The 15 Best Retinol Serums, Ranked by Dermatologists (2024)

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet is high-quality over-the-counter retinol cream tolerated by nearly everyone, and is great for those looking to introduce retinol into their routine for the first time or upgrade to a medical-grade line.

“I love it because the retinol is combined with lactic and glycolic acids, both of which are potent anti-aging ingredients in their own right,” says Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical. “Lactic acid is also a humectant that plays well with the other ingredients found in this cream—squalane, niacinamide, ceramides, and fatty acids—so the skin remains optimally hydrated. Therefore, the potential for irritation—a big concern with new retinol users and those with dry, sensitive, and/or rosacea-prone skin, who often feel they cannot use retinol—is significantly reduced.”

One satisfied customer writes: “I have been using this for over a year now and it is a staple in my skincare routine. My skin is very sensitive and this is the only retinol product I have been able to use with no irritation.” —Samantha

A retinol capsule offers an alternative delivery system. Westbay likes these from Elizabeth Arden for anyone who wants some of the guesswork taken out of the retinol process. “These retinol capsules are perfectly dosed in anhydrous, preservative-free, single-use, biodegradable capsules and contain ceramides to mitigate any potential dryness,” she explains. To apply, twist the capsule and squeeze out the serum, then apply it to your face and neck.

One satisfied customer writes: “Loved these little gems! Skin feels great after each use.” —Vika

If your goal is treating dark spots, this serum from Remedy is a great place to start. It features 0.1 percent encapsulated retinol, designed to encourage surface-cell turnover to help fade existing dark spots. “This is an all-in-one treatment to target dark spots with nine powerful active ingredients, including retinol, so you can skip all the skincare layering,” explains Muneeb Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and Remedy’s founder.

One satisfied customer writes: “[I] really appreciate this product. Effective but not harsh. Aside from my dark spots, it is improving the overall texture of my skin.” —Sandra

This pick is both a serum and a cream, making it more tolerable to those with sensitive skin. “This is gentle enough for daily use,” says Westbay, “and I typically tell people they can feel comfortable jumping into nightly use right away, because it is infused with vitamins E and B₅ to maintain hydration in the skin and soothe.”

One satisfied customer writes: “I am always skeptical [of] products claiming to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but this product changed my mind. It’s easy to use, a little goes a long way, and there is a definite change in my fine lines. My 71 year old mother is using it now and her skin is showing improvement as well.” —Gigi

If you’re new to retinol, Westbay recommends selecting retinol formulations that are “slow-release,” “time-release,” or “encapsulated” to help mitigate irritation. “This means the retinol is slowly released over time, so it stimulates collagen production and cellular turnover in a manner that is well-tolerated for even sensitive skin,” she explains. A great time-release retinol is this one from Revision Skincare. It comes in two different concentrations (0.5 percent and 1.0 percent) and contains five antioxidants and botanical extracts that boost its anti-aging effects and soothe skin.

One satisfied customer writes: “Love this product. I can use it every night and not worry about drying or flaking. Love the results.” —Nancy

If you’re on a budget, Shah recommends the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. “This retinol serum by CeraVe is super accessible at most local drugstores and was [formulated] with acne-prone skin in mind,” he says. “I like how it’s lightweight and gentle on the skin, yet effective.”

One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve used this consistently for a few months now and it has improved my overall skin texture, faded dark marks, and helped prevent acne. I have sensitive skin so I started once a week and then gradually used it more often, mostly at night only. My skin looks super clear and smooth. It’s [now] a staple in my nighttime skincare routine!” —Aaliyah

As the name suggests, Sunday Riley’s A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum is for experienced retinol users. “This is best for someone who has already used a less potent over-the-counter retinol and wants to step up their game,” Westbay says. It contains a 5 percent retinoid ester blend, a 1 percent liposomal-encapsulated retinol, and hydroxypinacolone retinoate, which can be just as effective as a prescription retinol with less irritation, according to the derm.

One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve used this product as my primary retinol treatment (I skin cycle) for over 2 years now. I love it, the results on my skin have been amazing, and I refuse to be without it! I use it 3 to 4 times a week, and wake up to smooth, silky, even-toned skin.” —Kat

Shah recommends this product to those with sensitive skin looking to mitigate redness and irritation. “This serum is formulated with pure retinol along with Centella asiatica, a soothing ingredient, that will give you all the benefits of retinol without the burn,” he says.

One satisfied customer writes: “Such a great product and really makes my skin feel hydrated and look glowy!” —Bailey

Drunk Elephant’s A-Passioni Retinol Cream is one of the top-rated retinol serums at Sephora. Westbay likes that it’s both effective and gentle. “It doesn’t contain many common contact allergens and is also blended with soothing botanical extracts, like passionfruit, kale, apricot, and cherry,” she says. “As a bonus, it also contains collagen-stimulating peptides and fatty acids to amplify results.”

