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Retinol is the one constant ingredient when it comes to anti-aging and remains the gold standard in most anti-aging skin care products. It is one of the few (if not only) products with decades of research proving its benefits and its ability to refine, smooth, and regenerate the skin.
Below are some of the best retinol serums that are a great way to start using retinol if you have never tried it or if you are a professional user and are looking to add new products into the mix.
Even though retinol has a reputation for being drying and irritating to the skin, these serums are the opposite and contain small enough doses to make a difference without causing the dreaded redness or irritation. They are also formulated with good-for-your-skin, anti-aging additives including hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidants for protection and to improve the look of congested skin.
If you are a brand new user of retinol, it is also advised to start slowly, 2-3 times per week, and incorporate daily sunscreen into your routine.
Compare the Top Retinoid Serums of 2024
TruSkin Retinol Serum — Best Overall
This face serum is a unique and lightweight way to get retinol into your daily skincare routine. Specifically developed to layer well under other skincare products, this serum contains clinical strength retinol and combines it with organic aloe, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and organic green tea to produce a powerful serum that combines well with other products. For best results, it is recommended to use this serum 2-3 times a week initially and increase gradually depending on how your skin reacts.
Pros
- This serum is cruelty, paraben, and soy-free and suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Conducting a patch test is recommended 24 hours prior to application to ensure no reactions
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum — Runner Up
Formulated with three essential ceramides, this skin-renewing retinol serum was designed to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with virtually no irritation. Ideal for all skin types, this serum contains an encapsulated form of retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and utilizes a patented delivery system to continually release moisturizing ingredients for 24-hour hydration. Hyaluronic acid for hydration and niacinamide for an improved appearance round out the ingredient profile.
Pros
- This is a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula
Cons
- If you are new to retinol use sparingly and build up as needed
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum — Honorable Mention
For a more luxe retinol experience, this popular product is an advanced-strength retinoid serum that delivers a 6.5% solution of stabilized retinoid blends and botanical retinol-alternative extracts into the skin. By combining these specialized ingredients into a serum you get the benefits of reduced fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and rough texture that are then balanced out with calming botanicals including honey, cactus, and ginger for a more even-toned complexion.
Pros
- This serum is ideal for all skin types and uses only clean ingredients and formulas for results you can feel good about
Cons
- It is important to let your skin get used to the product if you are new to retinol
Yeouth Retinol Serum — Contender
Another great way to get retinol into your skincare is with this daily treatment that is formulated with high-quality ingredients and contains 2.5% retinol for a brighter more supple complexion. In addition to retinol to help boost collagen production and reduce fine lines, this serum contains naturally skin-occurring hyaluronic acid to plump and add hydration to the skin, vitamin E to shield your skin from harmful UV rays and aloe vera to soothe the skin with continuous use.
Pros
- Your skin will become more radiant over time
Cons
- It is recommended to use only at night
Simplified Skin Retinol Serum — Also Consider
Rich in antioxidants, this retinol serum has a 2.5% active retinol which is some of the strongest, non-prescription strength blends available. Also included in the serum are vitamin E, witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, green tea, and jojoba oils that all work together to naturally moisturize, soothe and regenerate the skin. Ideal for all skin types, this serum is effective yet gentle and will work to improve uneven skin tone and texture while reducing fine lines, dark circles, wrinkles, and sun damage.
Pros
- This formula is also specially designed to prevent breakouts, clog pores while avoiding irritation
Cons
- There may be a slight scent to the product
Eva Naturals Anti-Wrinkle Skin Firming Serum — Editor's Pick
With double the amount of our other options, this retinol serum is made to last a long time. Included in this generous-sized anti-wrinkle serum is 2.5% retinol that when combined with jojoba, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, creates an anti-aging powerhouse that promotes collagen production, fights sun damage, and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. This serum is ideal for all skin types and can be used daily due to its natural, plant-derived ingredients so you can plump, smooth, and replenish without worry.
Pros
- Won’t irritate or dry out your skin
Cons
- This has a pushdown dispenser which might push out too much product
Flawless. Younger. Perfect Anti-Aging Serum 3-Pack — Another Option
This serum combo pack is for serious users who want and enjoy applying their daily and nightly skincare rituals. This 3-pack includes hyaluronic acid, retinol, and vitamin C serums that all work together to give you smoother, softer, and more radiant skin. These serums can all be used interchangeably, are designed for all skin types and typical use is to apply the vitamin C serum in the morning and retinol serum in the evening on freshly cleansed skin for the ultimate absorption. Hyaluronic acid is a great hydrating booster and can be used after both serums or one depending on the level of moisture your skin needs at the time.
Pros
- This product is natural and organic, paraben, and cruelty-free
Cons
- If you do not need all three products, another option might be better
Buying Guide: Retinoid Serums
The awareness of skincare is ever-growing. Many people are learning about their skin’s needs and developing their own customized skincare routines. If you take skincare seriously, it's impossible to not know about retinoids. For anyone who is curious to know about this iconic ingredient, keep on reading.
What Is Retinoid and Its Function?
Retinoid comes from the same family as retinol and it was introduced in 1971 as a solution for psoriasis, acne, wrinkles, a few cancers, and other symptoms of aging.
The earliest retinoid in the market was Retin-A, aka Tretinoin. Previously, it served as a solution for acne. But scientists discovered that the ingredient triggers the process of cell turnover and also helps reduce pigmentation spots.
Both retinol and retinoids are now hailed for their impressive anti-aging perks. They have been in use by skincare experts for decades and scientific research backs their claims of skin rejuvenation.
The Uses of Retinol
Retinol is a weaker variant of tretinoin (a prescription vitamin A derivative). This molecule is effective at reversing aging symptoms and sun damage.
Both prescription tretinoin and retinol have clinically proven to cure sun damage, acne, discoloration, big pores, inflammation caused by rosacea, and fine lines. They also refine skin texture.
Which Retinoid Is Right for Your Skin Type?
The retinoid serum you buy will depend on the type of skin you have and how well it reacts to the substance. Common skin types and their ability to handle retinoid serums are as follows:
Dry
Retinoid serum tends to be drying even on normal skin. Hence a user with dry skin should look into a serum that has moisturizing properties as well.
Oily
Oily skin pairs well with retinoid serums as the serum tends to reduce the oiliness of the skin and help unclog its pores. However, it would be best to use it after cleansing the face and opening up the pores.
Sensitive
People with sensitive skin can experience harsh side effects of retinoid serums especially if they have skin conditions like rosacea or eczema.
Normal
Normal skin tends to be well suited for retinoid serum and does not need much preparation. However, it is still advised to moisturize after using retinoids, especially in winters.
The Functioning of Retinol And Retinoids
The active agent in both of these molecules is retinoic acid and this acid is responsible for cell turnover. Retinol faces a lot of changes in its formulation to convert into retinoic acid. However, retinoids are transformed into retinoic acid, which means they have quick functioning and are more powerful.
Basically, the acid diffuses through the cell membrane and joins with receptors in the cell's nucleus. Therefore, it acts as a gene to boost cell growth.
Retinoic acid inhibits the production of the enzyme collagenase. This is an enzyme that breaks down collagen molecules. With age, collagen no longer forms, and to avoid aging symptoms, it's crucial to preserve collagen production. The higher the collagen is, the more smooth, healthy, elastic, and pumped skin will be.
Finding The Right Retinoid Serum For Your Skin
Retinol serums are available in various strengths - the most common being 0.25%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1%. If a product doesn't specify the potency, it means that the retinol percentage in it is below 0.25%, and this won't show any results.
Start with the least potent concentration and then work your way towards higher potencies of the substance. Refer to your skin type while deciding the strength. For instance, oily or thick skin will demand a higher strength and vice versa.
Tips for Applying Retinoid Serums
Many users think that retinol is harmful as it makes their skin itchy and red. But, this is only because they don't know how to apply the product correctly. Retinol is anything but irritating when it is used in an accurate way.
As retinol initiates cell turnover, it means that previous cells are forced out by new cells. But if you apply too much or a higher strength that's not suitable for your skin, it will stimulate too much cell turnover. This leads to the skin becoming red.
So, as said before, start with a low concentration. Remember that retinol is not just a product, but a treatment. You can spot-apply it to areas that need it the most.
A mere pea-size amount is sufficient on the chin, forehead, and cheeks. After applying retinol serum, follow up with your preferred nighttime moisturizer.
Advantages Of Retinoid Serums And Who Should Use It
In a study, it was discovered that 0.1% of retinoid serums diminished wrinkles by 63.74% on the cheeks and 38.74% of wrinkles in the eye area after consistent usage of 12 weeks.
Another perk of using the ingredient is a higher cell turnover that leads to lesser breakouts. With the regeneration of cells, acne gets cleared and pores are unclogged.
Researchers suggest using any form of retinol or retinoid serum for people in their teenage years. The molecule can help with the acne or pimples caused by puberty. Individuals in their 20s can use retinol to have a beforehand prevention of wrinkles.
Professional Tips for Avoiding Irritation From Retinoid
For people who are hesitant to use this ingredient due to sensitive skin, they are advised to do the following:
- Do a skin patch test by putting some product below your jaw. If you witness no skin reaction after 2 days, apply it to your face.
- If you experience flakiness, irritation, or dryness on the face, stop utilizing the product. Allow your skin to return to normal again and then try another attempt with less product.
- If you experience flakiness or irritation in the common areas, use a gentle moisturizer before applying the retinol product.
