11 Best Retinol Serums and Creams for Everyone

Needing no introduction, Retinol is the skincare ingredient everyone’s talking about - and for good reason. It’s one of the *most* effective skincare ingredients on the market and is guaranteed to speed up cell renewal, improve skin texture and dial up your luminosity. The downside? It can be irritating if you don’t suit the dosage to your skin. There are various strengths of Retinol on the market but don’t fret, we’ve picked the best Retinols for every skin type, area and concern. 

Best Retinol serums and creams at a glance - our top picks:

Best Retinol for beginners: The INKEY List Retinol Serum, £12.99

Best Retinol for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum for Sensitive Skin, £44.55

Best eye cream with Retinol: MEDIK8 Crystal Retinal Eye 6, £54

Best night Retinol cream: DRUNK ELEPHANT A-Passioni Retinol Cream, £66.90

Best affordable Retinol: The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, £7.90

Q: What is Retinol?

A: A form of Vitamin A, Retinol is used in skincare for its potential skin-loving benefits. As part of the Retinoid family, which includes Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin), Retinaldehyde, and Retinyl Palmitate, Retinol plays a key role in promoting skin health and addressing (almost) all the skin concerns that you may have.

Q: What does Retinol do to your skin?

A: There’s a reason so many people have jumped on the Retinol hype. So, what is Retinol good for? And what does Retinol do for your face? The complexion benefits of Retinol are huge. It stimulates Collagen production, a protein that helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity. The result? Fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced, helping to minimise signs of ageing and sun damage.

Retinol renews the skin by encouraging cell turnover, which means it helps the skin shed old, dull or damaged cells and generate new ones. Its exfoliating and renewing properties can improve skin texture, leading to a smoother and more even-toned complexion. Retinol can also be an effective acne treatment, preventing clogged pores while reducing inflammation and fading dark spots. It's a dream ingredient for fresh, vibrant, and more youthful-looking skin.

Q: How to use Retinol

A: Using Retinol requires some care and attention to minimise the risk of irritation and maximise its benefits. If you're new to Retinol, start by incorporating it slowly into your skincare routine, using a lower concentration (around 0.25% or 0.5%) to allow your skin to get used to it.

Wondering how to apply Retinol? Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry before applying a pea-sized amount of Retinol to clean, dry skin. This helps to enhance absorption. Once applied, follow up with a heavier moisturiser to hydrate and lock in moisture.

Most importantly, sun protection is crucial when using Retinol, as it can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Our non-negotiable is to always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day (even on cloudy days!).

Q: How long does Retinol take to work?

A: It may take some time for visible results to become noticeable, and improvements to your skin may be gradual. What works for you may not work for your family member or best friend (we know you usually share everything). Individual responses to Retinol can vary depending on the skin concern being addressed, the percentage of Retinol used, and unique skin characteristics.

As the skin's natural cell turnover cycle is approximately 28 days, it takes about a month for new skin cells to replace old ones. But Retinol may improve your skin texture and tone within a few weeks. Reduction in acne concerns, hyperpigmentation, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may take longer, often several weeks to a few months.

Our top tip? Remain patient. Consistency is key with your skincare routine. Listen to your skin and adjust your routine accordingly. Your skin will thank you.

Q: How often should you use Retinol?

A: How often you use Retinol depends on your skin type, the specific product you're using, and how well your skin tolerates the ingredient. Should you use Retinol everyday? Not if you're a beginner. This might upset your skin at first as Retinol can be potent, so we advise not being too hasty. Begin by using it once or twice a week for the first few weeks. Then if your skin tolerates Retinol well without much irritation, you can gradually increase how often you use it over time. Move to using it every other night and, eventually, to every night, if appropriate for your skin.

If you experience lots of dryness, redness, or persistent irritation, tone down the frequency of Retinol application. Consider the product strength, too, as higher concentrations of Retinol may require more gradual introduction with less frequent use. Please note that Retinol and sensitive skin should be approached cautiously. If you have skin concerns or conditions, or if you're unsure about using Retinol, we advise consulting with a dermatologist before adding it into your routine.

Q: When to start using Retinol

A: The ideal time for when to use Retinol depends on your skin concerns, age, and lifestyle. So, at what age should you start using Retinol? If you're using it as a preventative measure against signs of ageing, you can start using Retinol in your late 20s or early 30s. Or it can be introduced during teenage years or early adulthood to address acne concerns and promote clear skin. You may wish to start using Retinol earlier or later in life, or whenever uneven skin tone, rough texture, or enlarged pores become noticeable. It's also great for those of you who've lapped up significant time in the sun without adequate sun protection (remember to always apply SPF, yes, we're looking at you).

Q: What can't you use with Retinol?

A: While it’s a skin-saving solution, there are some ingredients that Retinol doesn’t play nice with. Don’t make the same mistakes as us when we first started, and avoid using it with Benzoyl Peroxide that's commonly found in acne treatments, AHA’s (like Glycolic Acid), BHA’s (like Salicylic Acid), and Vitamin C. If you want to still use them all, consider applying them on alternate days or nights.

Steer clear of harsh cleansers and physical exfoliants when using Retinol, as you don't want to potentially damage the skin barrier or increase sensitivity. And, be cautious with products containing Alcohol or other drying ingredients. Also, it's generally not recommended to use Retinol during pregnancy, so if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, make sure to consult with a healthcare professional before use.

You don’t have to completely change your routine though; Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide will actually improve your results with Retinol. We’ve tried and tested the very best Retinol, and have listed the game-changers below. 

By Sephora UK Skincare Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 05 March 2024