The 15 Best Retinol Treatments For Every Skin Type

There’s a good reason you’re always hearing about retinoids: They’re the gold standard in topical anti-aging ingredients. A form of vitamin A, “retinoids promote cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, can fade pigmentation, exfoliate and clear clogged pores, and improve the overall appearance of dull skin,” explains Nazanin Saedi, M.D., a dermatologist and clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Choosing a product can be tricky, because topical vitamin A comes in a variety of forms. Retinoids is a catchall term for all derivatives of vitamin A, including retinols, retinal (or retinaldehyde) and retinyl esters, which all convert to retinoic acid when they come in contact with your skin. (There’s also retinoic acid, a form of retinoid, only available via prescription.)

Some vitamin A products cause irritation and have an unpleasant odor. “Not all retinoids are created equal, which is why the type of retinoid is so extremely important,” says Margarita Lolis, M.D., a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in Hackensack, N.J. Ahe recommends paying attention to concentration, which generally ranges from 0.1% to 1%, as well as what other ingredients are in the product. “Beginners should start with a lower concentration to allow the skin to adjust,” she says.

To find the ideal retinol serum for your skin, check out these derm recommendations for a range of skin types and situations. See our guides for hyaluronic acid and other serums.

Beginner-friendly option

If retinol in any form is new to you, start off with a lower-strength option, which is less irritating. Dr. Lolis likes that this Glossier retinol treatment “is formulated with a .5% pro-retinol, retinyl sumflowerates—a combination of retinol with fatty acids derived from sunflower seeds, making irritation, dryness, and peeling unlikely.”

Slow burn solution

Out of all the vitamin A innovations, time release technology might be the greatest. Instead of losing all its power at once like cheap chewing gum, serums with this formulation dispense the retinol throughout the day, limiting irritation and flaking. For that reason, Brittany Oliver, M.D., a dermatologist in Overland Park, Kan., loves this StriVectin serum for anyone who has a hard time tolerating vitamin A products. This pick also boasts polyglutamic acid to offset drying and ashwagandha to boost collagen production.

Great value

You don’t have to spend hundreds to get a top-shelf formula: This under-$25 serum option from CeraVe pairs retinol with calming ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides. “It uses encapsulated retinol so it is slowly released throughout the wear and has other ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and licorice root acid which help restore the skin barrier and calm the skin,” Aya Ahram, D.O., a dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City.

Space saver

Brands are always trying to simplify our anti-aging skincare routine, but rarely succeed. These Doctor Babor ampuls, a favorite of Dr. Saedi, actually deliver on that promise. Each glass ampul is perfectly portioned, so you know exactly how much to use. Dr. Saedi is partial to its anti-aging powerhouse blend of retinol and peptides—meanwhile, one of our editors was sold on how little room they took up in her travel bag.

Irritation-free solution

If features like “cruelty-free” and “vegan” are important to you, Drunk Elephant is a safe bet. But the benefits of their retinol cream extend even further, says Navin Arora, D.O., a dermatologist at Borealis Dermatology in Garden City, N.Y. “The formulation combines 1% retinol with superfood-rich ingredients,” he explains—which can mean “significant anti-aging benefits while also supporting skin health and resilience.” Also nice: the click-to-shut cap won’t accidentally leak in your beauty bag.

Straightforward serum

If you believe skincare shouldn’t be rocket science, Dr. Arora believes this serum from Ordinary belongs in your arsenal. On top of its accessible price point, the formula is impressive without being fussy. “It delivers retinol in a squalane base, offering both treatment and moisture without unnecessary additives, making it ideal for those looking for a no-frills option.” The added oil offers an added layer of moisture which prevents scaling and irritation typically associated with retinol.

Unlikely duo

Dr. Lolis, Dr. Oliver and Kseniya Kobets, M.D., director of cosmetics dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York City, rank this powerful retinol treatment among their favorites. Derms will typically advise against using an alpha hydroxy acid serum and a retinoid at the same time as it can overwhelm and irritate the skin, but Skinbetter found a way to combine the two ingredients in a way that actually benefits your skin. Glycolic acid boosts the retinoids performance while ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane keep your complexion moisturized. On top of that, it was proved to be as efficacious as a .25% tretinoin in improving the appearance of skin.

Drugstore star

RoC products were mentioned again and again by our experts. Why? RoC knows retinols, according to Dr. Oliver. “Just because this serum is wallet-friendly does not mean it compromises on efficacy,” she assures. Beyond retinol, this serum is packed with ingredients like ascorbic acid and ascorbyl palmitate (two forms of vitamin C), tocopherol (vitamin E), and zinc gluconate (a lesser known antioxidant) and other minerals to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while providing enough hydration to minimize irritation.

For the experienced user

Many over-the-counter vitamin A products are designed to help the skin get acclimated to the ingredient. But if your skin is already experienced with retinoids, you’ll want something more potent. Medik8’s Crystal Retinal collection utilizes retinaldehyde, which is a step up from a retinol, says Claire Wolinksky, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist. In fact, retinaldehyde is one of the strongest forms of vitamin A you can buy over the counter. Medik8 Crystal Retinal comes in tiered strengths. Their weakest has a .01% concentration and their strongest, 20, has a .2% concentration. Newbies can start small and work their way up, and veteran users can skip right to the serious stuff.

Retinol alternative

While dermatologists love topical vitamin A, they don’t recommend the ingredient for everyone. Pregnant women should avoid retinoids, because it may interfere with fetal development. Beyond that, some skin types are just too sensitive to tolerate it. Dr. Ahram recommends steering clear if you suffer from rosacea or have very sensitive skin. Instead, consider bakuchiol—the ingredient in this Kora Organics pick—as an alternative, suggests Dr. Saedi. In a 2019 double blind study in The British Journal of Dermatology, bakuchiol users reported near identical benefits as retinol users, without the scaling and redness. This serum from Kora Organics boasts not only a heavy dose of bakuchiol, but also antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage.

Reliable staple

For Dr. Lolis, a major factor when choosing a retinol is brand reputation. SkinCeuticals is a longtime dermatologist favorite thanks to its innovation-driven launches. This cult-classic retinol treatment is labeled “night cream” but don’t confuse the texture for the thick creams on your vanity. The lightweight lotion sinks into the skin like a serum. But Dr. Arora cautions not to use unless you have experience with the ingredient. This highly potent formulation minimizes fine lines and wrinkles while the soothing combination of bisabolol and boswellia serrata extract minimize irritation.

Acne eliminator

This retinoid gel used to be available only by prescription, but in 2016, the FDA approved it for over the counter use. Remember the different types of retinoids? Adapalene’s potency sits somewhere between retinal and retinoic acid. Adapalene actually contains active retinoic acid, which increases its potency. Like all forms of vitamin A, adapalene encourages cell turnover which prevents pore clogging and improves texture. Dr. Wolinsky recommends starting off slow. “It should be used carefully,” she cautions. Translation: Apply a thin layer twice a week for the first two weeks of use. Follow with a moisturizer. Scale up depending on how your skin responds.

Powerful plumper

Dr. Oliver loves this fast-acting serum so much she’s convinced her friends to buy it. “It utilizes smart ‘Tri-Active’ retinol technology to deliver fast results when it comes to you reaching your goal of smoother, more even skin,’ she says. Beyond its line-reduction abilities, the serum also contains hyaluronic acid a.k.a skincare’s tire pump. Hyaluronic acid is famous for absorbing up to 1,000 times its weight in water which not only hydrates but also plumps up areas that may have fallen flat.

Favorite for firming

Another one of Dr. Oliver’s recommendations, this formula contains both retinol and retinaldehyde and is “more potent and closer to prescription strength retinoic acid.” Beyond this serum’s potency, she loves its combination of retinol and squalene, an ingredient that reduces inflammation and improves hydration. In a seven-day clinical trial, 100% of participants reported an increase in firmness.

Bold brightener

Like sports announcers, skincare experts love to debate the greatest of all time, but instead of LeBron versus Michael, skincare argues the merits of brightening vitamin C against resurfacing vitamin A. The debate ends here. Enter the dream team: Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment. “This product combines 1% retinol with peptides and vitamin C, making it a powerful anti-aging serum that tackles wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone,” Dr. Arora says.

Your Top Retinol Questions, Answered

What should you consider when choosing a retinol treatment?

Check out the concentration, packaging and ingredients, advises Jennifer Levine, M.D., a facial plastic surgeon based in New York City. The concentration tells you how much vitamin A is in the product. She recommends sticking to the low end if you are new to vitamin A products.

Packaging is important, too, to prevent the formula from degrading. Opaque, airtight bottles will extend the life of your products. Finally, additional ingredients are paramount for minimizing irritation. Look for hydrating ingredients like ceramides, vitamin e and hyaluronic acid.

Can you apply retinol during the day?

Yes, just keep in mind that retinoids cause sensitivity to the sun, so a proper sun regimen is key, says Dr. Kobets. When using a vitamin A product in the morning, be sure to follow with an SPF 30 or higher to prevent burning.

What skincare products can you mix with retinol—and which ones should you avoid?

Hydrating serums or moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid or niacinamide mix well with topical retinoids, says Dr. Kobets.

Steer clear of chemical or physical exfoliants, like glycolic or salicylic acid serums, especially when you are first starting retinol. “The combination of chemical exfoliants and retinol can be too irritating,” Dr. Saedi explains. “If you are using salicylic acid for acne or acne prevention, your retinol is a replacement for that.”