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26 best retinol creams and serums (according to our beauty team)
The skincare ingredient that needs no introduction...
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, and 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, Dr Lancer, 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.
A sneak peek at some of our faves
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. La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] is the perfect starting point as it contains a mere 0.3%, so, it's also a good option for people with sensitive skin. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane is a great contender for newbies, too, plus it's super affordable.
If you're a seasoned retinol user, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 is a great option (and one we personally swear by). One of the strongest formulas out there, aka Sunday Riley's A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum 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 of 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 26 of our favourite retinol formulas that we actually use.
You've heard of retinol, but have you tried crystal retinal? This clever crystal-encapsulated retinaldehyde formula works 11 times faster than normal retinol, thanks to its ability to be more easily converted into retinoic acid by the skin. It also causes less irritation and comes with built-in hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to plump and hydrate your complexion.
Medik8 produces the serum in a whole host of different strengths (ranging from 1 to 10), number 3 is our go-to for medium strength that packs a punch with no irritations.
The clinically tested serum – that is also activated in an innovative 'do-it-yourself' bottle – penetrates up to 15(!!) surface layers deep to begin accelerating skin surface turnover, visibly improving appearance in as early as just five days.
Featuring a cutting-edge 'fast-release' delivery system that contains 0.3% pure retinol, the serum works rapidly to bring fresh new skin cells to the surface improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
As you may have gathered, retinol can be pretty spenny. But fear not for The Inkey List, one of our fave no-fuss cult brands, is here to save your day skin.
At just £14, this hero is no less than in comparison to its counterparts. With 1% retinol acetate, 0.5% granactive retinoid and squalane for hydration and soothing, we're hitting a home run in everything anti-ageing.
Just use a pea-sized amount 1-2 days a week (to begin with) and see fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone diminish.
Made in the UK, this indie beauty brand has been making waves across the skincare industry thanks to the A* formulas – and this serum is no exception.
It's been made with 3% encapsulated retinoid to target fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars and hyperpigmentation. It's free of parabens, silicones, PEGs, SLS, SLES, and mineral oils, plus it's vegan and cruelty-free.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin, Clear, 30 ml
If you're a retinol novice, worry no more for this serum is a great way to ease yourself in.
Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol is a gentle, yet effective way to reduce the appearance of acne marks and visible pores. Refined skin without compromising its protective barrier. Win-win.
Newbies beware: if you're not a regular retinol user, this is not one to slather on.
A pro-strength formula powered by 5% retinoid, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol, and 0.5% blue-green algae, incorporate this into your routine after you've stayed faithful to a lower percentage for at least a few weeks.
It's incredibly efficacious so expect serious results in a short space of time.
Ideal for first-time users, this cream contains 0.3% retinol so it won't leave you red-faced.
Like all La Roche-Posay's minimalist formulas, this has been created with sensitive skin in mind, so it's free from preservatives, fragrances, colourants, or parabens. It's worth noting how reasonable the price is, too.
Kiehls Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Despite containing a potent hit of retinol, this clever serum also contains peptides and ceramides to improve skin health.
These ingredients also help to minimise the possibility of experiencing the uncomfortable side effects associated with retinol, like redness, peeling and dryness.
Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
If you suffer from sensitivity, this retinol was formulated with you in mind. Knowing that vitamin A can sometimes cause irritation and dryness in sensitive skins' this formula also contains hyaluronic acid to help your skin retain moisture.
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
Two wrinkle-busting power players sealed in serum capsules, these are a dream if you're always on the go. Single-use air-tight pods preserve the potency, making it 76% stronger than unencapsulated retinol, while hydrating ceramides prevent the dreaded dryness that often accompanies retinol.
Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum With Retinol & Vitamin B3
One of the best retinol serums we've discovered — and lucky for us, it won't break the bank.
Yep, Olay's Retinol24 Night Serum is packed with a potent retinoid complex and vitamin B3 (niacinamide), allowing it to help smooth fine lines & wrinkles, reduce skin texture, improve brightness and fade dark spots.
The formula is also incredibly hydrating, so expect to see an instant improvement as the skin gets a serious moisture hit.
This encapsulated retinol (meaning it's time-releasing) formula contains 0.3% pure retinol, so is not one to be played with.
The slow-releasing number also blends hyaluronic acid and bisabolol (an antioxidant known for its skin-soothing powers), to nurture your skin barrier as it gets to work to help minimise any irritation.
For the impatient amongst us (hi, hello, me), this claims to reduce crow's feet in just four weeks. Not too shabby.
Gentle enough for daily use and suitable for sensitive skin types, this IT Cosmetics retinol cream is infused with vitamin E and B5 to maintain hydration in the skin and soothe. After all, retinoids can be somewhat drying.
The Ordinary has quickly gained a cult following for selling effective ingredients at cheap as chip prices.
This is a brand that prides itself on its consumer honesty, something it proved when it upgraded all its retinols to a new formula called 'Granactive Retinoid'. Compared to their old offering, Granactive Retinoid gives better results against signs of ageing without aggravating the skin.
Member price: £22.50
Is there anything Beauty Pie can't do? This retinol serum is one of our all-time favourites due to its super-smart formula.
It uses an encapsulated retinol complex, which basically means the serum is absorbed by the skin before releasing - meaning you get maximum efficacy — without the dreaded irritation.
The Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-aging Face Serum has a 3% encapsulated retinol complex, which works on the skin at 0.09% pure retinol.
So you can expect some pretty punchy results when it comes to unclogging your pores, boosting collagen production and smoothing out the complexion.
You know an ingredient is buzzy when cult favourites Glossier jump on it, too.
The popular beauty brand expanded its skincare offering with a retinol serum, which contains 0.5% retinyl sunflowerate (a hybrid of pure retinol and sunflower seed fatty acids). It works on smoothening out fine lines, and evening out skin tone and also contains plant-based humectants for hydration.
This cult night cream is one to consider if you steer clear of retinol due to skin sensitivity.
Scientists behind the launch carried out extensive research into the retinol “sweet spot” (maximum concentrate meets minimal irritation), and added bisabolol (found in Chamomile) to calm and soothe. The anti-ageing formula is also boosted by No7’s go-to peptide blend, Matrixyl 3000 Plus.
OK, yes it's spenny but it's also oh-so effective. The pure, encapsulated retinol and the duo of retinoids in the formula, create a time-released treatment that effectively prompts skin renewal of a more even texture.
When it comes to ingredients, Paula's Choice is a brand you can trust. Its 1% Retinol Booster has been cleverly designed so that you can add it to the moisturiser you're already using, instantly transforming it into an anti-ageing formula. Just make sure you read our retinol guide first.
Arguably the most hyped skincare launch of – well, ever – Drunk Elephant's A-Passioni Retinol Cream is the holy grail for reactive skin types.
Like all of the brand's other products, you won't find any of the 'suspicious 6', (SLS, fragrance, dyes, essential oils, chemical screens, drying alcohols, silicones and SLS) in here. Instead, their 1% retinol has been blended with soothing botanical extracts, passionfruit, kale, apricot and cherry.
It's also packed full of potent peptides and fatty acids, helping to speed up surface renewal, boost collagen and plump up ageing complexions. Tick, tick, tick.
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the , , and content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of and , before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Keeks Reid is the Acting Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at , and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Assistant at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on
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