One satisfied customer writes: “Love this stuff! [It’s] my favorite retinol. Great that the ingredients are clean and the retinol percentage is high. I recommend phasing up when you first try as it is powerful stuff and takes a while for your skin to get used to.” —Sam

Heather D. Rogers, a dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Seattle, recommends this Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment for those with resilient skin looking for a lightweight retinol to help with skin firming. The formula is boosted with peptides and antioxidant vitamin C to push the skin-transforming results even further.

One satisfied customer writes: “I use this product 3 times a week, my wrinkles are basically gone. When I see pictures from two years ago I feel like I look much younger now. This [treatment serum] has a creamy lightweight texture. I have very sensitive skin but with all PC products, I never have a problem with breakouts or perioral dermatitis. I absolutely recommend this product!” —Anna

What’s the difference between retinol and retinal? One letter, and the latter works a little faster. Retinal (short for retinaldehyde) is a form of vitamin A, too. However, it’s further along the vitamin A pathway than retinol, which means it acts faster on the skin. If you’re looking to try a retinal serum, celebrity facialist and skincare expert Mimi Luzon recommends this one by Medik8. Crystal Retinal is available in progressive strengths, 20 being the highest concentration.

One satisfied customer writes: “I love the Crystal Retinal. This is a great starting point for anyone sensitive to retinal. I did not react to it; I love the texture it’s so creamy; it’s really improved my skin and I’m now ready to go up a strength.” —Michelle

Formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and a blend of oatmeal and tiger grass, this retinol serum is gentle enough for beginners. Apply it nightly as part of your skincare routine.

One satisfied customer writes: “This serum is amazing. It cleared up my stubborn hormonal acne, has helped my skin barrier, improved the look of my skin, and has been playing a hand in preventing wrinkles and treating early signs of lines (I’m 24, was starting to see some elevens).” —Hannah

The winner of multiple beauty-industry awards, Shani Darden’s Retinol Reform treatment is a staple among editors, estheticians, and celebrities. Darden, a trusted L.A. facialist, created this serum as an alternative to harsh, traditional retinoids. Most of her clients use it between appointments to keep their skin glowing.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have been using this retinol for about two months. I have never used any other retinol to be able to compare. My skin does seem to have an improved tone, appearance, and texture. I have had none of the negative side effects that some people seem to have with some retinol.” —Kathleen

Thanks to the ceramides and peptides in this formula, this retinol delivers results without visible redness, dryness, or peeling. In a clinical evaluation by Kiehl’s, 100 percent of participants showed wrinkle reduction and 90 percent showed improved skin firmness.

One satisfied customer writes: “My skin looks amazing! It’s glowing and looks so plumped—I’m obsessed with the results!” —Lori

Many body retinol products are made with much lower concentrations of retinol. If you’re looking for more intense body-firming results, this new formula by Soft Services, now available at Sephora, includes pure retinol 0.25 percent, as well as niacinamide and glycerin to help brighten and hydrate the skin.

One satisfied customer writes: “I love the thin consistency that sinks into the skin quickly. It’s very easy to layer this with lotion [without] worry about pilling (although I do wait a few minutes after applying the serum before applying lotion). It is expensive but it’s worth it to me because a lot of body retinol products have much lower percentages or don’t list the percentages at all.” —Madison

• Mimi Luzon is a celebrity facialist and skincare expert.
  
• Heather D. Rogers, M.D., is a dermatologist and the co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Seattle.
• Muneeb Shah, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Remedy.
• Rachel Westbay, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City.

Prescription-strength retinol products, specifically tretinoin, get a lot of hype, especially on social media. And if you have access to a dermatologist who finds you a good candidate for a tret, that’s great! However, beyond being more accessible, over-the-counter retinol serums are often just as effective as prescription-strength formulas, especially for beginners.

“For those new to the retinol game, I always recommend starting with an over-the-counter formulation, like a serum, instead of a prescription-strength product,” says Westbay. “This is especially true for people with sensitive or dry skin.” If you’re mindful of the OTC retinol’s ingredient list, retinol concentration, and your tolerance, you can be more than fine without a prescription.

When you’re shopping for retinol serum, it’s important to understand your skin type and sensitivity level. “Retinol products typically come in varying strengths, so it depends on what your skin can handle,” explains Shah. “For retinol products, look for 0.1 to 0.3 percent strength. For retinal products, look for 0.05 percent. For prescription retinoids, like tretinoin, I typically start patients at 0.025 percent and increase to 0.1 percent as tolerated.”

Stronger does not always mean better for your skin. Patience is recommended (as is skin cycling), as well as finding a retinol serum formulated with ingredients that will soothe the skin and mitigate irritation, like ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.

Retinol is not for everyone. Some people may experience allergies or sensitivities to any form of retinol. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing cannot use retinol.

Luckily, there are alternatives. “Those who cannot tolerate retinol should go with bakuchiol or AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid),” says Rogers. “Don’t feel bad about it.” While retinol and retinal may deliver results faster than an alternative, the alternative may be beneficial in the long run. Whether you’re using a treatment serum with retinol, retinal, bakuchiol, or AHA, the best practice is always to follow it up with a moisturizer.

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