The 19 Best Retinol Serums of 2023 | by Byrdie

Clinically proven results are why retinol reigns supreme in the world of skincare. But which formula is right for you? We rounded up standout options touted by dermatologists, as well as a few fan favorites from the Byrdie team. After considering dozens of different brands, evaluating formulas on their active ingredients and targeted benefits, as well as extra features, like how quickly they absorb into skin, and their skin feel, we landed on the following best in show.

When it comes to tackling just about any skin problem—from fine lines and dark spots to uneven texture and breakouts—retinol is where it’s at. It’s one of a few vitamin A derivatives (aka retinoids) you can buy over the counter, often in the form of a serum. Retinoids work by increasing cell turnover, offering mild exfoliation, and stimulating collagen production, explains board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD. “Retinol regulates our sebum production, which is great for acne control,” she adds. “When used consistently, we also see a decrease in sun damage in the top layers of our skin.”

What To Look For

Best Overall

Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum

4.7

Amazon

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Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum Review

What We Like

• Time-release formula

• High retinol concentration

• Dermatologist-recommended

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

• Small amount

While over-the-counter formulas aren’t as strong as the prescription variety, Fusion PM holds its own. “I like this because the retinol is encapsulated and combined with vitamins C and E,” says Dr. Madfes.

This serum flaunts a generous 1.5 percent concentration of encapsulated retinol, meaning it releases slowly into your skin to sidestep irritation. In addition to the brightening antioxidants Dr. Madfes mentioned, she notes that the base is “very hydrating” thanks to the blend of humectants and skin-loving squalane, so you’re less likely to notice any dryness and inflammation from the retinol.

Price at time of publish: $65

Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, squalane | Retinol Concentration: 1.5% | Dosage: A few drops nightly | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

 Byrdie / Olivia Hancock

What Our Testers Say

“I am happy to report that my skin is the smoothest it’s ever been, and it looks refreshed all-around. Most importantly, this serum lived up to its claim of being gentle as I experienced no irritation or redness while using it.” —Olivia Hancock, Product Tester

Best Budget

The Inkey List Retinol Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Award-winning formula

• Non-irritating

What We Don’t Like

• Results aren’t dramatic

If you’re on a budget, go with this option from The Inkey List. This brilliantly cheap serum contains a 1 percent concentration of stabilized retinol, 0.5 percent of granactive retinoid (the gentle cousin of prescription-only tretinoin), and squalane to deliver moisture while minimizing irritation.

Price at time of publish: $11

Active Ingredients: RetiStar stabilized retinol, granactive retinoid, squalane | Retinol Concentration: 1.5% | Dosage: Pea-sized amount nightly | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum

4.3

Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Noticeable results

• Lightweight

What We Don’t Like

• Contains synthetic fragrance

“I recommend Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum because it contains stabilized retinol, and the formulation won’t break you out,” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. In a clinical trial commissioned by the brand, 100 percent of users noticed an improvement in their skin after just a week.

Price at time of publish: $21

Active Ingredients: Stabilized retinol, hyaluronic acid | Retinol Concentration: 0.3% | Dosage: Pea-sized amount daily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

The 14 Best Drugstore Moisturizers of 2023

Best Splurge

iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance +

Walmart

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What We Like

• Brightening

• Calms inflammation

• Reduces appearance of scars

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

Charlene DeHaven, MD, says this advanced serum is an excellent spot treatment for inflammation and blemishes. “It contains high levels of wound healers for acne lesions, anti-inflammatories, and antioxidants from botanical sources,” she tells Byrdie. “This strong serum is also packed with vitamins A, C, and E and olive leaf extract.”

Price at time of publish: $158

Active Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Overnight

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Sephora

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What We Like

• Noticeable results

• Calms inflammation

• Moisturizing

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

• Small amount

Get your beauty sleep with Sunday Riley Luna. This overnight oil boasts an active retinoid complex, calming chamomile, and skin-loving plant oils like blue tansy, which contains azulene—one of the most potent skin-soothing ingredients on the market.

