We tested and selected the best retinol serums of the year. During testing, we considered ease of application, texture and feel, skin comfort, and effectiveness of the retinol serums.

Best Retinol Serums of 2026

• Best Retinol Serum Overall: TruSkin Retinol Serum
• Best Retinol Serum for Beginners: Medik8 Crystal Retinal
• Best Retinol Serum for Mature Skin: SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0
• Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
• Best Drugstore Retinol Serum: La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum

Best Retinol Serums Comparison Table

Retinol Serums	Active Ingredients	Retinoid Type	Fragrance-Free	Type
TruSkin Retinol Serum	Retinol, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide	Retinol	Yes	Liquid serum
Medik8 Crystal Retinal	Retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, squalane	Retinol	No	Creamy serum
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0	Retinol, Niacinamide, Squalane; Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, ceramide NP, vitamin E	Retinol	Yes	Cream
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum	Encapsulated retinol, Niacinamide, Licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid	Encapsulated retinol	Yes	Gel-cream serum
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum	Pure retinol, Retinyl palmitate, Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, adenosine	Retinol and retinyl palmitate	No	Liquid serum

TruSkin Retinol Serum
Active Ingredients	Retinol, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide
Retinoid Type	Retinol
Fragrance-Free	Yes
Type	Liquid serum
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Active Ingredients	Retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, squalane
Retinoid Type	Retinol
Fragrance-Free	No
Type	Creamy serum
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0
Active Ingredients	Retinol, Niacinamide, Squalane; Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, ceramide NP, vitamin E
Retinoid Type	Retinol
Fragrance-Free	Yes
Type	Cream
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Active Ingredients	Encapsulated retinol, Niacinamide, Licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid
Retinoid Type	Encapsulated retinol
Fragrance-Free	Yes
Type	Gel-cream serum
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
Active Ingredients	Pure retinol, Retinyl palmitate, Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, adenosine
Retinoid Type	Retinol and retinyl palmitate
Fragrance-Free	No
Type	Liquid serum

Best Retinol Serum Overall: TruSkin Retinol Serum

Our Thoughts on TruSkin Retinol Serum

TruSkin Retinol Serum is our pick for the best retinol serum overall because it absorbs very quickly, making it a good pick for folks with demanding schedules. It dries quickly (within 30 seconds), so you don’t have to wait before applying other skincare. We think TruSkin’s Retinol Serum is a great starter retinol serum for professionals because not only does it absorb quickly, but it also leaves your skin feeling more hydrated and smooth.

Ashley tested TruSkin Retinol Serum. She has combination skin, and her skin concerns include acne/breakouts, excess oil, and dryness/dehydration. Ashley rated the application of this retinol serum a 4 out of 5. 

“The dropper is easy to use and allows you to dispense the amount you want without getting too much product,” she said. “Three to five drops are needed per application. This serum spreads very easily across my face and absorbs nicely. It dried quickly so I didn’t have to wait before moving on to the next step in my routine.”

This tester was also a fan of the texture and feel, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 rating. “This serum has a gel-like, thicker consistency but is fast-absorbing. It feels very smooth on my face. It’s not tacky at all and does not leave my face feeling sticky or greasy. It seems to melt into my face and leaves a very smooth finish,” Ashley said. 

After multiple uses across several weeks, Ashley was happy with the overall effectiveness of this product, rating it a 4.5 out of 5. “My skin feels smoother and more hydrated after using this product. It leaves a nice, smooth finish on my skin and doesn’t feel sticky and dries quickly.”

Specs

• Works for: Beginners 
• Active ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide
• Recommended frequency: Two to three times a week
• Price per ounce: $19.99

Best Retinol Serum for Beginners: Medik8 Crystal Retinal

Our Thoughts on Medik8 Crystal Retinal

Medik8 Crystal Retinal is our pick for the best retinol serum for beginners because the 0.03% retinaldehyde is the brand’s lightest option. It comes in five strengths, which is a great way to grow with the line as your skin becomes accustomed to intensity. 

We recommend trying a patch test or using the sandwich method, which can help your skin adjust.  

“I started using retinol about eight years ago when I was in college,” said Gwen, 30, who has normal-to-dry skin with occasional eczema sensitivity in dry conditions. “I had a lot of acne-related scarring on my face, and so my dermatologist recommended I give it a try, starting with a 0.01% retinol product. I used the sandwich method, and I highly recommend it for all beginners. After you cleanse and apply your toner (if applicable), you apply your moisturizer. Once that absorbs for a few minutes, apply your retinol. Then, follow that up with a barrier cream or re-apply your moisturizer. Retinol products can be strong, so I think it’s a good idea to start slow and conservatively. My derm always used to say, ‘There’s no benefit to rushing to full-force retinol use and ruining your skin barrier in the process.’ So, take it slow and steady to assess your tolerance. Now, I’ve worked my way up to comfortably using a 1% retinol multiple nights per week.”

Kayla tested Medik8 Crystal Retinal. Her skin is very dry, and her skin concerns include dryness/dehydration, dullness, aging, and fine lines. She rated the application of this retinol serum a 5 out of 5. “The product spreads evenly without any issues. To get enough product for my face, I use two pumps, and it provides about a pea-sized amount,” she said. 

She rated the texture a 4 out of 5. “The texture is silky. It tends to feel like it sits on top of the skin. It has a slight orange tint to it that is easy to see and apply evenly. Once dry, it has a slight sheen to it and doesn’t feel tacky.”

Kayla rated her skin’s comfort level a 3.5 out of 5. “I don’t have any major complaints or benefits noticed after applying the retinol. It doesn’t moisturize my skin, so I usually sandwich it with a heavier cream. I do notice after applying it, my skin can look a little more wrinkly or dry for the next couple of days. I think adding in some extra days of moisturizer helps offset this reaction,” she said.

She rated effectiveness a 4 out of 5. “When first using this product, I did have some skin purging. I would get some red, larger bumps around the chin area. After a couple of weeks, that seemed to subside, and I got more cell turnover. I use a gentle toner morning and night, and I noticed my skin is very shiny and has that glass skin look,” Kayla said. For new retinol users, don’t be surprised if you see a slight purge after your first few uses. This is common and won’t last forever. However, if your purging lasts longer than a few weeks or is painful, we recommend you speak with your dermatologist.

Specs

• Works for: Absolute beginners to retinal
• Active ingredients: Retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, squalane
• Recommended frequency: Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, then every night
• Price per ounce: $66.00

Best Retinol Serum for Mature Skin: SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0

Our Thoughts on SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 is our pick for the best retinol serum for mature skin because our tester noticed a reduction in marks and fine lines after using this product consistently. It is a stronger retinol and is not beginner-friendly, however. We recommend this retinol for folks who’ve used retinol for a while. As with any retinol, be sure to apply SPF the morning after use to ensure you protect your skin.

Gwen tested SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0. She has normal-to-dry skin with occasional eczema sensitivity in dry conditions. Her skin concerns include dryness, dehydration, and aging/fine lines. She rated the application of this retinol a 5 out of 5. “The pump is incredibly easy to use. I especially like that one pump only releases a pea’s worth of product, which is about as much retinol as you need to apply. Retinol can be pricey, and this one isn’t the cheapest, but this means I don’t waste any product. This retinol also spreads really easily on the skin; it’s not particularly thick, so a pea-sized drop is plenty for my whole face.

For those seeking a product that packs a lot of efficacy and value into a small application, we think they’ll find SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 a worthwhile investment.

When it comes to texture and feel, Gwen rated this retinol a 4.5 out of 5. “The texture is in-between gel-like and milky,” she said. “It’s not watery, nor oily, but rather like a lightweight cream. This product doesn’t leave any stickiness or residue. I also like that it’s not bright yellow/orange. A lot of retinol products are yellowish in tint, which does leave residue on my white pillowcases at night and, on some, doesn’t wash out. This product is white, which is great. It doesn’t absorb any more slowly than your standard cream; however, my dermatologist always recommends letting retinol absorb for about one to two minutes before moving to the next product.”

Specs

• Works for: Advanced retinol users
• Active ingredients: Retinol, Niacinamide, Squalane; Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, ceramide NP, vitamin E
• Recommended frequency: Limit use to twice a week at first, then work up toward every other night or nightly as your skin can tolerate it
• Price per ounce: $96.00

Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Our Thoughts on CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is our pick for the best retinol for sensitive skin because our tester is prone to breakouts and dehydration but had no issues with using this retinol. We think this is a good choice for folks with sensitive skin, though keep in mind that everyone’s experience may be different, so we recommend starting with a patch test. It’s paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and includes no added fragrance. This serum also includes ceramides, which may help to lock in moisture.

Paige tested CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. She has very dry skin with some breakouts, which are her main skin concerns. Paige rated the application of this serum a 4 out of 5. “The pump is very easy to use; you only need about one pump per application. The product spread extremely easily across my skin. The pump sometimes dispenses a different amount of product with each pump, so that took some getting used to,” she said. 

When it comes to texture and feel, Paige rated this retinol serum a 5 out of 5. “The texture is a milky gel,” she said. “It’s very pleasant and almost cooling to the skin. It absorbs quickly and does not feel like it is sitting on top of my skin. I do not feel or look sticky or greasy when using this product.”

In our assessment, this serum is a good fit for those prioritizing affordability, as well as professionals who want to make sure there’s no worry of visible residue after doing their skincare when taking meetings and handling public-facing responsibilities. 

Our tester rated the effectiveness a 3.5 out of 5. “I do feel like my skin is smoother when using this product, and I experienced no purging,” she said. “The product claims to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and pores. I do not have a lot of scarring to begin with, so I did not notice improvement. I didn’t notice improvement in skin texture, either, but the product felt very good during and after I applied it.”

Specs

• Works for: Sensitive skin
• Active ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, Niacinamide, Licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid
• Recommended frequency: Apply evenly to your face daily in the evenings
• Price per ounce: $21.99

Best Drugstore Retinol Serum: La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum

Our Thoughts on La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum is our pick for the best drugstore retinol serum because it only took about one minute to fully absorb into our tester’s skin. Given that this product is used in the evening, we think folks with demanding schedules could fit this serum into their evening routine since it didn’t take too long to dry, and our tester experienced noticeable benefits. La Roche-Posay is also easily found in drugstores and other chain retailers, so it can be picked up on your way home from the office, too.

Ashley tested La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum. She has combination skin, and her skin concerns are acne, excess oil, and dryness/dehydration. She rated the application of this serum a 4 out of 5. “This serum has a dropper; it’s one where the end of the dropper is flat versus the ones that have a smaller, narrow opening at the end, so it’s not as smooth to dispense, but it didn’t make a mess. You use three to four drops per application. It spreads easily across my skin and feels very hydrating. It has a pale yellow color, so you can see the product easily. It absorbs clear into my skin,” she said. 

When it comes to texture and feel, this serum has more of a gel-like feel. “It absorbs into my skin nicely, but you do have to wait a bit for it to dry,” Ashley said, rating it a 4 out of 5 in this category. “It leaves a tacky residue, but once the product dries completely (after about a minute or so), then it no longer feels sticky.”

She rated the effectiveness of this serum a 4.5 out of 5. “I’ve noticed more hydrated, smoother skin. I have some acne scarring that is fading with use, so I do think this is helping with dark spots.”

Specs

• Works for: Combination or acne-prone skin
• Active ingredients: Pure retinol, Retinyl palmitate, Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, adenosine
• Recommended frequency: Apply in the evening and follow with moisturizer
• Price per ounce: $44.99

Other Skincare Treatments We Tested

Here are other retinol serums we tested that didn’t make the cut, and why.

• The Ordinary GF 15% Solution: This isn’t a retinol, but it performed very well in testing, so if you’re not ready to try a retinol, this could be a great product to consider.
• Obagi Medical Retinol 1.0 Smoothing Retinol: Despite applying this retinol several times, our tester didn’t have any noticeable benefits.

Why the Right Retinol Serum Matters to Professionals

A retinol serum is not one-size-fits-all. The right formulation for you will depend on your skin’s sensitivity, your experience with retinols/retinoids, skin concerns you are managing, and how easy it is to work into your existing skincare routine.

Retinol may help with acne marks, fine lines, and overall skin texture. Using a retinol serum is a good way to take care of your skin now, so that you can avoid more costly, time-consuming skincare or aesthetic procedures in the future.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Retinol Serums

Here’s what we considered when testing and selecting the best retinol serums.

Application Process

Testers made note of the type of applicator their retinol serum had (dropper or pump dispenser) and how easy (or difficult) it was to apply the serum. Ease of application was rated on a scale of 1 to 5.

Texture and Feel

Testers made note if the retinol serum felt sticky, tacky, gel-like, creamy, or lightweight. They also considered how the serum felt on their skin and how long it took to fully absorb. Testers rated texture and feel on a scale of 1 to 5.

Performance and Long-Term Results

We tested the effectiveness of the product and how it performed over time. Our testers tried these products for a minimum of several weeks up to weeks or years to get a good idea of the product and category. Testers rated effectiveness on a scale of 1 to 5.

Value

Retinol	Active Ingredients	Cost per ounce
TruSkin Retinol Serum	Retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe, vitamin E	$19.99
Medik8 Crystal Retinal	Retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, squalane	$66.00
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0	Retinol, Niacinamide, Squalane; Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, ceramide NP, vitamin E	$96.00
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum	Encapsulated retinol, Niacinamide, Licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid	$21.99
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum	Pure retinol, Retinyl palmitate, Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, adenosine	$44.99

TruSkin Retinol Serum
Active Ingredients	Retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe, vitamin E
Cost per ounce	$19.99
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
Active Ingredients	Retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E, squalane
Cost per ounce	$66.00
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0
Active Ingredients	Retinol, Niacinamide, Squalane; Palmitoyl tripeptide-8, ceramide NP, vitamin E
Cost per ounce	$96.00
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Active Ingredients	Encapsulated retinol, Niacinamide, Licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid
Cost per ounce	$21.99
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
Active Ingredients	Pure retinol, Retinyl palmitate, Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, adenosine
Cost per ounce	$44.99

Benefits of Retinol Serums

“Benefits of retinol and retinoids (all related to Vitamin A synthetically) are many,” said Dr. Tanya Kormeilli, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist in Santa Monica, California. “These products can help turn on collagen production to help with fine lines and elasticity. It can increase cell turnover to improve uneven tone and texture. It can decrease oil production from the glands and help prevent clogged pores, too,” Dr. Kormeili said.

What to Avoid in a Retinol Serum

Here’s what to avoid when shopping for a retinol:

• Products that don’t disclose the percentage of retinol 
• Added fragrance or essential oils
• High amounts of drying alcohol (known as denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, etc.)

How to Find the Best Retinol Serum for You

Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best retinol for you.

Your Skin Type

Determine your skin type before shopping for a retinol serum. It could be normal, oily, dry, combination, or acne-prone. It’s also important to shop based on your experience with a retinol. If you’re a beginner, look for a lower percentage of retinol, such as 0.03%. More advanced users of retinol may be comfortable using up to 1% retinol. It’s always best to err on the conservative side. If you purchase a retinol that’s maybe not as strong as you like, you can always apply it more frequently throughout the week. 

Primary Skin Concerns

Consider the primary skin concerns you’d like to address with a retinol serum: aging, wrinkles, acne, excess oil, dryness, and dehydration. 

Formula

There’s no single retinol formula that suits everyone’s skin, but based on your skin type and primary skin concerns, you may want a formula to support your skin. For example, if you have dry skin, you may want a retinol serum that includes hydrating ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides.

Fragrance

While most retinols don’t have added fragrance, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to look for a fragrance-free retinol formulation.

Cost

Retinol serums can be pricey. They’re typically sold in a one fluid ounce bottle and may need to be repurchased monthly. 

How to Apply a Retinol Serum

“The best application is at night since retinol is photosensitizing,” says Dr. Kormeili. “Start with a small pea-sized amount and spread it on the face starting with the cheeks; avoid the under eyes and use last on the mouth/nose area. Retinol can be drying and irritating, so use sparingly, and make sure to use sunscreen the next day.” 

“For a more even spread, I instruct my patients to mix a pea-sized amount of retinol with their moisturizer and use the combination to rub all over evenly so as not to get most of the retinol clumped in one area. You can start as little as once a week and build up to nightly. Use other acid products sparingly, if at all, once you start a retinol because it can only compound the irritation,” said Dr. Kormeili.

Fortune’s Final Thoughts

Our best overall pick is TruSkin’s Retinol Serum because it has a lightweight feel and is relatively affordable. If you want a step-up system, Medik8’s Crystal Retinal has multiple strengths available, while SkinMedica’s Retinol Complex 1.0 is good for folks looking for a high-potency formulation.

CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is our value pick for people with dry or sensitive skin, especially shoppers looking for a fragrance-free option. La Roche-Posay’s Retinol B3 Serum is another drugstore pick that worked well for our tester with acne-prone skin.

We recommend that you start slowly with a retinol, use moisturizer, and always remember to use sunscreen the next morning.

Frequently asked questions

Can retinol serum remove acne?

“Retinols can help improve acne,” said Dr. Kormeili. “There is an important distinction between retinol and retinoids, which are the prescription version. The molecule of retinol is less stable and effective at penetration and site of action versus the retinoid, and therefore you may not get the same results for acne. Stronger retinoids include Tretinoin and Adapalene as well as Tazarotene.”

Should you only use retinol at night?

Yes, the “best application is at night since retinol is photosensitizing,” said Dr. Kormeili.

What does retinol do for your skin?

“Benefits of retinol and retinoids (all related to Vitamin A synthetically) are many,” said Dr. Kormeili. “These products can help turn on collagen production to help with fine lines and elasticity. It can increase cell turnover to improve uneven tone and texture. It can decrease oil production from the glands and help prevent clogged pores, too.”

Can you use retinol while pregnant?

“Tretinoin and synthetic Vitamin A products are category X in pregnancy, and even their topical use is discouraged during nursing and pregnancy,” said Dr. Kormeili.