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Perhaps you’ve tried retinol creams — maybe even retinol body lotion — but what about retinol facial serum?
Retinol is one of the top skincare ingredients for softening and preventing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing pore size and acne, encouraging collagen production, lessening the appearance of brown spots, increasing cell turnover, and improving skin texture — pretty incredible, right? You can even find a retinol oil or the best retinol for acne, so it’s an active ingredient with copious benefits.
So, what is retinol? It’s a particular type of retinoid in the vitamin A family. However, in most cases, retinol is deemed as a less potent version of vitamin A. When you hear the term “retinoid,” it’s referring to more robust prescription products such as Retin-A, Adapalene, or Tretinoin.
But make no mistake, even though retinol isn’t as intense as more potent retinoids, it doesn’t mean it’s not incredibly useful when it comes to fighting the signs of aging skin. One of the best ways to incorporate this results-driven ingredient into your regime is with the best retinol serum.
Retinol Nights Serums & Creams: The Best for Aging and Wrinkles
BEST OVERALL
Best: Carrot & Stick The Retinoid Oil
For optimal results, we recommend Carrot & Stick’s Lift & Smooth routine. Use code DERM20 on the brands website for an additional 20% off.
FULL LIST
Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Renewal Serum
Formulyst Double Defense Serum
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum
Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Serum
Verso Dark Spot Fix
What is the Best Retinol Serum?
BEST OVERALL
Best Retinol Serum: Carrot & Stick The Retinoid Oil
This formula contains a next-generation retinoid and potent antioxidants to help reduce visible signs of aging. For optimal results, we recommend Carrot & Stick’s Lift & Smooth routine.
FULL LIST
Carrot & Stick The Retinoid Oil
This formula contains a next-generation retinoid and potent antioxidants to help reduce visible signs of aging.
Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Renewal Serum
This formula is offers multiple benefits as it combines retinol with antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid. It does contain a lighter concentration of retinol but that makea it a good choice for daily use. The only downside of this formula is the inclusion of fragrance.
Formulyst Double Defense Serum
Thanks to a powerhouse of antioxidants and a rich retinoid compound, this potent anti-aging formula reduces the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes while leaving you with youthful-looking skin that’s visually smoother, firmer, and more even without stripping the skin of vital moisture.
It’s formulated with Hydroxypinacolone Etinoate, one of the most bioavailable non-prescription forms of Vitamin A. It also includes antioxidants like caffeine, vitamin C, and vitamin E that help fight the effects of skin damage and premature photoaging.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Looking for the best retinol serum for acne? Keep in mind that your skin can be on the sensitive side (maybe even inflamed.) This formula provides all the benefits of retinol, but with the addition of skin-soothing ceramides and niacinamide to even out the skin tone, reduce redness, and soften acne scars.
Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum
Full disclosure: This is not a retinol serum for rookie retinol users. This professional strength formula consists of a 5% retinoid ester blend, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol, and blue-green algae to provide antioxidant protection.
The addition of encapsulated CoQ10 works to improve damaged or aging skin; and if you’re worried about irritation due to the strength, cactus extract, Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, and ginger calm and soothe.
Kate Somerville + Retinol Vitamin C Serum
It’s not too often that you see a serum incorporating retinol and vitamin C because they thrive in two different pH environments. However, Kate Somerville has managed to formulate a serum that harnesses both of these power-packed ingredients. It works while you sleep to brighten, tone, and revive a dull, uneven skin tone.
Clinical studies indicate that 97% of users noticed improved fine lines and wrinkles after just one use. After one week, 93% saw an improvement in skin elasticity, and 90% said their skin tone looked brighter.
Verso Dark Spot Fix
This serum contains the highest concentration of retinol 8, which is eight times stronger than traditional retinol (read: super collagen booster), yet only half as irritating. The trifecta of turmeric, niacinamide, and retinol 8 work synergistically to decrease the appearance of hyperpigmentation while restricting melanin production. The addition of hyaluronic acid promotes a plump and hydrated complexion.
Best Retinol Serum: The Final Word
What’s the Best Retinol Serum? Overall, we suggest Carrot & Stick The Retinoid Oil. For optimal result, use Carrot & Stick’s Lift & Smooth routine.
Retinol is one of the top skincare ingredients for softening and preventing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing pore size, encouraging collagen production, lessening brown spots, increasing cell turnover, and improving the skin’s texture.
Even so, when purchasing over-the-counter retinol (not to be confused with prescription-strength retinoids), you still want to make sure you’re choosing a brand and product of integrity that’s the best strength for your skin type if you want the best result.
What is the best retinol face serum, in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below!
