I’ve Tested 100+ Retinol Creams—and These Are the *Best* Ones

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Before we can get into all the best over the counter retinol creams, let me quickly explain how retinol works. Retinol is an umbrella term for all vitamin-A derivatives that trigger collagen and elastin production—two proteins in skin that make it plump and firm—and boost cell turnover (aka your skin's natural renewal process) for brighter, clearer, smoother skin. Basically, retinol is pure gold when it comes to improving skin texture and skin tone, which is why I've been testing and reviewing retinol creams in my skincare routine for over a decade.

The only downside to using a retinol cream is that you won't see results overnight. Usually, it takes a minimum of three months to see some reduction in fine lines and overall skin improvement, and trying to speed up the process or use a too-strong formula will only irritate the hell out of your face. So to help you figure out which retinol cream is best for you, I tested and reviewed countless formulas and then handpicked the 15 best retinol creams—broken down by every skin type and concern—for the glowiest skin of your life.

Keep scrolling for the full list of 15 best retinol creams, complete with specs and reviews, as well as expert insights from three derms and one licensed aesthetician for how to choose the best retinol cream and use it properly in your routine.

Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream

If you use only one thing on your skin before bed, let it be this retinol night cream from Allies of Skin. The multitasking formula brightens, smooths, and moisturizes while you sleep thanks to a combo of retinol, peptides, antioxidants, and plant oils. The formula feels really hydrating, but unlike other night creams I've tested, it doesn't feel overly thick or pore-clogging on my skin which I love.

• Key ingredients: Retinaldehyde, peptides, antioxidants, argan oil

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "This is a really great quality night cream, writes one tester. "It is the type of product that you will find at an aesthetician spa or office. My skin is clearer, brighter, and overall softer in the morning after using this. The pump is great and makes it easy to dispense the product."

Advanced Retinol Daily Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30

Most retinol creams can only be used at night since retinol can be destabilized by sunlight. One of the few exceptions? This retinol day cream from StriVectin. It contains a time-released form of retinol that's minimally-sensitizing and safe for daytime use, plus SPF 30 sunscreen to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays. The texture is great too. While testing, I used it as the last step in any morning skincare routine (after cleansing, toning, and applying serum) and before makeup without any piling or greasy texture.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, peach flower extract

• Fragrance-free? No

THE REVIEW: "This product has been amazing at minimizing signs of aging," reads one tester's review. "I also love that it has SPF which makes it the perfect product for being out in the sun in the summer. My skin feels hydrated and great!"

Even and Correct Dark Spot Cream

I love using this retinol cream as a spot treatment on dark marks and melasma. The tube is tiny so you def don't want to use this as an allover treatment, but it's great for fading specific spots and areas of discoloration without sensitizing skin or causing a reaction with other actives you may be using in your skincare routine. During testing, I used it as a part of SkinMedica's entire Even & Correct system (it includes this retinol dark spot cream as well as treatment pads and a serum) and really noticed a difference in my skin tone and overall glow.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, retinol, kojic acid, vitamin C

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "I've been experiencing brown spots with age, so I started using the SkinMedica Brightening Pads the and Even and Correct Advance Brightening Treatment...so far my skin is looking great!," writes a tester.

AlphaRet Overnight Cream

I'm obsessed with this retinol cream from Skinbetter—and board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD, and licensed aesthetician Victoria Russo are too. Truly, it's the best OTC retinol cream I've tested and gives comparable results to Rx options like Retin-A or Altreno. "Alpharet contains so many great ingredients, including anti-agers like retinol and glycolic acid, plus antioxidants and hydrators like niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid," says Dr. Marchbein. And because of the added glycolic acid, most people see glow the next morning after using it, says Russo. "There's some instant gratification which isn't typical with retinol products."

• Key ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "This cream has transformed my skin," reads a review. "It's made my pores smaller, forehead wrinkles smoother, and my face so so glowy—I'm obsessed!"

Resist Intensive Repair Cream with Retinol

Retinol can be notoriously drying, so if you have dry skin it's important to look for a formula that's packed with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like this retinol cream from Paula's Choice. In addition to retinol and line-smoothing peptides, it uses a blend of jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids to nourish and plump skin for an ultra-glowy look.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, jojoba oil, green tea extract, hyaluronic acid

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "This really does work for moisturizing and for brightening the skin," writes a tester. "It is a good retinol cream for beginners—just start slowly if you’re new to retinol, but it is very gentle in my opinion."

Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Differin 0.1% is an over-the-counter version of the stronger prescription-strength Different 0.3 %, says Dr. Marchbein. "It's a great retinol for treating acne, and it also provides anti-aging benefits." Differin contains a specific type of retinoid called adapalene that regulates cell turnover to keep pores clear and reduces redness and inflammation over time. Apply a pea-size dot all over your clean, dry skin every other night after your moisturizer, and your breakouts (and fine lines) should fade in just a few months.

• Key ingredient: Adapalene

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "I honestly have no complaints about the product," write one tester. "I've been using it for about 6 months now. It was recommended to me by my dermatologist. It didn't seem to start taking effect until 2-3 months in. I use it everyday and it isn't overbearing or irritating and I have super sensitive skin. It has helped reduced my acne as well as overall just make my skin shine and look so much healthier and clear."

Rescue Retinol Nighttime Renewing Cream

The only thing worse than breakouts? The annoying acne scars and marks that they leave behind. Luckily, this retinol cream from Hero Cosmetics can help fade those acne marks without irritating your skin. The retinol brings new, undamaged skin cells to the surface, while allantoin and squalane help soothe and moisturize damaged skin.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, squalane, allantoin, panthenol

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "This is the second retinol product I've tried, and it definitely works," writes one tester. "It goes on pretty thick, but I saw results after just one use. In the morning my face was definitely smooth and just all around great. Will aim for once a week with this stuff! Great price too!"

A-Passioni Retinol Cream

This is the first over-the-counter retinol cream I ever tested and I was so impressed with the results, says Russo. "It's cosmetically elegant and didn't make my skin dry and flakey like many Rx retinol treatments tend to do." The magic? A combo of 1 percent retinol, peptides, and vitamin F to effectively smooth and brighten skin—all with minimal redness and irritation. The clean beauty formula is also free of parabens, silicones, fragrance, and dyes, making it a good retinol choice for sensitive skin types.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, peptides, vitamin F

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "After years of skin problems, this retinol cream was my skin savior," writes a reviewer. "It really improved my skin tone and texture and got rid of all the bumps and dark marks on my cheeks and forehead."

RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

All retinol creams will help smooth fine lines and improve skin texture to some degree, but if wrinkles are your primary skin concern, this is the retinol cream you need to try. "It contains retinaldehyde—one of the strongest OTC retinols—along with peptides to boost elastin and collagen production," says Dr. Marchbein. "There's even vitamin E and Avene's thermal spring water to help soothe skin and minimize redness too."

• Key ingredients: Retinaldehyde, vitamin E, peptides, thermal spring water

• Fragrance-free: Yes

THE REVIEW: "So I don’t ever write reviews, but I actually fell in love with this product," writes a tester. "I’m 33, but started developing fine lines and light wrinkles around my eye area and mouth. I’ve only been using this product for a week and have seen a noticeable difference in my skin. I only use this product at night right after my normal skincare routine and it is really gentle on my skin. It is pricey, but I find it is definitely worth the cost."

Retinol 0.3

A favorite retinol cream of Russo's, Skinceuticals Retinol 0.3 is a solid choice for anyone who is new to the retinol game. The combo of time-released retinol and soothing bisabolol resurface and plump skin without making your skin feel tight or dry. "As long as you use the recommended pea size amount and start off using it once or twice a week, there's a minimal chance of sensitive," says Russ0.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, bisabolol

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "I went with the 0.3 because I hadn't regularly used retinol before," reads one tester's review. "I started out 2-3x per week for 2 weeks, then bumped it up to every day and my skin had no adverse reactions. So far I'm really pleased. I use in combination with CE Ferulic and hyaluronic acid and my skin looks amazing."

Countertime Tetrapepide Supreme Cream

Rx and OTC retinol products are off-limits if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, but this retinol-alternative cream with bakuchiol is a safe choice. Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient that works similarly to retinol (i.e. it stimulates cell turnover and ups collagen production) but without any of the harsh or negative pregnancy side effects.

• Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, peptides, shea butter

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "I love how indulgent this cream feels," writes a tester. "It feels amazing and has become a staple in my night time routine. I use it before bed and when I wake up my skin still feels soft but not greasy."

Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream

Retinol—provided you use it in an cream that's specifically formulated to be used around your eyes, like this one from La Roche-Posay—is fantastic at smoothing crow's feet and reducing the appearance of dark circles. The formula has never once irritated the skin around my eyes (a rarity especially when it comes to retinol eye creams) and it has a silky gel-cream texture that glides on skin and sinks in quickly sans residue. As for the results, expect fewer fine lines and less noticeable puffiness and dark circles after about a month of regular use.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, caffeine, thermal spring water

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "The change in my under eyes has been remarkable from using this," writes a tester. "I use it every night and I noticed a huge difference in about a week. I have tried tons of other under eye creams. This doesn’t leave your skin in that awkward dry stage before the skin peels off. You just slowly notice it gently exfoliating."

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream

Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream is an absolute drugstore skincare classic. The iconic formula is loved for its ability to smooth and plump lines with a combo of retinol and hyaluronic acid. And because the retinol in the formula is stabilized, it can be used in the morning or at night.

• Key ingredients:

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "This stuff has really worked wonders on my skin," reads one tester's review. " It cleared my pores after about a month and my blemishes have faded very nicely. I did have some fine lines around my eyes and those are almost gone too—my skin is very smooth!"

InstaFacial Emulsion

The beauty brainchild of celeb plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Diamond, the Instafacial Emulsion is a retinol cream that's designed to mimic the effects of his signature Instafacial treatment that's loved by celebs like Kourtney Kardashian, Hilary Duff, and Olivia Culpo. The silky gel-cream is packed with time-released retinol, growth factors, peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to firm, smooth, and tighten skin.

