This anti-aging powerhouse ingredient no longer requires a prescription
When it comes to youth-boosting skincare, there are few options as effective as retinol, the vitamin A derivative that can smooth wrinkles sans a prescription.1Over-the-counter retinols have come a long way since their early iterations and many of today’s formulas are backed by clinical results.
“Retinoids (the umbrella term for over-the-counter retinol and prescription retinoids that are stronger) help to decrease wrinkles and brown spots and improve overall skin texture,” board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, tells Byrdie. “Retinol also regulates our sebum production, which is great for acne control.” She goes on to explain that retinol-infused topicals stimulate collagen production and increase cell turnover and, when used consistently, can improve the tell-tale signs of sun damage. So whether you’re looking to reduce hyperpigmentation, are aching to clear up your complexion, or want to tackle fine lines before they get deeper, there’s a non-prescription retinoid out there up for the task.
Naturally, the market is flooded with products containing this powerhouse ingredient, so we put several popular and top-rated options to the test to see if they’re truly worth the hype. We tested them in our skincare routines over the course of 12 weeks, taking note of how well they tackled their various skin concerns and kept up their promise of delivering a smoother, clearer, and more even-toned complexion. We evaluated each one based on its consistency, how it felt on the skin, how well it absorbed, and how it made the skin look. Our team then combined these results with expert recommendations and our own thorough research to compile this list.
Keep reading for the best over-the-counter retinols for every skin concern and budget.
Best Overall: Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment Serum
If you’ve used prescription retinoids before, you might be familiar with how stiff and difficult to spread some of them can be. This one is the complete opposite—it has a lightweight, creamy serum texture that spreads across the face effortlessly, absorbs quickly, and layers seamlessly underneath night creams. It features encapsulated retinol, meaning that the powerful ingredient is delivered to the skin throughout the night rather than all at once, making it less irritating than some other forms of retinol. The formula also contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to exfoliate the skin, as well as apple extract to provide a dose of antioxidants.
Over the course of our test, we noticed how well this retinol serum worked to smooth skin texture and improve radiance, all without irritating the skin or causing noticeable dryness. If you’re looking for a lightweight product that feels comfortable and works to smooth and even the skin, we highly recommend this one.
Best Overall, Runner-Up: LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality retinol product. At just $30, this one really impressed us. It’s a lightweight cream formula that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue on the skin or make it feel dried out. While retinol is the hero ingredient, it also contains aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, green tea leaf extract, sunflower seed oil, and other nourishing ingredients that help to counteract the drying effects of retinol and further address dark spots, blemishes, and UV damage.
We were impressed by how much it helped to reduce the darkness of post-acne spots and hyperpigmentation, as well as how soft it made the skin feel. The brand claims that it’s gentle enough to be used daily both in the morning and at night, but if you’re sensitive to retinol or it’s your first time using it, we recommend applying it every other night at first and slowly building up your tolerance. Our tester with dry, sensitive skin used it three times per week and she found that to be a great balance—it didn’t cause any irritation but she still saw impressive results with this application cadence.
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
The drugstore is now home to plenty of great retinol products, and this one is our top pick. It’s a serum that feels like a weightless lotion—it absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn’t pill underneath moisturizer. It utilizes the power of encapsulated retinol to help fade dark spots, even tone, and reduce texture, and we appreciate that it also has three moisturizing ceramides in the formula to support a healthy skin barrier and prevent skin dryness. It also contains licorice root extract to brighten your complexion as well as niacinamide to further even tone.
This is a fantastic option for those who are new to retinol because it’s gentle, hydrating, and affordable. We found that it worked nicely to fade dark spots and even skin tone, though it’s not the best choice if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a great option for those with more sensitive skin.
Best Retinol Alternative: BYBI Beauty 1% Bakuchiol + Olive Squalane Oil Booster
Okay, so this is technically not a retinol product, but hear us out. It features bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol that board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD explains is a structurally different molecule than retinol, but has a similar collagen-stimulating benefit. It’s a nice alternative for people that are really sensitive to retinol, or those that are pregnant or breastfeeding.
We love that this product has an incredibly simple ingredient list—it’s made with just bakuchiol and squalane—because this makes it more fitting for a wide range of skin types. The formula can be mixed into your favorite serum, moisturizer, or mask, or applied directly to the skin, making it really versatile. Over the duration of the test, we noticed that it did a nice job of firming the skin and smoothing skin texture. It even made a minor improvement in fine lines. While we didn’t find it effective for reducing the appearance of dark spots, we still think it’s an excellent pick for people who want to experience some of the benefits of retinol but aren’t able to tolerate the ingredient.
Best for Sensitive Skin: The INKEY List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum
Retinol is a very powerful skincare ingredient which is why many people with sensitive skin struggle to incorporate it into their skincare routines. It can be drying and sensitizing, so finding a product that counteracts these effects is key, and this one does a great job at it thanks to the inclusion of nourishing ingredients in the formula. It contains retinol at a one percent concentration to fade dark spots and even skin texture, as well as apricot kernel oil and squalane to lock in moisture and support a healthy skin barrier.
We love that the texture of this retinol is rich and creamy—it feels like a hydrating night cream when you apply it. However, it still layers beautifully underneath moisturizers without pilling or becoming too greasy. What really impressed us about this pick is how well it worked to fade dark spots, even texture and tone, and keep the skin looking and feeling firm—all without irritating sensitive skin. One of our testers is typically quite reactive to skincare products that contain strong active ingredients, but she was shocked when she experienced absolutely no irritation or sensitivity with this formula. We do wish that it was better at improving the appearance of fine lines, but considering how well it delivers on its other claims, how comfortable it is on sensitive skin, and its affordability, we can’t recommend it enough.
Best for Dry Skin: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
If you have dry skin and you’ve tried retinol products before, then chances are you know how much they can exacerbate dryness. Because of this, we recommend that people with dry skin look for moisturizing creams that contain retinol rather than retinol-driven treatments or serums. This cream is a great one because it has a rich texture that maintains a light and non-greasy feel on the skin, and it contains a gentle form of retinol, vitamin C for antioxidant benefits, and hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration.
Although we didn’t see a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles or dark spots, we did appreciate that this formula felt extremely gentle, non-irritating, and non-drying throughout our test. It worked to smooth the skin a bit and give it a more plump, hydrated look and feel. If you struggle with dryness and you’re seeking a mild and moisturizing retinol product from the drugstore, this one is a solid choice for you.
Best for Textured Skin: Paula’s Choice BOOST 1% Retinol Booster
Textured skin can result from bumps, breakouts, and dry patches, and we were really pleased by how well this potent serum worked to minimize their appearance. Formulated with one percent encapsulated retinol and peptides, it works to smooth texture, enhance radiance, and add moisture. It can be applied directly to the skin or mixed in with your moisturizer or serum, and we appreciate that it has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly. Although we didn’t notice a visual improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, it made a notable difference in the look and feel of the texture. Our tester who experiences consistent breakouts shared that it helped to bring deep pimples to the surface of the skin and help them heal faster, and it also worked to exfoliate dry patches to create a generally smoother and more even complexion. If the main skin concern that you’re trying to address with retinol is uneven texture, we recommend checking out this formula.
Best Anti-Wrinkle: Neutrogena Wrinkle Repair Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Face Serum
Retinol has a myriad of benefits, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is one of them—and this formula does it well. It combines retinol and hyaluronic acid to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, fade age spots, and moisturize the skin. It claims to fade the look of crow’s feet, smooth fine lines, and fade undereye circles, and while we didn’t see a noticeable improvement in darkness under the eyes, we were incredibly impressed by how well it addressed fine lines in the eye area. We also appreciate that the lightweight, creamy texture absorbs quickly into the skin and layers nicely underneath moisturizer. We wish it was fragrance-free and worked better at smoothing uneven skin texture, but if your main goal is fine line reduction, we suggest checking out this efficacious drugstore formula.
Best Firming: Common Heir Retinol Serum
If you’re hoping to achieve firmer more even-looking skin, this is the retinol serum we recommend for you. It’s unique in the sense that the formula is housed in one-time-use capsules that you simply break open and apply to the skin, but the application method is really simple and the texture applies smoothly to the skin. It combines retinol derived from vitamin A with squalane and algae oil to smooth and firm the skin while also replenishing it with nourishment. Retinol is used at a 0.2 percent concentration, meaning that it’s not overly strong—we didn’t experience any irritation or sensitivity from this formula.
We really liked how the serum texture applied like a smooth oil and played well with moisturizer layered on top, and we found that it worked to give the skin a firmer look and feel over time. It also works to give the complexion a brighter more radiant appearance as well as even skin texture. While it’s definitely pricey considering that each capsule is only one-time-use, the capsules do come with a good amount of product, so you can easily cover your face, neck, and perhaps even your chest using just one capsule.
Best for Smoothing: Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum
An editor favorite and one that really impressed us during our test, this serum features retinaldehyde, a more potent version of retinol. Retinalldehyde combined with niacinamide and ceramides work together in this formula to reduce visible signs of aging, even tone, and smooth the skin. The texture is light and feels like a typical serum, making it easy to spread across the face and seamless to layer with other skincare products.
We were very pleased with how well this formula worked to fade dark spots, smooth uneven texture and the look of pores, and generally even tone—all without exacerbating dryness. We also noticed a subtle improvement in the firmness of the skin. Despite it being a potent formula, we didn’t experience sensitivity or irritation. If you’re in the market for a serum that will help you achieve a smoother complexion overall, this is a fantastic choice.
Best Cream: Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%
Another product featuring retinaldehyde, this formula combines the powerful ingredient with a host of moisturizing ingredients, like glycerin and apricot kernel oil to combat its drying effects. It features a creamy, gel-like texture that feels like a hybrid between a cream and a serum, making it easy to spread out and absorb into the skin.
We love that it feels soft and slightly cooling on the skin, and were thrilled to see that it made a visible improvement in uneven skin tone and texture. While we didn’t notice a significant improvement in fine lines, we still think it’s a great product to use weekly in conjunction with moisturizer and SPF to maintain a healthy-looking, youthful complexion. We also really appreciate that the formula is fragrance-free, not overly drying or oily, and doesn’t cause much if any irritation.
Best Oil: Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil
If you like applying facial oil at night and you’re looking to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, this product allows you to knock out both steps in one. The oil formula contains retinol, peptides, and ceramides to refine skin texture and improve firmness and elasticity while maintaining moisture. We were really impressed by how well it worked to even texture and tone, as well as give the skin a glowy finish and a more radiant look overall. While we didn’t see improvements in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this formula doesn’t claim to address those concerns, so it’s not a dealbreaker for us—just something to note. In addition to improving the appearance of the complexion overall, we appreciate how smoothly it plays with moisturizer and the fact that it doesn’t feel dry or overly greasy on the skin.
Best Night Cream: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Though most retinol products should be used at night, we like this one in the form of a night cream because it can be applied on its own. It has a light but moisturizing texture that feels non-greasy on the skin, and it’s formulated with retinol and a variety of other ingredients—like glycolic acid, ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid—to smooth and calm the skin while giving it a boost of hydration.
We found that it did a great job at reducing redness from current and previous breakouts, working to give the complexion a more even overall look. It was non-drying and non-irritating, and one of our testers even noticed a reduction in the amount of blemishes she was getting. While we didn’t notice visible improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, or texture, we think it’s a great option if you’re looking to even out your skin tone and moisturize at night in one easy step.
Final Verdict
Our favorite over-the-counter retinol is Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment Serum. It’s lightweight and fast absorbing, it works to visibly even skin tone and texture, and it helps to improve overall radiance without feeling drying or irritating. But if you’re looking for an effective product that you can buy at the drugstore, we recommend the Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
How We Tested
To determine which over-the-counter retinols are best, we tested more than two-dozen options in our skincare routines over the course of 12 weeks as well as considered research insights and expert recommendations. In our test, we evaluated the formula based on its consistency, how it felt on the skin, how well it absorbed, and how it made the skin look. We then gave each one a ranking in each category, and those that scored the highest across the board appeared on this list.
What to Look For in an Over-the-Counter Retinol
Hydrating Ingredients
The first thing board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, recommends looking for in an over-the-counter retinol product is a moisturizing formula. “We know that retinol can cause skin irritation for the first two to four weeks of use, so it’s important to look for a product that’s also hydrating,” he says. Look for formulas that include humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid or oil-based emollients meant to deeply nourish parched skin. The Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream and the LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream both contain hyaluronic acid and other moisturizing ingredients to help counteract the drying effects of retinol.
Skin-Barrier-Supporting Ingredients
Hydration aside, Zeichner recommends also looking for formulas that support and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier since irritation is a sign of a compromised barrier. Look for formulas that incorporate soothing and strengthening ingredients such as ceramides, fatty acids, niacinamide, and probiotics.2The Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a great drugstore pick that’s packed with ceramides. Keep in mind that retinol is also available in body lotions that perform in the same way.
A Stabilized Formula
Retinol is notorious for being an unstable skincare ingredient, meaning that exposure to sunlight, air, and heat can deactivate it and render it useless.3 While it’s important to store any retinol cream or serum properly (like in a cool place out of direct sunlight), Zeichner also recommends seeking out formulas that contain stabilized forms of retinol, such as an encapsulated retinol. These may end up being pricier products, but they’re worth it in the long run as they’ll be more effective and have a longer shelf-life. The Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment Serum, our best overall pick features encapsulated retinol.
FAQ
What is the highest percentage of retinol available over the counter?
According to Zeichner, most over-the-counter retinol products—like a retinol cream or serum—don’t contain more than 1% retinol, though some products have up to 2% or higher. It’s also important to keep in mind that a retinol concentration below 0.25% won’t be effective. “Companies aren’t required to disclose the concentration of retinol in products, and many keep this information private as part of the trade secret of the formula,” he explains. That said, if a brand doesn’t list the concentration, you may want to confirm with them directly to ensure the product is effective.
Can you use retinol while pregnant?
Some studies have claimed that topical retinoids may be harmful during pregnancy.4 For that reason, doctors—including Dr. Zeichner—do not recommend using topical retinol while pregnant. Instead, he recommends reaching for bakuchiol products. “It’s often referred to as nature’s retinol, and while it’s structurally a different molecule and works through separate receptors, it does have a similar collagen-stimulating benefit,” he says. The BYBI Beauty 1% Bakuchiol + Olive Squalane Oil Booster is a great option that features bakuchiol instead of retinol.
Can you use retinol while breastfeeding?
In addition to retinol not being recommended for use during pregnancy, Zeichner confirms that those breastfeeding should also steer clear of vitamin A products. Again, he recommends reaching for topical bakuchiol instead.
