There’s no one-size-fits-all in skincare. What works for one person may not necessarily have the same results for someone else. But it’s only natural to want the best, so our team of licensed dermatology providers reviews and assesses countless products on the market to offer a few recommendations. So here, you’ll find the products that hold up to our rigorous standards.

Are you ready to revamp your skincare routine for an improved complexion and a more radiant appearance? Retinol may be the key ingredient missing from your routine. A form of vitamin A, this popular skincare ingredient is known for its ability to address a broad spectrum of skin concerns. However, not all retinol products are the same—and not every product is suitable for every person. 

With so many options on the market, choosing the best retinol cream for your skin type may be challenging. That’s where we can help. If you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, here we’ll help you find the best retinol cream for your concerns.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, a substance that can help slow down the aging process of the skin.¹ It belongs to a category of compounds called retinoids. Retinoids can help improve various skin conditions, such as acne, wrinkles, dark spots, and psoriasis, by increasing cell turnover and promoting collagen production.²

They can also reduce certain types of inflammation and unclog pores.³

Is retinol the same as vitamin A?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative.⁴ Vitamin A has various physiological roles in the body and must be included in our diet. Retinol is a common and active form of vitamin A found in animal sources, such as liver, eggs, and dairy. Plant sources of vitamin A, in the form of carotenoids, are found in carrots, spinach, mangos, and sweet potatoes.⁵

What are retinol creams?

As the name implies, retinol creams are products that contain retinol or other forms of vitamin A, such as retinaldehyde or retinyl palmitate.⁶ These are also retinoids, but they have different structures and activities compared to retinol. 

Retinol creams aim to stimulate cell turnover and increase collagen production. Topical retinoids may also help reduce UV damage, smooth wrinkles, and fade certain dark spots.⁷

Types of retinol creams

Not all retinol creams are the same. The right retinol cream for you will depend on your skin type and goals. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) retinol

You can easily find and use OTC retinol creams. They contain retinol or other topical retinoids, such as retinaldehyde or retinyl palmitate.⁸ These retinoids change into retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, on your skin. This typically makes them gentler and less irritating, but also potentially slower and less effective than prescription retinoids such as tretinoin.⁹

OTC retinol creams are generally a good option for those who are just starting to use topical retinoids.

Here are some retinol products to consider:

• Derma e Anti-Aging Regenerative Day Cream: A 100% vegan and cruelty-free anti-aging product that deeply moisturizes and diminishes the appearance of fine lines.

• The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane: Although not a cream, this serum contains 2% granactive retinoid as well as squalane, a moisturizing oil that may help diminish the look of fine lines.

• Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream: Formulated with a low-strength 0.01% retinol to help lessen the appearance of fine lines.

Prescription retinoids

Prescription retinoids, including tretinoin, are another option to consider. They are generally more potent and may be more effective than over-the-counter or cosmeceutical alternatives, but you need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to use them.¹⁰

However, prescription topical retinoids may be more likely to cause dryness or irritation upon initial use.¹¹ That said, your medical provider prescribing the product can offer guidance and tips on how to help minimize this side effect.

Benefits and effects of using a retinol cream

Wondering why you might want to use a retinol cream? Here are some key benefits you may see from this kind of product.

1. Anti-aging benefits

The best retinol creams may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting the elasticity and thickness of your skin. They help prevent the degradation of collagen and also boost collagen production, which helps firm up the skin and slow down the appearance of aging.¹²

2. Skin brightening effects

No one wants to have an uneven complexion. Using a retinol cream may help improve the glow and smoothness of your skin by increasing cell turnover and collagen production. Furthermore, they may also help lighten dark spots,¹³ which may help even out the skin tone.

3. Improved skin texture

Many retinol creams are formulated to help improve the texture and clarity of your skin by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and regulating the formation and turnover of the outer skin layers. Retinoids may also help prevent or treat acne breakouts by regulating sebum production and preventing comedones.¹⁴

How to choose the best retinol cream for your skin type

Here are some tips to help you choose the best retinol cream for your skin type.

