Best retinol creams and serums 2023 – 25 formulas we love

Retinol: it’s the skincare ingredient that needs no introduction. By now you’re likely already aware of the near infinite benefits it has to offer. From working wonders on fine lines and wrinkles to improving skin’s texture, reducing scarring and enlarged pores, there’s not much it cannot do. Oh, and it’s also great for anyone hoping to target acne flare ups!

So, ‘what is retinol?’ you may ask. Well, as leading Hollywood dermatologist, , who works with famous faces like Victoria Beckham and Beyonce, explains – it’s one of the most effective skincare ingredients out there.

“Retinol is lauded for its medically and scientifically-proven ability to speed up the skin’s cell cycle,” he says. “It is one of the few ingredients on the market that comes with this absolute guarantee – it has no gimmicks.” The zero BS approach makes it even more appealing.

When should you start using retinol?

In theory, you could start using retinol in your mid to late 20s. Prevention is better than cure – meaning, the earlier the better – but obviously, within reason (if you’re under 25, you probs don’t need it).

What strength retinol do you need?

There are variations of retinol and also different strengths. If you’re just starting out, you should be using a low percentage. is the perfect starting point as it contains a mere 0.3%, so, it’s also a good option for people with sensitive skin. is a great contender for newbies, too, plus it’s super affordable.

If you’re a seasoned retinol user, is a great option (and one we personally swear by). One of the strongest formulas out there, aka is an incredibly potent, supercharged serum that will get you results fast.

How do you use retinol?

Apply it at night and avoid mixing it with other active skincare ingredients. It can be layered with hyaluronic acid, but try to minimise mixing it with lots of products.

Are there any side effects to retinol?

Unfortunately, retinol does come with some side effects, though these can be reduced by choosing the right formula for your skin type and applying it properly. You should always introduce retinol tentatively into your skincare routine at first, then build it up slowly as your skin becomes more tolerant.

Initially, begin using it a couple of times a week in smaller doses. As you start to see results and less irritation, you can steadily increase the percentage – but this has to be done over time (reading more on best practice retinol usage is recommended). Overuse of retinol can cause redness, sensitivity and peeling, so, do keep in mind that whilst using any product containing retinol you’ll need to apply daily sunscreen.

These are 25 of our favourite retinol formulas that we actually use…