Best Retinol Serums for Beginners
If you’ve never used retinol before, the goal is not to “see results fast”. The goal is to teach your skin to tolerate vitamin A without destroying your barrier.
What makes a beginner-friendly retinol?
- Lower strength or encapsulated retinol.
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free base.
- Support ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin.
Our favourite beginner serums
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Encapsulated retinol plus niacinamide and ceramides make this an ideal entry point for oily and blemish-prone skin. Start 2 nights per week, then build up slowly.
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
A gentle blend of retinol and retinyl palmitate with niacinamide for extra calm. Great if your main concern is early fine lines and dullness rather than acne.
View La Roche-Posay offer on Amazon
How to build a beginner retinol routine
- Cleanse with a mild, non-stripping cleanser.
- Wait until your skin is completely dry.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to the whole face.
- Seal with a simple, fragrance-free moisturiser.
- Use SPF 30+ every morning.
When to stay at beginner strength
If you still experience frequent flaking, burning or redness, your skin is telling you it's not ready to go stronger yet. Stay at low-dose retinol until your barrier is calm.