Retinol [1] is a beloved ingredient by dermatologists and skin-care experts, and there's a reason it's recommended to incorporate it into your skin-care routine time and time again. It's a multifunctional and versatile ingredient that can handle anti-ageing concerns [2], diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation, prevent and treat acne, and smooth out uneven texture. Retinol can do it all. However, finding the right one for your skin type and concerns is important. If you have sensitive skin, you shouldn't use a retinol serum that's too strong and risk irritating your skin. That's why we rounded up the best retinol serums for all skin types, whether you have acne-prone skin [3] or dry skin.
If you're a beginner to the retinol game, the Bliss Youth Got This Serum or The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Ageing Serum are great options. Need something to smooth out your complexion and even out your skin tone? Try the StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum or the Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum. If you have sensitive skin [4], the Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide is something you'll want to consider. Shop our top picks ahead!
Best Retinol Serum For Dry Skin: Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Serum
If you have dry skin, the Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Serum [6] ($45) is loaded with hyaluronic acid and Vichy volcanic water to keep the skin hydrated. The retinol serum is perfect for those who need a boost of plumpness in their skin. It's a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum.
Best Retinol Serum For Anti-Ageing: Paula's Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment
The Paula's Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment [7] ($60) is a potent treatment meant for those who can handle retinol. The one percent high-strength treatment is ideal for those with visible signs of agining like fine lines and loss of firmness.
Best Retinol Serum For Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum [8] ($20) not only helps prevent acne but also treats post-acne marks and texture. It has encapsulated retinol, licorice root extract, ceramides, and niacinamide to help brighten, resurface and balance out the skin.
Best Retinol Serum For Oily Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum
The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum [9] ($72) will reduce the appearance of your pores while targeting texture and fine lines. It has a blend of retinol, bakuchiol, and rambutan that will help to prevent and diminish breakouts and support collagen production.
Best Retinol Serum For Oily Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum
The Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum [10] ($65) is a potent product for those who want to target texture issues and uneven skin tone. It's a serum that's best for those who can tolerate strong formulas, since it has a 15 percent glycolic acid complex and 1.5 percent time-released retinol. It's suited for those with oily to normal skin.
Best Retinol Serum For Beginners: The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Ageing Serum
The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Ageing Serum [11] ($10) is a great, affordable option for those who are starting out their retinol journey. The simple formula has a blend of retinol and squalane to revive and hydrate the skin.
Best Retinol Serum For Dark Spots: StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum
Brighten your complexion and diminish dark spots with the StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum [12] ($72). Vitamin C and retinol work together to revive your skin for an even-toned complexion. You can use this morning and night, as long as you wear sunscreen.
Best Retinol Serum For Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum
The La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum [13] ($50) is a lightweight and non-greasy formula that is effective but gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. It's non-comedogenic and helps with acne and anti-ageing concerns.
Best Retinol Serum For Sensitive Skin: Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum
If you have sensitive skin, the Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum [14] ($62) is loaded with ceramides and peptides to soothe and hydrate the skin. The micro-dose formula will deliver retinol results without the irritation, dryness, and flakiness.
Best Retinol Serum For Beginners: Bliss Youth Got This Serum
If you're new to the retinol game or have sensitive skin, the bliss Youth Got This Serum [15] ($25) is something you'll want to incorporate into your routine. It's got moisturising ingredients like amino acids, peptides, and squalane to balance out and support your skin. You get all the benefits of retinol without the irritation.