The Best Products for Introducing Retinol Into Your Skincare Routine

Ramp up your retinol game with these highly recommended formulas.

June 06, 2022

By: Jessica Butler

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Photo By: Aja Koska

Make Retinol Easy and Gentle

You’ve probably heard about retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, and all of its benefits. It’s known for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, combating acne, and increasing the production of collagen, making it an anti-aging powerhouse. However, simply adding retinol to your skincare routine may not be so simple. Those with sensitive skin or those who are already using other strong active ingredients on a daily basis may have to start off slow. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the best retinols to incorporate into your routine! Which formula is perfect for you?

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

This drugstore find is a holy grail for so many skincare enthusiasts — and it was the first one I ever tried! Made with encapsulated retinol, this serum helps the skin look smoother and more even. It even reduces the appearance of post-acne marks and includes three essential ceramides to help improve the skin barrier. Plus, this pick includes licorice root extract for brightening and niacinamide to calm the skin.

BUY IT: Amazon, $16.34

Paula's Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment

This formula is a bit more potent than the others and includes 1% retinol. Although this one has a higher percentage than most products, it also contains several soothing ingredients to reduce irritation. It’s infused with peptides, vitamin C, and licorice extract to exfoliate and treat while maintaining the skin’s barrier. This Paula's Choice serum is one of my personal favorites.

BUY IT: Paula’s Choice, $60.00

The INKEY List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum

If gentle is what you need, opt for the INKEY List’s serum. The formula features RetiStar Stabilized Retinol 1% and Granactive Retinoid 0.5%, along with squalane for added hydration. The consistency is like a watery cream and I like to use this on the body as well.

BUY IT: Sephora, $10.99

The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

The Ordinary has so many beloved products and this 0.5% retinol is no different. The oil-like serum targets the visible signs of aging with a cocktail of squalane, jojoba seed oil, tomato fruit extract, and rosemary leaf extract.

BUY IT: Ulta, $7.50

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

Olay’s Retinol 24 is a recent addition to the retinol market, but it has definitely made a splash. The bedtime moisturizer combines vitamin B3 and a unique retinol complex for better skin overnight. Better yet, this product comes with a free week’s worth sample of Olay Regenerist Whip Moisturizer!

BUY IT: Amazon, $31.58

Fleur & Bee Youth Fairy Retinol Moisturizer

This new release from Fleur & Bee is an awesome vegan and cruelty-free pick. This one boasts all natural botanical ingredients alongside the retinol, including, plant stem cells, evening primrose oil, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10. When I first tried Youth Fairy, I could tell it was definitely on the soothing and gentle side of the over-the-counter retinol family, which my sensitive skin greatly appreciated!

BUY IT: Amazon, $35.00

Stratia Night Shift

Encapsulated in a lipid sphere, Night Shift deeply penetrates the skin’s layers to deliver a 0.15% retinol boost. The lower percentage, accompanied by soothing ceramides, centella, and panthenol, will stimulate collagen and speed up cell turnover without won't all the irritation. Plus, the texture is divine!

BUY IT: Stratia, $28.00

TruSkin Retinol Serum

With a 4.5-star rating and almost 5,000 reviews on Amazon, this serum is tough to beat. The price isn’t bad either! It’s formulated with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil for a boost of barrier support and moisture, as well as centella asiatica green tea to soothe.

BUY IT: Amazon, $17.99

Whichever retinol product you choose, don’t forget to start off slow and always wear your sunscreen!

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