The 15 Best Over-the-Counter Retinol Formulas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

If you were to ask any skincare expert what ingredient is non-negotiable, their first would be SPF, with retinol being a close second. Considered the gold standard in anti-aging and acne treatment, it promotes firmer skin, smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes pores, evens out skin tone, and clears up blemishes. And from our experience, it really is that powerful. 

Despite being a powerhouse, retinol can get a bit of a bad rap due to its potential for causing irritation — but that’s not to say you shouldn’t give it a go. What it all comes down to is choosing the right formula for your needs. There are hundreds of options available to you, ranging from serums and moisturizers to boosters and targeted treatments, all at a variety of price points, so there’s something out there for everyone. The only challenge is finding your perfect match. 

Instead of spending hours of time doing research, rely on ours. We meticulously tested 32 of the best over-the-counter retinol formulas on the market for 12 weeks, rating each one for their absorption and consistency, as well as the effect it had on our skin, and final results it provided. We then cut down that list to the top-performing products. 

Best Overall

Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  5/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Overall Results

  5/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Out of the 32 products we tested, Shani Darden’s cult-favorite retinol was the easiest to integrate into our routine thanks to its light, non-irritating formula that absorbed quickly and enhanced luminosity both instantly and over time. 

We’ll be the first to admit that incorporating a potent skin active, like retinol, can be nerve wracking, regardless of skin type. While we’d used prescription-strength retinoids in the past to help treat our dry, acne-prone skin, we were still wary of this test, especially considering this product contained both retinol and exfoliating lactic acid. 

To our surprise, the gentle gel-cream formula didn’t trigger any sensitivity and instead left our skin feeling soft and comfortable. After 12 weeks of testing, our skin looked practically poreless and more even — and our seriously acne-prone skin only developed one pimple during the entire trial period, which was a true first! 

While we loved the serum’s creamier texture and how it didn’t strip our already-dry skin of moisture, we wish it had imparted a bit of extra nourishment. Regardless, it layered beautifully with our hydrating serums and moisturizer, and we recommend this to anyone looking for a new retinol, whether they’re a seasoned user or new to the ingredient.

Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, lactic acid, apple fruit extract | Retinol Concentration: 2.2% | Size: 1 oz 

Best Budget

BYBI Beauty Squalane Oil Booster

Target

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  4.5/5

• Consistency

  4/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Overall Results

  5/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

This booster serum is a solid investment: Adding just a few drops of this to our favorite skin treatment transformed it into a skin-smoothing powerhouse that made our skin brighter and more hydrated by the end of our 12-week trial.

The clean, natural formula only contains two ingredients — 99 percent olive-derived squalane and one percent sustainably harvested bakuchiol, which form a light oily texture that smoothed and firmed while simultaneously quenching our dry, thirsty skin. The booster is also fragrance-free, which we appreciated as we’ve experienced irritation from scented products in the past.

Keep in mind that the bottle is small, coming in at only half an ounce. Considering that the product is designed to be mixed into other formulas in our routine, we didn’t mind — and the fact that the booster isn't too expensive makes the small size justifiable in our book.

Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane | Retinol Concentration: 1% | Size: 0.5 oz 

Best for Sensitive Skin

The INKEY List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  5/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  4/5

• Overall Results

  5/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Our oily, acne-prone skin is extremely sensitive; in addition to being allergic to Neosporin, we’ve encountered many products that have caused adverse reactions. However, The INKEY List’s formula truly was a super solution that helped banish stubborn acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with ease. 

Though it’s labeled as a serum, we found the rich texture (courtesy of squalane) to feel more like a moisturizer, making it easy to control during application. It absorbed instantly and didn’t pill, even when we sealed it under heavy, balm-like creams. Most importantly, our skin never had a bad reaction while using this and by the end of our 12-week testing period, we were still using the formula every other day in complete comfort.

As for results, we found that it cut our skin’s recovery time in half when healing from acne, even when we couldn’t resist the temptation of popping our pimples. Plus, stubborn dark marks faded in just a few days and left our skin looking smooth and radiant. We didn’t notice a change when it came to minimizing our forehead wrinkles, but if you don’t have many fine lines or wrinkles, this product is bound to become a staple in your routine.

Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Retinol, apricot kernel oil, squalane | Retinol Concentration: 1% | Size: 1 oz 

Best Dermatologist-Recommended

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Ulta

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  5/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  4/5

• Overall Results

  4.5/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

As a relative retinol newcomer, CeraVe’s serum was both developed and approved by dermatologists, and we found that it kept our skin comfortable throughout the entirety of our 12-week testing period. We attribute this to the brand’s signature blend of nourishing ceramides and soothing niacinamide that warded off the typically harsh effects of retinol. 

Our goal in using this formula was to help fade scars and dark spots left behind from breakouts; the encapsulated retinol and brightening licorice root extract definitely helped to even out our skin tone, albeit subtly. It left our skin smoother and noticeably balanced, never exacerbating dryness or oiliness, and it absorbed nicely while playing well with other products.

It’s worth noting that because all of CeraVe’s formulas are so gentle, this serum may not provide the dramatic results some people might be looking for from a retinol product. But that’s not a bad thing — everyone is at different points in their skincare journeys, and this is a great first step into the retinol category.

Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, licorice root extract | Retinol Concentration: 0.3% | Size: 1 oz

Best for Hyperpigmentation

LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  5/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Overall Results

  5/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

After testing this product twice daily for two weeks, we could see why it has a major fanbase: It’s affordable and effective, delivering a noticeable improvement to discoloration from acne scars and fading neck lines with twice-weekly use.

The lightweight formula features a blend of hydrating and nourishing ingredients (shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and aloe, to name a few) and it absorbed quite nicely into our skin, immediately making our complexion feel softer and look plumper. 

We also appreciated the inclusion of green tea. Though you should always wear sunscreen to protect skin against UV damage, antioxidants like green tea provide extra defense against free radicals produced by the sun’s rays.

It’s best to use a pea-sized amount of retinol at first to help skin adjust to the ingredient, but this sometimes pumped out far more than that. It’s something to watch for, but considering the price point, this detail is not a dealbreaker for us.

Type: Moisturizer | Active Ingredients: Retinol, green tea, hyaluronic acid | Retinol Concentration: 2.5% | Size: 1.7 oz

Best Serum

Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  5/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  4/5

• Overall Results

  5/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

This is one of the most powerful over-the-counter retinol serums on the market, which is why we’re major fans. It was extremely effective at evening out our skin’s tone and texture in under 12 weeks.

When retinol is applied to the skin, it must go through a conversion process for skin to recognize it as the active ingredient retinoic acid. Retinol goes through that process twice and with every conversion, the strength of the ingredient is diluted. But because this formula uses retinal, it’s stronger than your average retinol serum. We noticed this when assessing our results: We experienced fewer breakouts, as well as smaller pores and more radiant, even skin than we achieved previously with other retinol formulas. Though this retinal is strong, we didn’t observe any excessive dryness, likely due to the moisture-replenishing mix of mushroom extracts and ceramides.

Beware though, this retinal serum is not for first-time retinoid users because of its strength. Our skin has long been acclimated to retinol, but we could see how it would irritate those who have never tried it. Pick up a bottle of this when you’re ready to graduate from a gentler formula to stronger stuff.

Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Retinal, niacinamide, mushroom-ceramide blend | Retinol Concentration: 0.15% | Size: 1 oz 

InStyle / Miriam Sapozhnikov

Best for Beginners

Peace Out Retinol Face Stick

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  4.5/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  4.5/5

• Overall Results

  4/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

If you don’t trust yourself to mete out just the right dose of a retinol treatment, this newbie-friendly stick is a great investment. Not only did we find it easy to use (we could swipe it along our whole face or on specific areas we wanted to treat), but it was also nourishing, non-irritating, and easy to pack in a travel bag.

Peace Out’s Retinol Face Stick is entirely water-free, meaning it’s more concentrated than some other formulas, but that’s not to say that it’s sensitizing. Its first ingredient is squalane, a rich emollient that helps combat the irritation associated with retinol, like redness and flaking. It lent the stick a somewhat oily texture that absorbed easily into our skin, leaving our complexion much more moisturized than any other retinols we’ve tried in the past. This product did trigger a purging period, often called the retinol uglies, on the most acne-prone area of our face — our jawline — but our skin completely cleared up towards the end of our trial period. 

While we didn’t notice a dramatic improvement to our fine lines and wrinkles, it’s possible that expression lines would continue to smooth out with continued use. After all, the stick has a high concentration of retinol as well as the plant-based alternative, bakuchiol. Don’t let the potent percentages scare you, though, as the moisturizing ingredients in the formula (like squalane and botanical oils) kept our skin soft and supple, which is why we think it would make a great retinol for beginners.

Type: Stick | Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, squalane, bakuchiol | Retinol Concentration: 3% | Size: 0.28 oz 

Best Drugstore

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  5/5

• Consistency

  4/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Overall Results

  4/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

• It uses a retinol derivative that isn’t as potent as true retinol, meaning it’ll take much longer to see changes in fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

When we first incorporated this moisturizer into our routine, our goal was to come out of the 12-week testing period with more hydrated and nourished skin than when we started — and this well-priced product delivered. We found that this rich cream absorbed with ease, sinking into our complexion and quenching our dry skin with glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Yet as moisturizing as it is, it never made our combination skin oily, either — just balanced.

This moisturizer is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it is not only fragrance-free, but also extremely gentle. We didn’t experience irritation at any point of our trial, which is rare when it comes to retinol. This effect is likely due to the specific type of retinol — a retinol derivative called pro-retinol — in the formula, which is known to work a little slower through the body, meaning you’ll be waiting a tad longer to see results. 

After 12 weeks, our skin was well hydrated and plump, but we didn’t see much change to our fine lines or dark spots. However, for someone who is just dipping their toes into the world of retinol, this drugstore formula is a nice entry point.

Type: Moisturizer | Active Ingredients: Pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed | Size: 1.7 oz 

Best for Uneven Skin Tone

Paula's Choice BOOST 1% Retinol Booster

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  4/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Overall Results

  5/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

In 12 short weeks, we watched this little product transform our skin texture from bumpy to satiny-smooth. Though this thin serum is intended to be used as a booster within other skincare products, it’s actually far more versatile than that. We found ourselves most often just massaging the lightweight, easy-to-spread serum directly onto our skin and topping it with a moisturizer. 

We didn’t experience any irritation while using this (probably because it features encapsulated retinol and a nourishing ceramide), but we did have a purging period, which didn’t really bother us because we knew good things were waiting for us on the other side. In fact, this process is what got all of the gunk out of our blocked pores, which were responsible for our bumpy skin texture. Our existing breakouts (which were brewing pretty deep within the dermis) healed much faster than usual, and our skin even felt more hydrated, with a glow that made us more confident to go without makeup.

Truthfully, the only downside of this serum was its sulfur-like smell, but that hasn’t deterred us from recommending the formula to everyone we know — and besides, the scent dissipates quickly after application.

Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, licorice extract, ceramides | Retinol Concentration: 1% | Size: 0.5 oz 

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  InStyle / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

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  InStyle / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

Best for Acne

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Target

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  4/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Overall Results

  4.5/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

This Differin gel was a staple in our acne-care routine back when it was only available via prescription. Thankfully, that same formula is now available over-the-counter, and during our test we remembered how remarkable it is: It quickly tamed our blemishes and prevented future breakouts, promoting clearer and decongested skin — doing exactly what a great acne serum is supposed to do.

The active ingredient, adapalene, is a retinoid, or vitamin A derivative, just like retinol. However, they’re not the same: While retinol has to go through a conversion process for skin to recognize it as retinoic acid, adapalene does not. That means this formula hasn’t been diluted and is extremely potent (which is why it was once available only through a dermatologist). If your skin hasn’t experienced and adjusted to a product of this strength before, you’ll likely face some irritation and dryness. Since we’ve used Differin before, it was smooth sailing; the clear gel clarified and smoothed out our skin without leaving dryness behind.

While retinoids can usually treat a wide range of skin concerns, from acne to wrinkles, we found that Differin is best suited to treating breakouts, as we didn’t see an improvement to skin discoloration or fine lines over the 12-week trial. We only noticed significant improvement to our breakouts (they became a thing of the past). 

Type: Treatment | Active Ingredients: Adapalene | Retinol Concentration: 0.1% | Size: 0.5 oz 

Best Cream

Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%

Naturium

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  5/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Overall Results

  4.5/5

What We Love

• After just a few weeks, we saw visible improvement to our skin’s texture, tone, and radiance.