Price at time of publish: $55

Active Ingredients: Trans-retinoic acid ester complex | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: A few drops nightly | Size: 0.5–1.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best High Concentration

Yeouth Retinol Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Encapsulated retinol

• Firming

What We Don’t Like

• May be too strong for sensitive skin

With 2.5 percent encapsulated retinol, this serum offers one of the highest concentrations you can get over the counter, while encapsulation allows for a slow release with minimal irritation. As Dr. Madfes explains, it creates a firming effect by activating the retinoid receptors within our skin, which “stimulates collagen and elastin production.”

Price at time of publish: $28

Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, hyaluronic acid | Retinol Concentration: 2.5% | Dosage: Pea-sized amount daily | Size: 1–2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Capsules

RoC Retinol Correxion Smoothing Night Serum Capsules

Amazon

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What We Like

• Reasonably priced

• Biodegradable

• Dermatologist-recommended

What We Don’t Like

• Small supply

A favorite of Dr. Madfes, RoC Night Serum Capsules boast a high concentration of pure retinol. In a clinical trial, 100 percent of people noticed a reduction in fine lines and visibly firmer skin after just four weeks of using the ceramide-infused anti-ager. This might be why it’s Amazon’s second best-selling face serum.

Price at time of publish: $33

Active Ingredients: Retinol, ceramides | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: One capsule nightly | Size: 30 capsules | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Exfoliating

Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum

5

Amazon

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What We Like

• Award-winning formula

• Contains an AHA

• Non-irritating

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

• Small amount

As Dr. Madfes explains, “All retinoids increase cell turnover.” But Shani Darden’s Byrdie-approved Retinol Reform takes it a step further. It calls on alpha-hydroxy acid to gently slough off dead cells, brighten your complexion, and improve uneven texture.

Price at time of publish: $88

Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, lactic acid | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: One to two pumps nightly | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Sensitive Skin

Maelove Moonlight Retinal Super Serum

4.2

Maelove

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What We Like

• Award-winning formula

• Non-irritating

• Calms inflammation

What We Don’t Like

• Limited retailers

Moonlight Super Serum contains retinal (short for retinaldehyde), which is believed to be more effective than standard retinol but still plenty gentle. Formulated with reactive complexions in mind, the Super Serum is filled with a medley of other soothing ingredients like aloe, witch hazel, green tea, and squalane. If you have eczema, rosacea, or your skin is particularly sensitive, this can be a gentle way to ease into using retinol in your regimen.

Price at time of publish: $37

Active Ingredients: Retinal, vitamin C, squalane | Retinol Concentration: 0.11% | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Dry Skin

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Hydrating

• Replenishes skin barrier

What We Don’t Like

• May leave behind slight residue

If your skin is on the drier side, go with CeraVe (words to live by). In addition to encapsulated retinol, this air-tight pump bottle is filled with ceramides to replenish and protect the skin barrier, plus hydrating humectants like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Price at time of publish: $21

Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Small amount daily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Mature Skin

Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum

Sephora

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What We Like

• Noticeable results

• Non-irritating

• Moisturizing

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

• Small amount

“Retinoids help to decrease wrinkles and brown spots and improve overall skin texture,” says Dr. Madfes. If you want noticeable results, reach for this hot pink potion from Josie Maran. It combines retinol with quercetin, plant oils, and squalane to tackle photoaging without irritation.

Price at time of publish: $69

Key Ingredients: Retinol, plant oils, quercetin | Retinol Concentration: 2% | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 0.85 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Uneven Texture

Glossier Universal Pro-Retinol

4.5

Glossier

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Glossier Universal Pro-Retinol Review

What We Like

• Noticeable results

• Non-irritating

• Hydrating

What We Don’t Like

• Results take time

If you’re dealing with uneven texture or hyperpigmentation, this little tincture from Glossier has your name on it. It contains 0.5 percent “retinyl sunflowerate,” a fancy name for a blend of pure retinol and sunflower seed oil. You’ll also get a dose of smoothing stevia extract, moisturizing shea butter, and soothing aloe.

