Expert-Loved Retinol Creams to Eliminate Acne, Wrinkles, and Uneven Skin Texture

Garshick and our former beauty editor, Jennifer Hussein, both fans of Olay's drugstore buy that makes the skin smoother, brighter, and more refreshed-looking. Given their snaps, Olay's affordable price, and it earned thousands of rave Amazon reviews, I knew this was our best overall pick.

To quote the NYC-based doctor, "This fragrance-free option combines a potent retinol with hydrators to visibly smooth wrinkles and even skin tone while leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. It can be used by all skin types."

Not only is it great for faking some beauty rest, but the addition of niacinamide and amino helps improve the look of wrinkles and dark spots as well.

“I can feel it absorb into my pores, and thanks to its gentler retinoid complex and fragrance-free formula, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling irritated or sensitive by morning,” explains Hussein.

After 2 months of regular use, Hussein notices that her skin looks and feels better. “There’s a youthful bounce to my skin again, and it has a softer texture that’s similar to Jell-O (in the best way possible, of course).”

Since it takes a while to absorb into oily skin, you'll gain the most from using a light amount. Everyone else can use about a quarter-sized dollop for best results.

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Garshick considers the budget-friendly ROX retinol cream a tried-and-true formulation that improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots while hydrating the skin to minimize irritation. "It is gentle enough that it can be used nightly. It is a great drugstore option that is not greasy and won’t clog the pores," she adds.

With a 4.4-star average from nearly 28,000 Amazon reviews, it's safe to say shoppers are also keen on this impressive retinol cream. "I discovered an affordable skincare product that exceeded my expectations in just 10 days. My skin appeared brighter and more youthful, leaving me highly satisfied," says a 5-star review.

In addition to retinol, it contains exfoliating glycolic acid and hydrating squalane and shea butter to help prevent the active ingredients from dehydrating the skin.

For anyone with only $30 to spare on a skincare product, consider the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol. A favorite of Garshick, and more than 47,000 Amazon reviewers, shoppers can't go wrong with this unscented retinol cream.

"This drugstore favorite is designed for daily use as it is also formulated with SPF 30 and a moisturizer, making it a great multitasker. It also contains hyaluronic acid helps to boost moisture, and give the skin an overall rejuvenated appearance," says Garshick.

The brand says it can be used twice daily, but since it contains SPF, it doesn't make sense to wear this cream before bedtime. Instead, save it for daytime use to reap that broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays which can cause signs of aging and sunburn.

Say goodbye to wrinkles and fine lines on the neck and décolletage area with this impressive retinol cream created by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross M.D.

His retinol- and collagen-enriched cream fortifies skin back to its youthful state. It also contains ferulic acid, an underrated ingredient that banishes dullness, calms inflammation, and fades redness and dark spots. This acid helps stabilize antioxidants like vitamins C and E, to boot.

Results are greater when used twice daily, providing skin with a burst of hydration and a non-greasy finish.

Have a higher disposable income and looking to really invest in a retinol cream that performs exceptionally well? Opt for this fan-favorite from Drunk Elephant, one of the best clean beauty brands in the game.

"This retinol contains a blend of peptides, vitamins and antioxidants to help improve skin tone and texture while also protecting the skin against free radical damage. This also contains passionfruit, apricot, jojoba oils as well as virgin marula oil, which help to moisturize and nourish the skin," Garshick says.

Turn back the clock on a budget with Neutrogena's fast-acting retinol cream. Notably, clinical data shows that testers saw results in just 24 hours, so for anyone who needs instant results for a special occasion, this is your best bet.

High retinol levels smooth out wrinkles to diminish signs of aging, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin hydrate and plump the skin. It's also made with a low amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to help fade dark spots and brighten your complexion.

All skin types can use this cream, but anyone dealing with post-acne dark spots will enjoy it the most. There's also a fragrance-free option that is great for anyone sensitive to smells.

SkinCeuticals' answer to retinol cream is a holy grail item for hundreds of Dermstore shoppers. They're impressed that it softens wrinkles, minimizes the look of large pores, and treats acne.

It earned the top spot on this list because it works with all skin types and is formulated with bisabolol and Boswellia serrata extract that enhances retinol's anti-aging and anti-acne benefits.

Available in a range of strengths from 0.3% to 1.0%, this retinol-packed formula delivers skin-smoothing results overnight. If you have skin on the more sensitive side, the 0.3% retinol cream might be the best place to start. If you want to go for the max strength, ease into it and don't use it every night.

A bonus: The packaging is air-tight, which helps preserve the potency of this treatment.

NYC cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah, M.D., calls Redermic Face Cream her go-to retinol recommendation for beginners because it only contains a 0.3% concentration of the superhero ingredient.

Since Shah recommends Redermic for newbies and the retinol cream doesn't contain many oils and moisturizers, it's safe for all skin types, including sensitive ones.

Notably, it infuses a salicylic acid derivative to help tackle current breakouts and prevent new ones, while antioxidant-rich French thermal water calms the skin. It works with all skin types and is gentle enough for retinol newbies to use without fear of dehydrating their skin.

Amazon reviewers agree that Dr. Howard Murad, M.D., created an investment-worthy retinol cream that has the results you desire to justify its price tag. One reviewer boldly declares that Murad’s retinol cream “has made the biggest difference in my skin’s appearance.” While another reviewer is so happy with the results that they feel empowered to skip wearing foundation.

The luxurious cream packs a retinol-filled punch to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and adds radiance back to your face. Plus, it blends hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane which helps to counteract any retinol-related dryness. These ingredients moisturize normal and dry skin, but don't leave combination and oily skin greasy by the morning.

Add celeb esthetician Kate Somerville’s retinol-rich cream to your nighttime routine and watch signs of aging fade away by the day. The product is a two-for-one, warding off wrinkles and fine lines as well as refining skin’s texture and tone. Enhanced with vitamin C and wild gooseberry extract, even parched skin only requires a thin layer to produce maximum results faster than more affordable options on this list.

Sephora reviewers have experienced visible results — refined pore size and plumped-up wrinkles — within 24 hours of using this retinol serum.

“The morning after I use the product my skin looks brighter and clearer, so much so I started incorporating it nightly,” says one 5-star review. One 35-year-old reviewer notes this retinol treatment also quickly minimizes any dark spots caused by cystic acne.