To-Retinol or Not-to-Retinol? We Have the Answers for Beginners.

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Our skin goes through a lot, and as we age, signs of stressors start showing up in ways such as wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven texture. To combat (or prevent) those, as well as a number of other skin concerns, you should be adding a retinol serum for beginners to your beauty routine. Retinol is good for virtually all skin-types and is the most tested, dermatologist-backed ingredient we have for fighting signs of aging.

What is retinol?

Retinoid is a form of vitamin-A that's available over-the-counter (retinol) and by prescription (tretinoin). Originally used to treat acne, it has also now been seen to help with fine lines and wrinkles, size of pores, and even hyperpigmentation. Retinoid “increases cell turnover on the skin and stimulate collagen production giving skin a more youthful appearance," according to board certified dermatologist Dr. Olivia Hughes.

You can find retinol in moisturizers, oils and serums alike, with serums being a dermatologist favorite for providing effective skincare benefits with a lightweight touch that isn’t drying. Below, you'll find our top picks for retinol serums. A prescription version is obviously stronger, but it can be too harsh if you're a beginner or if you have sensitive skin. Getting a good retinol serum from a trusted brand, however, can help ease you into it, and provide all the same benefits.

What's the best retinol serum for first time users?

Over-the-counter retinol is a great place to start because retinol is gentler than retinoic acid and produces the same results, just with a longer timeline.

After testing dozens of retinols, consulting with Dr. Hughes and combing through hundreds of online reviews we feel confident recommending Naturium's Retinaldehyde Serum with 0.05% retinal as the best retinol cream for beginners. The formula features retinaldehyde, which is a retinal instead of retinol, making is gentle yet effective. We love the the brand also makes a serum with a .1% retinal concentration if your skin is ready for a increase in strength.

What retinol percentage is best for beginners?

Low and slow is the name of the game, so most dermatologists recommend a retinol concentration of .05% for beginners or even lower (.025) if you have very sensitive skin. “If you are tolerating that amount one to two nights a week then you can slowly increase to a nightly application.” You’ll know if you’re tolerating it well if your skin isn’t peeling, getting too dry or too red.

We took guidance from Dr. Hughes and looked at hundreds of online reviews to bring you the best retinol for beginners. Keep scrolling after our list to learn more about how to use retinol properly.

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Retinaldehyde Serum

This gentle formula is perfect for sensitive skin types or beginners. It actually features retinaldehyde, which is a retinal instead of retinol, and therefore more effective. You can use it up to three times per week at night.

Review: "I love this product because it’s natural. It's also a great value for your money, and it’s not too harsh! I’m able to use this every other night, and I love the way my skin looks now!"

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum

You know Neutrogena is a brand you can trust, and so many reviewers over the age of 40 say this is the top serum for them. This dermatologist-tested formula contains stabilized retinol that shouldn't irritate your skin, but it is best suited for normal skin types. It's fragrance-free and has a silky texture.

Review: "I just turned 48. I have crows feet and lines on my lips and forehead. I noticed within a few days that the crows feet and the lines on my lip and forehead were gone. This [serum is] smooth soft and makes your skin feel soft."

Anti Aging Retinol Serum

CeraVe is known for its no-nonsense moisturizers for all skin-types, so it’s no surprise this formula is packed with hydrating substances like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide that nourish and replenish your skin. It has over 13,000 5-star reviews on Amazon with many saying it's ideal for beginners and those with sensitive skin. It's also unscented, which is a big plus, and it can be worn under makeup if you'd like.

Review: "I have always like CeraVe products and this one is just as good as the rest. This retinol cream does not irritate my sensitive skin and it has improved my skin a great deal."

Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum

Olay has their own special formula that's packed with anti-aging ingredients, so you're not just getting the benefits of a retinol. For example, this serum also features niacinamide (a type of vitamin B3), which is proven to smooth and brighten skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It will take about a month for you to see results, but when you do, you'll notice a difference in wrinkles.

Review: "I have been using this product for over a month and I have seen significant changes to my face. The age marks are lighter, and my face feels vibrant."

Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Wrinkle Night Serum

RoC is a beloved brand by dermatologists and beauty influencers, and these convenient capsules definitely hold up to the brand's reputation. The encapsulated retinol serum also has antioxidants in its formula so you can boost hydration alongside anti-aging benefits. The ceramides, which help retain skin's moisture, also work to really lessen the look of fine lines. The capsules make for perfect application (no serum waste here!).

Review: "This stuff is amazing! I use it every single night. I have sensitive skin and it does not cause a break-out or redness, etc. I definitely see results after using this for a while. Definitely worth the cost."

Retinoid Treatment

Research shows that in combination with "antimicrobial therapy," retinols are key to helping with acne. Differin is known for its well-trusted line of acne-fighting products, including this retinoid treatment. It contains adapalene, which is a retinoid that's different from retinal because it specifically targets acne. As with many retinol products, reviewers say that "it gets a lot worse before it gets much better."

Review: "After all that flaking and peeling, and using non-stop aloe on it, I had.... clear skin. I can't believe I'm typing this. It's been weeks, and my skin has cleared up 98%."

1% Retinol Treatment Cream

Designed to be added to your favorite moisturizer or night cream, this smart solution contains 1% retinol for powerful anti-aging results like firmer, more radiant skin. The added bonus is that it contains vitamin C, which will brighten skin and help with uneven skin tone.

Review: "I started off, purchasing the Paula's choice, exfoliant first, and that helped me prevent breakouts but then once I included this product in my overall regimen, it faded the dark spots away from my skin like magic. Highly recommend!"

Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum

When we were looking at the best eye creams for wrinkles, Peter Thomas Roth was one of our top picks. The same goes for this retinol product. According to the brand, the formula gets continuously released over eight hours (while you sleep!), so you'll wake up really noticing the results. It also features vitamin C for brightening and vitamin E for soothing. Reviewers say it's not a "miracle" serum, but if you're looking for something that really works, this is it.

Review: "After only 2 and a half weeks of use, I can see the improvements this PTR Retinol Fusion PM is making to my face. My deep wrinkles are softening and becoming much less deep. My fine wrinkles are already disappearing. As far as effectiveness on wrinkles, this product ROCKS!"

Retinol Serum for Face

Two retinoids mix together and work on reversing signs of aging: an encapsulated retinol that gradually helps to firm skin and the appearance of pesky fine lines and wrinkles while retinal delivers fast-acting wrinkle-fighting power. We also love that, according to the brand, the entire package is fully recyclable.

Review: "I chose this product based on its reviews. I noticed a difference in my skin’s appearance within a week. I only use it nightly. I did not experience any peeling or redness, just smooth, younger looking skin. I love it so much I bought a 2nd bottle to be sure I don’t run out."

Retinal for All Renewing Serum

The name says it all–Peach & Lily’s Retinol for All is a universal product that utilizes retinal, which is known to be more effective than retinol. Although it's stronger, it has an impressive cast of ingredients to help combat irritation in addition to a ceramide and hyaluronic acid to reduce dryness and strengthen the skin barrier.

Review: "Love it! My skin wasn't irritated, dry or flaky. I use it every day and I'm loving the results so far."

Retinol 0.3

As a top brand from dermatologist, it's ideal for beginner retinol users. It's a time release formula that will work overnight so you wake up looking fresh, but not irritated because your skin is slowly introduced to the ingredients. It has a pure.3% retinol complex (no derivatives!) that increases cell turnover to improve fine lines, wrinkles, skin-tone and blemishes.

Review: "I'm new to using retinol and started slow, as recommended. I love the way my skin looks on the mornings after I use it. Currently, using twice a week and I can see a noticeable difference."

How to choose a retinol serum

• Skin type: All of that good cell turnover that retinoids provide can also leave your skin flaky and irritated. For the most part, it should clear up after consistent use. Oily and acne-prone skin can usually handle higher doses, however, mature, dry and sensitive skin types will want to start low and slow, opting for serums that offer hydrating ingredients as well.

• Skin concern: Overall, a good retinol serum should target all of your skin concerns, but some include ingredients that will also combat things like acne and hyperpigmentation. Again, look at the ingredient list so you know what you're getting.

• Packaging: Because vitamin A is prone to breaking down in the presence of oxygen and light, formulation and packaging matter in keeping maximum potency. Look for products that are “encapsulated” or “stabilized” and packaging that’s air-tight. Products in traditional cream jars simply won’t last as long.

How do I apply retinol?

“Less is more when it comes to these products,” warns Dr. Hughes. Because of retinol’s potency, “one downside is that they can be drying and irritating.”

To add it into your routine Dr. Hughes recommends “starting with a pea-sized amount of product on the tip of your finger and then dotting it around your face before spreading evenly.”

Another tip from Dr. Hughes is mixing your retinol with a moisturizer. “Apply your moisturizing first and then apply the retinol on top or mix a pea sized amount directly into your moisturizer. Another trick is what’s called a retinol sandwich, where you moisturize your face then add the retinol and then finish with an additional layer of moisturizer on top. Smart, right?

Dr. Hughes noted that it can take two to three months of consistent use before seeing full results.

Who should use retinol?

Nearly all skin-types can benefit from this gold-standard ingredient–those concerned about the effects of aging and those wanting to prevent the effects of aging. “Retinols are the real deal,” says Dr. Hughes.

However, it is important to avoid retinol if pregnant or breastfeeding. If that’s you, Dr. Hughes recommends trying products with bakuchiol, an exciting natural ingredient that has “similar benefits to retinols except it’s a plant-derived compound and safe for pregnancy.”

Is retinol safe?

Yes, but because retinol promotes cell turnover it will leave your skin especially sensitive to the sun so it’s important to apply them at night and wear an SPF 30 or higher during the day. You’re already doing that though, right? Right.

“It doesn’t matter what SPF you use as long as it’s a true sunscreen and not a moisturizer or makeup product with sunscreen,” says Dr. Hughes.

Why Trust Country Living?

Your skin deserves the best, so we took great care in selecting our recommendations including consulting expert dermatologists, real-life retinol-users and highly reviewed consumer favorites,

Country Living editor Maribeth Jones has cultivated relationships with dermatologists to bring Country Living readers science-backed information on a variety of skincare products vitamin c serums and the best eye creams for wrinkles.

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