The 16 Best Retinol Serums for Smoother, Clearer, More Radiant Skin

Best Overall

Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum

$65 at Amazon $95 $65 at Sephora $65 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Pure retinol, ceramides, peptides | Dosage: A few drops nightly | Size: 1, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Introducing retinol to your routine can involve some trial and error while your skin adjusts, but this serum from Kiehl’s is gentle enough to use daily from the get-go. A precisely calculated microdose of retinol (the brand doesn’t list a specific amount) produces results in around two weeks, according to our tester, and the addition of skin-soothing ceramides and peptides ensures your skin barrier is healthy and thriving. Our tester, Lisa, praised the formula for smoothing, firming, hydrating, plumping, clearing acne breakouts, and enhancing radiance without any signs of irritation.

Lisa, tester with dry skin: “The product definitely helped smooth and soften my skin texture. My skin appears visibly more firm after using it and it improved my complexion overall.”

Best Budget

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum

$22 at Walmart View on Neutrogena.com

Key Ingredients: Retinol SA, glucose complex, hyaluronic acid | Dosage: A pearl-sized amount daily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Retinol is often featured in premium products, but there are lots of budget-friendly retinol-infused formulas worth trying. This option from Neutrogena smooths fine lines and targets dark under-eye circles to leave your skin looking fresh and even-toned. It’s got a lightweight consistency and, unlike some serums that should only be used at night, can double as a hydrating makeup primer.

Our tester, Kate, says her fine lines and dark spots improved so dramatically by week four that she stopped wearing foundation daily. She was impressed with how easily the formula absorbed into her skin, leaving it soft and never sticky. While she noticed some minor flaking five weeks in, she still considers this a gentle formula that’s suitable for daily use.

Kate, tester with combination skin: “The serum brightened my complexion and made me feel more confident in my appearance.”

Best for Dark Spots

Common Heir Retinol Serum

View on Commonheir.com

Key Ingredients: Retinol, squalane, algae oil | Concentration: 0.2% | Dosage: One capsule nightly | Size: 7 or 60 capsules | Cruelty-Free: No

One of the major benefits of retinol is its ability to fade stubborn dark spots and sun damage by boosting the skin’s renewal process. These retinol capsules from Common Heir are formulated to gently enhance cell turnover and boost collagen, gradually reducing hyperpigmentation on all skin tones. Each capsule is perfectly portioned for the face and neck. Just rub the formula between your palms to warm and liquefy the product, then smooth it on and leave it to do its magic. Our tester, Arnesia, was amazed that the serum effectively faded post-breakout dark spots and even reduced the appearance of an old scar from childhood. It also smoothed the wrinkles around her eyes and on her forehead, creating a more even and radiant complexion. Although it didn’t leave her skin firmer than before, the overall effects were impressive.

Arnesia, tester with dry skin: “My skin is much brighter, and it did significantly reduce the appearance of dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation.”

Best for Fine Expression Lines

Dermalogica Retinol Serum

$95 at Amazon $95 $39 at Sephora $95 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Retinoid Complex, squalane, oat-derived beta-glucan | Concentration: 3.5% | Dosage: Two pumps nightly | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If your expression lines are becoming more prominently etched on your face, this serum from Dermalogica can help soften them. It’s formulated with a pretty high dose of retinoid complex (3.5%), designed to reduce the four signs of aging: wrinkles, pore size, texture, and tone. The gel-like consistency makes it easy to spread a thin layer over your face and neck, paying special attention to areas where fine lines form. On advice from her dermatologist, our tester, Michelle, used the serum three days a week, which helped mitigate the chance of irritation or retinoid purging. It wasn’t long before she noticed a significant reduction in fine lines.

Michelle, tester with normal skin: “It minimized some of the finer lines and wrinkles that were forming around my eyes and mouth. It also gave my skin a fresh, healthy feeling.”

Best for Sensitive Skin

Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Retinol Oil

$72 at Amazon $73 at Sephora $73 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Retinol, marula Oil, ceramides | Retinol Concentration: 0.5% | Dosage: Two to three drops, morning or night | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you thought retinol wasn’t compatible with sensitive skin, it’s time you met Drunk Elephant’s A-Gloei Retinol Oil. The serum’s beginner-friendly retinol concentration (a gentle yet effective 0.5%) teams up with reparative marula oil, an ingredient full of antioxidants and fatty acids to help nourish and soothe skin. Our tester, Elena, who has sensitive skin, was stunned to find a retinol product she could apply daily with zero irritation. After applying the silky formula and leaving it to dry for at least 10 minutes (it’s an oil, so absorption takes a while), her skin felt super soft and healthy. Although she didn’t notice huge improvements in the appearance of her complexion, she appreciated that it made her skin feel protected and cared for. And because the formula is so intensely hydrating, she would also recommend this oil as a winter retinol option.

Elena, tester with acne-prone, sensitive skin: “My skin loved this stuff. I have such sensitive skin that breaks out in acne or a rash whenever anything too harsh crosses its path but there was something so soothing about this oil. My dry and sensitive skin loved it and it never made me break out.”

Best Fast-Absorbing

First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Face Serum with Peptides

$48 $40 at Amazon $48 at Sephora $48 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, glycerin | Retinol Concentration: 0.3% | Dosage: Pea-size amount each evening | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Given that some products on our list take 10 minutes to absorb, it’s pretty remarkable that this one soaks into the skin in just 30 seconds, allowing you to shave time off your skincare routine. Our tester describes the luxurious texture of this formula as “featherweight” and “cloud-like,” adding that it’s so skin-smoothing that you only need to apply light moisturizer afterward. This is a low-dose retinol serum (another great pick for sensitive skin types), but that doesn’t mean it won’t deliver visible results. Our tester, Ally, saw a reduction in fine lines—especially the ones on her neck. Plus, it helped clear breakouts and her dark spots appeared less noticeable.

Ally, a tester with combination-sensitive skin: “When I looked at the before and after pics, I definitely think my skin looks smoother and more even. The lines on my neck especially look softer.”

Most Hydrating

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment

$105 at Amazon $105 at Sephora $105 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinal, kangaroo paw flower extract, olive, oat, alpha glucan | Dosage: Apply a thin layer to face and neck daily | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Murad’s overnight treatment contains retinal—another derivative of vitamin A that’s 10 times stronger than retinol. According to dermatologists, this means faster results, but it can also increase the risk of irritation. This was not so in our tester Katherine’s experience; she praised this option for giving her dramatic results without any dryness or flaking. After four weeks of daily use, her complexion looked and felt better across the board. Think fewer fine lines and breakouts, less visible pores, more firmness, and an overall boost in radiance. Most impressively of all, it left her skin super dewy and hydrated (a rarity among retinoid products).

Katherine, tester with combination skin: “I can see a semi-drastic change in my complexion and am very happy with how bright, hydrated and firm my face looks.”

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

$92 at Amazon $128 $34 at Sephora $92 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Retinol, Swertia flower extract, hyaluronic acid | Dosage: Apply a thin layer to face and neck nightly | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This lightweight serum is a great preventative option, designed to be gentle enough for all ages yet potent enough to tackle all the usual skin concerns. But where it truly shines, in our tester Ciara’s opinion, is its acne-fighting capabilities. She noticed breakouts cleared much faster while using the serum, and her skin tone looked more even and radiant as hyperpigmentation from old blemishes began to fade. Unlike many acne products, it wasn’t harsh or drying; her skin was soft, moisturized, and glowing while using it. Another huge plus: She noticed results after only one week, making it one of the fastest-acting formulas on our list.

Ciara, a tester with combination skin: “The biggest difference I noticed was my skin tone becoming more even and the serum helping eliminate acne after a breakout would occur.”

Best for Dry Skin

Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum

$89 at Amazon $89 $32 at Sephora $89 at Violet Grey

Key Ingredients: Encapsulated Retinol, AHA, apple extract | Dosage: Apply one to two pumps twice a week at night | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Although retinol might not be an obvious choice for dry skin, its exfoliating qualities can help remove dead cells, revealing a more supple complexion. As Dr. Madfes explains, "All retinoids increase cell turnover." But Shani Darden's Retinol Reform takes it a step further. It calls on alpha-hydroxy acid to gently remove dead cells, brighten your complexion, and improve uneven texture.

Our tester, Stacy, was impressed by how hydrating this serum is. Although the consistency is light and thin, it felt silky on application and absorbed fast, leaving her skin soft, moisturized, and plump. Although she didn’t notice a big improvement in her skin texture or the appearance of fine lines, her complexion looked brighter and healthier overall.

Stacey, tester with dry skin: “The serum has a lightweight and silky texture that absorbs quickly into my skin. My skin looks more supple. It provides a burst of hydration that lasts through the day.”

Best Pore Minimizing

Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%

$29 at Amazon $29 at Target $29 at Sokoglam.com

Key Ingredients: Retinal, glycerin, apricot kernel oil | Concentration: 0.05% | Dosage: Apply a thin layer to face and neck | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, reach for this serum from Naturium. It contains 0.05% retinal (that potent form of vitamin A again), which acts as an exfoliator, unclogging pores and making them appear smaller. While using the serum, our tester, Kiana, noticed her pores looked smaller, especially on her nose. The formula also helped fade dark spots, improve the overall glow of her skin, and maintain moisture levels. It even layered nicely under her go-to skincare and makeup products.

The downside is that this super-potent formula did cause some skin purging during the adjustment period. Our tester found that using it twice weekly was the best approach for her combination skin.

Kiana, tester with combination skin: “It left my skin feeling smooth and hydrated, which made the product an easy insert into my normal skincare routine.”

Best Brightening

Paula’s Choice Retinol Treatment

$65 at Amazon $65 at Sephora $65 at Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, peptides | Concentration: 1% | Dosage: Apply 1–2 pea-sized pumps over face and neck, morning or night | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Fading hyperpigmentation and creating a more even skin tone gives the impression of a brighter, more radiant complexion. This treatment from Paula’s Choice blends two ingredients that excel at the job: retinol and vitamin C. The creamy formula absorbed nicely on our tester Cara’s skin, and a little went a long way. She used it three times a week, and her complexion gradually became noticeably brighter, more even, and super soft. It did cause some tingling about an hour after application, but she didn’t notice any other signs of irritation like redness or flaking.

Cara, tester with normal/dry skin: “My skin feels very soft and my complexion looks pretty even after testing this. I think the added vitamin C helped brighten my skin, too.”

Best for Nighttime

Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum

$65 at Amazon $65 at Sephora $65 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Microencapsulated retinol, vitamins C and E | Concentration: 1.5% | Dosage: Apply 3-4 drops at night | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Most retinol products are designed for use in the evening (if you use one in the morning, don’t forget to apply SPF and throw on a hat), but the way this serum is formulated makes it the ultimate nighttime choice. It contains 1.5% slow-release microencapsulated retinol, which gradually works magic on your skin while you sleep, revealing a fresher complexion by the AM. Our tester, Mariya, says her skin tone and texture improved, and she noticed a general boost in brightness and radiance. Three to four drops of the oil-like formula will cover your face and neck. Although our tester found the product tricky to spread without dripping off her face, she liked how moisturizing it felt on her skin—like a fancy face oil.

Mariya, tester with balanced to dry skin: “I liked how my skin looked after using this product. I think my skin texture and tone have improved and my skin seems brighter.”

Best for Beginners

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

$80 at Dermstore $80 at Bluemercury.com View on Skinceuticals.com

Key Ingredients: Retinol, bisabolol, Boswellia serrata extract | Concentration: 0.3% | Dosage: Apply one to two pumps twice a week at night | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As you know by now, retinol newbies should go slow at first to prevent irritation. This option from SkinCeuticals helps you do just that. It’s designed specifically with beginners in mind and contains a low concentration of retinol (0.3%) teamed with bisabolol (derived from the chamomile plant) and Boswellia serrata extract (derived from frankincense) to help calm and soothe the skin. Our tester, Bailey, used this nightly and found the results were too subtle for her preferences. However, she did appreciate how hydrated and glowy the serum made her skin and noted that it helped curb her breakouts.

Bailey, a tester with combination/acne-prone skin: “I liked the product as a gateway to retinol, which is exactly what it says it's for. It didn't irritate my skin at all.”

Best for Textured Skin

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.5

$80 at Amazon $80 at Dermstore View on Myshopify.com

Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, squalane, ceramides | Concentration: 0.5% | Dosage: Apply two or three times a week at night | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re hoping to address uneven skin texture, this retinol complex can help. It blends retinol with niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 known for its anti-inflammatory properties. These two ingredients synchronize to fight acne, tackle the signs of aging, and reduce hyperpigmentation, revealing a smoother, more even, and noticeably radiant complexion. Our tester, Kristen, raved about how much this product improved the look and feel of her skin. After experiencing some light peeling initially, all the formerly dull and rough patches of her face appeared even and smooth. Plus, it helped unclog her pores and reduce breakouts, leaving her with a clean, clear complexion.

Kristen, tester with combination/sensitive skin: “My skin texture feels amazing. I used to have rough skin in some areas and way more texture, but this product has smoothed out my skin a lot. People close to me have noticed and have said my skin looks great.”

Best for Everyday

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

$13 at Amazon $13 at Sephora $13 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Granactive retinoid, glycerin, bisabolol | Concentration: 2% | Dosage: Apply a small amount to face nightly | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This option from The Ordinary contains granactive retinoid, a​ form of vitamin A that the brand claims is more effective than regular retinol when it comes to reducing the signs of aging but won’t leave your skin a dry, flakey mess. After applying it every day for eight weeks, our tester, Katie, said her skin felt softer and smoother. She confirmed this is a gentle, surprisingly hydrating option; she didn’t have to deal with dry patches like she has while using tretinoin (a prescription retinoid) in the past. That being said, the results were also less obvious, particularly for fading hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Katie, tester with combination skin: “The product is runny, with a lightweight, lightly moisturizing feel. I did like how this felt on my skin, especially since many retinoids cause dryness (this one did not).”

Best for Travel

Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum

$69 at Amazon $69 at Sephora View on Spacenk.com

Key Ingredients: Vegan retinyl linoleate, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, tiger grass extract, oatmeal blend | Dosage: Apply two pumps daily at night | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Consistency is key with retinol, so be sure to use your chosen product on trips just as you would at home. This Summer Fridays serum comes in a TSA-friendly 1-ounce bottle and has an easy-to-use pump applicator, making it our favorite travel pick. The formula contains retinyl linoleate, a more gentle derivative of retinol that’s sensitive skin-friendly, so you can dive into daily use without worrying about irritation. Our tester, Maddy, loved how “plush” it made her skin feel, softening tight areas and effortlessly smoothing out her forehead lines. It even helped brighten areas of hyperpigmentation, particularly her dark under-eye circles. The formula was light and liquid-y, which made it easy to spread but slower to be absorbed by her skin; be prepared to give this formula 10 minutes to soak in before the next step in your routine.

Maddy, tester with dry skin: “The product made my skin feel smooth and buttery. It brightened my skin a bit and I felt the circles under my eyes weren't as dark.”