If Retinol Isn't In Your Acne Skincare Routine Already, We're About to Convince You To Add It Right Now
Pair it with other acne-fighting actives for even more power.
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Even though retinol is marketed most often as an anti-aging superstar, you can also get some serious blemish-fighting benefits by using one in your acne skincare routine. By now, you've probably heard about a lot of the different types of retinol out there—and you've probably also heard words like adapalene (which is great for fighting acne), retinol, retinol esters, and retinaldehyde (these aren't actually strong enough to treat acne—womp), and prescription-grade retinoid creams like tretinoin or tazarotene (tretinoin is pretty much the gold standard in treating acne) thrown around. So it's more than fair to be asking yourself where exactly to begin, if retinol for acne works, how long it takes to even see results, if you can pair retinol with other acne-fighting ingredients, and more. Dw, we're gonna break all of that down for ya, plus give you plenty of recs for you to try.
Though experts agree that prescription-grade retinoid creams and gels are the most effective when it comes to treating acne, if you can't make it to the derm or don't wanna deal with insurance (I don't blame you!), over-the-counter retinol products can step up to the task too. Your first line of defense: adapalene. "Adapalene—or as I call it, 'baby retinoid'—has a better tolerability profile and is available OTC at 0.1 percent," says dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD. "It is often an ideal first-line option since it’s less irritating than tretinoin." But there are plenty of other retinol products out there to try too, including a few favorites here:
The best retinol products for acne, tested by Cosmo editors:
Sure, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are great for acne, but retinol is a game-changer for keeping whiteheads, zits, cystic acne, and blackheads in check (plus, it'll make your skin super smooth and glowing, too). Ahead, let's get into all the retinol products for acne that you need to try.
Pros
- Takes care of current breakouts and protects against future skincare struggles
- Made with a ton of strong acne-fighting skincare ingredients
Cons
- Super pricey
Why we love it: No matter your skin concern, SkinBetter Science has you covered with this bestselling AlphaRet Overnight Cream. Designed to treat photodamage, lines, wrinkles, and uneven tone and texture, it packs a major punch thanks to a pretty star-studded lineup of ingredients (a retinoid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, peptides, and ceramides, just to name a few).
One Cosmo editor says: "Every dermatologist I speak to says this is one of the best retinols for acne over-the-counter. And considering it's the only one I'll personally use these days, I have to agree. As strong as the formula is in terms of actives, it's been so carefully developed that it doesn't irritate my skin at all—a far cry from nearly all retinoids out there. It helps clear my skin and reduce hyperpigmentation at the same time too."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Retinoid, lactic and glycolic acids, peptides, ceramides |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Made with adapalene, one of the best anti-acne ingredients
- Well-priced
Cons
- Tube size is surprisingly small (but you really only need to use a dab for your whole face)
Why we love it: If you're an acne whiz, Differin is like Kleenex or Band-Aid: The brand name is so well-known that you can refer to it that way rather than its generic ingredient (which is adapalene, BTW). As one of the best acne-fighting retinoids out there, adapalene deserves to be front and center, and it's pretty tough to beat the price of this one from Differin.
One Cosmo editor says: "I've used Differin on and off for more than a decade when it officially became available OTC. It's a gold star for a reason. It helps treat and prevent acne, plus reduces acne scars. It is quite potent, though, so I always start slow and increase use as my skin tolerates it."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Adapalene |
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
Pros
- Patches keep breakouts covered and safe from germs and bacteria
- Floods your pimple with retinol to help increase cell turnover
Cons
- Can't really be used as a preventative treatment
Why we love it: Once you've tried a pimple patch, it's pretty much a guarantee that you're hooked. There are a lot of patches out there, but these ones from Rael stand out bc they're made with retinol and are clinically proven to improve spot size, redness, and overall appearance within six(!!!) hours. Plus, it goes without saying that touching your zits is a no-no (ofc it's tempting), but keeping them covered up with these guys helps a ton.
One Cosmo editor says: "I've tried a lot of pimple patches out there, and I'm shocked at how well these ones work for my stubborn hormonal breakouts along my chin. They really reduce the size of the pimple and the angry redness. The hydrocolloid (which is what the patch is made of) also helps draw out any whiteheads I have on the surface of my skin." —CATHARINE MALZAHN, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Retinol, niacinamide, ceramides, hydrocolloid |
| Size | 72 patches |
Pros
- Way gentler on skin than other retinols
- Serum is formulated with squalane to hydrate and boost the skin's barrier
Cons
- Some people have had trouble using the dropper to dispense the serum
Why we love it: It's no secret that retinoids can be pretty irritating to your skin when you first start using them(I know, it's a bummer), but there are so many new innovations all the time to make them gentler. Case in point: This serum from Lili Reinhart's brand Personal Day. The active ingredient, adapinoid, smooths and clears skin but with a formula that's 10 times gentler than a classic retinol.
One Cosmo editor says: "This is the newest retinol I've tested, and I am loving how gentle it is. The milky consistency smoothes over my face easily and doesn't dry out or irritate my face. In fact, I kind of find it hydrating—something I've never noticed with any other retinoid."—BG
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Adapinoid, squalane |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Priced under $25
- Helps treat adult acne
Cons
- Works well on its own, but works best when paired with other products in the Evenly Clear line, which you have to buy separately
Why we love it: Yes, there are a lot of adapalene gel treatments out there. This one from Neutrogena, however, is specifically targetting adult acne (which is almost always hormonal acne). It's actually an entire line that's meant to be used together to make your whole skincare routine easier.
One Cosmo editor says: "When I graduated from college, I dealt with some pretty aggressive hormonal acne, which I had very well under control for the last few years. However, in the past few months, either my hormones have changed or I'm more stressed (probably both, TBH), and my adult acne is back in full swing. This adapalene, plus the other products in the line, are directly targeting my skincare concerns and helping my skin improve so much. Also, why aren't more people talking about adult acne? We all deal with it!" —CM
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Adapalene |
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
Pros
- Gives you a prescription-strength product or full acne skincare routine
- Completely customized to your own skincare needs
Cons
- Requires meeting with a medical provider, but it's virtual
Why we love it: Curology is basically the best of both worlds. You don't have to take a trip to the dermatologist's office, but you get a custom prescription-strength tretinoin for acne. The skincare company matches you with a medical provider who can virtually prescribe you a totally customized, full acne routine depending on your needs. And yes, it really is all from the comfort of your own home.
One Cosmo editor says: "If you have moderate to severe acne, an RX retinol is the way to go. While you can get one from your derm, it's a hell of a lot easier to create a Curology account and get one shipped straight to your down—no co pay, no wait times, no insurance drama."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Dependent on what the medical provider prescribes |
| Size | Dependent on what the medical provider prescribes |
Pros
- Made with ingredients that support the skin barrier
- The formula's encapsulated retinol has a lower chance of causing irritation
Cons
- Better at treating post-acne marks than current breakouts
Why we love it: If you've already began shopping for a retinol product, you know that sometimes, they can get pricey. But more $$$ doesn't automatically mean it's better. This drugstore serum won't break the bank and focuses on reducing the appearance of those pesky post-acne marks and pores.
One shopper says: "What’s surprised me the most is how my skin tone seems more even and those annoying redness in my face is slowly fading. My skin also feels smoother and softer, and makeup glides on so much nicer now.I appreciate that it’s fragrance‑free and doesn’t clog my pores and a big plus for my sensitive, acne‑prone skin. If you want a serum that helps even out texture, fade marks, and doesn’t feel harsh, this one’s a great pick in my book. Totally worth the price!"
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Retinol, ceramides, licorice root extract, niacinamide |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Retinol is paired with salicylic acid for extra acne-fighting benefits
- Toner pads are great for on-the-go or additional exfoliation
Cons
- Gentle formula might not be strong enough for more severe acne
Why we love it: There are so many retinol serums and gels out there (which is great, ofc), but it's great to have a toner pad option too. If you're on the go or can't get to a sink or shower to wash your face with face cleanser and water, using a pad like this will do the trick in a pinch. Made with both retinol and salicylic acid, these pads let you double up on exfoliation while green tea also soothes the skin.
One shopper says: "I have been trying these out for a week now and it has helped fade my post breakout dark spots. My skin feels smoother and brighter. Also I noticed a more even tone. I have been using them twice a week and I love them! Definitely adding them to my routine."
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Retinol, salicylic acid, green tea ceramide, cica, allantoin |
| Size | 60 pads |
Pros
- Helps fade dark spots, brighten skin, and treat fine lines in addition to clearing acne
- Contains two acne-fighting retinols for superior results
Cons
- More expensive than other OTC retinols
Why we love it: Is one retinoid not enough for you? No prob, Paula's Choice took care of that. The dual-retinoid treatment is highly potent, featuring both retinaldehyde and adapinoid to treat the most stubborn of breakouts. It's designed to give derm-level results, sans prescription—but don't worry, the retinaldehyde is encapsulated so it won't irritate. (BTW, it has 4.9 stars based on almost 700 reviews on Sephora.)
One shopper says: "I have been using this consistently for the past two weeks and have breakouts here and there, but using this, I had hardly any. It also made my skin look very luminous and moisturized. I have sensitive skin, and this hasn’t caused my skin any irritation. Nor did it leave my skin feeling sticky, which is really important because I hate doing skincare before I go to sleep and having my face feel sticky. I am only 22, so I can’t say I noticed any difference in lines or wrinkles, but my skin did look healthier and more nourished."
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Retinaldehyde, adapinoid, pomegranate peel extract |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Moisturizes while also resurfacing skin
- Works quickly to deliver immediate results
Cons
- May be irritating for more sensitive skin types
Why we love it: Growing up with acne, using a face oil was ill-advised. But it turns out that breakout-prone skin needs hydration too, and using a face oil isn't actually always bad. Enter: Dermalogica's retinol- and salicylic acid-based oil designed to clear skin while also nourishing and soothing the skin. It's a win-win, really.
One shopper says: "This stuff is amazing. It’s so lightweight! It clears the skin so well. When I’m having a moment with breakouts or redness or hyperpigmentation, I use it and see almost immediate improvement. It’s also quite soothing and so lightweight you can barely feel it, it just melts into the skin immediately. I can use a hydrating oil or lotion on top, which is important because retinols can be drying. After a few days, my skin is always glowing!"
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Retinoid, salicylic acid, argan, rosehip seed and golden jojoba oils |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
Can retinol help acne?
Yes, a million times yes. Retinoids (the umbrella term for the entire family of over-the-counter and prescription vitamin-A derivatives) help prevent all kinds of acne: blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, you name it. They work on a cellular level to help kickstart your cell turnover rate, reduce inflammation, and decrease oil production—all key functions for keeping pores clear and skin free of breakouts, says dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD.
More good news: Retinol and retinoids can help fade the stubborn acne scars and marks that linger after a breakout, too. "Cell turnover isn't just clutch for preventing clogged pores," says Dr. Marchbein, "it also helps push dead, damaged—aka hyperpigmented—cells to the surface to make room for new ones."
How quickly does retinol work for acne?
Honestly, not super quickly. But think about it as if you were going to the gym: Would you suddenly have abs after working out for a few days? (No, but wouldn't that be nice.) Using retinol for acne is the same idea. "Meaningful improvement typically appears around eight weeks, and maximum response is usually seen around 12 weeks," says Dr. Kobets. "However, their effects continue to improve over time—especially for skin texture, acne scarring, and continued acne prevention." We love an improvement arc.
Yes, it's true that retinol can purge pimples (as in, you may have some breakouts), but it's only temporary. "Initial purging or flaring may occur for four to six weeks, likely due to increased cell turnover and temporary effects on the skin barrier," says Dr. Kobets.
But the purge is totally normal. "Those breakouts were going to happen anyway," says Dr. Marchbein. "Using a retinoid just brings them to the surface of your skin faster." Also very, very important: "Retinoids only work while you're using them," she adds. So just because your acne has cleared up doesn't mean you should stop using them. It's a treatment, not a cure.
Can you mix retinol with other skincare ingredients?
Yes, but you should definitely connect with your dermatologist beforehand because it can be super irritating. "Because retinoids already increase turnover, combining them with other keratolytics (like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) can be drying and can disrupt the skin barrier, which is already dysregulated in acne-prone skin," says Dr. Kobets. You don't want to over-dry the skin and worsen irritation. A lot of products do this for you already, though.
As for what other active ingredients you can use alongside your retinol? First up is benzoyl peroxide. Retinoids can be used with benzoyl peroxide, besides one caveat: tretinoin. It "degrades when applied simultaneously with benzoyl peroxide and should not be layered at the same time," says Dr. Kobets. But, they can still be used in the same routine if spaced apart, she adds, suggesting using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and tretinoin at night.
"You can also use a retinoid with hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, which can be helpful for oil control and comedonal acne," says Dr. Kobets. "But layering too many actives increases irritation risk. It’s important to start one active at a time and introduce the other later."
Retinoids can also be a great supplement to topical antibiotics, which your dermatologist may prescribe you for more inflammatory acne. You can totally use other ingredients alongside retinol, but just be strategic about it. Space out the use of actives and don't neglect skin barrier support: Using ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are key, says Dr. Kobets.
Meet the experts:
- Kseniya Kobets, MD is a dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York.
- Shari Marchbein, MD is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Niche Dermatology, and assistant professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
Why Trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan.
Catharine Malzahn is a contributing beauty writer at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching and writing skincare stories. She has dealt with acne-prone skin for much of her life, including hormonal and adult acne in her 20s.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
Catharine Malzahn is a contributing beauty writer at Cosmopolitan and was previously the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention.
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