Retinol is one of the most—if not the most—talked-about ingredients in skincare for a reason. Often used as shorthand for retinoids as a whole, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that’s known as an anti-aging powerhouse in skincare.
“Retinoids are the most effective way to rejuvenate skin on the face and body using topical cream,” explains board-certified dermatologist Gregory Nikolaidis. “Retinoids and retinols help exfoliate the skin, remove dead keratinocytes, reduce pigmentation, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen and elastin in the skin.”
Unlike more concentrated retinoids, retinol can be found in over-the-counter products—such as those found at, yes, the drugstore. But even in this gentler form, retinol may still need acclimation. “Initially, when you start using retinoids, some patients develop temporary skin irritation, so it is important to find a formulation that doesn’t irritate your skin too much so that you can be consistent with utilization,” Nikolaidis says. “Like exercise, retinoids only work and are effective when they are being used.”
Ahead, find out what Team Bazaar deems the 13 best drugstore retinols, from serums to cleansers to body moisturizers, plus, get intel from Nikolaidis and Brooke Jeffy, dermatologist and founder of youth skincare brand BTWN.
Best Drugstore Retinol
- Best Multi-Retinol SerumNaturium Retinol Complex SerumRead more
- Best Retinol for EyesVersed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye BalmRead more
- Best Retinol-Based Body WashOlay Cleansing & Renewing Nighttime Body Wash With RetinolRead more
Best Multi-Retinol Serum
Naturium Retinol Complex Serum
Pros
- Made with a photostable form of encapsulated retinol
Cons
- Texture is quite thick
With encapsulated retinol, bio retinol, and bakuchiol, this serum works to even skin tone and texture in three different ways. And with additional hydrating ingredients like glycerin and cotton fruit water, it won’t dry out your skin, either.
Skin type: Dry, oily, combination, mature, normal
What reviewers are saying:
“I’ve only used this a few times but, I haven’t had any major purging or breakouts! It’s a very good product to begin using retinol. Love that it’s a serum.” —K April
Best Retinol for Eyes
Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm
Now 10% Off
Pros
- Rich texture prevents irritation
Cons
- Some reviewers found it greasy
Open this little blue jar and you might mistake it for a lip balm as opposed to an eye product. But don’t get it twisted, this formula—spiked with one percent granactive retinoid—is a superstar at softening fine lines. And thanks to nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, it won’t irritate.
Skin type: Dry, normal, combination, mature
What reviewers are saying:
“Loving my new retinol eye balm as part of my nighttime routine. It’s definitely a balm-like texture which helps it stay put. Keeps my eyes feeling hydrated all night. I wouldn’t use it in the day because of the shine and the retinol. Love that it doesn’t sting my eyes. I would recommend.” —Jess
Best Retinol-Based Body Wash
Olay Cleansing & Renewing Nighttime Body Wash With Retinol
Pros
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains fragrance/fragrant formula
Retinol is just as effective on the skin below your neck—and this body wash makes it so easy to incorporate in your routine. This luxurious cleanser pampers and hydrates skin with renewing and replenishing ingredients, like Olay’s Vitamin B3 Complex and retinol. Fans love how smooth and soft their skin feels post-shower.
Skin type: Dry, normal, combination
What reviewers are saying: “Purchased the travel size and I haven’t looked back. An amazing body wash to use at night leaves you soft and smelling amazing.” —Isabella
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Best Retinol for Face and Body
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
Pros
- Affordable
- Unscented
- Works on face and body
Cons
This retinol-based face and body lotion locks in hydration thanks to nourishing shea and cocoa butter for up to 24 hours. Think: seven different intensive moisturizers, three vitamins, and stabilized retinol to provide results over time while you catch up on Zs.
Skin type: Dry, normal
What reviewers are saying: “This is an amazing skin care product for the face and body. Usually in cosmetics phrases like ‘instant results’ (unless it’s an acid peel) are marketing gimmicks, but not this time. This cream works miracles literally overnight. This is my must-have product now. My Skin was never this good – smooth and nourished.” —Anastasiya Saiko
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
CeraVe Retinol Serum for Post-Acne Marks and Skin Texture
Now 27% Off
Pros
- Under $25
- Amazon bestseller
- Highly rated
Cons
While retinol is often associated with treating wrinkles and fine lines, it’s also highly effective for acne-prone skin. This serum from drugstore brand CeraVe contains encapsulated retinol to improve skin texture and spots, niacinamide to brighten, and ceramides to help nourish your skin’s moisture barrier.
Skin type: Normal, dry, acne-prone
What reviewers are saying: “This product is light weight and not greasy. I did see a change in the texture of my skin and a decrease in uneven spots. However, what I like the best about it is actually the way it moisturizes. Nice product, I will continue to buy this.” —Rebecca Ellis
Best Retinol Serum for Deep Wrinkles
L’Oréal Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum With 0.3% Pure Retinol
Pros
- Formulated for deeper wrinkles
- Dermatologist validated for safety
- Helps restore skin texture
Cons
This derm-approved serum contains “pure retinol” (the most potent form of retinol), which is known to be more effective than retinol derivatives. Soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin help minimize irritation.
Skin type: Dry, oily, normal, combination, mature
What reviewers are saying: “I’ve been using it for almost 30 days and my skin feels tighter, more supple and looks more glowy go grab a bottle you will absolutely love it! I use it every night and wake up looking so glowy I can’t wait to buy it again!” —ambiies95
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Best Retinol-Based Night Cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream
Pros
- Award-winning retinol product
Cons
- For nighttime use only
This hydrating anti-aging night cream is formulated with pure RoC retinol to help accelerate skin cell turnover, and glycerin for added moisture.
Skin type: Dry, oily, normal, combination, mature
What reviewers are saying: “I have been using this retinol nightly product for many years and love it. I actually tried a different product recently and immediately noticed a deep line on my forehead. I switched back and already see it getting better. I really love this product and would highly recommend it to everyone!” —Sherri
Best Retinol Serum for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Retinol Face Serum With Vitamin B3
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Suitable to sensitive skin
Cons
- Over $40
- Contains fragrance
This retinol serum combines concentrated pure retinol and vitamin B3 for optimal effectiveness, while La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water helps soothe sensitive skin.
Skin type: Mature, sensitive
What reviewers are saying: “I love the way this makes my face feel and look! I had to start slow (once every 2-3 days) and now I use it every night. It’s a very good product for the price point.” —MegN13
Best Budget-Friendly Retinol Cream
Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream
Pros
- Nourishing and soothing
- Affordable price point
Cons
Formulated with 0.1 percent retinol, this gentle anti-aging cream also includes antioxidant-rich bakuchiol to boost its effectiveness without irritation. Other ingredients, like grapeseed oil, allantoin, and Acmella oleracea extract, help nourish and soothe skin.
Skin type: Normal, sensitive, oily, dry
What reviewers are saying: “If you’re new to retinols I think this one is great to start with. It’s gentle enough that it doesn’t dry my skin but I can tell that it has helped a lot with new breakouts and fading some minor scars. It also makes my skin feel soft and glowy!” —Suzy
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Best Budget-Friendly Retinol Serum
The Ordinary Retinol Serum With 0.5% in Squalane
Pros
- Minimizes unwanted dryness
Cons
One side effect of frequent retinol use can be unwanted dryness. This water-free solution contains 0.5 percent retinol together with squalane to help maintain skin’s moisture level.
Skin type: Dry, oily, normal, combination, mature
What reviewers are saying: “This product has changed my skin in ways that it has never been changed before! I use it every other night and My skin is so smooth and looks so healthy. I would definitely recommend anyone to use this!” —Jasmine
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Best Retinol Face Mask
Skincare LdeL Cosmetics Retinol Anti-Aging Sheet Mask
Pros
- Fast, easy to use
- No rinsing or clean up
Cons
- Only includes five masks
- Not enough time to penetrate deeply
Sheet mask lovers, rejoice! This quick-fix mask is saturated with collagen, vitamins, and skin-smoothing retinol. It’s perfect for a skincare pick-me-up.
Skin type: Dry, oily, normal, combination, mature
What reviewers are saying: “I got this as a sample or something a while ago and finally used it and was so impressed I ordered 5 more. This mask works wonders. It plumps skin and leaves it feeling smooth and soft. I love this product and have started giving them as gifts for my GFs.” —Chele
Best Retinol Facial Cleanser
olay Retinol24 Skin Renewing Cleanser
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
Get the most out of your retinol routine with this exfoliating cleanser designed to prep your skin, before you apply your remaining skincare products.
Skin Types: Dry, normal, oily
What reviewers are saying: “I don’t usually care for cream facial cleansers but I immediately liked this Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Face Wash after the first use. I like cleansers that lather because I feel like they clean my skin better and don’t leave behind a residue like some cream cleansers do. This cream cleanser from Olay has a small amount of grittiness for exfoliating, but the texture of the particles are extremely gentle. My skin is left feeling very clean, it rinses off easily and completely and my skin feels so soft and smooth. If I’ve been wearing makeup I like to remove it first with a makeup remover or wipe and then use a cleanser afterwards. This cleanser is great for that too as it removes any remaining makeup and any oily resume left from the remover. I now have a favorite new face cleanser!” —Charliecat31
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Best Retinol Cream for Sensitive Skin
Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream + Pro-Retinol
Pros
- Noncomedogenic
- Fragrance- and alcohol-free
Cons
- For nighttime use only
This pro-retinol night cream is formulated to be non-irritating and gentle on skin. It is enriched with vitamin E, macadamia nut oil, and coenzyme Q10. Apply before you hit the sheets for a youthful reveal in the morning.
Skin type: Sensitive, dry
What reviewers are saying: “I had Immediate results. The emulsion is light, absorbing and moisturizing. Minimized fine lines and provided glowing skin.” —Linda
Why should you use retinol?
“Retinol has multiple positive effects on the skin,” explains Jeffy. It improves skin cell turnover and unclogs pores to help acne and improve skin texture. Retinol reduces collagen breakdown and stimulates production, resulting in a reduction of fine lines and can improve the appearance of brown spots.”
For the best results, start slowly, using retinol two to three times per week, and increase gradually every three weeks, up to nightly use. “Pair your retinol with a moisturizer to improve tolerability,” Jeffy says. “In general, avoid using products with ingredients including benzoyl peroxide, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and vitamin C at the same time as retinol, to improve tolerability.”
At what age should you use retinol?
Jeffy says retinoids should be incorporated into your routine for age-related purposes once you’re in your 20s. “As a dermatologist with expertise in tween and teen skincare, I can tell you that retinoids are just not useful prior to that, unless treating acne,” she explains.
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Meet the Experts
- Brooke Jeffy, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skincare brand BTWN in Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Gregory A. Nikolaidis, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in Austin.
Looking for more about retinol?
- The 15 Best Retinol Serums, Ranked by Dermatologists
- The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine
- The 13 Best Gentle Retinols for Sensitive Skin
- The 13 Best Bakuchiol Serums and Moisturizers
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
