morning and at night and follow with sunscreen in the morning. |
16
Most Gentle Retinol Serum
Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum
16
Most Gentle Retinol Serum
Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum
Now 20% Off
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.
| Key Ingredients | Bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, pre-tocopheryl, and Avene thermal spring water |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | None |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply to a clean face, neck, and décolleté twice daily and follow up with sunscreen. |
17
Best TikTok-Famous Retinol Serum
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
17
Best TikTok-Famous Retinol Serum
Versed 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.
| Key Ingredients | Bakuchiol, arophira crithmum maritimum extract, and chlorophyll |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | 0.03 percent |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply to clean, almost-dry skin ever night. Follow up with sunscreen in the morning. |
18
Best Daily Retinol Serum
Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle + Pro-Retinol Night Cream
18
Best Daily Retinol Serum
Eucerin 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.”
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin E, macadamia nut oil, and coenzyme Q10 |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | Unspecified |
| Formula | Cream |
| How To Use | Apply to skin at night as the final step of your routine. Follow up with sunscreen in the morning. |
19
Most Uniquely-Formulated Retinol Serum
RoC Derm Correxion Fill + Treat Advanced Retinol Serum
19
Most Uniquely-Formulated Retinol Serum
RoC 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.”
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin and hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | Unspecified |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply to clean skin directly on lines and wrinkles in the morning and at night. Follow up with sunscreen in the morning. |
20
Best Retinol Serum For Long-Time Users
Beauty Pie Youthbomb Double-Retinol Action Skin Overhaul Serum
20
Best Retinol Serum For Long-Time Users
Beauty Pie 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.”
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, lactic Acid, fi-vita, allosteris, hyaluronic acid, and concentrated ceramides |
|---|---|
| Retinol Percentage | Three percent of a microencapsulated retinol and two percent of a granactive retinoid |
| Formula | Serum |
| How To Use | Apply at night to clean skin on the face and neck twice a week and build frequency. Follow up with moisturizer on top and sunscreen in the morning. |
Senior Commerce Editor
Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women’s Health—she’s an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother’s magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper’s Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.
Addison Aloian (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. When she’s not writing about all things pop culture, health, beauty, and fashion, she loves hitting leg day at the gym, shopping at Trader Joe’s, and watching whichever hockey game is on TV. Her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
[ad_2]
Source link