14 Best Retinol Creams for 2023

A quick look at the best retinol creams

• Best retinol cream overall: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
• Best moisturizer with retinol: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
• Best brightening retinol cream: Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
• Best retinol cream for acne: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
• Best retinol cream for wrinkles: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
• Best budget retinol cream: CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum
• Best retinol night cream: skinbetter science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
• Best vegan retinol cream: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
• Best hydrating retinol cream: Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Concentrate
• Best retinol cream for neck: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream
• Best retinol eye cream: First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream
• Best retinol cream for beginners: Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream
• Best retinol cream for dry skin: Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
• Best retinol body lotion: Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion

There are many buzzworthy skin care products and ingredients on the market these days, and retinol is one of the most well-known.

While retinol is widely available in over-the-counter (OTC) products, it’s important to know its benefits and potential side effects, since it’s not recommended for people with certain skin conditions.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a type of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. It’s commonly available in various strengths in the form of gels, creams, and serums. It’s been shown to improve skin texture and hyperpigmentation, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Retinol does this by penetrating the deep layers of the skin, promoting cell turnover and elasticity.

Because retinol can be irritating for certain skin types, it’s best to consult a dermatologist about whether it’s the right treatment for you. You can also speak with them about what strength to start with and how often you should apply it prior to purchasing any retinol products.

How retinol works

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, retinol is a type of retinoid (i.e., a vitamin A-based skin product) commonly used to improve skin imperfections such as uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and texture. It’s available over the counter in products across various price ranges.

Retinol works by changing how cells function, specifically with regard to cell turnover or division speed when it comes to creating new cells. It promotes rapid skin cell division, which builds up the protective top layer of your skin.

As you age, the natural production of collagen and elastic fibers that lift your skin starts to slow down, giving way to wrinkles, sun spots, and other skin damage, which is where products like retinol can be a remedy.

How we chose the best retinol creams

We chose the following products based on:

• concentration of retinol
• cost
• ingredients

We also kept different skin types in mind, since certain creams work better for different skin characteristics.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $25
• $$ = $25–$50
• $$$ = over $50

Healthline’s picks for the best retinol creams

Best retinol cream overall

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: retinol, bisabolol, Boswellia serrata extract
• Skin type: all except sensitive

If you find that less concentrated formulas aren’t helping your skin issues, and you don’t have particularly sensitive skin, this slightly more potent formula does it all.

Thanks to a 0.3% concentration of retinol, the formula works to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, and it actively prevents and reduces breakouts.

The calming ingredients of bisabolol (derived from chamomile) and Boswellia serrata extract provide soothing properties to prevent irritation. This cream is also paraben-free and noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.

Best moisturizer with retinol

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: retinol, vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
• Skin type: all except sensitive

This moisturizer is a great option for those with skin that isn’t very sensitive and can stand up to most products.

This cream works to smooth wrinkles and even skin tone, all while leaving your skin feeling soft. The brand says the retinol 24 complex leaves your skin feeling smoother and brighter within 24 hours.

This moisturizer contains vitamin B3, which helps the skin retain moisture, helps with surface skin cell turnover and regeneration, and exfoliates to remove dull skin.

It’s also fragrance-free and doesn’t contain synthetic dyes.

Best brightening retinol cream

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
• Skin type: all

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of dark spots, this lightweight retinol cream may be the solution for you. It contains vitamin C, which is known to have brightening properties.

There’s also hyaluronic acid to keep your skin moisturized while fighting the effects of aging.

Best retinol cream for acne

Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: retinol, bakuchiol extract, peptides
• Skin type: all

This treatment multitasks when it comes to fighting acne and the effects of aging. Medium-strength 0.3% retinol and 2% bakuchiol extract work to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and large-looking pores, while peptides promote healthy collagen and improved firmness.

Bakuchiol is known to be one of the few ingredients that can stabilize retinol so that it can work more effectively at a lower and gentler concentration.

Best retinol cream for wrinkles

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: retinol, magnesium, zinc, copper
• Skin type: all

The primary ingredient in this night cream is retinol, which works to visibly reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles. This cream is noncomedogenic.

The cream is formulated with magnesium, zinc, and copper, which work to stimulate collagen production in your skin. The formula may help boost firmness and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.

Best budget retinol cream

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
• Skin type: dry, sensitive

If you’re more prone to retinol’s side effects, this budget-friendly, fragrance-free serum might be the ticket.

This CeraVe product features time-released, encapsulated retinol, which works to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Its moisturizing ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid) are continually released and help reduce irritation while also working to reduce signs of aging.

Best retinol night cream

skinbetter science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: retinol, alpha hydroxy acids
• Skin type: all

Although this cream is a bit of a splurge, the investment is well worth it thanks to the hard work it puts in overnight (all without irritating your skin).

The active ingredients of retinol and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) (including glycolic acid) work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. The formula also provides moisture and a dose of antioxidants.

Best vegan retinol cream

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: vitamin F, retinol, peptides
• Skin type: dry, sensitive

If you prefer skin care products that incorporate all-natural ingredients, this fragrance-free cream from Drunk Elephant contains a vegan form of retinol (meaning it’s plant-derived and doesn’t come from any animal sources). It includes nourishing ingredients like marula oil, zinc oxide, thermal mud, and fruit enzymes.

This product aims to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, sun damage, and deep wrinkles.

Best hydrating retinol cream

Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: retinol, hyaluronic acid
• Skin type: combination

This retinol cream is a great option if you’re looking for a moisturizer that also helps repair signs of aging. Hyaluronic acid and the molecule LR2412 (a jasmonic acid derivative that helps promote skin healing and improve texture to fight the signs of aging) help to do that without any added greasiness.

The formula boasts a hydrating combination of retinol and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the body. It plumps skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Best retinol cream for neck

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: retinol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
• Skin type: all

This night cream uses retinol and niacinamide to help visibly reduce wrinkles, brighten, even out skin tone, and deeply moisturize.

What makes it unique is that the retinol, niacinamide, and nourishing oils are freshly pressed into the cream, making it a deeply hydrating yet lightweight formula. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol soothe the skin and prevent irritation.

The cream can be used on your face, neck, and chest.

Best retinol eye cream

First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: retinol, hyaluronic acid
• Skin type: dry, combination, oily

Not all retinol products can safely be used around your eyes. However, this cream is specially formulated to be used around the sensitive eye area.

The retinol in the cream works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The fragrance-free formula helps boost elasticity while working against dark circles and puffiness and the hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin extra moisturized.

Best retinol cream for beginners

Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: retinol, bakuchiol, grapeseed oil, allantoin, and Acmella oleracea extract
• Skin type: dry, sensitive

At only 0.1% retinol, this cream is gentle enough for people with sensitive skin and those totally new to the world of retinol.

Still, even with a low retinol concentration, it works to reduce the appearance of fine lines while also hydrating skin. Antioxidant-rich bakuchiol helps boost retinol’s effects without irritating, and grapeseed oil, allantoin, and Acmella oleracea (aka electric daisy) extract all help to further soothe the skin.

Best retinol cream for dry skin

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan
• Skin type: dry

Retinol products can be drying, no matter your skin type. But if you already have dry skin, they can make dryness even worse.

Thankfully, this hydrating cream works to soothe dry, rough skin without irritation. While retinol helps to stimulate collagen production and reverse signs of photo-aging, bakuchiol helps to reduce redness or irritation.

Reviewers describe this product as “rich” and “creamy,” and it’s highly rated by reviewers who describe their skin as dry.

Best retinol body lotion

Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: retinol blend, cocoa butter, vitamin E
• Skin type: dry

Many retinol products are meant to be used on the face, but this unique lotion is designed to be used all over the body.

In addition to retinol, you’ll find all the hallmarks of a nourishing body lotion in this product. Think cocoa butter, vitamin E, and squalane.

Plus, the lotion is vegan, and it comes in a tube made from recycled plastic.

Comparison of the best retinol creams

Benefits of retinol cream

Retinol creams can provide a host of skin-clearing and aging support, including:

• increasing the thickness and elasticity of your skin
• slowing the production of melanin
• reducing inflammation
• preventing clogged pores

It’s important to note that retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. You may sunburn more easily, which can lead to more skin damage. Using high doses of retinol may potentially increase your chances of developing skin cancer.

As such, it’s important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing and accessories, such as hats, when exercising or spending extended time outdoors while using retinol products.

How to shop for a retinol cream

As with most skin care products, not all retinol creams are created equal.

Additionally, it’s often not recommended to use retinol with certain other skin care products, such as acne treatments.

Your dermatologist can confirm whether you’re a good candidate for retinol creams at all, since they may be too rough on sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea. Once you’ve gotten the all-clear, consider the following factors when shopping.

Concentration

Retinol comes in strengths ranging from 0.0015% to 1% or higher. Many creams fall in the middle of this range, at around 0.1% to 0.3%. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety suggests that 0.3% is the maximum safe concentration for face or hand creams.

If you’re trying a retinol cream for the first time, or if you have dry skin, it’s best to start with a mild product. This is because retinol can cause irritation. The stronger the product, the more likely it is to cause irritation.

Don’t forget to do a patch test when testing it out to confirm that it’s a good match. To do a patch test, you’ll apply a small amount of the cream on the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. If you notice any signs of irritation or an allergic reaction — like swelling or a rash — don’t continue using the product.

Cost

In addition to doing your research on the retinol creams out there, keep your budget in mind. You likely won’t want a product that will break the bank, especially if you’re unsure how your skin will respond to it.

Your dermatologist can make recommendations for solid OTC options, too.

Ingredients

Again, you can talk with your dermatologist about ingredients to look for or avoid. The way different additives affect skin will vary from person to person.

This can save you a lot of stress before shelling out cash on a product that may have unpleasant side effects.

Skin type

There are a few different ways to determine your skin type. To monitor how your skin performs during the day (i.e., whether it feels, oily, looks shiny, flakes or feels tight, itchy or irritated), do a wash test with a mild cleanser and see how your skin feels after 30 minutes. Or you can visit a dermatologist for an examination and consultation.

Determining your skin type before using retinol is important because if you have allergies or sensitive skin, retinol may prove to be too potent and may irritate your skin further.

When to see a doctor about retinol creams

The side effects of retinol can include:

• dry or irritated skin
• itching or burning
• redness
• peeling, flaky, or scaly skin

You can manage or mitigate these side effects by doing the following:

• Use only one retinol product at a time.
• Slowly build your way up to daily use, such as by starting by using it every other day or every 2 days.
• Wait 30 minutes after washing your face to apply retinol creams.
• Limit sun exposure, always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and wear protective clothing and accessories outdoors.

It can be helpful to talk with your dermatologist or another healthcare professional about how to use retinol as part of your skin care routine to minimize the occurrence of side effects. Definitely contact them if you experience a severe reaction, or if you aren’t seeing results at all.

Frequently asked questions about retinol creams

Retinol can be a pretty ubiquitous ingredient. If you’re unfamiliar with its effects and the differences in concentration levels, you can refer to the following frequently asked questions to learn more.

How do I use retinol?

Starting small is key. Start with just a pea-sized amount of retinol cream 2 to 3 times per week. Since retinol can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, it’s best to apply it at night. If you apply it in the morning, be sure to follow up with sunscreen.

How often should I use retinol cream?

If your skin responds well to the product and doesn’t show any irritation, you can up your application to once every other day after 1 to 2 weeks of initial testing.

If your skin is still feeling and looking good after another 2 weeks, you can then up your usage to once nightly.

Are there any side effects of retinol cream?

When you first begin using a retinol cream, you may experience some signs of irritation, like dryness, redness, or itchiness, as well as an initial uptick in breakouts due to the increase in cell turnover. Your skin may look and feel worse before it starts to look better, which is often referred to as a “purging effect.”

These effects may be more severe if you’re using a product with a higher concentration of retinol, which is why starting with one that’s on the milder side is key.

If you have a darker skin tone, you may experience hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation as well.

To keep these effects at bay, we suggest applying retinol only at night and wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day.

When can you expect results from retinol cream?

As with most health and beauty regimens, the effects of retinol require patience. You might not see results until 6 weeks to 3 months after regular use.

If you’re not seeing results or continually experiencing side effects, talk with your dermatologist about trying a stronger retinol cream or trying a different skin care solution altogether.

Is there anyone who should skip out on retinol?

Because it can easily lead to irritation, retinol creams typically aren’t recommended for people who have:

• sensitive skin
• dry skin
• rosacea
• eczema
• severe acne

If you’re using other topical acne creams or other acne medications, talk with your healthcare professional before adding retinol to your skin care regimen.

Additionally, retinol creams are not recommended if you’re pregnant or nursing.

Takeaway

Retinol creams are a popular skin care product that may help with signs of aging and acne if used with care and caution.

Because not everyone’s skin will react the same way, be sure to talk with your doctor before starting a retinol regimen. A retinol cream may prove to be a successful skin care solution for you if you do your research to ensure you’re using the right product for your skin type.

Emilia Benton is a freelance writer and editor based in Houston, Texas. She’s also an 11-time marathoner, avid baker, and frequent traveler.