11 Retinol Creams and Serums That Really Work

You’ve probably heard that retinol is the Holy Grail of anti-aging — but what is it, and is it right for you? The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab are here to give you the lowdown on this powerful over-the-counter active that's finding its way into more and more skincare products, from creams and serums to oils, sunscreens, and more.

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and one of the few skincare ingredients clinically proven to reduce wrinkles, among other benefits like unclogging pores and reducing dark spots. It speeds up skin cell turnover to increase collagen production and decrease its breakdown, which both minimizes and prevents lines, explains GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D.

While prescription-only retinoic acid is stronger and can give you better results than over-the-counter retinol, it also can be more irritating. Some dermatologists recommend starting with OTC retinol products (like our picks below) to let your skin acclimate to the ingredient before ramping up the potency with prescription products, if needed.

Our top picks: