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16 best retinol creams and serums for every skin type and age – tried, tested and reviewed
The skincare ingredient that needs no introduction...
Retinol: It’s the skincare ingredient that needs no introduction. By now, you’re likely already aware of the near-infinite benefits it has to offer. From working wonders on fine lines and wrinkles to improving skin’s texture, and reducing scarring and enlarged pores, there’s not much it can’t do. Oh, and it’s also great for anyone hoping to target acne flare-ups!
But in case you’re not ‘in the know’, ahead of rounding up the best retinol formulas, we’ve decoded everything there is to know about the skincare ingredient.
The best retinol serums, at a glance
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What does retinol do?
So, ‘what is retinol?’ you may ask. Well, as leading Hollywood dermatologist, Dr Lancer, who works with famous faces like Victoria Beckham and Beyonce, explains – it’s one of the most effective skincare ingredients out there.
“Retinol [or vitamin A] is lauded for its medically and scientifically-proven ability to speed up the skin’s cell cycle,” he says. “It is one of the few ingredients on the market that comes with this absolute guarantee – it has no gimmicks.” The zero BS approach makes it even more appealing.
When you get into a consistent routine using retinol, you’ll notice a few transformations happen to your complexion: fine lines start to soften, dark spots fade, and your skin will feel smoother, firmer, and more radiant overall. Now who doesn’t want all of those things?
How do you use retinol?
The frequency at which you use retinol depends on the strength of the formula and your skin’s tolerance. If you’re new to the ingredient, we’d suggest using retinol twice a week at first and then moving to alternative nights and then, eventually, every night – if your skin allows.
The key word here being ‘night’. As some retinoids inactivate when exposed to UV light, they are best used as part of your evening skincare routine on clean, dry skin.
It’s then advised to follow up with a nourishing moisturiser to ensure the skin stays hydrated. Be warned *not* to use it with other active skincare ingredients, like alpha-hydroxy acids, until your skin has built up its tolerance. It can be layered with hyaluronic acid, but try to minimise mixing it with lots of products.
Below, see our edit of the best retinol serums our editors have tested. There’s one for every budget, skin type and sensitivity level. Plus, keep scrolling to read common FAQs around retinol, answered by Dr Lancer.
Pros
- The product comes in different retinol grades – meaning everyone from those with sensitive skin to advanced users are able to use
- Built-in hyaluronic acid and vitamin E plumps and hydrates skin
Cons
- Can be thick and take a while to absorb into skin
You've heard of retinol, but have you tried crystal retinal? This clever crystal-encapsulated retinaldehyde formula works faster than normal retinol, thanks to its ability to be more easily converted into retinoic acid by the skin. It also causes less irritation and comes with built-in hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to plump and hydrate your complexion.
Medik8 produces the serum in a whole host of different strengths (ranging from 1 to 10), number 3 is our go-to for medium strength that packs a punch with no irritations.
Glowing customer review: "A lovely textured cream with a pleasant smell. Started with a sample size and built up to a full size product to check that my usually sensitive skin could cope. So far so good! My skin looks less dull and have received comments that my face tone is brighter. I like how the website gives you a clear step by step guide of how to layer with other products to ensure you maximise their efficiency through their science. Smart looking packaging makes a classy statement on the bathroom shelf too."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Encapsulated retinaldehyde, hyalruronic acid, vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Who is it best for? | Everyone, thanks to the number rating system |
Pros
- It gently smooths fine lines, texture and discolouration without irritation
- It feels nourishing and soothing on the skin
- It’s affordable
Cons
- Those after something stronger should try The Inkey List’s Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum
The Inkey List’s new Starter Retinol Serum is for, as you’d assume, those just starting out with the ingredient. It’s designed to smooth fine lines and improve skin texture, all while keeping the skin feeling nourished and free from irritation.
Clare Stephenson, Cosmo’s Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer, says: “I think this is a brilliant formula for complete newbies. It’s formulated with a slow-released, encapsulated, dual-retinoid complex which essentially means it steadily exposes your skin cells to retinol rather than loading it on. This helps to prevent adverse side effects. Then there’s a 0.2% Symrelief 100 (an anti-irritant) to keep the skin hydrated and soothed. I use it every night without trouble.”
Glowing customer review: “Beautiful lightweight serum. Easy to apply and has a yellow colour. Perfect for users who haven’t tried a retinol serum before. Gives you wonderfully soft skin.”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Encapsulated retinol and 0.2% Symrelief 100 |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Beginners |
Pros
- It’s gentle enough so that it can be used every day
- It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane to keep the skin hydrated
Cons
- It's expensive
A powerhouse anti-ageing serum that blends retinal (11 times more effective than retinol) with hyaluronic acid and squalane, to smooth the skin without having to worry about all the irritation that usually goes hand in hand with a strong retinoid.
As a first-timer retinol user (hi, hello, I just turned 25), this has eased me in without the harsh side effects. Winning!
Glowing customer review: "I was hesitant to order, as I never used retinol before and have sensitive skin to acids. This product is literally the best skincare I ever had. It transformed my skin! The texture is smoother and more even now. No irritation at all, no redness just PERFECT!"
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Retinal, hyaluronic acid and squalane |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | All skin types — including sensitive |
Pros
- Super affordable
- Retinal formula works quicker for more noticeable results
- Great for reducing dark spots
Cons
- The yellow tint can leave a mark if not removed from clothing straight away
Use this after cleansing at nighttime (never during the day as sun exposure will render it ineffective) and if you're patient (and consistent!) you will see results... I promise.
Not all retinoid formulas are made equally, but retinal is more effective and will work more quickly than retinol (it's confusing, we know), but most products that use it tend to be quite expensive.
Well, they were, until The Ordinary came along with its Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, which comes in at a pocket-friendly £15.20.
Read our full review of the product, here.
Glowing customer review: "The Ordinary’s Retinal 0.2% is great and when I use is the last serum in my routine before my face cream. Great value for money and seems to be helping with reducing dark spots. I would recommend!"
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Retinaldehyde, synthetic oat analogues |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Experienced retinoid users |
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Pros
- The serum is formulated by dermatologists
- Niacinamide and ceramides provide anti-inflammatory properties
- It’s budget friendly
Cons
- Experienced users may find the potency too low
If you're a retinol novice, worry no more, for this serum is a great way to ease yourself in. Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol is a gentle yet effective way to reduce the appearance of acne marks and visible pores. Refined skin without compromising its protective barrier. Win-win.
Glowing customer review: "After consistently using the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, I noticed a visible improvement in my skin’s texture and tone. My skin appeared smoother, and some of the post-acne marks began to fade. The serum did not cause the intense irritation that can often accompany retinol, which is a significant plus for those with sensitive skin. I recommend starting with 2-3 times a week to allow your skin to acclimate, gradually increasing as your skin builds tolerance."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Retinol, niacinamide and ceramides |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Acne prone, oily skin |
Pros
- Gentle and beginner-friendly retinol
- Affordable skincare for mature skin
- Non-comedogenic and fragrance free
Cons
- It’s a gentle formula, so results are slower
Listen up, if you’re new to retinol, on a budget and want to prioritise softening fine lines and wrinkles, this is the formula for you.
Retinol is combined with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to not only target fine lines but to also support hydration and the skin barrier. I love the milky consistency of this formula too – it feels light and refreshing, which is exactly what you want in your evening skincare routine.
Glowing customer review: “After consistent use, my skin started to look brighter, smoother, and more refined. The serum helped soften small lines and gave my face a healthier, more even appearance. Another great point is that it doesn’t cause the harsh dryness that many retinol products do.”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Softening fine lines and wrinkles |
Pros
- Beginner-friendly: The 1% slow-release formula is designed for those new to retinol, minimising potential irritation.
- Super affordable
- Vegan and cruelty free
Cons
- Not strong enough for advanced users
As you may have gathered, retinol can be pretty pricey. But fear not for The Inkey List, one of our fave no-fuss cult brands, is here to save your day skin.
At just £14, this hero is no less than in comparison to its counterparts. With 1% retinol acetate, 0.5% granactive retinoid and squalane for hydration and soothing, we're hitting a home run in everything anti-ageing.
Just use a pea-sized amount 1-2 days a week (to begin with) and see fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone diminish.
Glowing customer review: "I have used a lot of Retinols but this one feels different. I follow a dermatologist and she swears by it decided to try and couldn't agree more. The product's colour, smell, texture itself shows it has great ingredients also the price is too good for the product quality"
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | 1% retinol acetate, 0.5% granactive retinoid and squalane |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Anti-ageing, fading fine lines and wrinkles |
Pros
- It contains a decent percentage of retinol to smooth discolouration and fine lines
- The milky texture keeps the skin plump and hydrated
- It’s a budget option
Cons
- Some may not like the slightly floral aroma
This budget serum has received hundreds of five star reviews, and I can totally see why. It contains an impressively potent dose of 0.2% pure retinol, but it’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and plump, therefore mitigating any drying side effects. It also has a milky texture to it, so it easily absorbs into your skin leaving it feeling hydrated and soothed without any irritation – so I have experienced.
Glowing customer review: “L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Pure Retinol Serum: a product that has help target my fine lines. It doesn’t irritate my skin and I have had no stinging which is great. My skin looks and feels smoother it has also helped with firming areas. My skin is glowing!”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Retinol, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Those wanting to fade fine lines and wrinkles |
Pros
- It contains 1% pure retinol to target fine lines and wrinkles
- It has a slow-release oil encapsulation system, so it delivers retinol gently to your skin
- It’s a budget option
Cons
- It takes consistent use to see results
This cult night cream is one to consider if you steer clear of retinol due to skin sensitivity.
Scientists behind the launch carried out extensive research into the retinol “sweet spot” (maximum concentration meets minimal irritation), and added bisabolol (found in Chamomile) to calm and soothe. The anti-ageing formula is also boosted by No7’s go-to peptide blend, Matrixyl 3000 Plus.
Glowing customer review: "I would highly recommend this product. It really does improve your skin. I am 73 and my skin looks really less wrinkled. Like all products you have to keep using it and gradually you can really see a difference."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Retinol, bisabolol and Matrixyl 3000 Plus. |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Mature skin types |
Pros
- Lightweight serum formula
- The formula is fragrance-free
Cons
- The potency of retinol isn’t disclosed, which suggests it could be low
One of the best retinol serums we've discovered — and lucky for us, it won't break the bank.
Yep, Olay's Retinol24 Night Serum is packed with a potent retinoid complex and vitamin B3 (niacinamide), allowing it to help smooth fine lines & wrinkles, reduce skin texture, improve brightness and fade dark spots.
The formula is also incredibly hydrating, so expect to see an instant improvement as the skin gets a serious moisture hit.
Glowing customer review: "I've been buying this for over a year now. Absolutely love it .and it really does make a difference to my skin. I was paying over £30 for it at Boots .Then I saw it half the price on Amazon .I did have my doubts as to whether it was genuine but believe me it is and I would buy it anywhere else now .I'm delighted"
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | A retinoid complex and vitamin B3 |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Those with dry skin |
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum
Pros
- The air-tight pods keep the formula potent
- Ceramides keep the skin hydrated and plump
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- It’s not a fragrance-free option
Two wrinkle-busting power players sealed in serum capsules, these are a dream if you're always on the go. Single-use air-tight pods preserve the potency, making it 76% stronger than unencapsulated retinol, while hydrating ceramides prevent the dreaded dryness that often accompanies retinol.
Glowing customer review: "The capsules feel super luxe and make it easy to use the right amount. My skin feels smoother and more hydrated without irritation. Absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy. No strong scent either, which I appreciate. Too soon to see major changes, but so far I’m loving the texture and hydration boost."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Retinol, ceramides and HPR |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Dry skin types |
Pros
- It's slow releasing so it is gentle on the skin
- It's affordable
Cons
- Those with sensitive skin may find the potency too strong, despite it being slow-releasing
This encapsulated retinol (meaning it's time-releasing) formula contains 0.3% pure retinol, so it is not one to be played with.
The slow-releasing number also blends hyaluronic acid and bisabolol (an antioxidant known for its skin-soothing powers), to nurture your skin barrier as it gets to work to help minimise any irritation.
For the impatient amongst us (hi, hello, me), this claims to reduce crow's feet in just four weeks. Not too shabby.
Glowing customer review: "Love this gentle on the skin, only been using for a couple of weeks and my skin is already looking better. I have sensitive skin and I can honestly say I've not experienced any irritation."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Retinol, hyaluronic acid and bisabolol |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Experienced users |
Pros
- Oil formula moisturises skin
- Results in as little as two weeks
Cons
- If you have super oily skin, you might not like this formula
Super dry skin, but still in need of a retinol? Look no further than Murad's Retinol Youth Renewal Oil Drops.
The oil formula is super lightweight yet ultra-nourishing and is infused with retinol and omega-6 fatty acids to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost moisture and improve elasticity.
Glowing customer review: "Since starting it I've noticed less redness and more hydrated skin. I love the Retinol Oil because a little goes a long way - it both lasts a long time and I've seen actual change from this product. It is easy to use and my skin is sensitive and this wasn't irritating at all."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Retinol, rice bran, rosemary extract, omega-6 fatty acids |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Those with dry skin |
Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Pros
- Can be used during the day time as well as night
- It also contains peptides and ceramides to keep the skin hydrated and plump
Cons
- It’s an expensive formula
Despite containing a potent hit of retinol, this clever serum also contains peptides and ceramides to improve skin health.
These ingredients also help to minimise the possibility of experiencing the uncomfortable side effects associated with retinol, like redness, peeling and dryness.
Glowing customer review: "Been using this for nearly a month. Good introduction to retinol. I like the pump gives you correct dose to use and a little goes along way. Looking forward to see the results after longer use."
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Retinol, peptides and ceramides |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Everyone, normal to dry skin |
Pros
- It contains ceramides and retinol to support the skin barrier and prevent dryness
- The retinol is encapsulated, so you’re less likely to experience irritation
- It’s fragrance free
Cons
- It’s a powerful serum, so take it easy if you’re new to retinoids
Member price: £22.50
Is there anything Beauty Pie can't do? This retinol serum is one of our all-time favourites due to its super-smart formula. It uses an encapsulated retinol complex, which basically means the serum is absorbed by the skin before releasing, meaning you get maximum efficacy, without the dreaded irritation.
The Super Retinol Ceramide-Boost Anti-ageing Face Serum has a 3% encapsulated retinol complex, which works on the skin at 0.09% pure retinol.
So you can expect some pretty punchy results when it comes to unclogging your pores, boosting collagen production and smoothing out the complexion.
Glowing customer review: "The fact that I am a repeat customer tells you everything. This tube of magic is the business. I have such a high level of confidence that this works as a result of my experience of using religiously every night. I’m holding back the tide with this magic serum."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Encapsulated Retinol Complex, ceramides and hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Who’s it best for? | Experienced users |
SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 Corrective Treatment for Mature Skin
Pros
- It contains 0.3% pure retinol, so it’s strong enough to see results without causing irritation
- It also contains soothing ingredients, like chamomile and boswellia serrata extract
- It’s fragrance free
Cons
- It’s a very expensive formula
- Those with sensitive skin may notice some initial irritation
Pure retinol (not derivatives!) makes for SkinCeuticals' 0.3% formula, don't get it twisted.
So, with that in mind, you can expect a stronger promotion in cell turnover, which diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and blemishes. Y'know, all that good stuff.
Just be sure to use sparingly and as a targeted treatment!
Glowing customer review: "This is my first SkinCeuticals Retinol and I do not regret buying it. It is an expensive product but lived up to the hype. Though I have only been using it for a week, I see difference in my combination skin. There was a bit of redness for the first two days but it went away fast. My skin is brighter and more even-looking. I will definitely be repurchasing it. Wish we get to buy the 0.5% version here as well."
Key Specifications:
| Who’s it best for? | Those after a targeted treatment |
|---|
What strength of retinol do you need?
There are variations of retinol and also different strengths. If you're just starting out, you should be using a low percentage. La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] is the perfect starting point as it contains a mere 0.3%, so, it's also a good option for people with sensitive skin. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane is a great contender for newbies, too, plus it's super affordable.
If you're a seasoned retinol user, Medik8 Crystal Retinal is a great option (and one we personally swear by as it is available in a variety of strengths). One of the strongest formulas out there, aka Sunday Riley's A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum is an incredibly potent, supercharged serum that will get you results fast.
An additional consideration to think about is what form of vitamin A you are using, or how many conversion steps it takes to become retinoic acid (i.e, the purest form of vitamin A and therefore the most effective).
First you have retinyl esters which is the weakest and most gentle form often used in beginner formulas. Then retinol, the most common over-the-counter formula, requires two conversions before activating, so it’s effective and well tolerated. Retinaldehyde sits just one step from retinoic acid, meaning it is strong but more likely to cause irritation. Finally, you have tretinoin (available via prescription) which acts immediately without conversion and is the most powerful.
When should you start using retinol?
In theory, you could start using retinol in your mid to late 20s. This is when collagen in the skin starts to deplete (due to age, sugar consumption, pollution and other factors).
Retinol works by promoting skin cell turnover, boosting collagen production, and reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. So, prevention is better than cure – meaning, the earlier the better – but obviously, within reason (if you're under 25, you probs don't need it).
What are the side effects of retinol?
Unfortunately, retinol does come with some side effects, though these can be reduced by choosing the right formula for your skin type and applying it properly. You should always introduce retinol tentatively into your skincare routine at first, then build it up slowly as your skin becomes more tolerant.
Initially, begin using it a couple of times a week in smaller doses. As you start to see results and less irritation, you can steadily increase the percentage – but this has to be done over time (reading more on best practice retinol usage is recommended). Overuse of retinol can cause redness, sensitivity and peeling, so do keep in mind that whilst using any product containing retinol, you'll need to apply daily sunscreen.
How we test retinol serums:
We (hey, your Cosmo beauty team) have tested so many retinol products over the years – yep, probably in the hundreds. However, only 13 have made the cut into our best retinol creams and serums roundup.
Over months and months, we've tested everything from the formula's sensorial properties (i.e., how nice it is to apply, the texture and smell) to how well it improves skin texture and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. We've also considered price range, so there's a formula to suit every budget.
Disclaimer: Testing skincare is no mean feat – it can take up to four to six months to see optimal results from a skincare product. So, like us, you're going to want to persevere with your product and test for as long as possible!
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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