The 10 Best Retinol Products to Combat Breakouts

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One of the most powerful and multifaceted ingredients you can have in your beauty routine to achieve glowing skin is retinol. Whether it's in the form of a cream or serum, the ingredient not only improves skin elasticity and speeds up collagen synthesis—which minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—but it’s also a skincare powerhouse for addressing acne.

“Retinol is a remarkable ingredient known for its dual action in both preventing acne and treating breakouts effectively,” Usha Rajagopal, a board-certified plastic surgeon and medical director of San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, explains. She notes that retinoids (which can appear in over-the-counter products as retinyl esters, retinol, or retinaldehyde) accelerate cell turnover which in turn prevents the buildup of bacteria in the skin’s oil glands, a crucial factor in combating acne. “By regulating sebum levels, retinol helps maintain a balanced environment within the skin, minimizing the conditions conducive to acne formation,” Rajagopal says.

According to board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, retinoids are also helpful in preventing skin cells from sticking together within the follicles, which can eventually lead to acne. “Think of [retinoids] like pipe cleaners for your pores,” he tells Bazaar. Of course, like anything else in the beauty space, retinol is not a one-size-fits-all product, and finding a formula that will banish breakouts and prevent them from occurring in the first place can take a bit of trial and error. That’s where we come in—and trust us, we’ve tried a lot of skincare products.

Regardless if you’re looking for a retinol that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin or a potent overnight treatment that will leave your complexion clear and glowing by morning, there’s an option that will suit your skin’s particular needs. Ahead, find a few tried-and-tested retinol products to add to your acne-fighting routine, with plenty of five-star customer reviews to back them up.

Related: The Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine

Retinol Reform Treatment Serum

Retinol alone already works exceptionally well for fighting acne breakouts, but combining it with an alpha hydroxy acid? Clogged pores and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation don’t stand a chance. This cult-favorite formula from Shani Darden Skincare pulls double-duty to keep your skin clear and even-toned without any trace of irritation.

What Reviewers Are Saying: "This is hands down the best retinol (or skincare product in general) I’ve ever used. I’ve been using it for a month now and my skin has never ever looked so good. Not only has this helped with fine lines but it’s also evened out my skin tone a lot, helped prevent ongoing acne and helped fade acne scars. Expensive but amazing stuff!" —Chickabonbon

Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

Using a retinol moisturizer is a fantastic way to keep your skin hydrated while still fighting pesky breakouts. This extra nourishing night cream uses advanced retinol technology to smooth skin, even tone, and minimize breakouts while niacinamide and picolinamide support skin barrier health.

What Reviewers Are Saying: "The only thing I have ever used that cleared up my hormonal acne. Barely a blemish since using it. Buy this product. You will not regret it!" —SmileDoc16

Double Feature Retinol + AHA Overnight Facial

With a blend of time-release retinol, vitamin A, and AHAs, this serum offers a potent overnight treatment for brighter, healthier looking skin. The squalane base prevents dehydration while gradual retinol release keeps irritation at bay. Pimples stand no chance against this derm-developed formula.

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Not only does this sensitive skin-friendly formula contain encapsulated retinol but it also combines two natural retinol alternatives: Arophira and bakuchiol. The powerful blend is perfectly balanced to kick breakouts to the curb while fading hyperpigmentation and keeping pores clear.

What Reviewers Are Saying: I have sensitive, acne-prone skin and have always had a hard time using retinol. This has been the first I've ever used where my skin didn't super dry, itchy and red. Sold! —Vanessan

Lunar Bloom Retinal Serum

As nice as it would be never deal with acne after your teen years, most people will continue to experience a breakout or two later in life. However, a retinaldehyde serum like this botanical-rich formula can help to keep your skin smooth and luminous no matter your age. Apply it at night under your favorite moisturizer and you’ll wake up to clear, radiant skin.

What Reviewers Are Saying: "I have avoided retinal products for years now after some lackluster results and skin sensitivity. I knew that it was worth giving Ursa Major's version a try since every other product is so gentle and effective—of course this was the case with Lunar Bloom Retinal Serum! Highly recommend!" —Heidi D.

Crystal Retinal 3 Serum

This serum contains a potent form of vitamin A—retinaldehyde to be specific—which means you’re getting a lot of skincare bang for your buck. It also utilizes a crystal encapsulation method to slowly release the ingredients throughout the night and ensure your skin is never overwhelmed or irritated.

What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This was my first time trying a retinal and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience thus far. This product leaves my skin smooth and glowing with no irritation" —Riya

Clean Retinol

If you’re worried that a retinol product is going to dry out your skin and leave your face tight and irritated, this peptide-rich formula will be for you. Acne-prone skin still needs adequate moisture to avoid irritation, so when in doubt reach for this formula (which was formulated by a top plastic surgeon out of Chicago, no big deal). It may be on the pricey side but the luxe texture is worthwhile.

What Reviewers Are Saying: "The Clean Retinol is an amazing introductory retinol for those that have never used retinol before, and also for those who are looking to maintain retinol use. I use it nightly and my skin does not dry out. It has helped smoothing out fine lines and evening out my complexion." —Tiffany S.

Dreamwave 2% Bio-Retinoid Complex

Redness and texture issues frequently accompany acne breakouts, which is why using retinol mixed with a gentle AHA comes in clutch. This formula utilizes tranexamic acid, an increasingly popular skincare star, to smooth breakouts and keep your skin soft and supple.

What Reviewers Are Saying: "As someone who has extremely sensitive skin and has dealt with cystic acne for the majority of my adult life, I am always hesitant to start a new product especially a retinol. However, this product was kind to my skin. It is light, moisturizing, and smells great. As someone who was cautious to start a retinol, I was pleasantly surprised with the product. I would definitely recommend for other sensitive-skinned beauties!" —TH

Guaranteed to Exceed Expectations

Never worry about your retinol formula going bad or expiring before you use it ever again. This precision dose system from Exponent Beauty allows you to mix powdered retinol with liquid hyaluronic acid to activate the ingredients. Its potent formula will have your acne-prone skin looking glowy and feeling silky smooth in no time.

What Reviewers Are Saying: "I'm a fan! I loved using Exponent's retinol serum! I saw a serious difference in my skin after a couple of weeks - clearer, brighter, less pimples. I'm a really minimal skincare/makeup person and I loved how easy Exponent was to use. I liked knowing that I was using just enough and it was fun to mix myself as part of my routine. I also felt like I learned a lot about skincare and active ingredients." —Breanna O.

Retinol Face Stick with Encapsulated Retinol

If you’d rather swipe on your retinol in a more concentrated form, this water-free balm formula from Peace Out Skincare is an ideal addition to your skincare routine. The encapsulated retinol blend is gentle on the skin while still delivering a powerful boost of skin brightening, smoothing, and acne-fighting benefits.

What Reviewers Are Saying: "I love this formula! Very easy to use and travel friendly. I use this Retinol stick every day, all over my face. I’ve seen significant improvement with my skin’s texture, smaller pores and reduced under eye wrinkles. Love love love this product!!!" —Kat L.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Usha Rajagopal is a board-certified plastic surgeon and medical director of San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center.

• Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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