13 best retinol serums and creams for smoother, firmer skin
You don't need to be a skincare expert to know that using the best retinol serums and creams can help your skin in a number of ways. You can rely on them for smoothing out your skin texture, healing breakouts and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And, side note: you most definitely don't need to wait until you reach your 30s to start introducing retinol into your skincare routine.
Speaking from personal experience, I've learnt that this skincare ingredient is not to be underestimated. As someone who has PCOS, I'm no stranger to experiencing breakouts that would leave me with persistent scarring, pigmentation, rough skin texture and a dull-looking skin tone.
After consulting multiple board-certified dermatologists and aestheticians, I was advised to start using retinol – be it in form of a face serum or a moisturiser – as I was repeatedly told that it's one of the most effective skincare ingredients to date.
I listened. Over the past 6 months, I've been on a mission to find the best retinol serums and creams on the market. My judging criteria is pretty straightforward: the formula has to be A) non-drying B) non-pore-clogging C) one that doesn't result in skin-purging and, of course D) effective.
The best news? It's entirely possible to find a retinol serum or a retinol cream that works for your exact skin type, even if you, like me, have sensitive skin. My results speak for themselves. After just 4 weeks of religiously using the dermatologist-recommended Medik8 Crystal Retinal serum, my skin went from looking inflamed and bumpy to smooth and plump.
Below, we've covered everything you need to know about retinol from the industry's top dermatologists, as well as beauty-editor-approved formulas that genuinely work. Oh, and before you go off on your retinol spree, let me remind you to: always wear some form of SPF or a standalone sunscreen for face the following morning.
SKIP TO: What is retinol and what do retinol serums and creams do? | When should you use retinol serums and creams? | Are retinol serums and creams safe to use? | What is the most effective retinol product? OR jump right into the best retinol serums and creams to buy right now
Best retinol serums and creams 2024 at a glance – our top picks:
- Best retinal serum overall: Medik8 Crystal Retinal
- Best affordable retinol cream: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Face Moisturiser
- Hailey Bieber-approved: Medik8 r-Retinoate Day & Night
- Best for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
- Best for oily skin: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Meet the experts:
- Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Sadaf Jaffari, a celebrity skin expert and consultant aesthetician
- Dr. Wassim Taktouk, Dermatologist and Medical Director of Taktouk Clinic
- Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles
How we tested retinol serums and creams:
The GLAMOUR beauty team has collectively tested hundreds of retinol formulations, having used them for a minimum period of 4-6 weeks for optimal results. We've also reviewed formulas on different skin types, while keeping in mind skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
Your definitive guide to the best retinol serums and creams for every skin type…
Best retinal serum
- Pros: Different potencies to choose from.
- Cons: Expensive.
- Retinol concentration: 0.01% to 0.2% retinal
- Form of retinol: Retinaldehyde.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: Made with retinaldehyde – a next-generation retinoid that is much, much more faster-acting than regular retinol – this innovative skincare product is available in 5 different strengths. In other words, this formulation is perfect for both beginners and more experienced retinol users alike.
Best retinol serum for oily skin
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
- Pros: Fast-absorbing, good for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Cons: Doesn't list the retinol potency.
- Retinol concentration: Not listed.
- Form of retinol: Pure retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: If you're looking for a fast-absorbing retinol serum, we've got just the thing. This particular one is powered by a Tri-Active Technology consisting of a fast-acting retinoid, a time-released retinoid, and a retinol booster to firm your skin. It also includes moisturising substances that provide a long-lasting hydrating effect.
Save when you shop for retinol serums with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best high-potency retinol serum
Medik8 r-Retinoate Day & Night
- Pros: Incredibly potent and effective.
- Cons: Definitely one of the more expensive products on this list.
- Retinol concentration: Not specified.
- Form of retinol: Encapsulated retinyl retinoate.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: Beloved by Hailey Bieber, this luxurious serum contains encapsulated retinyl retinoate, which is eight times more potent than regular ol' retinol while still being suitable for sensitive skin. The best part is that it also comes with stabilised vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which work together with the retinyl to visibly improve your skin tone and giving you the most radiant glow.
Best overnight retinol cream
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Face Moisturiser
- Pros: Absorbs quickly; hydrating.
- Cons: Some users say it makes their skin oily.
- Retinol concentration: Not listed.
- Form of retinol: Pure retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: This retinol night cream has a fragrance-free formula, which is ideal if your skin is more sensitive or prone to irritation. The best part? It's filled to the brim with hydrating ingredients such as vitamin B3 to help keep your skin moisturised for longer.
Make sure to check out our Amazon discount codes.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Best retinol serum for sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
- Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin, hydrating formula.
- Cons: Some users complain about the smell.
- Retinol concentration: 0.3%.
- Form of retinol: Pure retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: This night-time serum is suitable for all skin types, especially for those prone to sensitive skin. In addition to its gentle 0.3% retinol content, the serum complex also includes other ingredients, such as vitamin B3 and glycerin, to keep your skin nourished and hydrated.
Best retinol alternative
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum
- Pros: Great firming effect without actual retinol.
- Cons: N/A
- Retinol concentration: N/A
- Form of retinol: N/A
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: Made with a vegan collagen booster and natural hyaluronic acid, this topical face serum provides a similar firming effect as retinol, but without the risk of unwanted side effects. Plus, it leaves your skin feeling hydrated and more toned while reducing the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet.
Best affordable retinol serum
L'Oréal Paris Pure Retinol Revitalift Laser Night Serum
- Pros: Pure retinol; hydrating ingredients counteract irritation.
- Cons: Small bottle.
- Retinol concentration: 0.3%
- Form of retinol: Pure retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: This powerful retinol serum is specially designed for mature skin to reduce the appearance of even the deepest wrinkles. Combining a high concentration of retinol with the hydrating effects of glycerin and hyaluronic acid, Revitalift is best paired with a night cream as part of your evening routine to achieve maximum effect.
Looking to save more when shopping for the best retinol serums and creams? Be sure to check out these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best lightweight retinol serum
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster
- Pros: Suitable for all skin tones.
- Cons: Some users with dry skin note that it dried their complexion out even more.
- Retinol concentration: 1%.
- Form of retinol: Pure retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? No.
Why we love it: This lightweight retinol serum with a potency of 1% is designed to improve the appearance of wrinkles, pore size and skin tone for a beautiful, rejuvenated complexion. Did we mention that it also includes antioxidant-rich liquorice root extract, skin-soothing oat extract, hydrating vitamin E and plenty of peptides to help effortlessly soothe skin?
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Best hydrating retinol serum
The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.2% in Squalane
- Pros: Budget-friendly, great for beginners.
- Cons: Should be refrigerated.
- Retinol concentration: 0.5%.
- Form of retinol: Pure retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: Sometimes simple is better. If you're looking for pure retinol without any other additional ingredients, this is the one for you. This water-free solution contains 0.2% pure retinol. However, high-strength pure retinol can still irritate your skin, so beginners and people with sensitive skin may be better off with more gentle and hydrating options instead.
Looking to save more when shopping for the best retinol serums and creams? Be sure to check out these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best retinaldehyde cream
Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum
- Pros: Potent; suitable for most skin types.
- Cons: Users with very sensitive skin note some breakouts.
- Retinol concentration: 0.05%.
- Form of retinol: Retinaldehyde.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? No.
Why we love it: Is it a cream? Is it a serum? Well, both. Fuelled by sustained-release retinaldehyde, this Naturium product is cruelty-free, fragrance-free and incredibly effective at tackling fine lines and wrinkles.
Best retinol cream with vitamin C
Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
- Pros: Combines both retinol and vitamin C for a brightening effect.
- Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
- Retinol concentration: Not specified.
- Form of retinol: Pure retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? No.
Why we love it: Filled to the brim with retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and a wide range of botanical extracts, this face cream addresses multiple skin concerns at the same time. Not only will it brighten, firm and hydrate your complexion, but each application will also gradually smoothen your skin texture.
Best retinol serum for acne-prone skin
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Pros: Fragrance-free and does not clog your pores.
- Cons: Some users complain about the smell.
- Retinol concentration: 0.3%.
- Form of retinol: Pure retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: If you're looking for an effective treatment for acne marks and uneven skin tone, we've got just the thing. This product is a gentle, yet effective resurfacing serum that focuses on improving your skin's texture. It also contains three essential ceramides that help your skin lock in moisture and restore its protective barrier.
Enjoy big savings when shopping for retinol serums with these Amazon discount codes.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Best collagen-stimulating retinoid serum
- Pros: Stimulates collagen production, minimal irritation.
- Cons: Expensive.
- Form of retinol: bioavailable retinoid.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: Meet the latest launch from S'Able Labs – a powerhouse serum that features bioavailable retinoid with youth-boosting properties. It also includes Okra, an innovative ingredient in skincare that is designed to minimise hyperpigmentation and stimulate collagen production. If you're someone who has sensitive skin, you'll be pleased to know that this face serum doesn't result in irritation either.
When should you use retinol serums and creams?
Although everyone is free to use retinol serum, figuring out how to make it work is an entirely different question. 30 has long been considered the age for introducing retinol as part of a skincare regimen to target the visible signs of aging, though many people choose to do so earlier rather than later for other concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation or rough skin texture.
In other words, there's no particular rule as to when you can and should start using retinol serum, so feel free to start using it if you’re approaching your mid-20s and feel as though you’d benefit from it.
Most retinol formulas contain other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol
How to use retinol for optimal results
Most dermatology experts recommend easing into retinol serums and creams, starting with one or two applications a week to build up your tolerance. You can also try buffering – i.e., sandwiching retinol between two layers of moisturiser – to keep retinol burn, dryness, flaking and breakouts at bay. Apply a pea-sized amount and take it from there.
It's also worth noting that retinol works best when used at night. “Most retinoids are not stable in the sun,” says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. Not to mention all retinoids can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage due to their exfoliant properties, so be sure to wear a reliable sunscreen every day, she adds. You may also want to refrain from using too many exfoliating products with your retinol, so it might be a good idea to take it easy on products that contain AHAs, BHAs or glycolic acid.
Looking to upgrade your skincare routine? Read up on our roundups of best moisturisers and lotions, best sunscreens and face SPFs, best hyaluronic acid serums, best eye creams, best face cleansers and the best niacinamide serums.
For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
What is retinol and what does it do to our skin?
What is retinol and what does it do to our skin?
Retinol is a common type of retinoid and is a vitamin A derivative (which is why retinol is sometimes referred to as vitamin A). There are many different forms of vitamin A and retinoids with varying strength levels, including retinal, retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate. Contrary to the likes of tretinoin, retinol is considered to be a more mild, over-the-counter form that's often included in skincare serums as an active ingredient for:
- acne treatment
- improving skin texture
- brightening dull skin
- treating hyperpigmentation, dark spots and blemishes while also
- reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
You see, retionid formulas have been proven to increase cell-turnover, meaning that your skin recovers and repairs itself a lot quicker too. “Retinoids work by increasing collagen production, as well as increasing the rate of skin-cell turnover,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. “They also help treat acne scars, clogged pores, and blackheads by reducing the stickiness of the cells that clog pores, as well as speeding up the rate at which the skin barrier turns over and regenerates.”
P.S. make sure to check out our guide to the best retinol eye creams to supercharge your routine that much further.