What We Don’t Love

We loved the gel-like texture of this hybrid serum-cream because it was lightweight, absorbed easily, and offered a pleasant cooling sensation. Beyond that, it made our skin positively glow. After 12 weeks, we saw a definite improvement to the texture and appearance of our complexion, with a softer and smoother feel, as well as a dewy, hydrated look.

Though retinal is one of the stronger vitamin A derivatives, we didn’t experience any irritation, just some light dryness. But to be fair, we did test this product in the winter, so we might not have experienced this if we tried it during the summer.

Despite the potency, this retinal is actually gentler than other options we tried, due to the fact that it's encapsulated, which creates a buffer during the absorption process, causing it to penetrate the skin slowly and comfortably.

The product’s packaging immediately captivated us, too: The silver tube with its neon yellow label added a pop of color to our otherwise simple skincare lineup. We wish we’d seen more improvement to our fine lines after finishing our trial run, but the facial-level glow it provided us has earned it a top spot in our vanity.

Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Encapsulated retinal | Retinol Concentration: 0.05% | Size: 1.7 oz 

InStyle / Danielle St. Pierre

Best Natural

Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum

Biossance

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  4.5/5

• Consistency

  4/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Overall Results

  4/5

What We Love

• This clean and nourishing formulation is gentle enough even for pregnant women to use, while anyone who wants to start treating early signs of aging without harsh ingredients will find it beneficial, too.

What We Don’t Love

If you’re wary of retinol, pregnant or breastfeeding, or just want to treat your skin with a cleaner product, this pick from Biossance is for you. Instead of using true retinol, it utilizes bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative that mimics its effects without the irritation. 

Our skin is pretty dry, but at no point in the 12-week trial period did we experience any sensitivity or skin stripping from this product — quite the opposite, in fact. The squalane-rich, nourishing formula left our skin feeling soft, smooth, and plump with a subtle radiance (we likely have tone-evening niacinamide to thank for that). It also sat beautifully under the rest of the products in our regimen, making for a solid base that we looked forward to using.

While we were hopeful that this product would help smooth out and tighten up the wrinkles on our neck, we didn’t see much improvement in that regard. Although, this serum makes a lovely option for someone with extremely sensitive skin or is looking for something preventative.

Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, niacinamide, squalane | Retinol Concentration: Not discolosed | Size: 1 oz 

Best Night Cream

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream

SkinBetter 

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  5/5

• Consistency

  4/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Overall Results

  4.5/5

What We Love

• This dermatologist-approved formula contains a heavy-hitting blend of resurfacing acids, firming peptides, and retinol to comprehensively treat signs of aging.

What We Don’t Love

The most potent products in any skincare regimen should be used at night, and this powerhouse fits the bill. It’s jam-packed with an impressively long list of active ingredients designed to target fine lines, discoloration, and laxity. Plus, the formula is balanced with a hearty dose of antioxidants and skin soothers to nourish and comfort dry, red skin. Its light, creamy consistency absorbed quickly and left our skin feeling moisturized — something we found extra satisfying, considering our skin is generally dry.

Skinbetter products like this one offer strong clinical results, so it’s no surprise that dermatologists and plastic surgeons around the country sell this product in their offices. While this formula definitely made our skin look clearer and more even, we didn’t see a change to our lines. However, more consistent use could make a difference here — or we may be better candidates for the brand’s stronger iteration of this formula, Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream.

Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Retinoid, alpha hydroxy acids, peptides | Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed | Size: 1 oz

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  InStyle / Patricia Huffstead

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  InStyle / Patricia Huffstead

Best for Wrinkles

Common Heir Retinol Serum

Credo

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  5/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Overall Results

  4.5/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Designed for melanated skin, this product was one of the most effective formulas we tried for firming skin, helping to smooth wrinkles and create a more even texture. And the generous amount of product in each capsule was more than enough to cover the entire face, neck, and even our shoulders.

This unique formula is labeled as a serum, but it definitely felt more like an oil, which helped add an instant glow to our skin. That said, it absorbed completely and didn’t leave our face feeling greasy. It’s also packaged in single-dose ampoules, which make this product a nice option for those who travel frequently.

We did experience a bit of a purging period, as one or two pimples appeared. Ultimately, though, they healed more quickly than usual, clearing up within two to three days. 

Type: Oil serum | Active Ingredients: Retinol, squalane, algae extract | Retinol Concentration: 0.2% | Size: 60 capsules

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  InStyle / Stephanie Lewis

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  InStyle / Stephanie Lewis

Best for Eyes

Neutrogena Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Face Serum

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Absorption

  4/5

• Consistency

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  4/5

• Overall Results

  4/5

What We Love What We Don’t Love

Because the skin under the eyes is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of the face, finding a retinol product that is gentle enough for the area can be a challenge. So when this Neutrogena face serum made the fine lines around our eyes completely disappear by the end of our 12-week trial, we were in awe. 

This lightweight formula is spiked with hyaluronic acid to help skin maintain moisture levels, and as our bodies produce this acid naturally, it helped the serum absorb fully and quickly. However, we did need to pare back how often we used it because of the slight tingly sensation it caused when we used it everyday. With less frequent use — every two days or so — our skin grew accustomed to it. 

Despite doing wonders for the fine lines around our eyes, this didn’t address uneven texture or dark spots in the way we had hoped. To make it easier for under-eye usage, we’d love to see upgraded packaging, like a cooling rollerball for pinpointed application. 

Type: Serum | Active Ingredients: Retinol SA, glucose complex, hyaluronic acid | Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed | Size: 1 oz

Our Testing Process

After serious research and consulting with board certified dermatologists, we landed on 32 of the most popular over-the-counter retinol products to test. Next, we shipped each product to our team of InStyle editors to test it for 12 weeks. Each product was judged on its consistency and how it felt on our skin, as well as its ability to absorb fully (including how it made our skin react) and whether it visibly improved our skin’s appearance. Once our testing period was over, we collected the data and analyzed all of the information to rank each formula. From there, we found the top 15 performers, which are the products you’ll find in this article. 

What to Keep in Mind

Your Skin Type

The majority of people can add retinol into their skincare regimen, including those with deeper skin tones, as there’s no risk of causing discoloration. In fact, retinol helps even out skin tone. 

“Most skin types would benefit from using a retinol serum, particularly sun damaged mature skin types, acne or oily skin, and those with hyperpigmentation and or melasma,” confirms New York-based board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lyle Leipziger.

However, some people just can’t tolerate the potency of retinoids, even over-the-counter retinol. “Some can experience redness, flakiness, and irritation,” says Colorado-based board certified dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark. This goes for people of any skin type (which is why patch testing is so important), but it’s especially true of those with very sensitive skin types. 

While this has nothing to do with your skin type, you should not use retinol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Instead, you can opt for formulas that contain plant-based retinol alternatives like bakuchiol, which you’ll find in BYBI Beauty 1% Bakuchiol + Olive Squalane Oil Booster and Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum.

Retinol Concentration

Retinol products come in a wide variety of concentrations, which simply refers to the potency of the ingredient in the formulation. “0.25 percent is the lowest strength both in the prescription form and in over-the-counter versions,” says Dr. Leipziger. “Dry, fragile, or thin skins should start with 0.25 percent on alternate nights and gradually build up to at least five nights per week to experience the best anti-aging benefits.” You can find an even gentler 0.2 percent in Common Heir Retinol Serum. 

If you’re already a retinol user, have thicker skin, or are not particularly sensitive, you can try a middle of the road formula, which will have a 0.3 or 0.5 percent concentration; the highest possible concentration is one percent. “I would reserve the 1% for thicker, oily skins,” says Dr. Leipziger. “It can be appropriate for acne sufferers, but slow and steady often results in the best outcome.” 

When you first start using retinol, you might experience what is known as “the retinol uglies,” although skin reactions will vary from person to person. “For some people, their skin may just be red, dry, flaky, and irritated for a few days as their skin adjusts to it,” says Dr. Mark. In other cases, it may cause a full-on skin purge, pushing congestion out of the pores that results in breakouts; this could last for anywhere from one week to two months, which is the main reason you want to ease into retinoid use. Starting a retinol regimen can be a shock to the system, so don’t be afraid to take it slow with a lower concentration. 

You might find that some brands do not disclose the concentration of retinol in their formulas. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it may mean that it’s blended with other potent ingredients to deliver the best results without being irritating. It could also be a sign that the formula actually features the aforementioned bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, which is non-sensitizing yet provides comparable results. 

