The 13 Best Retinols Tested and Approved by Editors and Dermatologists for the Smoothest Skin
Uneven skin tone, texture, and fine lines and wrinkles? Don't know 'em!
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Retinol serums have been a staple in our skincare routines for years, and not just for smoothing fine lines. They're legit game-changers for managing hormonal acne, fading dark spots, improving the look of uneven texture, and boosting overall glow. It's all thanks to retinol's ability to speed up cell turnover, while increasing collagen production to firm and smooth the skin over time.
After trying everything from prescription-strength formulas to beginner-friendly face serums, we’ve got some strong opinions on which retinol formulas actually work. Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone (or somewhere in between), these are the best retinol serums worth your money.
Our top picks for the best retinol serums in 2025:
But pls grab a snack, because we have way more picks for the best retinol serums. Keep scrolling for all of the best, according to dermatologists and team Cosmo. Plus, info on how to choose a retinol serum for yourself.
Pros
- Most advanced retinol serum I've tested, with 0.24 percent retinaldehyde
- Great for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Very intense, so only for those who are experienced already with retinoids
Winner of our 2024 Acne Award for best retinol, Medik8 offers six strengths of their retinol, from the most sensitive-skin friendly to an expert-level version for those who've been around the retinol game a few times.
Team Cosmo has tested every single variation, but this one is the most advanced for smoothing texture and fine lines, and unlike anything else we've tested over-the-counter, making it truly one of the best retinol serums we've ever used.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
- Size: 1 fl oz
One Cosmo editor says: “I normally stick to the Rx kind, but this OTC option has won me over. It’s just as effective as tretinoin for keeping my pores clear and skin smooth but with less dryness and flaking.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Pros
- So easy to use
- Perfect for those who do a skin cycling routine
Cons
- Wish you got more in the package for the price
These pads are legit fantastic for retinol beginners since they take all the guesswork out of retinol (which, ya know, can be pretty temperamental, albeit magic). When we were testing these ahead of our Holy Grail Beauty Awards—which these won, ofc—I would just swipe one pad all over my face two nights a week. They never left me irritated, flaky, or dry, unlike other retinoids I've tried. Instead, my skin looked brighter, smoother, and clearer in two months.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, squalane
- Size: 8 treatments per pack
One Cosmo editor says: “These pads were designed with retinol beginners in mind, legit taking all the guesswork out of working with the magical-yet-temperamental ingredient. I just swipe it on three times a week to reveal brighter, tighter, clearer skin.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- Loaded with hydrating ingredients to help offset potential dryness
- On the affordable side compared to other retinols
Cons
- A few testers said it pilled when layered with other serums and moisturizer
Not only does this drugstore retinol serum have more than 19,000+ five-star reviews, but it's beloved by dermatologists too. Dermatologist Jessie Cheung, MD, raved to Cosmo about this over-the-counter retinol from CeraVe, noting that it's the amazing for sensitive-skin types.
It uses encapsulated retinol, which "allows for deeper penetration and sustained release, making it a great formulation for sensitive skin," she says. "You are able to deliver the active ingredient where you want it to work deep in the skin, and this lessens any potential irritation at the surface."
- Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid,
- Size: 1 fl oz
One Cosmo editor says: " As someone with v sensitive skin, CeraVe is a go-to when it comes to skincare products, and this was the first retinol I've ever used. I didn't experience severe flakiness or redness, and it's great on my dry and acne-prone skin."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- Helps clear pores and smooth skin with niacinamide
Cons
- Contains fragrance, which some sensitive skin testers didn't love
With two types of retinol (retinol and retinyl palmitate, a gentler version), plus niacinamide, this serum is a dream for keeping skin clear and smooth. It also contains hyaluronic acid to counteract the dryness that retinols may cause. And it's beloved by thousands of skincare-obsessed Cosmo readers—it even won a 2024 Readers' Choice award.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 fl oz
One Cosmo editor says: "This formula basically is the reason I didn't have a nose full of blackheads in college, even after I barely remembered to wash my face between late-night library visits and margarita Monday. "—BG
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Cosmo Acne Award Winner
Cons
- Not best for dry skin types
This formula contains a slow-release retinoid—adapinoid. It's beloved for being gentle on the face while still tackling signs of aging like fine lines and smooths the skin over time. It's great for all skin types, and even earned itself a Cosmo Acne Award for its careful yet effective skin-clearing abilities.
- Key ingredients: Adapinoid
- Size: 1 oz.
One Cosmo editor says: “You’ve probably heard of Adapalene, an over-the-counter retinoid for acne-prone skin, but what about Adapinoid? This precursor to Adapalene is a bit gentler than the OG, and it happens to be the hero in this Skinfix gel. My skin looks clearer and smoother (and zero percent irritated) after using it every other night for three months.” —BG
Pros
- The first Rx-strength retinoid for treating acne sold OTC
- Helps smooth texture and fade acne scarring
- More than 60,000 five-star reviews
Cons
- Can be pretty irritating, so you gotta start slow
Listen, not all retinol serums are made equal, especially when it comes to treating acne. The only over-the-counter retinol that was developed specifically for preventing and treating breakouts is adapelene. There are multiple OTC adapelenes now, but a consistent go-to is the O.G. Differin Gel. It has a lightweight, matte texture that's great for oily skin. It also helps smooth uneven skin texture and fade hyperpigmentation, making it ideal for legit every step of your acne journey.
But because this is v strong, try the "sandwich method" to avoid dryness by layering a moisturizer underneath and on top of Differin to keep your skin hydrated.
- Key ingredients: Adapalene
- Size: .5 fl oz
One Cosmo editor says: "Differin is the best OTC acne product you can buy IMO. It's active ingredient is adapalene, a type of retinoid that's great for unclogging pores and treating/preventing breakouts. And you can't be the price."—LB
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Silky formula is super hydrating and plumping
Cons
- Contains a bit of fragrance
If you're not quite ready to hop on the retinol train yet, but still want all the smoothing and resurfacing benefits of the ingredient, opt for this retinol alternative from Caudalie instead. It's loaded with resveratrol, which is a plant extract that works to reduce fine lines, smooth the skin, and improve elasticity.
In addition to the anti-aging benefits, the formula boasts hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin to keep the face extra hydrated and plump fine lines. It's also ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
- Key ingredients: Resveratrol, vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 oz
One Cosmo editor says: "As a 20-something with ultra-sensitive skin I wasn't quite ready to step into the world of retinol, which is why I loooove this fine line-fighting serum from Caudalie. It smooths fine lines without being drying on the skin."—JH
Pros
- The most effective and dermatologist-recommended form of retinol
Cons
- Only available via prescription
Retinoic acid, or tretinoin, is the retinoid form that is immediately available to skin, making it the most potent—but it's available only with a prescription. But, over-the-counter retinoids (aka every other retinol on this list) uses a form of retinol that has to undergo a conversion into retinoic acid before your skin can use them. "In general, I recommend using the strongest version that your skin tolerates without too much irritation," Dr. King says. This is where we intro you to Apostrophe—a telemed service that pairs you with a derm virtually to prescribe a tretinoin formula that's right for your skin and goals.
Keep in mind: Tretinoin can be v strong, so start slow. Try it for one night for a week, then two nights a week for two weeks, then three nights indefinitely. "I use a prescription tretinoin on my face, but an OTC version on my neck and chest, where I have a difficult time tolerating a prescription version," Dr. King says.
- Key ingredients: Tretinoin
- Size: 1 fl oz
One Cosmo editor says: "I'm a tret veteran and I've been getting my prescription from Apostrophe for a few months because it's so easy. My skin reacted so well and more quickly than other tretinoins I've used in the past."—BG
Pros
- Helps fade dark spots with vitamin C and retinol
Cons
- Can take a while (and consistent use) to notice results, said reviewers
Designed to treat wrinkles, dark spots, and legit any of the less-than-stellar impacts of being a normal, aging human, this serum uses a blend of retinol and vitamin C (a powerhouse combo, btw) to basically trick everyone into believing you're a whole lot younger than you are. It helps tighten to reduce sagging and lines, while brightening skin for a more radiant look. And did we mention it does all of that for less than $30?
- Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Size: 1 fl oz
One Cosmo editor says: "My mom has been using this stuff for years, and I recently tried it out when I was visiting her for a few days. It was surprisingly gently on my sensitive skin. So much so, that I immediately ordered my own tube on Amazon the next day."—JH
Pros
- Plumps up fine lines with peptides
Cons
- Can be a bit strong for retinol beginners (try the 0.3 percent serum instead)
Team Cosmo believes in the magic of peptides, y'all. Why? Well, because they're basically the key to plump and smooth skin. Basically, chains of amino acids work to amp up collagen production, which can help soften fine lines and wrinkles. So when you combine it with retinol, like in this magic Paula's Choice serum, you essentially get a double-duty anti-aging workhorse. Sign me up, pls.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, willow bark extract, oat extract, peptides
- Size: 1 fl oz
One Cosmo editor says: "This powerful formula from Paula's Choice has all the anti-aging ingredients that I love in a serum. Peptides and retinol? It doesn't get much better than this."—BG
Pros
- We *love* the gel texture
- Contains a slew of moisturizers to help hydrate skin
Cons
- Some reviewers wished it came in a stronger version too
This gentle gel uses granactive retinoid, which is a more gentle form of retinol, and the formula is also loaded with moisturizers—ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, to get specific—that keep the skin barrier healthy and strong.
Overall, we love this gel because it spreads so easily across the skin and doesn't cause any dryness or irritation whatsoever. Is it the most sophisticated, strongest, intense retinol? No. But in a matter of six weeks, we saw some serious smoothing results.
- Key ingredients: Granactive retinoid, aloe extract, squalane, centella asiatica, allantoin
- Size: 1 fl oz
One Cosmo editor says: "I actually went through an entire tube of this retinol gel last year, because it's both gentle and effective. It's a lil less harsh than other retinols, which is why this serum is so great for beginners and those with sensitive skin."—BG
Pros
- Uses ectoin to help cut down on sensitivity
- Packed with moisturizing ceramides to keep my skin barrier healthy
Cons
- Has a slight yellow tint that temporarily stays on skin
Quick retinal 101 first: Retinal only needs one step to convert in your skin to retinoic acid, which is what helps boost your cell turnover, making it the strongest retinal available over-the-counter (only second to prescription tretinoin).
It's generally pretty damn irritating for sensitive skin types, though... unless you combine it with ectoin, like this formula does, a compound that disrupts the inflammation receptors in your skin to help you handle retinol without the usual burning, itching, or peeling. And we can attest to this—beauty editor Beth Gillette smoothed this over her face five nights a week until every last drop in the bottle was gone, and she never once noticed any irritation or sensitivity. It also won a 2023 Cosmo Holy Grail Award for its non-irritating yet effective formula.
- Key ingredients: Retinal, ectoin, ceramides, bisabolol
- Size: 1 fl oz
One Cosmo editor says: “A great alternative to Rx retinoids, it has visibly smoothed my fine lines and brightened my skin without causing any flaking or redness.” —MALLORY ROYNON, FORMER CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Pros
- Brightens my skin with lactic acid and niacinamide
- Lightweight, watery texture
Cons
- Can be a lil strong for retinol beginners
Retinol is great for wrinkles, yes, but it's also fab for fading hyperpigmentation, whether you've got sun spots, acne scars, or melasma. And we're huge fans of this serum from Shani Darden (a celeb aesthetician who's worked with Shay Mitchell, Kelly Rowland, and Ashley Graham). It mixes smoothing, firming retinol with brightening niacinamide and lactic acid, an AHA that helps exfoliate dead skin.
- Key ingredients: Retinol, lactic acid, niacinamide, aloe vera
- Size: 1 fl oz
One Cosmo editor says: "This serum is the GOAT for fine lines and resurfacing. It's not harsh on the skin and is great for any type of hyperpigmentation."—BG
What does retinol serum do?
Retinol serums "increase the turnover of skin cells, reduce the tendency of cells and keratin debris to clump together and clog up pores, increase collagen production, and decrease discoloration," says Dr. King. Basically, it's as hard-hitting as it gets when it comes to ingredients for anti-aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, skin-tightening, and more. This is why it's often touted as "Botox in a bottle" even. But this is also why it's can be v irritating, so make sure you look into the type of retinol and the dosage.
What percent retinol is most effective?
The most effective percentage of retinol completely depends on your skin type, sensitivity, and concerns. Retinol to prevent fine lines and wrinkles when you're 20 versus 50 versus retinol for cystic acne—it's not one-size-fits-all. In general, beginners should look for a 0.25 concentration or below, and slowly work your way up to a 1% formula.
However, you should also consider what type of retinoid you're using, as different retinols will be stronger. For example, retinal is stronger than standard retinol—a low-strength retinal is 0.01 percent to 0.03 percent, while a high-strength is anywhere from 0.1 percent to 0.25 percent.
Keep in mind: Retinol is most effective when used consistently, so opt for a formula you can use often with the least amount of side effects. Typically, low and slow wins here.
How to choose the best retinol serum for you:
Assess your skin's sensitivity levels.
If you've got extremely sensitive skin, your approach to retinol is def going to be v diff from someone with oily, acne-prone skin that can handle the strongest of treatments. Consider how sensitive your skin is before choosing a retinol. Like, if the thought of acids makes your face burn, opt for a gentler retinol alternative, like bakuchiol or resveratrol, or go with something sensitive skin-friendly, like a low-concentration formula filled with soothers. But if your skin can handle a bit more, dial it up a notch with retinal.
And if your dermatologist recommends it, try tretinoin, the strongest version of retinoid you can only get by prescription. It's intense, but it works wonders for skin turnover.
Start slow.
There we go again—but it's extremely important to keep things minimal when you're starting with retinol. First of all, begin with the lowest percentage you can find and then work your way up to a higher percentage or concentration, especially if your skin is sensitive. Consider starting with a gentler retinol type as well, like granactive retinoid or retinyl palmitate (we listed our faves above, ofc). But you should also go slow with use. Start by using your retinol cream every other night for a few weeks and increase the usage as the weeks go on.
Meet the experts:
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
- Jessie Cheung, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with practices in Chicago, IL, and New York, NY. She focuses on the intersection of dermatology and overall wellness, taking a holistic approach to acne and skin. She was previously interviewed about retinol for sensitive skin.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than six years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from clear sunscreens to face oils to blind pimples. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to retinol serums, thanks to years of testing them on her own acne-prone skin, as well as constantly interviewing dermatologists and aestheticians.
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, with three years of experience writing about all the best beauty products. As a skincare devotee with acne-prone skin, she is v particular about what she incorporates into her routine. She continually researches and tests all her skincare products to make sure they're ideal for sensitive skin types.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
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