How Retinol Can Improve Your Skin and Which Ones You Should Use, According to Dermatologists

The most effective skin care routine may include just three products: a cleanser, moisturizer, and retinol.

Why Retinol?

“Retinol will be a great option for someone looking to target the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture, even tone, tightening… all of the above.”— Dr. Marisa Garshick, Board Certified Dermatologist

With the rise of complicated 12-step skin care routines and the onslaught of advertisements begging us to buy the latest lotions and potions that will solve all our problems, we can’t help but wonder if retinol is real really everything we need to clean our skin. But with so many products containing retinol to choose from, we wondered what is the most effective retinol product?

To find out which retinol products are the best, we asked five different dermatologists, with countless degrees and awards, which over-the-counter retinol they would personally recommend.

Our expert commission

• dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist serving patients throughout New York and New Jersey at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
• dr. Haleh Bakshandeh is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Kate Somerville Skin Clinical Dermatologist and Medical Director.
• dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah is a Board Certified Dermatologist, Borghese Skin Specialist and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
• dr. Robyn Gymrek is a board certified dermatologist at UnionDerm. She has received national recognition for her contributions to cosmetic dermatology, including Castle and Connolly America’s Best Doctors, New York Magazine’s Best Doctors 2013-2020, and inclusion on the 2013-2020 Super Doctors lists.
• dr. Loretta Ciraldo is a certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has been clinically proven to slow the aging process of the skin, reduce wrinkles, clear acne and fade hyperpigmentation. The superstar ingredient works by penetrating the skin and stimulating cellular activity, which strengthens skin cells, reduces water loss and prevents collagen breakdown. Retinol is one of the best-tolerated members of a class of chemical compounds called “retinoids,” an umbrella term that also includes retinoic acid and retinal.

Retinol can usually be found in over-the-counter (no prescription required) skin care products, while prescription retinoids like Tretinoin contain retinoic acid, a more active retinoid with a higher potential for skin irritation, especially for new users. Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde) falls between retinol and retinoic acid in terms of irritation potential. All three retinoids “all ultimately give you the same benefit,” says Dr. Garshick.

Read on about the retinol products that our board of dermatologists recommends the most.

Our picks recommended by experts

Neutrogena retinol regenerating cream

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“When [retinol] it is in a cream, for example, in a retinol regenerating cream, it will be in a formula that is better for those who are just starting to use retinol for the first time and for those with dry or sensitive skin. This cream formulation will leave the skin beautiful and nourished.”— Dr. Marisa Garshick

Kate Somerville Retinol and Vitamin C Moisturizer

Ulta

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“I love combination products over layering serums. This product contains retinol and vitamin C, is light, applies smoothly and leaves the skin hydrated. This product is so well tolerated and is my favorite.”—Dr. Robyn Gymrek

15 Best Vitamin C Serums 2024 PEOPLE Tested

Borghese Energia Retinol Regenerating Night Oil

Macy’s

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Granactive retinoids can improve skin texture and reduce signs of premature aging. They are quickly absorbed, penetrate deep into the skin and are not greasy.

“I prefer Borghese Energia Retinol Regenerating Night Oil, which contains Granactive retinoids as well as dog-thorn pulp oil (rich in vitamins C and E, which help improve suppleness and reduce the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles) and grape pomace (helps improve elasticity and firmness) making this our star skin energizer.”—Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah

Farmacy 1% vitamin A retinol serum

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“[This serum] it’s powerful, but also gentle enough on the skin for almost everyone. It uses encapsulated retinol as well as fermented retinal. The encapsulation of retinol makes it more chemically stable and allows for a gradual release of retinol during the night, leading to less irritation. Fermentation of retinal also increases its stability, ensuring that it is active when applied to the skin.”

“The addition of ceramide and linoleic acid increases moisture and restores the skin barrier. It feels light and non-greasy, and I love that Farmacy is a partner of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization.”— Dr. Robyn Gymrek

Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream

Ulta

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“I love Kate Somerville Retinol Firming Eye Cream. It is aimed at the area under the eyes, which is very prone to aging crepey skin. Consistent use of a gentle retinol like this helps stimulate collagen and prevent the visible signs of aging.”— Dr. Haleh Bakshandeh

RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging facial moisturizer

Amazon

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“Roc Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Cream is a wonderful feeling retinol for dry skin. Hydrates with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and dimethicone. It is very well tolerated and provides moisture to the skin barrier overnight.”— Dr. Robyn Gymrek

Loretta Concentrated Firming Serum

Dr. Loretta

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Good news for people with sensitive skin: Dr. Loretta’s Firming Serum has been clinically proven to work on testers who were intolerant to other retinols. This retinol serum also includes ingredients designed to restore and heal the skin barrier.

“I developed this product to address the redness, flaking and dryness (what we dermatologists call retinoid dermatitis) that many of my dermatology patients have experienced from other retinol products. This product contains 0.5 percent retinol with high levels of bioidentical skin lipids to replenish the skin’s healthy, moisture-locking oils that are depleted by using retinol.” — Dr. Loretta Ciraldo

The 11 Best Anti-Aging Serums for Firmer, Brighter Skin, According to Real Women

Alastin Skin Care Retinol 0.25%

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“Alastin Skin Care Retinol 0.25% feels great and also includes antioxidants like coenzyme Q10 as well as oat ceramide extract and glycerin that soothe the skin and protect the skin barrier from irritation. Alastin uses lipid-encapsulated retinol to enhance delivery while minimizing irritation.”— Dr. Robyn Gymrek

Neutrogena Retinol Pro

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This tends to be a lighter product, so it’s good for those who may tolerate retinol better or those with oilier skin. It is also good for the summer months.

“It uses this proprietary ingredient known as accelerated retinol with complex, which combines retinol with hyaluronic acid and other ingredients that basically make retinol itself the most effective. By that we mean it will be delivered over a longer period of time, which helps reduce skin irritation.”— Dr. Marisa Garshick

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Night Cream

Skinbetter

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Skinbetter Science Overnight Cream uses a proprietary ingredient called AlphaRet, a retinoid that also includes alpha hydroxy acid (aka AHA) for added smoothing results. The formula also includes soothing ceramides, hydrating glycolic acid and a blend of antioxidants.

“SkinBetter AlphaRet Night Cream contains retinol that, according to the company’s studies, is equivalent to a prescription retinoid but less irritating. It is light and absorbs quickly into the skin.” — Dr. Robyn Gymrek

Paula’s Choice treatment with 1% retinol

Dermstore

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“Paula Choice 1% Retinol Treatment is also a favorite because it also includes vitamin C and is very light and creamy but not greasy. It’s well-tolerated by most, yet still delivers a powerful dose of 1 percent retinol.”— Dr. Robyn Gymrek

A good combination of retinol

CeraVe moisturizing facial cleanser

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When it comes to choosing a facial cleanser, “stronger” doesn’t always mean better—in fact, a face wash that’s gentle on the skin is often best, especially for those with sensitive skin. “You really want it to be something like that [effectively removes] things you don’t want but [keeps] things you want,” says Dr. Garshick.

Our favorite gentle yet effective cleanser (and winner of the best in our face wash test) is CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which leaves skin clean without over-drying.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair moisturizing face cream

Amazon

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One of the common side effects of using retinol, especially for those just starting out, is dry, flaky skin. To combat dry, irritated skin, a deep moisturizer is an important addition to your routine.

One of the best moisturizers we’ve tested for dry skin is Toleriane Double Repair Facial Moisturizer from La Roche-Posay. It feels airy and light on the skin, and since it’s fragrance-free and allergy-tested, it’s great for sensitive or irritated skin.

Supergoop! An unprecedented sunscreen

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It’s a good sunscreen always an important final step in a good skin care routine, but it becomes even more important when you use retinol, which makes your skin “more sensitive to the sun,” says Dr. Garshick. “What happens when you use retinol is that it regulates skin cell turnover. So you’re always getting a fresh new set of skin cells, and those skin cells can be more sensitive to the sun,” she explains.

To protect those fresh new skin cells, a good sunscreen is key — luckily, we’re sun protection experts too. Of the countless facial sunscreens we’ve tested in our labs and at home, Supergoop takes the prestigious title of best overall thanks to its primer-like finish and lack of white cast.

Why trust PEOPLE?

Cai Cramer is a shopping writer for PEOPLE, and has been writing about skin care since 2021 (though she’s been researching it for much longer). Cai’s passion for skincare began with her first job at a facial spa when she was 16 and only deepened through her journalism training and first-hand testing of the latest skincare products. For this story, Cai spoke with award-winning dermatologists to create an affordable, expert-recommended guide to over-the-counter retinol products.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education