Best retinol serums: the tried and test powerhouse formulas to reverse skin aging

The best retinol serums promise a slew of skincare results that we all want. So if you're keen to soak up all the benefits of this powerhouse ingredient, then take note as we've found and reported on our favorites below.

A gold standard active ingredient, retinol is loved by beauty buffs, facialists, and aesthetic doctors alike but the skincare powerhouse has always been shrouded in a little mystery. Found in Vitamin A, retinol is one of two derivatives available without a prescription. It's also the more potent out of the two. The holy grail of retinol benefits is firmer, clearer, and brighter skin. But, achieving this depends on which formula you choose and how you introduce this skin-perfecter into your routine.

We’ve rounded up and tested the best-selling retinol serums on the market to make your decision easier. For us, the Neostrata Retinol Repair Complex came out on top with impressive skin sloughing, acne quelling, and radiance imparting benefits—although it's worth noting that this is probably more suitable for the advanced user. We also loved the wrinkle-busting prowess of potent Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum and found that the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum is a great option for those with sensitive skin. 

The best retinol serums to buy now

This results-driven high-tech formula targets fine lines, loss of firmness, hyperpigmentation (and also acne) soaks into the skin easily and feels refreshingly light. It is always formulated with the brands patent Tri-Active Technology is compromised of three different types of retinol (a fast acting retinoid, a slow-release retinol and top-up booster). This combination of ingredients is thought to have few side effects but still delver a visible improvement to the skin. We found it was a good all-rounder for retinol pros and virgins alike—just remember as with all retinol products, to ease yourself in to avoid any of the adverse retinol effects. We also loved the dispenser, which meant that the exact amount you needed was delivered—two pumps will do the entire face. 

This fragrance-free serum sinks in quickly, leaving skin feeling soft and uber hydrated. We found that this was best used at night. Just four drops massaged into the face, neck, and décolletage in the evening is all you need to reap the benefits. If you have very dry skin, then we recommend applying a moisturizer or oil without weakening the effects of the 0.3% retinol. 

The formula contains vitamin E for enhanced stability and time-release technology to slowly deliver the retinol into the skin and minimize irritation. The lightweight serum is also supercharged with retinol-booster climbazole to further enhance results. Phased-in gradually—twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the next two weeks, then every night thereafter—you’ll surely notice a reduction in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and be left with brighter, smoother skin. 

Sunday Riley is known for supercharged formulas that fuse high-tech science with ancient botanicals and this award-winning retinol serum is no different. The light serum glides over the skin with ease and offers serious results without any downtime. It helps to breaks down pigmentation, and scaring, and plumps fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to its powerful blend of retinoid-like botanicals and 1% of gold standard retinol. Side effects are minimal as it also contains hydrating CoQ10, and calming Hawaiian white honey, and chamomile derivative bisabolol. 

However, as this formula packs a mighty punch one to two pumps applied to dry skin before bed is all that’s needed. For those with dry or sensitive skin types, we would recommend layering with your favorite moisturizer.

The consistency of this serum is almost water-like, so it blends into the skin with ease. It’s a mix of retinol and vitamin A derivative, granactive retinoid—that helps amp up the strength of the formula. This retinoid works in much the same way as retinol but causes very little irritation—which is good news all round.  

The formula is also slow release and contains moisturizing squalene, which is great for sensitive skin meaning conditions like flaking and redness are unlikely to occur when using this serum. After using this serum, fine lines were reduced, skin texture saw major improvement and complexion was far brighter than before. 

Specifically formulated for those with sensitive skin who are also concerned with dehydration, pigmentation, enlarged pores, texture, and wrinkles. The 0.3% retinol sounds low but a lower concentration means less irritation, but not a reduction in benefits. All that is needed is a little patience and to give it more time to see results. Plus, skincare MVP vitamin B3 aka niacinamide elevates the formula to epic proportions thanks to its ability to further tighten pores and reduce pigmentation alongside restoring the skin’s barrier. You should find that over time the recommended nightly dose of three drops on clean skin will brighten, tighten, and firm skin while plumping lines and wrinkles.

When it comes to the best retinol serums, it doesn't get much better than this. The key to stopping pores clogging and spots erupting is efficient exfoliation. Thankfully, this retinol serum has skin sloughing powers in spades. While 0.5% of pure, stabilized Retinol might not sound much since it’s possible to get higher dosages without a prescription, this seems to go above and beyond, speeding up cell turnover, boosting collagen and elastin production like a dream. 

Neostrata says this is thanks to the clever combination of retinol, amino acids, peptides, plant stem cells, and neoglucosamine aka NAG. NAG, a precursor of much-loved hyaluronic acid, has many of the same benefits as retinol—blocking the formation of pigmentation, boosting cell turnover, collagen, and elastin, as well as tightening pores and stopping acne in its tracks. And that is exactly what it does as long as you ease into this serum. Housed in a UV-protected tube to stop the retinol from being broken down by UV rays and with a nifty pump to make it easy to dispense the pea-size amount needed - start slow to reap the long-term benefits. 

Read the full Neostrata Retinol Repair Complex review

How to choose the best retinol serum for you

As we mentioned above, retinol is found in Vitamin A and is one of two derivatives available without a prescription. It's also the more potent out of the two and if you opt for an uber strong formula or use too much too soon, there is a high chance that retinol peeling aka retinol uglies—dryness, irritation, acne, and flaking—can occur. Word to the wise—you want to avoid this at all costs! From finding the best-in-show to explaining how to start using retinol—we’ve got you covered. 

Make sure you do the research and follow dermatologist-approved tips before using retinol. While a potent formula might sound like you’re getting your money's worth, retinol products can come in 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% doses. If you’re new to retinol, it’s best to start low and work your way up—how low depends on your skin type. Remember, no one wants to endure the unwanted retinol uglies!

With that said the potency of most retinols on shelves ranges between 0.3 and 1 percent and these can work wonders to youth-boost your complexion. 

It's always recommended to check what additional ingredients your retinol serum may contain. While a moisturizing formula will be incredibly beneficial for dry skin, it could send acne-prone skin into overdrive.