20 Best Retinol Creams and Serums to Tackle Wrinkles and Dark Spots, According to Dermatologists

Dr. Sivendran says many of her patients love using this line from Neutrogena. This product not only includes retinol but also contains sunscreen SPF 30 (to protect your skin) and a glucose complex (to help speed up the exfoliation process) while it gets to work. Plus, it’s packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and plump the skin. The Good Housekeeping Institute also ranked this serum among its top three retinol-based products.

If we had to keep track of the number of derms who recommend Differin, we’d be out of fingers and toes. The first prescription-strength retinoid (adapalene) available OTC, this cult-favorite product is especially effective for a range of skin concerns from acne and discolorations to fine lines and wrinkles. Be sure to use this one with a soothing moisturizer, as it acts as more of a treatment. If you experience irritation, wash your face first, then apply a moisturizer and follow up with the retinol on top at night, recommends Dr. Sivendran. “That gives you a barrier in between your skin and the retinol, improving tolerability,” she says.

If you have finicky, breakout-prone skin but want a more budget-friendly pick, this one is for you. “CeraVe, as a brand, is great for people with sensitive skin, as they focus on maintaining the skin’s barrier function,” says Dr. Ilyas. This gentle formula contains ceramides to reduce irritation and maintain hydration, as well as niacinamide to even the skin tone and send redness (including acne scars!) packing.

Along with a retinol that’s well absorbed into skin, this silky yet potent cream contains a pro-elastin peptide to stimulate collagen production and vitamin E to fight free radicals that lead to aging says Dr. Dy. The best part? It plays nice with all skin types since it’s noncomedogenic and fragrance-free.

This just may be one of Olay’s best launches. The Retinol24 MAX night collection was specifically formulated for potency and skin penetration—meaning all of the good stuff actually sinks into your skin to work its magic. On top of that, this cream includes top-notch hydrators (a unique peptide blend) and niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) to minimize irritation and maximize radiance. Bonus: It’s fragrance-free and never feels greasy on the skin.

Not only does this night cream from SkinCeuticals target fine lines, blemishes, and skin discoloration with retinol and alpha hydroxy acids, but it also packs hydrating ceramides, shea butter (to soothe), and dimethicone to ensure your skin reacts well to all that anti-aging goodness. It’s noncomedogenic and free of fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, making this a great pick for all skin types.

The 1.25% retinol concentration in this product is strong enough to take on wrinkles and diminish discolorations. Antioxidants like prickly pear extract and squalene protect and condition the skin—leaving you with a firmer, healthier-looking complexion. The formula also contains a special CoRetinol technology that works to improve your skin’s elasticity and texture.

“This is a nice product to use if you have sensitive skin and are looking for a retinol to include in your routine,” says Dr. Ilyas. “Retinol and peptides offer wrinkle-smoothing benefits, while the addition of argan plant stem cells reduces potential irritation,” she adds.

This retinol serum may feel ultra-light on the skin, but it digs deep to smooth uneven texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and fade hyperpigmentation. The formula is oil-free, non-greasy, and gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. Glycerin (to moisturize), sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid), and niacinamide (to soothe) offer a refreshing and hydrating boost.

Winner for best wrinkle treatment in our 2020 Healthy Beauty Awards, this pick gets a stamp of approval from Mona Gohara, M.D., assistant clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and co-creator of MELĒ skincare. “When it comes to retinol, I don’t compromise. I like to have the science (knowing it’s been tested to build collagen), the right percentage (at least 0.5%), and the ability to use it regularly without irritation,” she says. “When I find a product that has all those things, I stick with it.”

Unlike many other wrinkle serums, Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+.5% Power Serum guarantees visible results in just two weeks. Formulated with a powerful concentration of 0.5% pure retinol and a dermatologist-proven form of vitamin A, this serum says it works to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, lighten dark spots, and provide a smoother and softer complexion. It’s also a must-have skincare product for our favorite gal, Jennifer Garner!

This fragrance-free night serum was formulated to visibly reduce deep wrinkles, smooth texture, and moisturize the skin all in one go. “I love how easy this serum is to use—absorbs quickly, feels soft on the skin, and didn’t irritate my sensitive skin at all,” one satisfied reviewer wrote. “The formula is milky unlike other clear serums I have used, which adds to the ease of spreading.”

This serum contains 2.2% encapsulated retinol, ultra-gentle lactic acid for an exfoliating boost, apple fruit extract for some antioxidant protection, and aloe to soothe. Even with its powerful ingredients, it’s gentle enough to leave the skin feeling smooth and even, rather than irritated.

Thanks to a cocktail of beneficial ingredients—like ceramides, niacinamide, peptides, and vitamin E—this nourishing formula can be used on any skin type. Testers swear you’ll be hooked once you try it. “I have very sensitive skin and this product is the only one I can use,” one reviewer wrote. “I tried many but always come back to SkinMedica Retinol Complex .25. It has made my skin more youthful-looking, glowing with less wrinkles and smooth pores.”

This facial oil combines the power of retinol and salicylic acid to gently slough off dead skin, unclog pores, and smooth texture. Lightweight oils, like argan, rosehip, and jojoba, offer much-needed moisture and protective antioxidants. Testers love that it fights breakouts effectively (particularly from maskne!), soothes skin, and absorbs quickly.

Drunk Elephant’s vegan cream contains 1% retinol, a firming peptide blend, and fatty acids to minimize any irritation from the strength of the product. Plus, it’s free of essential oils and fragrances to reduce the risk of reactions. “This is the first retinol I tried, and I’m sticking to it. A little goes a long way, and after using this consistently for the past five months, I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the tone and texture of my skin,” one reviewer wrote. “Adding this to my routine has helped me feel more confident in makeup-free skin.”

“These retinol formulations are in an emollient base that allows for decreased irritation to the skin,” says Dr. Palm. They also contain several antioxidants that help boost the skin’s reparative properties (which really come in handy when adjusting to retinol). Depending on where you are in your retinol journey, this particular product is available in a range of strengths, from 2X to 10X.

“With Custom Rx, a skincare formula is tailored for you–it could be an effective treatment for anything from acne to well-aging skin concerns,” says Dr. Rhee. “It’s one cream that packs a big punch. If for example, your Custom Rx solution has tretinoin, a prescription topical retinoid, it will not only have a retinoid in there as the main active ingredient, but also humectants such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, an antioxidant. It may also have a vitamin C derivative and niacinamide, which both support the positive effects of the retinoid and general skin wellness through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms,” explains Dr. Rhee.