Acknowledge skin sensitivity

Retinol creams can cause irritation, dryness, redness, peeling, or flaking in some people,¹⁵ especially those with sensitive skin.

If you have sensitive skin or are new to retinol, it’s generally a good practice to start with a mild product with a lower concentration of retinol and start slowly (once or twice a week) until your skin adjusts. You can also apply a gentle moisturizer (like this one from Curology) before or after using a retinol cream to minimize irritation.¹⁶ Consult with your licensed healthcare provider to see what’s best for your skin.

Test your retinol product

Before using a retinol product on your face, do a patch test on a small area of your skin (such as behind your ear or on your wrist) and wait for 24 hours to see if you have any adverse reaction. 

If you notice any signs of irritation or allergy (such as swelling or rash), do not use the product. If you have no reaction, you can proceed with caution and follow the instructions on the label.

Personalized skincare with Curology 

Retinol is a powerful skincare ingredient that can improve the appearance and health of your skin. It can reduce the signs of aging and can help brighten your skin. However, retinol can also cause irritation, dryness, or sensitivity in some people, especially if used incorrectly or excessively. 

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Start your skin quiz

That’s why you need to find the right retinol cream for your skin type and follow expert advice to use it safely and effectively. 

Regardless of which skincare products you choose, always remember to consult a dermatology provider before using retinol and follow their instructions on how to apply it properly. 

With Curology, you can gain access to a personalized skincare formula based on your specific needs. To get started, all you need to do is answer a few questions and take a small handful of photos of your skin concerns. Then, our team of licensed dermatology providers will prescribe products with the specific ingredients needed to treat your skin concerns, leading to healthier, more vibrant skin. 

Try Curology with our 30-day trial. Unlock your offer today!* 

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to: 

1. Zasada, M. and Budzisz, E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii. (August 2019).

2. Zasada, M. and Budzisz, E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii. Ibid.

3. Zasada, M. and Budzisz, E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii. Ibid.

4. Zasada, M. and Budzisz, E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii. Ibid.

5. Gilbert, C. What is vitamin A and why do we need it?. Community Eye Health Journal. (2013, n.d.).

6. Mukherjee, S., et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging. (December 2006).

7. Mukherjee, S., et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging. Ibid.

8. Spierings, N.M.K. Evidence for the Efficacy of Over-the-counter Vitamin A Cosmetic Products in the Improvement of Facial Skin Aging: A Systematic Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. (September 2021).

9. Mukherjee, S., et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging. Ibid.

10. Motamendi, M., et al. A Clinician’s Guide to Topical Retinoids. J Cutan Med Surg. (January 2022).

11. Motamendi, M., et al. A Clinician’s Guide to Topical Retinoids. J Cutan Med Surg. Ibid.

12. Mukherjee, S., et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging. Ibid.

13. Gendimenico, G.J. and Mezick, J.A. Pharmacological effects of retinoids on skin cells. Skin Pharmacology. (1993, n.d.).

14. Zasada, M. and Budzisz, E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii. Ibid.

15. Yin, S., et al. Retinoids activate the irritant receptor TRPV1 and produce sensory hypersensitivity. The Journal of Clinical Investigation. (2013, September 3).

16. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Retinoid or Retinol?. (2021, May 25).

17. Rendon, M.I. and Barkovic, S. Clinical Evaluation of a 4% Hydroquinone + 1% Retinol Treatment Regimen for Improving Melasma and Photodamage in Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-VI. J Drugs Dermatol. (2016, November 1).

18. Sanadi, R.M. and Deshmukh, R.S. The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation – A systematic review. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. (May-August 2020).

19. Mukherjee, S., et al. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical Interventions in Aging. Ibid.

20. Seité, S., et al. Histological evaluation of a topically applied retinol-vitamin C combination. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. (March-April 2005).

Maria Borowiec is a certified Nurse Practitioner at Curology. She received her Master in Nursing from University of California, Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA.

*Cancel anytime. Subject to consultation. Results may vary.

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Maria Borowiec, NB-BC