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13 best expert-approved retinol serums for clear skin – up to 45% off today
The skincare ingredient that needs no introduction...
From working wonders on fine lines and wrinkles to improving skin's texture, and reducing scarring and enlarged pores, there's not much retinol can't do.
"Retinol is lauded for its medically and scientifically-proven ability to speed up the skin's cell cycle," says leading Hollywood dermatologist, Dr Lancer. "It is one of the few ingredients on the market that comes with this absolute guarantee – it has no gimmicks." If you're just starting out, you should use a low percentage of around 0.3%, while seasoned users can go for a stronger formula.
Below are the best retinol serums to give you smooth, clear skin...
Not all retinoid formulas are made equally, but retinal is more effective and will work more quickly than retinol.
A powerhouse serum that blends retinal with hyaluronic acid and squalane to smooth and hydrate.
If you're a retinol novice, worry no more, this serum is a great way to ease in.
This retinaldehyde formula works faster than retinol and it also causes less irritation.
At just £12, this hero fades fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and improves uneven skin tone.
Single-use air-tight pods preserve the potency, making it 76% stronger than unencapsulated retinol.
Despite containing a potent hit of retinol, this clever serum also contains peptides and ceramides to improve skin health.
This 1% retinol has been blended with soothing botanical extracts to speed up surface renewal and boost collagen.
This oil formula is super lightweight and is infused with retinol and omega-6 fatty acids.
This retinol serum uses an encapsulated retinol complex meaning you get maximum efficacy, without irritation.
Here, expect a stronger promotion in cell turnover, which diminishes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes.
![Redermic [R] Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Treatment 30ml](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1746790915-1570008861-a-roche-posay-1570008834.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.668xh;0,0.332xh&resize=980:* "Redermic [R] Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Treatment 30ml")
Ideal for first-time users, this cream contains 0.3% retinol so it won't leave you red-faced.
This 1% Retinol Booster has been designed so you can add it to the moisturiser you're already using.
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.
