Retinol serum: 16 products tested and compared

In tests and comparisons with other beauty products, retinol serums have proven to be the most convincing anti-aging miracle. But which is the best retinol serum for your skin's needs? Discover your favorite in our Best of Retinol Serums.

Retinol serum – its effects

What is a retinol serum actually good for? It accelerates cell renewal, thus stimulating collagen production and reducing fine lines, discoloration, and acne. This means that with consistent use, a retinol serum can significantly improve the texture of facial skin. This is because retinol, along with other retinoids such as retinal (retinaldehyde), retinoic acid (tretinoin), and retinyl palmitate, is a derivative or different form of vitamin A – one of the body's most important nutrients for promoting cell renewal. Therefore, retinol improves the overall appearance of the skin.

Retinol serum – test winner

Scientific studies have shown that over-the-counter retinol serums are effective even at a concentration of 0.01 percent. Start slowly and gradually increase the application. A 1 percent concentration is best suited for those whose skin has become accustomed to the ingredient. For more mature skin and as an anti-aging serum, a concentration of 0.04% to 1% is beneficial. In this case, test the product three times a week initially. This is because the potent retinol active ingredient (vitamin A) can cause irritation, dry skin, and flaking if used incorrectly or if it's not suitable for your skin type. Otherwise, consider gentler derivatives like retinal or plant-based alternatives like bakuchiol. Find the ideal serum for your skin type here, based on tests and comparisons.

Best retinol product in the test

Best Serum Retinol + Retinal: Judith Williams Retinol Science “Night Treatment Serum”

• Why we love it : With its new Retinol Science line, Judith Williams Cosmetics has several products on our beauty radar. Besides the retinol eye cream , the new "Night Treatment Serum" is already in our shopping cart. Simply applied overnight, the serum promotes firmness and elasticity. This is thanks to the quadruple retinol power (two encapsulated retinols and two plant-based alternatives) in ideal combination with niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 for additional soothing hydration). The result of the retinol serum? Surprise – smoother skin and a captivatingly fresh glow.
• Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol complex, plant-based retinol alternatives, bakuchiol, sweet almond oil, niacinamide
• Retinol concentration : Not listed

The best retinol for combating signs of skin aging: Shani Darden "Retinol Reform"

• Why we love it: Shani Darden's powerful "Retinol Reform" serum, enriched with 2.2 percent encapsulated retinol, leaves skin looking smoother and more radiant overnight and within 14 days. The skin expert explains the encapsulation (time-limited release of the active ingredient) in a gentle yet effective way: "I developed this serum as an alternative to harsh, conventional retinoids. Retinol is the most effective anti-aging ingredient, and this serum delivers it—without irritation." Winner of the 2020 Beauty Award from Allure and Town & Country.
• Key ingredients: 2.2 percent encapsulated retinol, 2 percent lactic acid for a brightening effect
• Retinol concentration : 2.2%

Best retinol for greasy to oily skin: Murad Retinol "Youth Renewal Serum"

• Why we love it : Thanks to its clever three-part retinol technology, which includes a fast-acting retinoid, a time-release retinol, and a retinol booster, this serum from Murad tackles blemishes, acne, and excess sebum from all sides. A real benefit for oily and combination skin. Currently available as a set .
• Key ingredients: three types of retinoids, squalane
• Retinol concentration : Not listed

Best retinol serum for beginners: Crystal Retinal 1 serum by Medik8

• Why we love it : This serum is a bestseller with our colleagues at VOGUE SHOPPING in the UK. Because: If you're ready to try retinoid products, Medik8 is the place to go. Beginners should start with "Crystal Retinal 1," which contains 0.01 percent stabilized retinal, an alternative to retinol that has been shown to deliver results up to eleven times faster.
• Key ingredients: Retinal, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin E
• Retinol concentration: 0.01 percent retinal

Best retinol product for acne and blemished skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

• Why we love it : CeraVe's skin-renewing retinol serum is ideal for anyone suffering from blemishes, acne, enlarged pores, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The encapsulated retinol is gentler on the skin barrier and won't cause further irritation.
• Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol, licorice root extract, niacinamide, ceramides
• Retinol concentration : Not listed

Best retinol serum for sun-damaged skin and pigmentation spots: Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

• Why we love it : This Paula's Choice treatment, with its highly effective blend of concentrated, controlled-release retinol, delivers firm, radiant skin without irritation or redness. Paula's Choice recommends applying it to the face and neck up to three times a week. Follow with sunscreen during the day.
• Main ingredients : 1% retinol, vitamin C, licorice extract
• Retinol concentration : 1%

Retinol serum price-performance ratio: "The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane"

• Why we love it: The Ordinary is known for delivering the finest ingredients at affordable prices. At ten euros, this retinol serum is particularly inexpensive in comparison, yet still offers high effectiveness in skin renewal.
• Key ingredients: Retinoid, Squalane
• Retinol concentration : 2%

Best pore-refining serum : Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

• Why we love it : This cream contains three high-quality skincare ingredients – ceramides, retinol, and niacinamide – that stimulate cell turnover, reduce the appearance of large pores and uneven texture, and restore the skin barrier. A great cream for anyone looking to improve the overall quality of their skin.
• Main ingredients: Retinol, peptides, niacinamide
• Retinol concentration: Not listed

The best gently dosed retinol care for wrinkles and fine lines: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Contour

• Why we love it : The Shiseido "Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Contour Serum" is already a classic among retinol serums. With "ReNeura Technology+", the skin's sensors are reactivated, allowing it to absorb the active ingredients exceptionally well. The result: smoothness, elasticity, and firmness. What's more, the floral-green fragrance offers wonderfully pampering moments.
• Active ingredients: ReNeura Technology+, retinol soft capsules, complex of three algae species, plant-based active ingredients
• Retinol concentration: Not specified

Best lightweight texture : Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum

• Why we love it : Augustinus Bader's retinol serum has a dreamy, lightweight texture that nourishes the skin while reducing fine lines, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation—with the highly acclaimed TFC8 you've come to expect from the brand. When used at night, skin still feels soft, smooth, and firm in the morning. Gently apply the serum to the face, neck, and décolleté.
• Main ingredients: Zinc complex, plant extracts (manuka, black pepper, magnolia), marine ectoin, Japanese knotweed extract, TFC8
• Retinol concentration : 0.06%

The best retinol oil from a Nobel laureate : Noble Panacea Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil

• Why we love it: It's a high-performance oil created by Nobel laureate and Noble Panacea founder, Sir Fraser Stoddart. In this formula, he has combined the finest retinol with hazelnut seed extract, squalane (praised for its skin-softening and plumping properties), and encapsulated hyaluronic acid. Thanks to this last, exclusive innovation, the oil blend regenerates, hydrates, and seals in moisture! Each dose is precisely filled in sustainable packaging to preserve the formula's effectiveness.
• Main ingredients: Retinol, Squalane, Sea fennel extract, OSMV-encapsulated delayed-release hyaluronic acid
• Retinol concentration: Not specified

Best Retinol Cream: SkinCeuticals 0.3% Retinol Cream

• Why we love it : SkinCeuticals' retinol cream's encapsulation technology is designed to minimize irritation. Additionally, the chamomile-derived bisabolol is intended to counteract any potential irritation. This highly concentrated cream, enriched with pure retinol (no derivatives), reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promotes a more youthful complexion.
• Main ingredients: Retinol, chamomile-derived bisabolol
• Retinol concentration: 0.3 percent

L'Oréal Paris "Pure Retinol Revitalift Laser Night Serum"

• Why we love it: L'Oréal's Retinol Serum has a lot to offer. It contains a high concentration of pure retinol, is one of the brand's most effective blends, and targets fine lines and wrinkles, while the added hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin. It's especially well-suited for those looking to combat the signs of aging.
• Main ingredients: Retinol, macrohyaluronic acid
• Retinol concentration: Not specified

Best retinol cream for skin glow: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

