23 best retinol serums and creams 2025, reviewed
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While the best retinol serums and creams are often regarded as the number one remedy for mature skin – thanks to their smoothing and anti-inflammatory abilities – many dermatologists agree that retinol should be implemented into your nighttime routine as early as in your late 20s.
According to Dr. Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, “retinoids works by increasing collagen production, as well as increasing the rate of skin-cell turnover,” which is precisely what makes retinoid-infused formulas so effective.
They can “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,” Dr. Shari explains. An impressive list, no?
Sure, introducing it slowly and picking the right concentration is key to avoid any excessive dryness or flare-ups (the unofficial term “retinol purge” exists for a reason), but efficacy-wise, retinol is up there in the big league among the likes of vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
The good news? Retinoid-infused products come in all shapes and forms, so whether you're after a powerhouse face serum to boost your existing skincare routine, a nourishing night cream or a smoothing retinol eye cream, there's no shortage of options to choose from.
To help you decide which one of hundreds of retinol serums and creams is the best fit for you, our beauty team has expertly curated a definitive guide to cater to every skin type, concern, budget and preference. In true GLAMOUR fashion, we've also tested the most popular formulas first-hand to reveal whether they're worth the hype, having also quizzed the derms on everything you need to know about retinol.
SKIP TO: My experience with retinol: before & after | Does retinol help with acne? | What strength retinol should I buy? | How long does it take for retinol to have an effect? | How to use retinol correctly | When should you start using retinol?
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 the best retinol serums:
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. When testing each formula, we ensure to take note of whether or not it: a) caused any irritation b) was genuinely effective in the long run and c) whether it delivers good value for money.
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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, retinoid 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.”
Oh, and before you go off on your retinol shopping spree, let us gently remind you to always wear some form of SPF or a standalone sunscreen for face the following morning after using a retinoid formula.
After more retinol-related content? Check out our deep-dives on how to use retinol in summer and everything you need to know about “retinol sandwiching”.
Enter: the best retinol serums and creams for every skin type…
- Retinoid 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 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.
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
- Retinoid 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 and help your skin look more radiant by reducing the appearance of dark circles and deep wrinkles.
Tester: Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
Save when you shop for retinol serums with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Face Moisturiser
- Retinoid concentration: Not listed.
- Form of retinol: Pure retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: This Olay night cream is undoubtedly one of the best retinol products around. In fact, it's one of our go-tos whenever any Amazon sales come around. It features a fragrance-free formula that suits those of us with sensitive skin that's prone to irritation. And the best part? It's full of hydrating ingredients such as vitamin B3 that help keep your skin moisturised for longer.
Tester: Hattie Cotmore, GLAMOUR's Freelance Contributor.
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
- Retinoid 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.
Tester: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Retinoid 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.
Tester: Chrissie Moncrieffe, GLAMOUR's Freelance Contributor.
Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum
- Retinoid 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.
Tester: Fiona Ward, GLAMOUR's Acting Website Director.
Kate Somerville Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum
- Retinoid concentration: Not specified.
- Form of retinol: Retinal.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: Gentle enough for everyday use, this retinal serum is designed to improve elasticity to make your skin feel and appear more supple. Suitable for all skin types – and yes, that includes those of us with sensitive skin.
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum
- Retinoid concentration: Not specified.
- Form of retinol: Pre-measured pure retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: Endorsed by dermatologists and beauty editors alike, the Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules are a cult favourite for a reason. With the help of the pre-measured capsules, you can apply the exact needed amount without wasting excess product. Each capsule contains a clever blend of pure retinol plus HPR as well as skin-loving ceramides, peptides and nourishing botanicals. The best part? It's gentle enough to be used even on the most sensitive of skin types.
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Medik8 r-Retinoate Day & Night
- Retinoid 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 give you the most radiant glow.
Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum
- Retinoid concentration: 0.16%.
- Form of retinol: Triple blend of retinol, retinal and retinyl ester.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: Powered by a blend of three different types of retinoids, this potent yet gentle serum is a must-have if your goal is to resurface and clarify your skin to reduce the look of dark spots, fine lines and enlarged pores. Plus, it's filled with plenty of soothing and hydrating ingredients such as blackberry extract, which gives the product its signature look.
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum
- Retinoid concentration: Doesn't feature retinol.
- Form of retinol: Doesn't feature retinol.
- 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.
L'Oréal Paris Pure Retinol Revitalift Laser Night Serum
- Retinoid 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.
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Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster
- Retinoid 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?
The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.2% in Squalane
- Retinoid 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.
Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
- Retinoid 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.
- Retinoid concentration: Not specified.
- 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.
Trinny London Overnight Sensation
- Retinoid concentration: Not specified.
- Form of retinol: Retinal and granactive retinoid.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: The aptly named Overnight Sensation by Trinny works wonders by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep. It's suitable for all skin types and even gentle enough not to cause any unwanted peeling, thanks to key ingredients such as retinal, bacillus ferment and vitamin F.
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
- Retinoid concentration: 1% encapsulation retinol.
- Form of retinol: 5% retinoid ester blend and 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol blend.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: If you want all the results and none of the side effects, this highly potent retinoid serum is the one for you. Fuelled by a blend of retinoid ester and encapsulated retinol, this product gives you near-instant results by reducing wrinkles and improving the look of UV-damaged skin.
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
- Retinoid concentration: Not specified.
- Form of retinol: stabilised retinaldehyde.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: Those of us with acne-prone skin already know how challenging it can be to find the right face serum that will help smooth out skin texture without causing any further irritation. Thanks to its gentle and non-comedogenic formula, this retinal serum from Youth To The People is a great choice for oily and breakout-prone skin. It features stabilised retinaldehyde and a blend of 5% niacinamide to help boost the efficacy.
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum
- Retinoid concentration: 1%.
- Form of retinol: stable encapsulated retinol and fast-acting retinol.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: If you're after a potent formula that features not one but two types of retinoids for the best possible results, you can't go wrong with this retinol serum from Farmacy. This cruelty-free formula helps minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles in a matter of weeks while maintaining your skin firm and smooth (no skin purging in sight).
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum
- Retinoid concentration: 0.02% retinal .
- Form of retinol: retinal.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: As far as Korean retinoid products go, the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum is definitely high up there in the big league, thanks to its reasonable price and effective ingredients. Infused with 0.02% retinal, this eye cream is hydrating and gentle enough to be applied on the delicate skin around our eyes. It helps minimise the appearance of fine lines, boost collagen production and deliver the look of plumper skin.
Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream
- Retinoid concentration: Not specified.
- Form of retinol: HPR (high performing retinol).
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes.
Why we love it: One of the most effective formulas out there, the Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream is often considered best for mature skin, and with good reason. This powerhouse formulas features one of the highest-performing retinoids to help smooth out fine lines and firm up the skin in the process. Plus, iwith the help of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and soothing bisabolol, your skin barrier will be well taken care of too.
111SKIN Black Diamond Retinol Oil
- Retinoid concentration: 2.5%.
- Form of retinol: retinol and granactive retinoid blend.
- Suitable for sensitive skin? Yes if introduced gradually.
Why we love it: It may be one of the most expensive products in this line-up, however, let us assure you that it's well worth the investment. Formulated with a 2.5% retinol and granactive retinoid blend, this clever face oil will minimise signs of ageing and brighten your complexion while visibly improving skin's texture over prolonged use.
My experience with retinol: before & after
My retinol journey is an interesting one. 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 – in the form of a face serum or a moisturiser.
I listened, and my results speak for themselves. After just four weeks of religiously using the dermatologist-recommended Medik8 Crystal Retinal serum, my skin went from looking inflamed and bumpy to smooth and plump. Initially, I was a tad worried that my sensitive skin may not pair well with a retinoid formula, however, let me assure you that it surprised me in the best way possible.
Does retinol help with acne?
Due to its anti-inflammatory benefits, one of retinol's commonly known benefits is that it can indeed help minimise the appearance of acne and speed up the healing process. Plus, thanks to its smoothing properties and its ability to accelerate cell turnover, retinol can also smooth out skin, which should in turn help with older acne scars and rough texture.
What strength retinol should I buy?
Professionals usually recommend starting out with the lowest concentration available and work your way to the stronger formula over time once your skin's tolerance adapts to retinoids. You would also do well to remember that beginners should start using retinol once a week for a few weeks, then move on to using it a few times a week until eventually working your way up to applying it once every night as part of your evening skincare routine. That said, if you had any specific skin concerns, we'd definitely advice consulting with your dermatologist prior to purchasing a retinol serum as they may recommend a prescription retinoid formula instead.
How long does it take retinol to have an effect?
As is the case with most active ingredients, you should be able to see results within 3-8 weeks of using retinol, depending on your skin type and the formula's concentration. You may find that some formulas may not be suitable for your skin type so we'd recommend switching to another product rather than keep using it if it irritates or dries out your skin.
How to use retinol correctly
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.
When should you start using retinol?
30s or late 20s has long been considered the most suitable age to start introducing retinol as part of your 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 or rough skin texture.
In other words, there's no particular rule as to when you can and should start using a 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. Make sure to consult with your dermatologist if you have specific conditions such as rocasea or eczema.
For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on X @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
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For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on X @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
