Do you wish that you could regain the youthful glow that your skin had in years past? Sun damage, environmental irritants, the natural aging process, and even acne can compromise the health of your skin over time. These factors can result in fine lines, scarring, discoloration, and sagging skin.
With retinol cream, it’s possible to turn back the clock on your skin. As a potent form of vitamin A, retinol stimulates the skin’s healing process for regeneration from the inside out [R].
But, to ensure that you reap all of the benefits that retinol has to offer, it’s crucial to find a top-notch retinol cream. So, we’ve rounded up the best retinol products recommended by dermatologists to help you add this powerhouse ingredient to your skincare regimen.
Contents
- Our Top 10 Retinol Skin Care Products
- Our Top Pick: The Best Retinol Anti-Aging Cream
- The Best Affordable Retinol Night Cream for the Face and Neck
- The Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin
- The Best Retinol Serum with Ceramides
- The Best Retinol for Acne
- The Best Wrinkle Cream with Retinol
- The Best Retinol Night Cream with Vegan Retinol
- The Best Pure Retinol Cream for The Eyes
- The Best Retinol Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
- The Best Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Cream
- The Benefits of Retinol Creams for Acne, Hyperpigmentation, and Facial Lines
- Possible Side Effects of Retinol
- Ingredients To Avoid Mixing with Retinol
- FAQ:
- Q: What is the strongest retinol cream over the counter?
- Q: Which beauty cream has the most retinol?
- Q: What percent retinol is best?
- Q: Which over-the-counter retinol has the most retinol?
- Q: What’s the difference between retinoid and retinol?
- Q: What is the highest over-the-counter retinol concentration?
- Q: How can I find the best drugstore retinol?
- Q: What SPF do I need to wear while using a moisturizer with retinol?
- Q: Can I use retinol if I have combination skin?
- Conclusion: Choosing the Best Anti-Aging Cream with Retinol
Our Top 10 Retinol Skin Care Products
Our Top Pick: The Best Retinol Anti-Aging Cream
LifeCell All-In-One Skin-Tightening Treatment
The LifeCell All-In-One Skin-Tightening Treatment made it to the top of our list. We’ve deemed it the best retinol for aging skin because it pairs retinol with an impressive blend of anti-aging ingredients, including:
- DMAE
DMAE is a compound used in skin care products for its ability to help firm the skin and fight inflammation [R].
- Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found throughout the body. In skincare products, this ingredient helps the skin retain moisture, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and boosts skin elasticity [R].
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It helps fight free radical damage in the skin to prevent premature skin aging. It can also be used to brighten the skin and enhance collagen production, leading to brighter, healthier-looking skin overall [R].
The All-In-One Skin-Tightening Treatment from LifeCell provides both an immediate and long-term improvement to the appearance of aging skin. The lightweight cream contains microfillers and light-reflecting microtechnology to diminish the appearance of fine lines and discoloration immediately upon application. The formula also works beneath the surface of the skin to repair damage and diminish signs of aging over time.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Contains a unique variety of anti-aging ingredients, including retinol, DMAE, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid
- Microfillers and light-reflecting microtechnology improve the appearance of the skin immediately upon application
Cons:
- More expensive than other products on this list
The Best Affordable Retinol Night Cream for the Face and Neck
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Max Facial Moisturizer
The Retinol24 MAX Night Face Moisturizer from Olay is one of the best OTC retinol creams available at a drugstore price. It now contains a higher percentage of Retinol 24 Hydrating Complex, which provides a visible improvement to wrinkles and discoloration.
This Olay Regenerist retinol cream contains the brand’s Retinoid Complex and Skin Energizing Complex for skin rejuvenation.
- Retinoid Complex
Olay’s proprietary retinoid formula works while you sleep to diminish the appearance of dark spots, enlarged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Skin Energizing Complex
This night cream contains Olay’s Skin Energizing Complex, which is a combination of niacinamide (vitamin B3) and a natural plant extract with a peptide blend. These ingredients work together to give the skin a smoother, brighter look.
Free of fragrance, mineral oil, phthalates, and synthetic dyes, this retinol cream is safe for all skin types. However, people with dry skin may need to limit their use to every other night as the skin adjusts to the retinoid complex.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Contains Olay’s Retinoid Complex and Skin Energizing Complex to brighten and rejuvenate the skin overnight
Cons:
- The formula doesn’t absorb quickly into the skin
The Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
The 1% Retinol Treatment from Paula’s Choice is a robust retinol solution. It provides both hydration and rejuvenation with a controlled-release delivery system, which helps prevent retinol sensitivity.
With a high concentration of retinol, this cream from Paula’s Choice is one of the most potent retinol treatments available over-the-counter. It works quickly to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone.
Along with retinol, the Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment contains:
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is included in this treatment for its ability to brighten and even out the skin tone.
- Licorice extract
Licorice extract has a soothing effect on the skin. In this retinol cream, it helps alleviate irritation and redness.
- Oat extract
Oat extract is another soothing ingredient in this retinol cream. It helps restore the skin barrier to prevent redness, itching, and irritation [R].
- Ceramide NG
Ceramide NG is an emollient that supports the skin barrier and deeply hydrates the skin.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Contains a high-strength 1% retinol concentration with a controlled-release delivery system
- Contains soothing ingredients to prevent redness and irritation
Cons:
- More expensive than other products on this list
The Best Retinol Serum with Ceramides
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
The Resurfacing Retinol Serum from CeraVe contains encapsulated retinol to correct acne marks and discoloration. It’s designed to smooth out the skin texture, shrink pores, and fade acne scarring without disrupting the protective skin barrier.
In addition to encapsulated retinol, which resurfaces the skin by promoting its natural exfoliation process, this formula contains:
- 3 essential ceramides
Included in all of CeraVe’s skincare products, essential ceramides strengthen the skin barrier. CeraVe uses MVE technology to encapsulate these ceramides, which ensures a gradual release and effective delivery to the skin barrier.
- Niacinamide
Niacinamide soothes the skin and fights inflammation. It’s been found to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation from acne scars [R].
- Licorice root extract
Licorice root extract soothes and brightens the skin.
This retinol serum from CeraVe is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-comedogenic, making it a great choice for acne-prone skin.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Safe for all skin types
- Contains encapsulated retinol to diminish acne scarring and hyperpigmentation
- Contains 3 essential ceramides to support the skin barrier
Cons:
- Compared to other retinol products, doesn’t provide dramatic results
The Best Retinol for Acne
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Refining Night Cream
People looking to fight acne breakouts and signs of aging simultaneously may benefit from the SkinCeuticals Retinol 1% Refining Night Cream. This product is ideal for people who have already been using retinol (0.5%) and are ready to increase to a higher concentration. By preconditioning the skin with a lower concentration of retinol, you can avoid dryness, peeling, and irritation.
With a pure retinol concentration of 1%, this cream can visibly improve the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration, enlarged pores, and acne. It features the most advanced stabilization and delivery technologies so that the retinol is released evenly over time.
In addition to 1% pure retinol, this SkinCeuticals cream contains a soothing complex with bisabolol (from the chamomile plant) and boswellia serrata extracts. These natural ingredients calm the skin and prevent the irritation that commonly occurs with retinol creams.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Safe for normal, oily, and combination skin
- 1% retinol diminishes wrinkles, discoloration, enlarged pores, and acne breakouts
- Contains soothing plant extracts to prevent irritation
Cons:
- More expensive than other products on this list
The Best Wrinkle Cream with Retinol
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
If you’re on the lookout for a deep wrinkle night cream, the RoC Retinol Correxion cream could be the right choice for you. This cream is formulated to diminish wrinkles and firm the skin while you sleep. RoC claims that this product can reduce deep wrinkles by up to 50% in 12 weeks.
The RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream contains pure RoC Retinol and the brand’s unique mineral complex. Pure retinol combats wrinkles by accelerating skin cell turnover. The mineral complex hydrates the skin and improves the effectiveness of the retinol complex.
RoC Retinol is backed by over 100 clinical studies, 75 safety studies, 27 years of research, and 35 patents. So, it’s fair to say that you can trust this retinol cream to deliver on its promises. But, the formula contains fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- RoC Retinol can diminish deep wrinkles by 50% in 12 weeks
- Mineral complex hydrates the skin to prevent irritation
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
The Best Retinol Night Cream with Vegan Retinol
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol
The A-Passioni Retinol cream from Drunk Elephant is a potent night cream containing 1% vegan retinol and a healthy dose of peptides. These ingredients work together to increase collagen production in the skin, leading to firmer, rejuvenated skin and fewer acne breakouts.
Along with retinol and a triple peptide blend, this hydrating night cream contains a blend of moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients, including:
- Vitamin F
As one of many fatty acids that are commonly used in skincare, Vitamin F soothes redness, irritation, and inflammation [R].
- Natural oils
This cream contains passion fruit oil, apricot oil, marula oil, and jojoba oil. These natural ingredients restore moisture in the skin to offset the potentially drying effects of retinol.
- Kale, winter cherry, and xanthophylls
These antioxidant-rich ingredients protect the skin against environmental stressors that can accelerate skin aging.
Drunk Elephant includes a mini bottle of its B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum with each bottle of the A-Passioni Retinol cream. The brand recommends mixing these products together, especially at first, to help your skin acclimate to the retinol.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Contains 1% vegan retinol to rejuvenate the skin
- An antioxidant-rich blend of kale, winter cherry, and xanthophylls protects the skin against environmental irritants
- All Drunk Elephant products are designed to work together (you can combine them before applying)
Cons:
- Can cause redness, blotchiness, and skin irritation if too much is used at once
The Best Pure Retinol Cream for The Eyes
La Roche-Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
This pure retinol eye cream from La Roche-Posay is designed specifically for crow’s feet and dark circles around the eyes. It’s gentle enough to use around the delicate eye area and even has a lifting effect on sagging skin.
The key ingredients in this retinol eye cream include:
- Pure retinol
La Roche-Posay features gradual-release retinol in this eye cream to optimize its benefits for aging skin. Derived from retinoic acid, it helps soften wrinkles around the eyes.
- Caffeine
Caffeine is an antioxidant that can diminish under-eye bags.
- Glycerin
Glycerin from vegetable sources acts as a powerful humectant, meaning that it draws moisture from its surroundings into the skin.
- Dimethicone
Dimethicone is a silicone-based polymer that can minimize water loss in the skin.
- La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
This antioxidant-rich ingredient is unique to La Roche-Posay and offers soothing benefits for the skin.
Together, these ingredients make for a sensitive skin-friendly eye cream with retinol. This product features a gel texture to refresh and nourish the under-eye area.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Safe for the sensitive skin around the eyes
- Pure retinol helps diminish crow’s feet and dark under-eye circles
- Antioxidant-rich caffeine helps brighten the under-eye area
Cons:
- May not be strong enough to diminish deep eye wrinkles and bags
The Best Retinol Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream
The FAB Skin Lab Retinol Eye Cream is a rejuvenating product designed for signs of aging around the eyes. Along with microencapsulated retinol, it contains tri-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to lock moisture into the skin.
This cruelty-free, sensitive skin-friendly eye cream contains the following ingredients to moisturize and refresh the delicate eye area:
- Microencapsulated retinol, which ensures a gradual release over time to prevent irritation
- Triple-weight hyaluronic acid, is plumps, smooths, and moisturizes the skin
- Micro-pearls, which are finely-milled, light-reflecting minerals to create a more luminous appearance
- First Aid Beauty’s Skin Saver Complex contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, and ceramides to calm and nurture mature skin
This retinol formula is designed for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin. It’s free of all potential irritants, including drying alcohols, artificial colorants, artificial fragrance, mineral oil, parabens, sulfates, talc, phthalates, formaldehyde, oxybenzone, hydroquinone, and ethanol. It’s also gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and nano-free.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Safe for all skin types
- Microencapsulated retinol and triple-weight hyaluronic acid work to smooth, plump, and brighten the under-eye area
- First Aid Beauty’s Skin Saver Complex prevents excess dryness and irritation
Cons:
- May not provide enough rich hydration for some users (too lightweight)
The Best Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Cream
Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Concentrate
The LiftActiv Retinol Treatment from Vichy is a high-concentration pure retinol cream for mature skin. This fast-absorbing product is formulated to improve the appearance of wrinkles and an uneven skin tone.
Along with Vichy’s highest concentration of pure retinol, this cream contains LR2412. This ingredient is a derivative of jasmonic acid, and it provides 2 key benefits to the skin.
For one, LR2412 enhances and speeds up the skin’s natural repair process. Additionally, it strengthens the skin’s protection against environmental irritants. With these benefits in mind, LR2412 works together with pure retinol to plump, firm, and smooth aging skin.
Additionally, the LiftActiv Retinol Treatment contains Vichy Volcanic Water. This ingredient contains 15 essential minerals that bolster the skin barrier and offer protection against environmental stressors, such as pollution.
Pros:
- Paraben-free
- Pure retinol smooths wrinkles and plumps mature skin
- LR2412 and Vichy Volcanic Water protect the skin against environmental irritants
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- May irritate dry and sensitive skin types
The Benefits of Retinol Creams for Acne, Hyperpigmentation, and Facial Lines
Collagen Production
Retinol has been found to support the development of collagen fibers in the skin [R]. Collagen is a key protein throughout the body – it contributes to the skin’s strength, elasticity, and plumpness.