• Why we love it : Drunk Elephant's lightweight A-Passioni offers a host of benefits. The cream contains 1% vegan retinol to exfoliate and reduce wrinkles, pollution, or UV damage such as dark spots, while vitamin F soothes the skin barrier, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitivities.
• Main ingredients: Retinol, peptides, essential fatty acids, fruit extract
• Retinol concentration : 1%

Best retinol serum for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3

• Why we love it : La Roche-Posay's Retinol Serum is perfect for sensitive skin. With a combination of 0.3 percent retinol and vitamin B3, it creates a gentle yet effective smoothing formula for a more refined complexion. The retinol complements the vitamin with its skin-soothing and sebum-regulating properties, thus refining pores.
• Key ingredients: Retinol, Vitamin B3
• Retinol concentration: 0.3%

Amazon shopping favorite : Olay Retinol 24

• Why we love it : The "Olay Retinol 24" is a simple moisturizer that cares for the skin for 24 hours. With plenty of moisture, it improves the complexion and is fragrance- and dye-free. It can be used daily – and promises visible results after 28 days of use. A shopping favorite on Amazon.
• Key ingredients: Retinoid complex, without artificial colors, fragrances, or oils, with vitamin B3

The most important questions about the use of retinol

The correct dosage of retinol serums – is less more?

So, what dosage is best for your skin, and how should the product be used correctly and combined with other active ingredients? "To use a retinol serum effectively and avoid over-irritating the skin, start with a pea-sized amount and gradually increase it. For over-the-counter retinol, percentages of 0.01 percent or higher have proven effective, with 0.01 percent being a strength best suited for those new to retinol. One percent retinol is best for skin types that are already accustomed to it."

Can I use a retinol serum every day?

"You can increase the retinol dosage up to daily use. Again, it depends on the strength of the vitamin A, regardless of the specific formula. Some brands claim their product is gentle enough for daily use from the start, but ultimately it depends on the strength and integrity of your skin at that time." Pay attention to your skin's reaction, such as redness.

How to use retinol serum correctly

"Start by incorporating the serum into your routine twice a week. I always recommend a Wednesday and a Sunday so your skin has enough time to rest in between. Retinol can build up in the skin, so if you were to apply it every day, your skin might be fine on the third day and very irritated on the fourth. So, apply the cream at regular intervals—twice a week for the first few weeks, then three times a week, then four times, and so on." Pay attention to the product instructions. Some formulas break down in sunlight and are therefore effective overnight. Also, since retinol can make your skin more sensitive, use sunscreen or a cream with SPF.

At what age should one start using retinol?

"You should start using a retinol serum from the age of 25, as collagen begins to break down at this age. If you are prescribed retinol for a skin condition such as acne, there is usually no age limit – this is at the discretion of your doctor or dermatologist – although many of us avoid giving retinol products to very young people."

What should you not use with retinol?

"There's nothing you shouldn't use with retinol. Everything you use besides retinol and vitamin A depends heavily on the integrity and health of your skin and its structure. Personally, I prefer to use retinol serum alone in the evening after cleansing my skin. I cleanse my face with an alpha hydroxy acid-based cleanser. After that, I use things like glycolic acid, vitamin E, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid, but not all at once. If you're taking medication, you should avoid alpha hydroxy acids and opt for milder polyhydroxy acids like gluconolactone or lactobionic acid. Ideally, dermatologists should recommend a suitable skincare routine to their clients."

Combining Retinol correctly

"The real question is what you should use retinol with. Moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, peptides, and ceramides, when combined with retinol, help maintain the skin's integrity. Ultimately, you should listen to your skin and let it guide you." Ayodele advises keeping a skincare journal to record any changes and taking photos of your skin to compare it to the first and sixth weeks. And remember: When using retinol serum, daily sun protection is essential.

Combine retinol with vitamin C

Both vitamin C and retinol are powerful antioxidants. Therefore, both can irritate sensitive skin, and this effect is amplified when used together. Tip: If you have sensitive skin, it's best to use retinol and vitamin C separately. For example, apply vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening.