Find the right retinol serum for your skin – without the marketing noise.

We read the ingredient lists, derm-reviews and real customer feedback so you don’t have to. Compare strengths, textures and price per ml in one place.

See which retinol products work best for beginners vs. experienced users.
Understand the difference between retinol, retinal, tretinoin and bakuchiol.
Spot red flags like high alcohol, fragrance overload and unrealistic claims.

Our goal is simple: help you pick a safe, effective retinol – and avoid wasting money on hype.

Top retinol serums – side by side

Ratings are based on formula quality, strength, price per ml and real-world feedback. We may earn a commission when you buy via our links – at no extra cost to you. Want to go deeper? Read our guides on retinol for beginners, strong retinol (0.5–1%), retinol vs retinal, tretinoin vs retinol and retinol side effects.

Shop	Product	Best for	Strength	Key ingredients	Our rating	Price*
View offer	CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Best for beginners	Oily / blemish-prone · sensitive	Encapsulated retinol · low–medium	Ceramides, niacinamide, licorice root extract. Fragrance-free, barrier-friendly.	★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 formula score	~$18 ≈ $0.60 per ml
View offer	The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion Best budget option	Normal to dry · experienced users	Granactive retinoid 2% · medium	Lightweight emulsion with advanced retinoid technology. Fragrance-free, designed to reduce irritation vs classic retinol.	★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5 formula score	~$10 ≈ $0.33 per ml
View offer	La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum Best for fine lines	Normal · combination · early ageing	Retinol + retinyl palmitate · low–medium	Niacinamide, glycerin, hydrating base. Gentle but effective over time.	★★★★☆ 4.5 / 5 formula score	~$40 ≈ $1.33 per ml
View offer	Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment High-strength	Experienced retinol users · photo-ageing	1% retinol · high	Peptides, vitamin C, licorice extract. Powerful – must introduce slowly.	★★★★☆ 4.4 / 5 formula score	~$65 ≈ $2.17 per ml

How to choose the right retinol strength

Stronger is not always better. If your skin barrier is not ready, high-strength products can cause burning, peeling and breakouts.

Beginners: start with encapsulated or low-dose retinol 2–3 nights per week.
Intermediate: once your skin is calm, move up to 0.3–0.5% retinol or retinal.
Advanced: 1% retinol or prescription tretinoin should only be used on a stable routine.

Who should avoid retinol?

Retinoids are powerful actives. Some people should use them with extra caution or avoid them completely.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people (talk to your doctor first).
Very sensitive, eczema-prone or damaged skin barriers.
If you are on other strong treatments (e.g. oral isotretinoin).

Retinol FAQ

How long does it take to see results from retinol?

Most people start to notice smoother texture after 6–8 weeks and more visible changes in fine lines and pigmentation after 3–6 months of consistent use.

Can I use retinol and vitamin C together?

Yes – but not necessarily in the same step. Many dermatologists suggest using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night to reduce irritation and maximise benefits from both.

Do I really need sunscreen if I use retinol?

Absolutely. Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to UV. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is non-negotiable if you want to keep the results you get from retinol.

*Prices and availability are approximate and can change at any time. Always check the latest price on the retailer’s website.

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