The best retinol cream on the market

If you've tried it all—hydrating night cream, moisturizer, and face serum—but you're still showing signs of skin damage, it might be time for the gold standard in anti-aging: retinol. The over-the-counter vitamin A derivative clears acne flare-ups, evens out tone and texture, stimulates collagen, and minimizes age spots and wrinkles. "Retinol is the only topical ingredient that has scientifically proven anti-aging properties," says Tsippora Shainhouse MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.

While retinol is extremely effective, it does have its drawbacks (namely that it can cause irritation and can be pricey), so it's important to note two key things. First, use retinol at night. The ingredient may make your skin more sun-sensitive, so it's best to slather it on around bedtime. Also important to note: Serums generally contain higher concentrations of retinol, so there can be a greater chance for redness, peeling, and dryness (especially if they're paired with other powerful ingredients, like vitamin C). To reduce the risk of irritation, use a low percentage—like 0.025 percent—and ramp up as your skin adjusts, says Sonia Batra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Retinol creams, on the other hand, tend to be thicker and infused with deeply hydrating and nourishing ingredients that may offset some of the potential redness and irritation.

Our Top Products:

• 1

  

  Best Fragrance-Free Option

  Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion Marie Veronique

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• 2

  

  Best for Dark Spots

  Retinol 0.5% in Squalane The Ordinary

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• 3

  

  Best for Wrinkles

  Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Filler RoC

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• 4

  

  Best Drugstore

  Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum Neutrogena

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• 5

  

  Best High Concentration

  Retinol 1.0 SkinCeuticals

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So, which retinol serum is the best? To help you navigate all the options available, we asked dermatologists to share the products perfectly suited for oily or sensitive skin, acne, dark spots, and, of course, wrinkles, they most often recommend. These are their favorites—and some were even developed by dermatologists.

1

Best Fragrance-Free Option

Marie Veronique

Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion

2

Best for Dark Spots

Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

3

Best for Wrinkles

RoC

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Filler

4

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum

5

Best High Concentration

SkinCeuticals

Retinol 1.0

6

Best Dermatologist-Formulated

Sobel Skin Rx

4.5% Retinol Complex Night Treatment

7

Best Lightweight

Lancer Skincare

Advanced Retinol Treatment

8

Best Vegan

Drunk Elephant

A-Passioni Retinol Cream

9

Best Multi-Strength

SkinMedica

Age Defense Retinol Complex

10

Best for Beginners

First Aid Beauty

Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate

11

Best for Acne

Differin

Adapalene Gel 0.1%

12

Best for Sensitive Skin

PCA Skin

Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night

13

Best with Vitamin C

Paula's Choice

1% Retinol Treatment

14

CeraVe

Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

15

Best Eye Treatment

Avène

Retrinal Eyes Contour Care

16

Elizabeth Arden

Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum

17

Murad

Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

18

Best for Building Collagen

Alastin

Renewal Retinol

19

Neutrogena

Ageless Intensives Anti-Wrinkle Cream

20

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum

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