The secret to clearer, firmer, and brighter skin lies in a special ingredient: retinol. "Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that exfoliates and stimulates collagen production in the skin," says Sumayah Jamal, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Not only that, it pretty much addresses every skin concern: It helps stimulate skin cell regeneration, treats hyperpigmentation, brightens, and reduces the appearance of acne scars and fine lines by "telling skin cells to behave like younger, healthier cells," says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Shafer Clinic. There are different forms of retinol, and each vary in potency. "Prescription retinoids like tretinoin and tazarotene are the most potent," says Jamal. "Retinaldehyde is available over the counter and is more potent than retinol, which is also available over the counter."
Our Top Picks
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Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Moisturizer
You can tell how strong the retinol is based on the percentage. "In over-the-counter retinol creams, common percentages of retinol are 0.25 percent, 0.3 percent, 0.5 percent, or 1 percent," says Engelman. "If you are an experienced retinol user, you may be able to use a higher percentage of retinol. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, or are a first-time retinol user, you may want to start out with a low percentage of retinol and increase as the skin adjusts." It’s also a good idea to patch-test any new retinol cream to see how your skin reacts, she recommends. Essentially, everyone can reap the benefits of this gold-standard ingredient, says Howard Sobel, MD, dermatologist and founder of Sobel Skin. Here, the best retinol creams you can buy over the counter.
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Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Moisturizer
1
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Moisturizer
"Skin Better AlphaRet combines peptides, glycolic acid 10 percent, and vitamin C as well as a retinoid-strength retinol," says Levin. Engleman also loves it because it refines the complexion and evens out skin tone.
Lee recommends this sleeping night oil as another good bet for dry skin because of the avocado seed oil. Blue tansy and German chamomile make it great for soothing redness.
It's more expensive than other options on this list
Great for all skin types because it's available in three concentrations (0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 percent), allowing you to start low and ease into the strength optimal for your skin, says Jamal.
"It gently reduces the appearance of fine lines, crow's-feet wrinkles, and dark circles," says Sobel. "It's made with a milder strength of retinol and contains hyaluronic acid to help bind essential moisture in your skin to re-plump wrinkles."
It's more expensive than other options on this list
"Since aging skin is often dehydrated and has difficulty tolerating more harsh formulations, I recommend Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5 percent as a well-tolerated but effective retinol," says dermatologist Melissa K. Levin, MD. "It combines moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, oat kernel extract, bisabolol, ceramides, and antioxidants, such as co-enzyme Q10. It also contains a snow mushroom extract that helps further hydrate the skin."
It's more expensive than other options on this list
"I counsel my patients to take special care when applying any product close to the eyes, as skin in that area can be very sensitive," says Engelman. "This is a bit more moisturizing and can serve as a buffer to the potential irritation of vitamin A."
It's more expensive than other options on this list
"This contains retinaldehyde, a gentle form of retinol, which is great for more sensitive skin types and those who are just getting acclimated with retinoids," says Sobel.
9
Best Refillable
Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Magic Night Moisturizer
9
Best Refillable
Charlotte Tilbury Refillable Magic Night Moisturizer
"I love this night cream because it has a beautiful texture and works quickly to hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin while you sleep," says Engleman. The blend of time-released retinol, plant stem cells, and vitamin E offers anti-aging benefits over time.
"Differin was previously available only through prescription, but the 0.1 percent concentration is now available over the counter," says Sobel. "This works primarily to address acne and acne scars but also helps restore the skin’s tone and texture."
11
Best for Dry Skin
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
11
Best for Dry Skin
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
If you have dry skin, these Elizabeth Arden capsules work incredibly well. They are formulated with ceramides, which help hydrate and can combat some of the irritating and drying effects of retinol. And the formula has olive, sunflower, and avocado oils for additional hydration.
Engleman helped co-create this formula for those who can't tolerate retinol's irritating side effects. "It contains a blend of phyto-retinols (including bakuchiol), along with vegan epidermal growth factor and bio-recovery peptides," she says. "The formula is suitable for all skin types and performed extremely well in clinical trials, showing significant anti-aging, reparative, and moisturizing results."
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok