WTF Are Retinol Creams, and Does Everyone Need to Use One?

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Retinol is a superhero skincare ingredient that has earned plenty of buzz on TikTok — and experts say it's well-deserved praise. Dermatologists argue that using a retinol cream is incredible for treating fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. But what makes the powerhouse ingredient hype-worthy? And how do you use retinol cream safely?

As Best Products' beauty editor, I have access to some of the most in-demand experts in the beauty game, so I consulted a few of my most-trusted dermatologists about the popular ingredient to help everyone discover the best retinol cream for their skin type and budget. So keep scrolling for these expert-approved products that deserve a place in your medicine cabinet.

Best Retinol Creams

• Best Overall: Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer

• For Built-In Sun Protection: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Moisturizer

• For a Budget Buy: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream

• For the Neck and Décolletage: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Plus Retinol Fortifying Neck Emulsion

• For a Non-Irritating Formula: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a type of retinoid, which is a vitamin A derivative. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick M.D., of MDCS in New York, the powerful skincare ingredient regulates skin cell turnover, helps prevent clogged pores, and improves skin tone. Retinol also boosts collagen, improving the appearance of skin texture, pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. The ingredient is so multifaceted that it can even help prevent and treat breakouts, clogged pores, and post-acne marks.

Its cell-turnover capabilities help speed up the healing time of pimples, thus reducing the size and redness of zits noticeably faster than a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide acne spot treatment could. Retinol also exfoliates dead skin cells that congest pores and removes lingering impurities to prevent future breakouts.

How to Use Retinol Creams

And contrary to what some might think, peeling and redness are common side effects and are positive signs that your retinol cream is working. “They should subside after a few weeks as your skin adapts to the new treatment,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lilliana Ramírez García, M.D., of Nava MD. Here are a few expert-approved ways to prevent and treat any retinol-related dryness, peeling, and irritation:

Do's

• Start off using the lowest concentration of retinol just a 1-2 times weekly, advises Garshick. Then users can slowly increase the retinol cream frequency and concentration as tolerated.

• As for the amount necessary, the less, the better. Ramírez García advises beginners to start out slowly with a pea-sized amount to see how their skin reacts. Once users gauge their skin’s tolerance, they can start introducing retinol into their nighttime skincare routine more often.

• Create a beauty buffer by applying a thin layer of gentle face moisturizer before and after retinol.

• Always wear sunscreen during the daytime, especially when using a retinol cream. SPF will help minimize sun sensitivity, especially when using retinol.

• Aloe vera products aren't just limited to treating sunburns. A study shows that the botanical ingredient helps soothe redness and irritation caused by retinoids. I recommend keeping a spare bottle in a skincare fridge for extra relief to enjoy a refreshing cooling effect.

• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream helps minimize redness, itching, and discomfort, but avoid dabbing it near the eye area and don't use it for longer than two weeks to avoid potential adrenal gland problems.

Don'ts

• Garshick does not advise combining retinol cream with other harsh active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid or you could inadvertently irritate the skin.

• Skip retinol cream when the sun is out. Retinol makes your skin photosensitive, meaning that it’s thinner and more prone to sun-related damage, so wearing face sunscreen outdoors is paramount.

How We Chose

Since all retinol creams are not made equally, I did the hard work for you and researched which top-rated retinol creams actually live up to their high ratings. These beauty editor-approved formulas deliver in the strength, texture-smoothing, line-erasing, and non-irritating categories. We also consulted with medical experts to ensure that they're really the best for a variety of skin tones and concerns.

Ready to dip your toes into the retinol pool? Start by exploring the best retinol creams, which cater to a variety of skin types and will help you get your best skin ever.

Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer

Garshick and our former beauty editor, Jennifer Hussein, both fans of Olay's drugstore buy that makes the skin smoother, brighter, and more refreshed-looking. Given their snaps, Olay's affordable price, and it earned thousands of rave Amazon reviews, I knew this was our best overall pick.

To quote the NYC-based doctor, "This fragrance-free option combines a potent retinol with hydrators to visibly smooth wrinkles and even skin tone while leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. It can be used by all skin types."

Not only is it great for faking some beauty rest, but the addition of niacinamide and amino helps improve the look of wrinkles and dark spots as well.

“I can feel it absorb into my pores, and thanks to its gentler retinoid complex and fragrance-free formula, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling irritated or sensitive by morning,” explains Hussein.

After 2 months of regular use, Hussein notices that her skin looks and feels better. “There’s a youthful bounce to my skin again, and it has a softer texture that’s similar to Jell-O (in the best way possible, of course).”

Since it takes a while to absorb into oily skin, you'll gain the most from using a light amount. Everyone else can use about a quarter-sized dollop for best results.

More: The Best Perfumes for Women, According to Our Beauty Editor

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream

Garshick considers the budget-friendly ROX retinol cream a tried-and-true formulation that improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots while hydrating the skin to minimize irritation. "It is gentle enough that it can be used nightly. It is a great drugstore option that is not greasy and won’t clog the pores," she adds.

With a 4.4-star average from nearly 28,000 Amazon reviews, it's safe to say shoppers are also keen on this impressive retinol cream. "I discovered an affordable skincare product that exceeded my expectations in just 10 days. My skin appeared brighter and more youthful, leaving me highly satisfied," says a 5-star review.

In addition to retinol, it contains exfoliating glycolic acid and hydrating squalane and shea butter to help prevent the active ingredients from dehydrating the skin.

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Moisturizer

For anyone with only $30 to spare on a skincare product, consider the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol. A favorite of Garshick, and more than 47,000 Amazon reviewers, shoppers can't go wrong with this unscented retinol cream.

"This drugstore favorite is designed for daily use as it is also formulated with SPF 30 and a moisturizer, making it a great multitasker. It also contains hyaluronic acid helps to boost moisture, and give the skin an overall rejuvenated appearance," says Garshick.

The brand says it can be used twice daily, but since it contains SPF, it doesn't make sense to wear this cream before bedtime. Instead, save it for daytime use to reap that broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays which can cause signs of aging and sunburn.

Ferulic Plus Retinol Fortifying Neck Emulsion

Say goodbye to wrinkles and fine lines on the neck and décolletage area with this impressive retinol cream created by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross M.D.

His retinol- and collagen-enriched cream fortifies skin back to its youthful state. It also contains ferulic acid, an underrated ingredient that banishes dullness, calms inflammation, and fades redness and dark spots. This acid helps stabilize antioxidants like vitamins C and E, to boot.

Results are greater when used twice daily, providing skin with a burst of hydration and a non-greasy finish.

A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Have a higher disposable income and looking to really invest in a retinol cream that performs exceptionally well? Opt for this fan-favorite from Drunk Elephant, one of the best clean beauty brands in the game.

"This retinol contains a blend of peptides, vitamins and antioxidants to help improve skin tone and texture while also protecting the skin against free radical damage. This also contains passionfruit, apricot, jojoba oils as well as virgin marula oil, which help to moisturize and nourish the skin," Garshick says.

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream

Turn back the clock on a budget with Neutrogena's fast-acting retinol cream. Notably, clinical data shows that testers saw results in just 24 hours, so for anyone who needs instant results for a special occasion, this is your best bet.

High retinol levels smooth out wrinkles to diminish signs of aging, while hyaluronic acid and glycerin hydrate and plump the skin. It's also made with a low amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to help fade dark spots and brighten your complexion.

All skin types can use this cream, but anyone dealing with post-acne dark spots will enjoy it the most. There's also a fragrance-free option that is great for anyone sensitive to smells.

Retinol Refining Night Cream

SkinCeuticals' answer to retinol cream is a holy grail item for hundreds of Dermstore shoppers. They're impressed that it softens wrinkles, minimizes the look of large pores, and treats acne.

It earned the top spot on this list because it works with all skin types and is formulated with bisabolol and Boswellia serrata extract that enhances retinol's anti-aging and anti-acne benefits.

Available in a range of strengths from 0.3% to 1.0%, this retinol-packed formula delivers skin-smoothing results overnight. If you have skin on the more sensitive side, the 0.3% retinol cream might be the best place to start. If you want to go for the max strength, ease into it and don't use it every night.

A bonus: The packaging is air-tight, which helps preserve the potency of this treatment.

Redermic Face Cream

NYC cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah, M.D., calls Redermic Face Cream her go-to retinol recommendation for beginners because it only contains a 0.3% concentration of the superhero ingredient.

Since Shah recommends Redermic for newbies and the retinol cream doesn't contain many oils and moisturizers, it's safe for all skin types, including sensitive ones.

Notably, it infuses a salicylic acid derivative to help tackle current breakouts and prevent new ones, while antioxidant-rich French thermal water calms the skin. It works with all skin types and is gentle enough for retinol newbies to use without fear of dehydrating their skin.

Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

Amazon reviewers agree that Dr. Howard Murad, M.D., created an investment-worthy retinol cream that has the results you desire to justify its price tag. One reviewer boldly declares that Murad’s retinol cream “has made the biggest difference in my skin’s appearance.” While another reviewer is so happy with the results that they feel empowered to skip wearing foundation.

The luxurious cream packs a retinol-filled punch to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and adds radiance back to your face. Plus, it blends hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane which helps to counteract any retinol-related dryness. These ingredients moisturize normal and dry skin, but don't leave combination and oily skin greasy by the morning.

+Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer

Add celeb esthetician Kate Somerville’s retinol-rich cream to your nighttime routine and watch signs of aging fade away by the day. The product is a two-for-one, warding off wrinkles and fine lines as well as refining skin’s texture and tone. Enhanced with vitamin C and wild gooseberry extract, even parched skin only requires a thin layer to produce maximum results faster than more affordable options on this list.

Sephora reviewers have experienced visible results — refined pore size and plumped-up wrinkles — within 24 hours of using this retinol serum.

“The morning after I use the product my skin looks brighter and clearer, so much so I started incorporating it nightly,” says one 5-star review. One 35-year-old reviewer notes this retinol treatment also quickly minimizes any dark spots caused by cystic acne.

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