The 17 Best Retinol Creams for Smoother, Brighter Skin

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For those regularly dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, there’s one product staple that can help combat each skin issue at once: the best retinol creams. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is clinically proven to stimulate cell turnover while increasing collagen production, a process that naturally slows as we age. Nicely, retinol also serves as an effective acne treatment that minimizes breakouts while evening skin.

"All retinol creams and serums accelerate cellular turnover of the outer layers of the skin. Almost everyone can benefit from implementing retinol or prescription retinoids into their routine," dermatologist Libby Rhee, clinical instructor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai tells Bazaar. "Retinols and retinoids aid in cellular renewal, which also can indirectly boost collagen production over time, and contribute to a brighter, more evenly pigmented complexion while improving skin tone and texture."

As with any skincare product, consistency is key when it comes to retinol to see optimal results. It’s also important to note that the best retinol creams often have a lower concentration of actives than more targeted retinol serums. "These skin rejuvenating benefits take consistency and time," Rhee adds. "When combined with other healthy skincare habits such as cleansing, moisturizing, and using regular SPF, the effect can be glowing, more resilient skin that looks and feels healthier!"

Whether you’re new to the wonders of retinol or in search of a new regular formula, we asked top experts and scoured the internet for some of the best retinol creams from SkinCeuticals, La Roche-Posay, and more for every skin type and concern. Read on for our favorites, plus more retinol tips.

Related: The Best Retinol Products to Combat Breakouts

High Potency Classics Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer

They call it beauty rest for a reason, and this hardworking retinol cream from the experts at Perricone MD makes it easy to get plenty of it—and then some. This favorite harnesses the power of hyaluronic acid to plump and smooth skin as you sleep while reducing fine lines and loss of elasticity.

Customer review: "I was skeptical but this product has made my face so smooth and moist. I use it every night and my lines are lessening. I feel and look fresher. Try it!" —Cynthia K.

Ceramide Retinol + HPR Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream

For a more lightweight take on a retinol cream, try this formula from Elizabeth Arden; the water cream texture can be used morning and night, and never feels cloying on the skin. But with HPR (or high-performance retinol), skin-strengthening ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, it's just as—if not more—effective, as the formulation may help reduce wrinkles in just one week.

Customer review: "This is my first skincare product from Elizabeth Arden and now I understand why there are so many fans of this brand. Retinol is an absolute must for my skin, and I can trust that this brand uses the highest quality retinol possible over the counter. Feels wonderful on my skin. It doesn’t dry me out at all, but my skin is pretty used to retinols. I also usually prefer unscented products but this smells luscious. Love it."—BirdNerd

+ Vitamin C Night Renewal Moisturizer

For more advanced retinol users, this vegan, one-percent formulation from Beauty Pie might become your new favorite. In addition to leaving skin looking and feeling more plump and hydrated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and shea butter, it also uses vitamin C to brighten discoloration while you sleep.

Customer review: "Been using for only a week so far, but skin is glowy, lines are softer, hyperpigmentation reduced. Pores smaller, better skin texture. Will continue using it. Smells lovely, too." —KimH81

Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

We consider this staple from Murad one of the best retinol creams because of its versatility. Not only is it ideal for firming skin and reducing fine lines, but the formula—also containing algae extract and niacinamide—also aims to help strengthen the skin barrier.

Customer review: "This product is amazing! After using nightly, my skin was smoother, more plump, and I noticed a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles." —RDarr

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

This face cream is a powerhouse of skin-restoring ingredients. In addition to retinol, it also contains plumping hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid to minimize hyperpigmentation, and the brand’s signature ECG Complex to keep skin firm.

Customer review: "Really loving this wrinkle cream, I just turned 40 and I’ve been using this cream almost twice daily for about three weeks. I can see a real difference! A lot of the fine creases around my eyes have diminished and the deeper smile lines are plumper. I feel like it’s easily taken five years off, maybe more. Would definitely recommend!" —misspriscilla96

Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

Another of our favorite retinol creams, this ultra-rich version uses hyaluronic acid and fatty acids to minimize irritation and includes the brightening power of vitamin C for the ultimate glow-up.

Customer review: "This moisturizer is amazing. I am 52 and have been using this for about a year—it has really made a difference in the appearance of my skin. I noticed a difference after a couple of weeks. My complexion is smoother, clearer, and the fine lines around my eyes are a lot less noticeable." —Tracy S.

Universal Pro Retinol

Containing 0.5 percent retinyl sunflowerate—retinol derived from sunflower seed fatty acids—plus stevia leaf extract, this cream is one of the gentlest on our list (and even deemed safe for sensitive skin). While it's effective at smoothing lines and wrinkles, it won't leave you feeling dry, since its formula is packed with humectants, like glycerin, to hydrate your complexion. That said, you may need another layer of moisturizer on top, especially if you have dry skin.

Customer review: "I was in search of a retinol product and I’m glad I found this one. I followed the instructions to apply at night a few times a week and gradually move up. I’m now using almost every night. I have very sensitive skin and this has not bothered me at all." —Chloe S.

Resist Intensive Repair Cream

This highly-rated face cream has a little bit of everything: A low concentration of retinol (0.01 percent) provides line-smoothing benefits. Jojoba oil keeps skin hydrated while a whole host of antioxidants protect skin from environmental stressors.

Customer review: "I use this product every day after my routine and it has become my favorite moisturizer. The visual results that come from this are amazing. It has helped keep me clear and my skin looking vibrant and fresh."—ST

Retinol 0.5

Talk about a multi-tasking routine essential: This refining night cream from Skinceuticals uses encapsulated retinol and botanical extracts to calm irritation while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Customer review: "I’ve been using this product for a couple of months or so and have noticed an improvement in skin tone already. The key is consistency! I don’t have many wrinkles I am targeting and instead am trying to correct for some dark spots. Would recommend!" —Jgirl

A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Skincare TikTok is obsessed with this concentrated, one-percent retinol from Drunk Elephant, which also features a peptide blend and vitamin F. It's not only ideal for improving skin dullness and uneven texture but also happens to be entirely vegan.

Customer review: "The best retinol product I've ever used and the only one I've seen results from. Reduced my hyperpigmentation to the point that you can barely notice it. Be careful about how often you use it when you start as it is quite strong. Don't use it two days in a row until your skin is used to it." —krissy428

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream

You'll notice smoother, brighter skin and softened lines in just a week of daily use with this drugstore favorite, which also contains plumping hyaluronic acid. But as with all retinol, you'll need to use it consistently to see the best results.

Customer review: "This stuff really works. If I get busy and don't use it for a few days I notice a difference and not in a good way. When used consistently this cream reduces my crow's feet and other fine lines, keeps my skin perfectly moisturized, and just gives my skin a healthy glow." —Dani36

Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream

Fans of Avène's Thermal Spring Water and tinted sunscreen should make room in their summer lineup for this velvety retinol cream from the brand. In addition to vitamin A, it also uses ingredients like vitamin E to even skin tone while smoothing deep wrinkles and protecting against environmental stressors.

Customer review: "My aesthetician recommended this product a few years ago. I have sensitive skin and have been very pleased with the results. I use it every other night." —Colleen

Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème

For those dealing with dry skin and fine lines, this hydrating retinol—also containing hyaluronic acid—should be right up your alley, since it's made to keep your skin moisturized for the long haul.

Customer review: "I saw a difference after one application. I applied the product and kinda forgot about it. I walked by a mirror and caught my reflection out of the corner of my eye, stopped, and did a double take—I could not believe the difference. It works, smells wonderful, and is affordable. I plan on trying other RoC products." —Rebecca D.

Advanced Retinol Nightly Renewal Face Moisturizer with Retinol

Retinol, retinal (a relative of the former), and niacin combine to leave skin looking refreshed overnight. We love how this cream also has anti-redness ingredients, just in case your skin is a little more sensitive.

Customer Review: "Great moisturizer and reduces the look of fine lines! I have purchased it before. This is a reorder. Buy it and your skin will thank you!" —Maura M.

Retinol Intense+

Apply this powerful cream—which combines encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, soy bean extract retinol and botanicals to brighten hyperpigmentation and soothe visible redness—to your face and neck to redefine beauty rest.

Customer review: "I have had issues using retinol in the past but this one is extremely gentle. I love the results. It's made my skin vibrant, smooth and clear. I suffered with acne and fine lines and it's helped with both."—Heathersbarre

Redermic R Retinol Cream

Made with retinol and lipo-hydroxy acid (a derivative of salicylic acid) to gently exfoliate, this lightweight cream also nicely helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow's feet. And as a bonus, you never have to worry about this formula feeling greasy on your skin.

Customer review: "I would give this product 10 stars if I could. I have been using the La Roche-Posay Effaclar line of products for six months now. At around month four, I decided to add in this retinol product and it took my skin to the next level. I have never had this clear of a complexion, even when I was taking acne meds! I have also noticed a significant reduction in pore size and fine lines." —Cassandra K.

Revitalift Triple Power Fragrance Free Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Nearly all of the top anti-aging all-stars—retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C—combine in this budget-friendly formula, which is one reason why it works quickly to transform fine lines and dark spots. If you’re looking to get into retinol but don’t want to spend a small fortune, this jar is a good place to start.

Customer review: "I love the way my face looks and feels all day after applying my moisturizer." —CJ

Meet the Experts

• Libby A Rhee, DO, is a clinical instructor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

What does a retinol cream do?

According to experts, the best retinol creams and serums aim to accelerate cellular turnover of the outer layers of the skin. Cellular turnover is extremely beneficial, as it helps improve your complexion's overall texture and tone overnight.

What's the most effective retinol product?

Any expert will note that the most effective retinol is the one you're using on a consistent basis. As retinol creams are available in a range of percentages over-the-counter—from 0.25 laddering up to two percent—its best to consult a skin expert in addition to customer reviews before deciding on the brand and intensity that's best for your needs.

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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