The Very Best Retinol Products for Every Skin Type

Active ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, vitamin C, and vitamin E | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $130/ounce)

I’ve been hearing about SkinBetter AlphaRet for years because it’s so well-known for being effective yet gentle. The formula combines lactic acid and a retinoid to smooth wrinkles without irritation. And despite being the priciest option on our list, it’s backed up by multiple dermatologists and is specifically formulated to be tolerated by pretty much all types of skin. Dr. Elyse Love, a New York City–based dermatologist, says it’s actually “medical-grade” yet available without a prescription. It’s also the one I use. After using it two to three times a week for a little over six months, I can say my skin has never looked better. The stubborn hyperpigmentation on my chin has faded and my skin looks generally glowy, and so far I haven’t had any adverse effects. I was very concerned about the purging process, and thanks to this formula (along with applying moisturizer before layering this stuff on), I was able to use it without any irritation or flakiness. A little goes a long way. I use two pumps for my entire face, and even though I use it regularly, I’m barely halfway through the bottle. I don’t identify as having a sensitive skin type, but when I asked Dr. DiAnne Davis, a cosmetic dermatologist based in Dallas, about the best retinol for someone with dry sensitive skin or a skin condition like rosacea, she said AlphaRet is the best best.

Active ingredients: Shea butter, glycolic acid, and squalane | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $20/ounce)

I’m the first to admit that the Skinbetter, despite its efficacy, is pricy, so this RoC night cream is a good alternative. The cream texture makes it a bit more moisturizing than a serum, and it also combines the retinol with oxygen and antioxidants. It’s also cosigned by two of our dermatologists who like that it’s mild enough to use everyday. And even though it’s great for regular use, Dr. Karen Chinonso Kaghadermatologist and Harvard cosmetic and laser fellow, suggests introducing it slowly into your routine (like other retinols) because vitamin A can cause a lot of irritation at first.

Retinol concentration: 0.3 percent | Active ingredients: Shea butter, glycolic acid, and squalane | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $20/ounce)

If you’ve never used a retinol before, consider easing into it — because, again, retinol can be very drying and you won’t know how your skin will react at first. This formula from Skinceuticals has a a low-but-still-effective concentration of 0.3 percent and is a good place to start. It’s comes recommended by Rio via dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, who says she’s seen impressive amounts of brightening, tightening and refining in her clients’ skin after just a few month’s use. Dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon also says that it works well for people with oily skin: “It helps with the appearance of blemishes and pores without creating more breakouts.” In addition to a low concentration retinol it also contains soothing ingredients like chamomile-derived bisabolol and boswellia serrata, which work together to help soothe the skin.

Retinol concentration: 0.5 percent | Active ingredients: Bisabolol, niacinamide | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $78/ounce)

If you’ve been using retinol for years and want to take it up a notch, this one from SkinMedica could be a good option. SkinMedica is known for its highly efficacious products, which I often spot in the offices of dermatologists and aestheticians I trust. As Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, owner of Dallas-based practice Houshmand Dermatology, explains, the 0.5 percent of retinol in this product is one of the strongest concentrations you’ll be able to find over the counter. She likes this formula because it has “bisabolol, which soothes the complexion to calm irritation and inflammation, and antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and prevent signs of aging.” She adds that the antioxidants will also help prevent “irritation, flaking, and redness” that infamously come with using a retinol. Despite the high concentration, Chacon says it should be well tolerated by sensitive skin. “It’s mild than most others and shouldn’t be irritating.”

Retinol concentration: 1 percent | Active ingredients: Bisabolol, frankincense | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $78/ounce)

I mentioned Skinceuticals’ lower-concentration formula as a good option for beginners, but for mature skin types seeking more significant results, a higher concentration can be helpful. Chacon says this formulation is powerful for aging skin. “It is truly a game changer for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” she says. It has a concentration of one percent pure retinol, the highest formulation you can purchase without a prescription. To offset the retinol’s strength, it also contains chamomile and frankincense, which helps to soothe skin, but I’d still recommend going slow with this one and starting with 0.5 if you’ve never used a retinol prior.

Retinol concentration: 0.1 percent | Price: 1 ounces (Approx. $26/ounce)

The dermatologist consensus for acne-obliterating retinol is Differin’s adapalene gel, which was once a behind-the-counter ingredient. It became an over-the-counter product a few years ago, and it might still be the best kept acne-fighting secret. “It treats acne deep in the pores and prevents new acne from forming,” explains Davis. Because it is relatively strong — it’s prescription-strength, after all — Dr. Oma Agbai, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UC Davis, who considers herself an “adapalene gel enthusiast,” suggests easing into using the product, as with any retinoid or retinol. “The key is to start with one to two times weekly application if you have sensitive skin and work up to every other night or every night if your skin does not become excessively dry,” she says. Because most people using this have easily irritated skin, Marmur notes that this Differin gel is also “oil-free and fragrance-free, so aside from the retinoid, it doesn’t have any other irritants, which helps oily skin.”

Retinol concentration: 2.5 percent | Other actives: Peptides, bakuchiol | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $80/ounce)

Folks with combination skin, who are dry in some parts and oily in others, would do well with a serum like this one from Clinical Skin, which is lightweight enough that you can layer stuff on top of it but also contains moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and squalane. Both are generally well-tolerated, so you won’t have to worry about aggravating your skin. I like that this also contains bakuchiol, which is often referred to as “nature’s retinol,” and supercharges retinol’s results without making skin more sensitive.

Active ingredients: Ceramides, licorice root, niacinamide | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $12/ounce)

For a less-expensive option, there’s CeraVe’s retinol resurfacing serum, which we’ve written about before. Like the Clinical Skin, it contains ceramides to help maintain a healthy skin barrier, which Lal says makes it a good option for anyone, even those “with the most sensitive skin.” The retinol is also encapsulated and releases into the skin over time, which lets the skin absorb a bit at a time. This helps to cut down on irritation while still getting the benefits of the active ingredient.

Active ingredients: 0.5 percent | Other ingredients: Bakuchiol | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $22/ounce)

We already mentioned that the SkinBetter retinol is great for sensitive skin, but as a budget-friendly alternative, this Versed serum also gets the job done (and is available at Target). “This nongreasy gem is a creamy, gentle retinol serum specifically formulated for sensitive skin types and first-time retinol users,” says Mitchell. “The duo of microencapsulated retinol and natural retinol alternatives, arophira and bakuchiol, deliver the best of all worlds.” Because of this unique formula, it promises to keep your pores clear, even your skin tone, and boost collagen all in one — and for only 20 bucks. As an added bonus, it’s also paraben-free, vegan, synthetic fragrance-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.

If you wanted to use something a little stronger, there’s this retinol from Medik8, which uses retinaldehyde, one of the strongest over-the-counter options available. It’s a favorite of Rio, who says that despite being effective, the inclusion of hyaluronic acid and glycerin helps to minimize redness and irritation. This line also comes recommended by Dr. Lyle Leipziger, chief of plastic surgery at North Shore University Hospital and LIJ Medical Center, who likes Retinal 3, the next concentration up. “It’s a gentle formula that can be used on sensitive skin to improve skin texture,” he says.

Retinol concentration: 0.1 percent | Other actives: Peptides, vitamin E, thermal spring water | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $70/ounce)

Similar to La Roche Posay, French pharmacy brand Avéne also formulates their products with thermal spring water that apparently moisturizes and hydrates skin. Whether it’s the water or the other moisturizing ingredients, it’s an actually good option for dry skin. Houshmand agrees. According to her, the concentration and combination of ingredients, including the thermal spring water that Avène is known for, won’t further parch already dry skin. On top of its moisturizing properties, “it has pro-elastin peptides that help with fine lines to firm and has vitamin E which helps with free-radical damage and protects against damaging sun rays,” she says. And it will even help “with dark spots and skin tone” over time. Leipziger is also a fan. “Its potent formula delivers improved results without irritation,” he says.

Active ingredients: Endosomes | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $109/ounce)

If you’re hoping to lighten dark spots using retinol, this one from Neova, also contains DNA repair enzymes, which naturally occur in the skin. These enzymes act as natural protection against sun damage, but diminish in our skin as we age. Neova helps to replenish that topically and fortify skin. “It’s great for sun-damaged skin,” says Houshmand, who recommends this to “patients of all ages and for those with more sensitive skin types.” And because it’s a serum, she adds that it is “smooth and absorbs into the skin.”

Active ingredients: AHAs, lactic acid, and mandelic acid | Price: 1 ounce ($140/ounce)

Epi.Logic was founded by oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Chaneve Jeanniton in 2019, with a focus on treatments for melanin-rich and hyperpigmentation-prone skin. Its retinol — Double Feature — uses a special time-release formula that doles out its ingredients slowly, making it less harsh on skin. Mbiye Kasonga, who tried many different products to address her dark spots, left over from acne scars, tested this retinol and calls it “the secret sauce behind my now-luminous skin. It’s not cheap, but one bottle lasted me an entire year, which helps justify the price, as do the results. The difference isn’t just aesthetic — my skin feels better too. The persistent dryness and cycles of acne haven’t returned, and I confidently leave home barefaced.”

Active ingredients: Peptides, amino acids | Price: 1 ounce (Approx. $25/ounce)

Because the neck is a very sensitive area, you have to be careful with the products you use on it. Bowe suggests using a neck-specific formula, and she likes this “really hydrating” No. 7 serum. She further explains that it “contains a whole blend of ingredients, including calcium amino acids and peptides that help with fragile, delicate, crepey skin,” and it is gentle. “You can imagine that if it’s gentle enough to use on the neck, which is so sensitive, it’s really great for people with very dry skin,” she adds.