Proof You Need a Retinol Facial Serum: Here are the Best Ones

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 Facial Serum: The Best List

BEST OVERALL

Best Retinol Serum: Carrot & Stick The Retinoid Oil

FULL LIST

Best Retinol Serum Overall: Formulyst Double Defense Serum

Best Retinol for Acne: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Strongest Retinol Serum: Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum

Best Retinol and Vitamin C Serum: Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Serum

Best Retinol Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Verso Dark Spot Fix

Woman applying serum

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.

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FULL LIST

Best Retinol Serum Overall: 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.

Best Retinol for Acne: 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.

Strongest Retinol Serum: 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.

Best Retinol and Vitamin C Serum: 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.

Best Retinol Serum for Hyperpigmentation: 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.

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!

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FAQs

Which is better, retinol or hyaluronic acid?

Many people wonder which is better; retinol or a hyaluronic acid serum? The answer? They’re two completely different ingredients. Here’s the thing about retinol. You have to use it more cautiously than a gentle, lightweight, ultra-hydrating ingredient like hyaluronic acid.

Does retinol make you age faster?

No. Peeling and flakiness are just part of the adjustment process. To help put your mind at ease, no studies have proven that there’s a link between skin damage or signs of faster aging caused solely by retinol. However, using retinol in conjunction with sun protection during the day is vital.

Is it ok to use retinol every day?

Eventually, most people can tolerate retinol every day —or almost every day. However, it also depends on what kind of product you’re using, what percentage it is, and how sensitive your skin is.

Which is better, retinol or retinoid?

In general, retinoids are stronger than retinol. They’re more highly concentrated, and the molecular structure of vitamin A in retinoids turns over skin cells at a faster rate than retinol.

What happens if you stop retinol?

You may have to stop using retinol for a reason, such as becoming pregnant — but if you really want to reap the age-fighting benefits of retinol, resume use when it’s safe to do so. As with any skincare product, consistent use is the key to optimal results.

Should you moisturize after retinol?

A serum or retinol oil is not a replacement for a moisturizer, which will help hydrate your skin and reduce the risk of potential irritation from retinol.

Which is better, retinol facial serum or vitamin C serum?

What are your skin goals? Retinol helps unclog pores, stimulates collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increases cell turnover to smooth the skin, and even out discoloration. A vitamin C serum is an effective antioxidant and brightener, but it isn’t as effective in collagen synthesis and fighting the signs of age as retinol.

Can you mix retinol with vitamin C?

Even though vitamin C can technically be used day or night, it’s ideal for daytime due to its antioxidant properties. In contrast, retinol is better applied at night when you’re out of the sun’s harmful rays. Nighttime is also when the skin repairs itself.

Can I use retinol creams with a retinol serum?

No. Only use one form of retinol in your routine — it’s all you need. Overdoing it will only lead to excessive irritation.

Sources:
“Photosensitivity due to retinoids: clinical and laboratory studies,” Pubmed.gov.
“Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery,” Science Direct.