The 15 Best Over-the-Counter Retinols of 2024, Tested & Approved

Best Overall

Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum

$32 at Sephora $88 at Net-a-Porter $89 at Violet Grey

Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, lactic acid, apple extract | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: One or two pumps nightly | Size: 0.3, 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’ve used prescription retinoids before, you might be familiar with how stiff and difficult to spread some of them can be. This one is the complete opposite—it has a lightweight, creamy serum texture that spreads across the face effortlessly, absorbs quickly, and layers seamlessly underneath your night moisturizer. It features encapsulated retinol, meaning that the powerful ingredient is delivered to the skin throughout the night rather than all at once, making it less irritating than some other forms of retinol. The formula also contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin, as well as apple extract to provide a dose of antioxidants.

Over the course of our test, we noticed how well this retinol serum worked to smooth skin texture and improve radiance, all without irritating the skin or causing noticeable dryness. If you’re looking for a lightweight product that feels comfortable and works to smooth and even the skin, we highly recommend this one.

Best Overall, Runner-Up

LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer

$24 at Target $19 at Walmart $30 at Lilyananaturals.com

Key Ingredients: Retinol, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, green tea leaf extract | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Twice daily | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality retinol product. At just $30, this one really impressed us. It's a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue on the skin or make it feel dried out. While retinol is the hero ingredient, it also contains aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, green tea leaf extract, sunflower seed oil, and other nourishing ingredients that help to counteract the drying effects of retinol and further address dark spots, blemishes, and UV damage.

We were impressed by how much it helped to reduce the darkness of post-acne spots and hyperpigmentation, as well as how soft it made the skin feel. The brand claims that it’s gentle enough to be used daily both in the morning and at night, but if you’re sensitive to retinol or it’s your first time using it, we recommend applying it every other night at first and slowly building up your tolerance. Our tester with dry, sensitive skin used it three times per week and she found that to be a great balance—it didn’t cause any irritation but she still saw impressive results with this application cadence.

Best Budget

Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream

$8 at Ulta View on Goodmolecules.com

Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, glycerin, vitamin E | Retinol Concentration: 0.1% | Dosage: Apply a pea-sized amount up to 4x a week | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you've never tried retinol and don't want to spend a pretty penny on a popular formula, you'll want to give this one from Good Molecules a go. For under $10, this pick has retinol and bakuchiol for double the smoothing and toning benefits, as well as a host of soothing, skin-beneficial ingredients (like camellia and willow bark extract) to prevent any irritation. It has a pretty low concentration of retinol, so it's a great choice for beginners or those with super sensitive skin who normally can't tolerate the ingredient. We love that it also works to treat hyperpigmentation, congestion, and acne for an overall clearer complexion.

Best Drugstore

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

$23 at Ulta $19 at Target $20 at Walgreens

Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, ceramides, licorice root extract, niacinamide | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Apply nightly | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

The drugstore is now home to plenty of great retinol products, and this one is our top pick. It’s a serum that feels like a weightless lotion—it absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn’t pill underneath moisturizer. It utilizes the power of encapsulated retinol to help fade dark spots, even tone, and reduce texture, and we appreciate that it also has three moisturizing ceramides in the formula to support a healthy skin barrier and prevent skin dryness. It also contains licorice root extract to brighten your complexion as well as niacinamide to further even tone.

This is a fantastic option for those who are new to retinol because it’s gentle, hydrating, and affordable. We found that it worked nicely to fade dark spots and even skin tone, though it’s not the best choice if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a great option for those with more sensitive skin.

Best Retinol Alternative

BYBI Beauty Squalane Oil Booster

View on The Detox Market View on Bybi.com

Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Mix 2-3 drops into serum or moisturizer or apply directly to skin | Size: 0.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Okay, so this is technically not a retinol product—but hear us out. It features bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol that board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD explains is a structurally different molecule than retinol, but has a similar collagen-stimulating benefit. It’s a nice alternative for people who are really sensitive to retinol, or those that are pregnant or breastfeeding.

We love that this product has an incredibly simple ingredient list—it’s made with just bakuchiol and squalane—because this makes it more fitting for a wide range of skin types. The formula can be mixed into your favorite serum, moisturizer, or mask, or applied directly to the skin, making it really versatile. Over the duration of the test, we noticed that it did a nice job of firming the skin and smoothing skin texture. It even made a minor improvement in fine lines. While we didn’t find it effective for reducing the appearance of dark spots, we still think it’s an excellent pick for people who want to experience some of the benefits of retinol but aren’t able to tolerate the ingredient.

Best for Sensitive Skin

The INKEY List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum

$25 at Sephora View on Theinkeylist.com $25 at Kohls.com

Key Ingredients: Retinol, apricot kernel oil, squalane  | Retinol Concentration: 1% | Dosage: Apply a pea-sized amount at night | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Retinol is a very powerful skincare ingredient, which is why many people with sensitive skin struggle to incorporate it into their skincare routines. It can be drying and sensitizing, so finding a product that counteracts these effects is key, and this one does a great job at it thanks to the inclusion of nourishing ingredients in the formula. It contains retinol at a 1% concentration to fade dark spots and even skin texture, as well as apricot kernel oil and squalane to lock in moisture and support a healthy skin barrier.

We love that the texture of this retinol is rich and creamy—it feels like a hydrating night cream when you apply it. However, it still layers beautifully underneath moisturizers without pilling or becoming too greasy. What really impressed us about this pick is how well it worked to fade dark spots, even texture and tone, and keep the skin looking and feeling firm—all without aggravating sensitive skin. While testing, we were shocked that those with usually reactive skin experienced absolutely no irritation. We do wish that it was better at improving the appearance of fine lines, but considering how well it delivers on its other claims, how comfortable it is on sensitive skin, and its affordability, we can’t recommend it enough.

Best for Dry Skin

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer

$19 at Amazon $30 at Ulta $24 at Target

Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Apply once daily | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

If you have dry skin and you’ve tried retinol products before, then chances are you know how much they can make an already dehydrated complexion worse. Because of this, we recommend that people with dry skin look for moisturizing creams that contain retinol rather than retinol-driven treatments or serums. This cream is a great one because it has a rich texture that maintains a light and non-greasy feel on the skin, and it contains a gentle form of retinol, vitamin C for antioxidant benefits, and hyaluronic acid for a boost of hydration.

Although we didn’t see a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles or dark spots, we did appreciate that this formula felt extremely gentle, non-irritating, and non-drying throughout our test. It worked to smooth the skin a bit and give it a more plump, hydrated look and feel. If you struggle with dryness and you’re seeking a mild and moisturizing retinol product from the drugstore, this one is a solid choice for you.

Best for Textured Skin

Paula's Choice BOOST 1% Retinol Booster

$55 at Amazon $55 at Paulaschoice.com

Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, peptides | Retinol Concentration: 1% | Dosage: A few drops nightly | Size: 0.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Textured skin can result from bumps, breakouts, and dry patches, and we were really pleased by how well this potent serum worked to minimize their appearance. Formulated with 1% encapsulated retinol and peptides, it works to smooth texture, enhance radiance, and add moisture. It can be applied directly to the skin or mixed in with your moisturizer or serum, and we appreciate that it has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly. Although we didn’t notice a visual improvement in the appearance of wrinkles, it made a notable difference in the look and feel of our skin texture. We also noticed that it helped to bring deep pimples to the surface of the skin and help them heal faster during testing, and it also worked to exfoliate dry patches to create a generally smoother and more even complexion. If the main skin concern that you’re trying to address with retinol is uneven texture, we recommend checking out this formula.

Best Anti-Wrinkle

Neutrogena Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Face Serum

$35 at Walgreens $31 at CVS

Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Apply once daily to face and neck | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Retinol has a myriad of benefits, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is one of them—and this formula does it well. It combines retinol and hyaluronic acid to improve the look of crow's feet, fine lines, and fade undereye circles, and while we didn’t see a noticeable improvement in darkness under the eyes, we were incredibly impressed by how well it addressed fine lines in the eye area. We also appreciate that the hydrating but lightweight texture absorbs quickly into the skin and layers nicely underneath moisturizer. We wish it was more effective at smoothing uneven skin texture, but if your main goal is fine line reduction, we suggest checking out this efficacious drugstore formula.

Best Firming

Common Heir Retinol Serum

$88 at Commonheir.com View on Credo Beauty View on Thirteenlune.com

Key Ingredients: Vitamin A, squalane, algae oil | Retinol Concentration: 0.2% | Dosage: Apply one capsule at night | Size: 60 capsules | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re hoping to achieve firmer, more even-looking skin, this is the retinol serum we recommend for you. It’s unique in the sense that the formula is housed in one-time-use capsules that you simply break open and apply to the skin. It combines retinol derived from vitamin A with squalane and algae oil to smooth and firm the skin while nourishing. Retinol is used at a 0.2% concentration, meaning that it’s not overly strong—we didn’t experience any irritation or sensitivity from this formula.

We really liked how the serum texture applied like a smooth oil and absorbed well with moisturizer layered on top, and we found that it worked to give the skin a firmer look and feel over time. It also works to give the complexion a more radiant appearance as well as a smooth skin texture. While it’s definitely pricey considering that each capsule is only one-time-use, the capsules do come with a good amount of product, so you can easily cover your face, neck, and perhaps even your chest using just one capsule.

Best for Smoothing

Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum

$72 at Amazon $72 at Sephora $64 at Walmart

Key Ingredients: Retinaldehyde, niacinamide, adaptogenic mushroom + ceramide complex | Retinol Concentration: 0.15% | Dosage: Apply a pea-size amount at night | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

An editor favorite and one that really impressed us during our test, this serum features retinaldehyde, a more potent version of retinol. Retinaldehyde combined with niacinamide and ceramides work together in this formula to reduce visible signs of aging, even tone, and smooth the skin. The texture is light and feels like a typical serum, making it easy to spread across the face and seamless to layer with other skincare products.

We were very pleased with how well this formula worked to fade dark spots, smooth texture, and generally even tone—all without exacerbating dryness. We also noticed a subtle improvement in the firmness of the skin. Despite it being a potent formula, we didn’t experience sensitivity or irritation. If you’re in the market for a serum that will help you achieve a smoother complexion overall, this is a fantastic choice.

Best Cream

Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%

$29 at Amazon $29 at Target $29 at Naturium.com

Key Ingredients: Retinaldehyde, glycerin, apricot kernel oil | Retinol Concentration: 0.5% | Dosage: Apply an even layer at night 3x per week | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another product featuring retinaldehyde, this formula combines the powerful ingredient with a host of moisturizing ingredients, like glycerin and apricot kernel oil to combat its drying effects. It features a gel-like texture that feels like a hybrid between a cream and a serum, making it easy to spread out and absorb into the skin.

We love that it feels soft and slightly cooling on the skin, and were thrilled to see that it made a visible improvement in uneven skin tone and texture. While we didn’t notice a significant improvement in fine lines, we still think it’s a great product to use weekly in conjunction with moisturizer and SPF to maintain a healthy-looking, youthful complexion. We also really appreciate that the formula isn't overly drying and doesn’t cause much irritation.

Best Oil

Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil

$24 at Amazon $17 at Ulta $24 at Target

Key Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, ceramides | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: A few drops nightly | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

If you like applying facial oil at night and you’re looking to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, this product allows you to knock out both steps in one. The oil formula contains retinol, peptides, and ceramides to refine skin texture and improve elasticity while maintaining moisture. We were really impressed by how well it worked to even texture and tone, and it also gave the skin a glowy finish and a more radiant look overall. While we didn’t see improvements in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this formula doesn’t claim to address those concerns, so it’s not a dealbreaker for us—just something to note. In addition to improving the appearance of the complexion overall, we appreciate how smoothly it layers with moisturizer and the fact that it doesn’t feel dry or overly greasy on the skin.

Best Night Cream

SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream

$135 at Skinbetter.com View on Skinlabusa.com

Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Apply a thin layer daily | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Though most retinol products should be used at night, we like this one in the form of a night cream because it can be applied on its own. It has a light but moisturizing texture that feels non-greasy on the skin, and it’s formulated with retinol and a variety of other ingredients—like glycolic acid, ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid—to smooth and calm the skin while giving it a boost of hydration. We love its skin-beneficial formula so much that we gave it a Byrdie Beauty Award for our favorite retinol.

We found that it did a great job at reducing redness from current and previous breakouts for a more even complexion. It was non-drying and non-irritating, and we even noticed a reduction in the amount of blemishes we were getting. While we didn’t notice visible improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, or texture, we think it’s a great option if you’re looking to even out your skin tone and moisturize at night in one easy step.

Best for Aging Skin

RoC Retinol Correxion Night Cream

$18 at Amazon $30 at Ulta $22 at Target

Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, vitamin C | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Apply to face and neck daily at night | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

If you already have deep wrinkles and fine lines, you'll need a powerful formula that can improve their appearance and prevent more from being formed. We recommend this popular pick from Roc, which not only includes retinol but also anti-aging powerhouses glycolic acid and vitamin C for a smooth, clear complexion. Even though it contains so many actives, it also includes ingredients to soothe the skin—such as shea butter and squalane. When Byrdie contributor Leigh Wengus tried the cream for herself, she didn't have any irritation or sensitivity after using for a few weeks. She loved that it felt lightweight on her complexion (but made sure to only apply a small amount to the entire face), and that some of her fine lines began to fade with continued use. While we think the product's fragrance is pleasant, it still might be overpowering for some—something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to scent.