Smart Shopper is reader supported. When you shop our picks, we may receive a commission.
Adding a retinol face serum to your skincare routine can have noticeable anti-aging benefits.
A star ingredient in the fight against aging, retinol products have long been a favorite for skincare enthusiasts looking to beat the signs of aging like wrinkles, enlarged pores and dark spots.
Starting your retinol journey can be somewhat daunting as the strong ingredient often causes irritation and redness and side effects like skin sensitivity, purging and peeling.
It’s also why it’s recommended to start with a product with a lower concentration of retinol and build up from there.
With recent research and innovation, several brands have come up with a variety of serums containing retinoic acid that suit many skin types. From effective retinol creams to the best retinol products recommended by dermatologists, we’ve listed the best retinol serums here to help you get started.
Read more: Add hyaluronic acid serum to your routine for a dewy skin
Dermatologist tested and recommended
Suits sensitive eyes
Non-comedogenic
May not be suitable for those with cystic acne
A top contender in anti-aging retinol, this Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum comes highly recommended by dermatologists worldwide. With three powerhouse ingredients, namely retinol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this serum is highly recommended for those looking to treat deep wrinkles, fine lines and premature sun damage.
Niacinamide helps restore the skin barrier, retinol improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid acts as a powerful humectant to moisturize skin.
Free from parabens and oil, this serum is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Improves skin elasticity
Works on deep wrinkles
Helps fade dark spots
May cause skin irritation
If you’re after a product with a stronger concentration of retinol for wrinkles on mature skin, this Lancer Advanced Retinol Treatment is a great option. With a blend of 1.25% retinol and plant-derived Bakuchiol, it improves the appearance of deep wrinkles and expression lines, resulting in more elastic skin.
Additionally, this serum contains collagen and prickly pear extract, which provide hydration while minimizing redness and dryness for a smoother appearance.
Lancer recommends applying no more than 2 pumps to your face, neck and décolleté in upwards strokes during your nightly routine.
Gluten-free and fragrance-free
Results in more even skin tone
Safe to use on sensitive skin
May not be suitable for pregnant women
On the pricier side than other brands
With a combination of 5% retinoid ester blend, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol blend, and 0.5% blue-green algae, this serum from Sunday Riley makes a great addition to your skincare routine with its anti-aging properties.
The serum also contains encapsulated CoQ10 that helps improve the appearance of damaged skin. For new users, Sunday Riley recommends layering this serum with a moisturizer.
Not convinced? Users rate this 4.9 stars and recommend this if you’re looking for retinoids for wrinkles that are highly effective.
Won’t irritate skin
Vegan ingredients
Suitable for all skin types
High price point
If you don’t mind splurging on retinol, then The Retinol Serum by Augustinus Bader is a worthy investment. Made with sustainably sourced ingredients, this lightweight and hydrating formulation is safe to use on all skin types, from mature to blemish-prone skin.
Made from the brand’s innovative Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8) formulation, it diminishes fine lines and wrinkles and optimizes the skin microbiome to help prevent the overgrowth of unwanted bacteria for smoother, blemish-free skin.
Augustinus Bader offers an auto-replenishment program where your next two orders are 20% off, so you save in the long run.
If dropping cash isn’t an issue for you, this is one of the best retinol serums to get.
Vegan formula
Free from side effects
Reduces appearance of fine lines
May be too gentle for long-time retinol users
Got dry skin or sensitive skin? Try Universal Pro-Retinol to enjoy the benefits of retinol without the harsh side effects that come with it.
Using 0.5% pro-retinol (Retinyl Sunflowerates), a combination of pure retinol and sunflower seed fatty acids, you’ll get healthy, glowing skin without having to worry about dryness, peeling or skin irritation.
A vegan and cruelty-free product, this serum also contains Mondo Grass Root extract that retains moisture to keep your skin plump and minimize irritation.
Suitable for night and day use
Safe to use around delicate eye area
Evens out skin tone
Paraben-free
May be too gentle for experienced retinol users
Are you a retinol beginner? Opt for this Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with ceramides and peptides from Kiehl’s to ease yourself into the world of retinol. Thanks to these two ingredients, this serum will gently encourage cell renewal and strengthen your skin barrier as you build your tolerance towards retinol.
To ease into it, use this serum two to three times a week after cleansing and layer it under sunscreen. You’ll also love that it’s safe to pair with other Kiehl’s serums for a more potent effect.
Travel-size
Smooths overall skin texture
May cause breakouts for normal skin types
We highly recommend the Differin Acne Retinoid Treatment Gel Adapalene 0.1% if you have acne-prone skin. This topical retinoid serum contains adapalene, an ingredient that’s known to dry out acne without exacerbating your breakouts.
This prescription-strength acne-fighting retinoid helps clear breakouts where they start and works within five minutes. Not only will you get youthful-looking skin but you’ll also achieve a smooth complexion too. If you want the best retinol serum that’s safe for acne-prone skin, try this serum.
Retinol is a powerful ingredient and daily usage may lead to dry skin and breakouts, especially if you’re just starting. For beginners, we recommend using retinol once every two to three nights and gradually increasing the frequency once your skin adjusts to the product.
It is also advisable to use retinol in the evening as its usage will make your skin more sensitive to sun rays.
It is highly advisable to avoid using vitamin C and retinol together as both of these powerful ingredients can cause your skin to break out. Instead, alternate between the two products. Most skincare enthusiasts would wear vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
We’ve carefully curated our list of retinol serums and we’re happy to vouch for our picks. If you’re still in doubt, here are our favorites on the list that may help you make a decision:
Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum: This serum contains three powerful ingredients: pure retinol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help with overall skin health. It also comes highly recommended by dermatologists.
A+ High-dose Retinoid Serum: Because of its advanced strength with 6.5% retinoid content, this serum is the best retinol serum for seasoned users and those with mature skin.
Like our pick of the best retinol serums? Start your journey to youthful, glowing skin now.
Did you like this article? For more great deals and shopping ideas, find us now on your favorite social networks: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!
Prices updated on 03/13/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.