Price at time of publish: $35

Key Ingredients: Retinyl sunflowerate, stevia extract, aloe, shea butter | Retinol Concentration: 0.5% | Dosage: One pump nightly | Size: 1.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Fine Lines

Naturium Retinol Complex Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Smoothing

• Firming

What We Don’t Like

• Texture is slightly gritty

This affordable formula combines micro-encapsulated retinol with retinol alternative bakuchiol to bring you a one-two punch of line-smoothing, wrinkle-preventing, skin-firming, pore-minimizing goodness, plus vitamin C to simultaneously brighten.

Price at time of publish: $20

Key Ingredients: Micro-encapsulated retinol, bakuchiol, linseed oil, vitamin C | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Thin layer daily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Beginners

Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 0.5

Amazon

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What We Like

• Non-irritating

• Brightening

• Reduces redness

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

• Contains synthetic fragrance

Board-certified dermatologist Julie Russak, MD, is a fan of Retinol Complete, which addresses hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and other signs of photoaging by encouraging cell turnover. “It’s formulated with humectant molecules that hydrate and also contains antioxidants,” she tells Byrdie. “This makes it much more tolerable and decreases any redness or dryness.”

Price at time of publish: $104

Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, vitamin C | Retinol Concentration: 0.5% | Dosage: One to two pumps three times a week | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Retinol Alternative

Ranavat Renewing Bakuchi Crème

Sephora

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What We Like

• Ideal for sensitive skin

• Nourishing, oil-based formula

• Wears well under makeup

What We Don’t Like

• Has a lingering scent

Given that retinol can be too harsh for some with sensitive skin, and derms recommend against using it if you’re pregnant or nursing, you might be looking for an alternative with the same skin-restoring benefits. Bakuchi seed oil is the starring ingredient in this rich, concentrated cream. With lotus flower and ashwagandha, it’s formulated to target hyperpigmentation. And to boot, it boasts recyclable glass packaging.

Price at time of publish: $95

Key Ingredients: Bakuchi seed oil, lotus flower, ashwagandha | Dosage: Morning and evening | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Editors Say

“I’m a fan of this Ayurvedic brand, and was thrilled when I discovered this retinol-alternative. Although not technically a serum, it has a silky potent formula that’s packed with botanic actives that my skin just drinks up, so it essentially functions as well, if not better than a serum, especially if you’re prone to dryness or have combination skin like me.” — Jill Di Donato, Senior Commerce Editor.

Best for Oily Skin

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

4.6

Ulta

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What We Like

• Feels cooling on the skin

• Not greasy

• Helps address hyperpigmentation

What We Don’t Like

• Some reviewers note breakouts can occur

In general, and especially if your skin is oily or acne-prone, you’ll want to pick a retinol product that is formulated for your skin type. CeraVe’s Retinol Serum is a fan favorite for its refreshing feel and the way it helps firm skin without aggravating breakouts. This light serum contains niacinamide and licorice root extract along with ceramides, making it a gentle option for sensitive skin. It’s unscented and formulated not to clog pores, and rings in at a very budget-friendly price.

Price at time of publish: $12

Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, licorice root extract | Dosage: Small dots twice per day | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Moderate Priced

baebody Retinol Facial Serum

Amazon

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What We Like

• Moisturizing

• Does not irritate skin

• Addition of green tea to retinol doubles down on antioxidants

What We Don’t Like

• Some reviewers note castor oil might be too thick

We’re fans of this lightweight formula that absorbs easily into skin, and feels silky smooth, thanks to the addition of castor oil to the formula. We love this as a moderately priced option that features a naturally-derived ingredient list. We also like that the formula is safe for skin that’s prone to acne, as castor oil is known not only for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, but also for its ability to diminish the appearance of scars.

Price at time of publish: $23

Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin E, castor oil, green tea | Dosage: Small dots twice per day | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes