The 8 Retinol Serums Worth Your Money, According To Experts

Retinol forms the cornerstone of many skincare routines — and for good reason. The ingredient, which is derived from vitamin A, is effective in treating a wide range of skin concerns.“Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover, helping to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve overall skin texture and tone,” says Dr Derrick Phillips, a London-based consultant dermatologist. “Additionally, retinol stimulates the production of collagen, the protein that gives skin its elasticity,” says Phillips. “It also works to address hyperpigmentation, acne and sun damage.”While retinol is widely lauded as a versatile skincare hero, it may not be right for everyone, especially those with reactive or very sensitive skin. “Retinol can cause initial skin irritation, redness and flakiness, which may occur as the skin adjusts to the treatment,” says Dr Phillips. There are a handful of retinol rules, too. Dr Phillips recommends avoiding excessive sun exposure and suggests using a high factor, broad spectrum SPF every day, as retinol can increase skin sensitivity to UV radiation. If you’re a retinol novice, Dr Phillips recommends starting with a low concentration and gradually increasing frequency and strength to minimise the risk of irritation.Finding the right product can be a confusing process if you’re just feeling your way around retinol, given the vast differences in potency and ingredient lists. Though there are countless creams and lotions, a targeted retinol serum is a good place to start. Ahead, we asked dermatologists, editors and beauty experts to share their go-to retinol serums across a variety of budgets and concentrations.At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum“This light, gel-like serum is perfect if you have dry, sensitive skin like myself. It uses something called 'encapsulated' retinol, which is essentially retinol wrapped in a protective outer lipid or fatty acid layer. This helps it penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin better and without irritation. It didn’t dry my skin out after using and eventually — after a gradual build up — I found it moderate enough to use three to four times a week. Saying this, because it is a gentle form of retinol, I haven’t found it to make much difference to my fine lines, though after a month of use, my skin was brightened and old acne scars reduced.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate WriterShop Cult BeautyCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, $, available at Cult BeautyLa Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum“This retinol serum is an ideal starting point. The combination of [vitamin] B3 [niacinamide] and glycerin reduces the chance of unwanted side effects of skin dryness and peeling. Most notably, the serum is marketed for sensitive skin. Many people with sensitive skin are put off the use of retinols, despite the widely known benefits.“In addition to dealing with issues related to skin maturing, the ingredients can be helpful for problems with pigmentation and uneven skin tone. My top tip? Use it on the face, neck, décolletage and backs of hands, and wear a broad spectrum high factor sunscreen during the day. — Dr Alia Ahmed, consultant dermatologistShop Cult BeautyLa Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum, $, available at Cult BeautyMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum“Murad’s retinol serum contains tri-active technology, which has a fast-acting retinoid, a slow release retinol and a retinol booster. This delivers results but is still gentle on the skin. It also contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to prevent irritation and dryness. Retinol increases cell turnover therefore helps with uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. It also helps boost collagen production. For those with oily skin, it reduces oil production and helps reduce the appearance of blocked or enlarged pores.” — Dr Shaaira Nasir, consultant dermatologistShop Space NKMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, $, available at Space NKThe Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Emulsion“When I was going through an uncomfortable hormonal acne stage years ago, a top London dermatologist recommended adding this to my evening skincare routine alongside a gently foaming cleanser and a ‘bland’ (simple) moisturiser. I’m convinced that this product did most of the heavy lifting to improve my skin. It boasts a relatively high concentration of two retinoids (pure retinol and hydroxypinacolone retinoate, for the skincare buffs) and they’re encapsulated in an emulsion — essentially a milky, moisturising base.“It works to unclog pores, fade red skin staining left behind by breakouts and smooth skin texture, all without the irritation or skin peeling associated with retinoids. No matter how many expensive retinoid serums and creams I use, I always seem to come back to this

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May 7, 2024 - 17:40

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The 8 Retinol Serums Worth Your Money, According To Experts

Retinol forms the cornerstone of many skincare routines — and for good reason. The ingredient, which is derived from vitamin A, is effective in treating a wide range of skin concerns.

“Retinol accelerates skin cell turnover, helping to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, and improve overall skin texture and tone,” says Dr Derrick Phillips, a London-based consultant dermatologist. “Additionally, retinol stimulates the production of collagen, the protein that gives skin its elasticity,” says Phillips. “It also works to address hyperpigmentation, acne and sun damage.”

While retinol is widely lauded as a versatile skincare hero, it may not be right for everyone, especially those with reactive or very sensitive skin. “Retinol can cause initial skin irritation, redness and flakiness, which may occur as the skin adjusts to the treatment,” says Dr Phillips. There are a handful of retinol rules, too. Dr Phillips recommends avoiding excessive sun exposure and suggests using a high factor, broad spectrum SPF every day, as retinol can increase skin sensitivity to UV radiation. If you’re a retinol novice, Dr Phillips recommends starting with a low concentration and gradually increasing frequency and strength to minimise the risk of irritation.

Finding the right product can be a confusing process if you’re just feeling your way around retinol, given the vast differences in potency and ingredient lists. Though there are countless creams and lotions, a targeted retinol serum is a good place to start. Ahead, we asked dermatologists, editors and beauty experts to share their go-to retinol serums across a variety of budgets and concentrations.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.