As people age, the body gradually produces less collagen. This contributes to signs of aging including wrinkles, sagging skin, and discoloration. So, by enhancing collagen production, retinol can help reduce signs of aging.
Skin Cell Turnover
Retinol also increases skin cell turnover. This means that it helps the skin shed dead skin cells and develop new, healthy cells to take their place.
By accelerating skin cell turnover, retinol helps diminish dark spots and wrinkles while evening out the skin tone.
Possible Side Effects of Retinol
Here are some side effects that you should know.
Wear Sunscreen To Prevent Skin Damage
Retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. This means that while you’re using retinol in your skincare routine, your skin will be more susceptible to sun damage.
With this in mind, it’s even more important to apply sunscreen each morning while you’re using retinol. Make sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every two hours for optimal sun protection.
Use Ingredients that Protect the Skin Barrier
Retinol can cause dryness and irritation, especially if your skin hasn’t yet acclimated to the product. So, make sure to include a powerful moisturizing formula in your beauty regimen to ensure that retinol doesn’t compromise xyour skin’s protective barrier.
Ingredients that can help strengthen the skin barrier include:
Ceramides
Ceramides are lipids that help keep the skin barrier intact. Low levels of ceramides can contribute to skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and even acne [R].
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide has been shown to improve the function of the epidermal barrier and provide anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin [R].
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin retain moisture.
Peptides
Peptides are strings of amino acids that the body needs to produce proteins like collagen and elastin [R]. In skincare products, peptides improve the skin barrier and offer anti-aging benefits.
Ingredients To Avoid Mixing with Retinol
Certain ingredients can have adverse effects when mixed with retinol, including:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C brightens the skin and offers protection against free radical damage. It’s best used during the day, while retinol often works best at night. Used at the same time, these ingredients can irritate the skin [R].
Benzoyl Peroxide
If benzoyl peroxide and retinol are used at the same time, they neutralize each other. So, to reap the benefits of either ingredient, they should be used separately.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Retinol and alpha hydroxy acid can both compromise the skin barrier. So, if you use them together, you may experience redness, dryness, and irritation [R].
FAQ:
Q: What is the strongest retinol cream over the counter?
The highest percentage of retinol that you can purchase over the counter is 1%.
Q: Which beauty cream has the most retinol?
Beauty creams that contain 1% retinol, such as Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1% Refining Night Cream, and Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, contain the most retinol available over the counter.
Q: What percent retinol is best?
For a visible improvement to imperfections without irritating the skin, look for a retinol concentration of 0.25% to 1%. If your skin isn’t acclimated to retinol, start with a lower concentration [R].
Q: Which over-the-counter retinol has the most retinol?
Creams with a 1% concentration of retinol have the most retinol available over the counter.
Q: What’s the difference between retinoid and retinol?
Retinol and retinoids are both types of vitamin A. However, retinoids are typically found in stronger, more concentrated prescription skincare products. Retinol products are generally available over the counter [R].
Q: What is the highest over-the-counter retinol concentration?
The highest over-the-counter concentration of retinol is 1%.
Q: How can I find the best drugstore retinol?
To find the best drugstore retinol, look for a retinol concentration that matches your needs and skin type. Then, look for other ingredients in the product that will help prevent skin irritation, such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Q: What SPF do I need to wear while using a moisturizer with retinol?
Yes, you should always wear SPF 30 during the day while you’re using retinol.
Q: Can I use retinol if I have combination skin?
Yes, retinol is safe to use on combination skin. Just make sure to start with a low concentration and keep the skin moisturized to prevent irritation.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Anti-Aging Cream with Retinol
Retinol creams are the most powerful anti-aging skin care products available without a prescription. With the ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and even acne, retinol can bring you closer to your beauty goals.
Before using a retinol serum or cream, ensure that it’s a concentration that your skin can handle. Additionally, ensure that your skincare routine includes hydrating ingredients to prevent excess dryness.
With all of these factors in mind, our recommendation for the best retinol cream goes to the LifeCell All-In-One Skin-Tightening Treatment.
This potent skin care product contains a blend of rejuvenating ingredients, including retinol, to dramatically enhance the appearance of your skin. For anyone looking to regain the plump, smooth skin of their youth, this retinol cream is worth a look.
