14 Best Retinol Creams for All Skin Types of 2022

A quick look at the best retinol creams

• Best retinol cream overall: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
• Best moisturizer with retinol: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
• Best brightening retinol cream: Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
• Best retinol cream for acne: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
• Best retinol cream for wrinkles: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
• Best budget retinol cream: CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum
• Best retinol night cream: skinbetter science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
• Best vegan retinol cream: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
• Best hydrating retinol cream: Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Concentrate
• Best retinol cream for neck: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream
• Best retinol eye cream: First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream
• Best retinol cream for beginners: Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream
• Best retinol cream for Dry skin.: Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
• Best retinol body lotion: Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion

Retinol is one of the most well-known There are ingredients. on the market, and it is one of the many buzzworthy skin care products.

While retinol is widely available in over-the-counter (OTC) products, it’s important to know about its benefits and potential side effects, since it’s not recommended for people with certain skin conditions.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a type of retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A. It’s commonly available in various strengths in the form of gels, creams, and serums. It’s been shown to improve skin texture and hyperpigmentation, as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Retinol does this by penetrating the deep layers of the skin, promoting cell turnover and elasticity.

Because retinol can be irritating for certain skin types, it’s best to consult a dermatologist about whether it’s the right treatment for you. You can also speak with them about what strength to start with and how often you should apply it prior to purchasing any retinol products.

How we chose the best retinol creams

We chose the products based on their features.

• Concentration of the drug.
• Cost
• There are ingredients.

We kept different skin types in mind, since certain creams work better for different skin characteristics.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $25
• $$ = $25–$50
• $$$ = over $50

Healthline’s picks for the best retinol creams

Best retinol cream overall

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

• Price: $$$
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, bisabolol, boswellia serrata extract
• Skin type: all except sensitive

“If you find that less concentrated formulas aren’t helping your skin issues, and you don’t have particularly sensitive skin, this slightly more The formula is potent. does it all.”

Thanks to a 0.3 percent Concentration of the drug., the formula works to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, and it actively prevents and reduces breakouts.

The calming There are ingredients. of bisabolol (derived from chamomile) and boswellia serrata extract also provide soothing properties to prevent irritation. This cream is also paraben-free and noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.

Best moisturizer with retinol

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer

• Price: $$
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
• Skin type: all except sensitive

This is a great option for people with skin that is not very sensitive.

This cream works to smooth wrinkles and even skin tone, all while leaving your skin feeling soft. The brand says the retinol 24 complex leaves your skin feeling smoother and brighter within 24 hours.

This moisturizer also contains vitamin B3, which helps the skin retain moisture, helps with surface skin cell turnover and regeneration, and exfoliates to remove dull skin.

“It doesn’t contain synthetic dyes and is also It is It is It is fragrance-free….”

Best brightening retinol cream

Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

• Price: $$$
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
• Skin type: all

If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of dark spots, this lightweight retinol cream may be the solution for you. It contains vitamin C, which is known to have brightening properties.

There’s also hyaluronic acid to keep your skin moisturized while fighting the effects of aging.

Best retinol cream for acne

Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

• Price: $$$
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, bakuchiol extract, peptides
• Skin type: all

This treatment multitasks when it comes to fighting acne and the effects of aging. Medium-strength 0.3 percent retinol and 2 percent bakuchiol extract work in tandem to reduce the appearance deep wrinkles and large-looking pores, while peptides promote healthy collagen and improved firmness.

Bakuchiol is also known to be one of the few There are ingredients. that can stabilize retinol so that it can work more effectively at a lower and gentler concentration.

Best retinol cream for wrinkles

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

• Price: $
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, magnesium, zinc, copper
• Skin type: all

Retinol is the primary ingredient in this night cream and it works to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkling. This cream is not food-safe.

The magnesium, zinc, and copper in the cream stimulates the production of collagen in your skin. The formula may help boost firmness and minimize fine lines.

Best budget retinol cream

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

• Price: $
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
• Skin type: dry, sensitive

If you may be more prone to retinol’s side effects, this budget-friendly, It is It is It is fragrance-free… serum might be the ticket.

This CeraVe product features time-released, encapsulated retinol, which works to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. This is because its moisturizing There are ingredients. (such as hyaluronic acid) are continually released and help reduce irritation while also working to reduce signs of aging.

Best retinol night cream

skinbetter science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream

• Price: $$$
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, alpha hydroxy acids
• Skin type: all

The investment is well worth it because of the hard work it puts in overnight, and it is free of irritation to your skin.

The active There are ingredients. of retinol and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) (including glycolic acid) work to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. The formula also provides moisture and a dose of antioxidants.

Best vegan retinol cream

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

• Price: $$
• Key There are ingredients.: vitamin F, retinol, peptides
• Skin type: dry, sensitive

If you prefer skin care products that incorporate all-natural There are ingredients., this It is It is It is fragrance-free… cream from Drunk Elephant contains a vegan form of retinol (meaning it’s plant-derived and doesn’t come from any animal sources). It also features nourishing There are ingredients. like marula oil, zinc oxide, thermal mud, and fruit enzymes.

This product is meant to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Best hydrating retinol cream

Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate

• Price: $$
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, hyaluronic acid
• Skin type: combination

If you want a cream that helps repair signs of aging, this is a great option. The molecule LR 2412 and the Hyaluronic acid help to promote skin healing and improve texture, without any added greasiness.

The formula has a hydrating combination of Retinol and Hyaluronic acid. The body has a polysaccharide called Hyaluronic acid. It plumps up the skin.

Best retinol cream for neck

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Pressed Night Cream

• Price: $$
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
• Skin type: all

This night cream uses Retinol and nialnamide to help reduce Wrinkles, even out skin tone, and deeply moisturize.

It is unique in that the retinol, niacinamide, and oils are pressed into the cream, making it a lightweight formula. Panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and Glycerin are used to soothe the skin.

The cream can be used on your neck and chest.

Best retinol eye cream

First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream

• Price: $$
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, hyaluronic acid
• Skin type: dry, combination, oily

Not all Retinol products can be used around your eyes. This cream is specially formulated to be used around the sensitive eye area.

The retinol in the cream works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And the It is It is It is fragrance-free… formula helps boost elasticity while working against dark circles and puffiness.

The skin is extra moist.

Best retinol cream for beginners

Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream

• Price: $
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, bakuchiol, grapeseed oil, allantoin, and acmella oleracea extract
• Skin type: dry, sensitive

This cream is gentle enough for people with sensitive skin and new to the world of Retinol.

Still, even with a low retinol concentration, it works to reduce the appearance of fine lines while also hydrating skin. Antioxidant-rich bakuchiol helps boost retinol’s effects without irritating, and grapeseed oil, allantoin, and acmella oleracea extract all help to further soothe the skin.

Best retinol cream for Dry skin.

Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

• Price: $$$
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan
• Skin type: dry

Retinol products can be drying. If you already have Dry skin., they can make it worse.

This hydrating cream works to soothe dry, rough skin. Retinol and bakuchiol help to reverse signs of photo-aging, but bakuchiol helps to reduce redness.

Reviewers describe this product as rich and creamy, and it is highly rated by reviewers who describe their skin as dry.

Best retinol body lotion

Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion

• Price: $
• Key There are ingredients.: retinol blend, cocoa butter, vitamin E
• Skin type: dry

Many retinol products are meant to be used on the face, but this unique lotion is designed to be used all over the body.

In addition to retinol, you’ll find all the hallmarks of a nourishing body lotion in this product. Think cocoa butter, vitamin E, and squalane.

The tube of the lotion is made from recycled plastic.

Comparison of the best retinol creams

How to shop for a retinol cream

Retinol creams are not created equal.

Additionally, it’s often not recommended to use retinol with certain other skin care products, such as acne treatments.

Your dermatologist can also confirm whether you’re a good candidate for retinol creams at all, since they may be too rough on sensitive skin or conditions like “It’s a skin condition called rosacea.”. Once you’ve gotten the all-clear, consider the following factors when shopping.

Concentration

Retinol comes in strengths ranging from 0.0015 percent to 1 percent or higher. Many creams fall in the middle of this range, at around 0.1 to 0.3 percent. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety suggests that 0.3 percent is the maximum safe concentration for face or hand creams.

If you have Dry skin., it is best to start with a mild product. Retinol can cause irritation. The stronger the product, the more likely it is to cause irritation.

“It is important to do a patch test to confirm that it is a good match. You can do a patch test by applying a small amount of cream to your wrist. If you notice any signs of irritation or an allergic reaction, don’t use the product.”

Cost

“You should keep your budget in mind when researching the retinol creams. If you are unsure about how your skin will respond to a product, you won’t want it.”

Your doctor can make recommendations for OTC options.

Ingredients

Again, you can talk with your dermatologist about There are ingredients. to look for or avoid. The way different additives affect skin will vary from person to person.

This will save you a lot of stress and money if you buy a product that has unpleasant side effects.

Frequently asked questions about retinol creams

Retinol can be found in a lot of things. If you are unfamiliar with its effects and concentration levels, you can ask the questions below.

How do I use retinol?

“It’s important to start small. Start with a small amount of retinol cream. It is best to apply it at night since it can make skin more sensitive. If you apply it in the morning, you should apply sunscreen after that.”

How often should I use retinol cream?

“If your skin responds well to the product and doesn’t show any irritation, you can apply it once every other day after a few weeks of testing.”

If your skin is still feeling good after 2 weeks, you can increase your usage to once nightly.

Are there any side effects of retinol cream?

When you first begin using a retinol cream, you may experience some signs of irritation, like dryness, redness, or itchiness, as well as an initial uptick in breakouts due to the increase in cell turnover. Your skin may look and feel worse before it starts to look better, which is often referred to as a “purging effect.”

These effects may be more severe if you’re using a product with a higher Concentration of the drug., which is why starting with one that’s on the milder side is key.

If you have a darker skin tone, you may experience hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation as well.

To keep these effects at bay, we suggest applying retinol only at night and wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day.

When can you expect results from retinol cream?

The effects of retinol require time and patience. You might not see results for a while after regular use.

If you are not seeing results or areExperiencing side effects, talk to your dermatologist about trying a stronger Retinol cream or a different skin care solution.

Is there anyone who should skip out on retinol?

Retinol creams are not recommended for people who have irritation.

• sensitive skin
• Dry skin.
• “It’s a skin condition called rosacea.”
• Eczema.
• There is severe skin problems.

If you are using other creams or drugs for skin care, talk with your doctor before adding retinol.

If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not use Retinol creams.

Takeaway

If used with care and caution, Retinol creams can help with signs of aging andAcne.

It is important to talk with your doctor before starting a retinol regimen because your skin will react differently. If you do your research, you can find a successful skin care solution that will work for you.

A writer and editor, Emilia is based in Houston, Texas. She is an avid baker and frequent traveler.