Encapsulated Formulas

You may see the retinol in your product being referred to as “time-release” or “encapsulated.” That means the formula’s active ingredient is literally wrapped in a microscopic shell that slowly melts after it's applied. “Encapsulation ensures the retinol is gradually released into the skin, allowing it to be more tolerable, as well as bathe the skin in a 24-hour cycle of the ingredient, which can be more beneficial,” says Dr. Leipziger’s medical esthetician, Kerry Elmasry. If your complexion tends to be a bit more sensitive, but you’d like to incorporate this potent ingredient into your routine, an encapsulated retinol product like Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment Serum may be the way to go.

Hydrating + Nourishing Ingredients 

Because retinol can be notoriously drying on the skin, you’ll want to bring in reinforcements — namely ingredients that will boost hydration levels, protect your moisture barrier, and seal in nourishment. “I really like combining retinoids with hyaluronic acid for increased moisturization,” says Dr. Mark. You’ll find retinol paired with hyaluronic acid in LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream for Face. 

Ceramides are another good pick: These fatty acids are naturally found in the skin and act as the mortar between the “bricks” of your skin cells, preventing moisture from escaping and allowing skin to stay balanced and comfortable. They make up the foundation of CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum.

Another great ingredient to combine with retinol is niacinamide. Not only can niacinamide amp up hydration, but it can help lighten discoloration. Dr. Mark adds that it can also increase tolerability, calm the skin, and provide additional anti-aging benefits, as we saw in the Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum.

Your Questions, Answered

What does retinol do for skin?

Retinol is a true icon in the world of skincare, and that’s because it does pretty much everything. “Retinol is anti-aging, decreases hyperpigmentation, increases collagen and elastin, improves fine lines and wrinkles, smoothes, exfoliates, delivers a more radiant complexion, and decreases rough spots, pre-cancers, and skin cancers,” says Dr. Mark. When paired with other active ingredients like vitamin C, retinol can also be very effective in dark spot correcting formulas.

The prescription-strength version of retinol, retinoic acid, is the only ingredient that’s been clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging.

Is OTC retinol effective?

Yes, though our experts will tell you it’s not as good as the prescription-strength version. “It isn't as active, powerful, or studied as thoroughly,” says Dr. Mark. But while retinol is weaker than retinoic acid, you’ll still get all the same benefits from using the former. It'll just take longer: One study shows that a prescription-strength retinoid takes about a month to significantly improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, but an over-the-counter retinol provides the same results in about 12 weeks. 

If you’re willing to wait, it’s worth the reward — and because retinol isn’t as potent as retinoic acid, you won’t experience as much irritation, which we’d call a win.

What's the strongest OTC retinol?

The strongest retinol you’ll find over the counter is adapalene, which is the main ingredient in the Differin Gel Acne Treatment. “Differin was originally formulated for acne patients, but if your skin is thick and or oily, you can achieve the same benefits,” says Elmasry. This product contains one percent of the active ingredient.

What strength retinol is best for aging?

The higher the dose of retinol your skin can tolerate, the better, but don’t jump in with both feet. “Mature skin tends to be drier and can break out in a rash if you initially start people on a higher dose,” warns Elmasry. 

Instead, start with a gentle formula once a week as your skin adjusts to it, building your way towards an application cadence of several times weekly. If you’ve finished the bottle and your skin has fully tolerated the product, you’re ready to graduate to a formula with a higher concentration.

Do you put moisturizer or retinol on first?

You may have heard of the “retinol sandwich” technique, which consists of applying a thin layer of moisturizer both before and after putting on a retinol product, but our experts don’t recommend this. “Retinol should always be applied as the first application to clean, dry skin,” says Dr. Leipziger. 

The whole point of using a skincare product is to reap all of its benefits — applying a moisturizer before your retinol will dilute its effects. If you’re looking for less reactivity, use a weaker formula instead.

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Emily Orofino is a beauty writer, editor, and consultant with more than a decade of experience in the industry. For this piece, she reviewed the data from the InStyle testing team, who rigorously analyzed nearly three dozen retinol-infused skincare products to highlight the best ones. She also shared the insights of Colorado-based board certified dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark; New York-based board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lyle Leipziger, and his medical esthetician, Kerry Elmasry, who explained this legendary ingredient, what to look for in a retinol formula, and how to incorporate it into a skincare routine. 

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