• Key ingredients: Time released retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid,

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "Bravo Dr. Diamond! Metacine works wonders for your skin. This remarkable formula revitalizes dull complexions, diminishes fine lines, and unveils a radiant glow," reads a tester review.

Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion

I love everything about this retinol body lotion. The texture is lightweight but still feels super moisturizing (thanks to a dose of shea butter and safflower seed oil) and with continued use the formula really helps smooth and firm below-the-chin skin. I use it all over my body when I get out of the shower and then add a little more to my elbows and knees where my skin tends to look a bit more crepey.

• Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, shea butter

• Fragrance-free? Yes

THE REVIEW: "So smooth and silky," writes one tester. "That's how my skin felt right away. This lotion has such a beautiful and light texture. It absorbs quickly and is very easy to rub into skin. I'm using it on my chest, buttocks, and lower legs and loving it. Highly recommend."

What retinol is recommended by dermatologists?

Retinol comes in over-the-counter and prescription versions (that you can only get via a doctor or licensed physician), and most dermatologists recommend the prescription retinol kind. "Prescription retinoids like tretinoin (like Retin-A or Tazorac) are the gold-standard for anti-aging, collagen-promoting, and treating acne," says board-certified dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD. Over the counter retinoids try to mimic the effects of the retinoids, but they are much less powerful.”

That said, using an over-the-counter retinol still has major benefits. Retinol is one of the best ingredients, after sunscreen, of course, for keeping your skin clear, smooth, and glowing,” says Dr. Marchbein. It works by increasing collagen production as well as increasing the rate of skin cell turnover, says Dr. Marchbein, adding that "the ingredient is highly effective at improving skin texture, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and even
decreasing pore size."

Which over the counter retinol is strongest?

Over the counter retinols comes in varying strengths, and derms agree that retinal or retinaldehyde is the strongest option available. Rx retinoids are pure retinoic acid and are most active in the skin. OTC versions needs to be converted to retinoic acid to be bioavailable, and during this process lose some of their potency. "Retinyl and retinol are considered weaker OTC options, while retinal or retinaldehyde is considered the strongest—it's anywhere from two to five times less potent than Rx retinoids but is largely considered the strongest OTC option available," says Dr. Marchbein.

Is retinol cream or retinol serum better?

Retinol cream is not better than retinol serum and retinol serum is not better than retinol cream. The type of retinol product you choose is entirely up to you, although dermatologist Kiran Mian, DO, says the ideal form largely depends on skin type. "For those with sensitive or dry skin, a retinol cream or oil is often preferred, where those with oily skin or acne-prone skin may benefit from a retinol serum since they tend to be more lightweight," says Dr. Mian. Those with oily skin may be able to skin an OTC retinol cream entirely and go to using an Rx retinol cream, gel, or serum, says Dr. Marchbein.

How to choose a retinol cream:

Think about the other ingredients in the formula

The best retinol creams will contain retinol as well as other ingredients tailored to your skin type and skin concerns. For example, if you have dry skin and want to plump fine lines, a retinol cream that contains hyaluronic acid would be a good choice. If your primary skin goal is brightening, a retinol cream with niacinamide or vitamin C is a the move. And if you want to improve skin texture and pore size, look for a retinol cream that contains exfoliating acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid.

Start off low and slow

When shopping for a new retinol cream, it is best to start with the lowest percentage you can find and then work your way up to a higher concentration—especially if you have sensitive skin or are new to using retinol, says Russo. And you'll want to use your retinol cream sparingly as well. "Start by using your retinol cream every other night for a few weeks and increase the usage as the weeks go on."

Opt for a fragrance-free formula

Fragrance, whether it's synthetic or naturally-derived, can be potentially irritating when used in skincare products. My advice? Play it safe and look for a fragrance-free retinol cream to minimize any chance of flaking, redness, or sensitivity.

Meet the experts:

• Shari Marchbein, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Niche Dermatology in New York, NY, who specializes in cosmetic and medical dermatology. Dr. Marchbein is also a clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone in New York City.

• Victoria Russo is a licensed aesthetician based in New Jersey and New York. Russo has a over a decade of industry experience and has trained with some of NYC's top dermatologists. She specializes in anti-aging and acne treatments for all skin types at GlowDoll Skin and Aesthetics in Middletown, NJ.

• Amy Wechsler, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist in New York, NY. Dr. Wechsler treats a wide range of dermatologic conditions, beginning with a careful evaluation of the patient’s psychological stressors and skin care concerns.
  

• Kiran Mian, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing medical and aesthetic dermatology in New York, NY. Dr. Mian consults and treats all genders and ethnic backgrounds on a variety of skincare needs, from dandruff to sun prevention, chemical peels to chronic conditions.

Why trust Cosmopolitan?

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the best sunscreens for sensitive skin to the best lasers for acne scars. She regularly works with the industry’s top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new skincare treatments, products, and trends.

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