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Byrdie / Olivia Hancock
When it comes to youth-boosting skincare, there are few options as effective as retinol, the vitamin A derivative that can smooth wrinkles sans a prescription.Over-the-counter retinols have come a long way since their early iterations and many of today's formulas are backed by clinical results.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Peter Thomas Roth Fusion PM Night Serum is our top choice due to its high concentration of encapsulated retinol and skin-loving antioxidants and hydration benefits. For a more affordable choice, consider The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, where retinol is suspended in squalane and blended with jojoba oil.
“Retinoids help to decrease wrinkles and brown spots and improve overall skin texture,” board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, tells Byrdie. “Retinol also regulates our sebum production, which is great for acne control.” She goes on to explain that retinol-infused topicals stimulate collagen production and increase cell turnover and, when used consistently, can improve the tell-tale signs of sun damage. So whether you’re looking to reduce hyperpigmentation, are aching to clear up your complexion, or want to tackle fine lines before they get deeper, there’s a non-prescription retinoid out there up for the task.
Naturally, the market is flooded with products containing this powerhouse ingredient, so we put a few top-rated options to the test to see if they’re truly worth the hype. Our testers used them for weeks at a time, taking note of how well they tackled their various skin concerns and kept up their promise of delivering a smoother, clearer, and more even-toned complexion. Our team then combined these results with expert recommendations and our own thorough research to compile this list.
Keep reading for the best over-the-counter retinols for every skin concern and budget.
Best Overall
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
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Amazon
Time-release formula
High retinol concentration
Dermatologist-recommended
Expensive
Though over-the-counter retinoids aren’t as strong as the prescription stuff, Fusion PM holds its own, earning its rightful place at the top of our list. Not only does it contain a generous 1.5% concentration of encapsulated, time-released retinol (making it gentler than most) and brightening antioxidants, but, as Dr. Madfes explains, the hydrating base provides extra moisture. And thanks to skin-loving squalane and humectants, you won’t have to worry about some of the most common side effects of retinoids, like excessive dryness and irritation.
Like any over-the-counter retinoid, results will take time, but this pick is truly effective. Byrdie editor Olivia Hancock took it for a spin over three weeks, noting that it gave her the smoothest skin she’s ever had and an overall more refreshed appearance. More importantly, she says, it lives up to its claim of being gentle, causing no irritation or redness whatsoever while she used it.
Price at time of publish: $65
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, squalane | Retinol Concentration: 1.5% | Dosage: A few drops nightly | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
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Byrdie / Olivia Hancock
What Our Testers Say
"Peter Thomas Roth's Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum doesn't produce results overnight, but the improvements I've seen in my skin thus far have convinced me that this serum is transforming my skin slowly but surely." — Olivia Hancock, Product Tester
Best Budget
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
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Courtesy of Skinstore
Budget-friendly
Non-comedogenic
Moisturizing
Texture is slightly oily
Some of the best over-the-counter formulas are brilliantly cheap—take this little tincture from The Ordinary, for example. Here, the retinol is suspended in squalane and blended with jojoba oil to minimize dryness and boasts The Ordinary's trademark efficiency, meaning you can soften wrinkles for less than $15.
Price at time of publish: $13
Key Ingredients: Retinol, squalane, jojoba oil | Retinol Concentration: 1% | Dosage: A few drops nightly | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Drugstore
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Moisturizing
Brightening
Contains parabens
RoC makes some of the best drugstore options, and the Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is a well-deserved fan favorite. It combines vitamin C, squalane, and shea butter with a gentle dose of retinol to bring you healthier, more radiant-looking skin with continued use.
Price at time of publish: $30
Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, squalane, shea butter | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Small amount nightly | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Leigh Weingus
What Our Testers Say
"Overall, I was very happy with RoC's Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. On top of being affordable, it didn't irritate my skin, and I noticed a reduction in fine lines within a week." — Leigh Weingus, Product Tester
Best Splurge
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream
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Nordstrom
Award-winning formula
Refillable
Paraben- and phthalate-free
Expensive
Contains synthetic fragrance
If you can swing the price, Charlotte Tilbury's award-winning Magic Night Cream won't let you down. Aside from time-released retinol, the kicker is CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant that supports skin rejuvenation and an all-around smoother, healthier-looking complexion.
Price at time of publish: $105
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, red algae | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Pea-sized amount nightly | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Luxury
Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Renewal Retinol Treatment
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Estee Lauder
Evens skin tone
Hydrating
Noticeable results
Expensive
From the luxury beauty counter, we're big fans of Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro, which balances retinol with moisturizing borage oil, skin-tightening caffeine, and line-plumping shea butter. According to the brand's clinical trials, about 90% of users notice softer, more even-toned skin in the first four weeks.
Price at time of publish: $64
Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C, vitamin E, algae extract | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Small amount nightly | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best K-Beauty
Dr. Different Vitalift-A Forte
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Amazon
Noticeable results
Stimulates collagen
Gentle exfoliation
Expensive
Small amount
While Vitalift-A Forte contains only a 0.1% concentration of its active ingredient, the brand uses retinal instead of retinol. That means it provides all the skin-smoothing, collagen-stimulating, exfoliating benefits of the latter, but with faster, more efficient results. The rest of the ingredients are just as delicious, with a line-up of skin-loving squalane, ceramides, and moisturizing polyglutamic acid.
Price at time of publish: $52
Key Ingredients: Retinal, hyaluronic acid | Retinol Concentration: 0.1% | Dosage: Thin layer nightly | Size: 0.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Daytime
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Moisturizer SPF 30
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Contains SPF
Hydrating
Paraben-free
Contains synthetic fragrance
Though most retinoids are meant to be applied before bed, this drugstore standby is formulated for daytime use. It contains SPF 30 protection to prevent sun damage, which is crucial for countering the increased sun sensitivity that retinol creates.
Price at time of publish: $21
Key Ingredients: Retinol, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, hyaluronic acid | Retinol Concentration: 0.3% | Dosage: Generous amount 15 minutes before sun exposure | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Night Cream
Public Goods Night Moisturizer
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Public Goods
Budget-friendly
Brightening
Good for sensitive skin
Paraben-, silicone-, and fragrance-free
Unhygienic container
Public Goods uses a low dose of retinal in its Night Moisturizer, so it's great for beginners—yet still tones down wrinkles over time. The ingredient is combined with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and aloe, meaning you're looking at a gentle, effective cream that smooths, plumps, and brightens without irritation.
Price at time of publish: $17
Key Ingredients: Retinal, hyaluronic acid, aloe, vitamin C | Retinol Concentration: 0.05% | Dosage: Small amount nightly | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Capsules
RoC Retinol Correxion Smoothing Night Serum Capsules
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Amazon
Reasonably priced
Biodegradable
Dermatologist-recommended
Paraben- and fragrance-free
Short supply
Recommended by Dr. Madfes, RoC Night Serum Capsules contain a high concentration of pure retinol, so it's best for people who want serious results (and don't have sensitive skin). In clinical trials, 100% of users had visibly firmer skin and a noticeable improvement in the appearance of wrinkles within a month. While you should always take sponsored studies with a grain of salt, the Serum Capsules' thousands of five-star Amazon ratings confirm their potency.
Price at time of publish: $33
Key Ingredients: Retinol, ceramides | Retinol Concentration: Not specified | Dosage: One capsule nightly | Size: 30 capsules | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Crow's Feet
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum
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Sephora
Non-irritating
Noticeable results
Dermatologist-developed
Expensive
Dr. Dennis Gross's products are undoubtedly pricey, but when it comes to minimizing signs of photoaging, they don't disappoint. This concentrated eye serum combines retinol with bakuchiol, glycolic acid, and brightening licorice root to address crow's feet, dark circles, and crepiness on the eyelids, while Centella asiatica counters inflammation.
Price at time of publish: $69
Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, ferulic acid, rambutan | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Half a pump | Size: 0.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
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Byrdie / Olivia Hancock
What Our Testers Say
"For me, the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum knocked it out of the park in terms of firming my skin and improving texture around my eyes." — Olivia Hancock, Product Tester
Best for Mature Skin
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream
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Dermstore
Reduces discoloration
Soothing
Dermatologist-recommended
Expensive
Dr. Madfes recommends SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 to address discoloration, loss of elasticity, and other signs of aging. As the name suggests, this serum contains a 1% concentration of pure encapsulated retinol to ensure a steady release, plus soothing chamomile and Boswellia serrata extract to calm inflammation.
Price at time of publish: $92
Key Ingredients: Retinol, chamomile, Boswellia serrata extract | Retinol Concentration: 1% | Dosage: Pea-sized amount nightly | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate
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Non-irritating
Soothing
Fragrance- and paraben-free
Results aren't as dramatic as more potent products
If you're a retinoid novice or have particularly sensitive skin, First Aid Beauty is your best bet. This mild, fragrance-free serum contains a low concentration of retinol, plus a blend of skin-soothing ingredients, like colloidal oatmeal, aloe, vitamin E, and allantoin. Its anti-aging approach is multi-factor, with peptides, ceramides, and vitamin C keeping retinol company.
Price at time of publish: $58
Key Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, aloe, allantoin, colloidal oatmeal, plant oils | Retinol Concentration: 0.25% | Dosage: One or two pumps up to three times weekly | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Joline Buscemi
What Our Testers Say
"I'm happy with the way the FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum makes my skin look and feel. Throughout its use, my skin has felt smooth, and I've had no new breakouts." — Joline Buscemi, Product Tester
Best for Uneven Texture
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
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Ulta
Award-winning formula
Improves uneven texture
Helps with hyperpigmentation
Fragrance- and paraben-free
Expensive
Drunk Elephant's A-Passioni blends a 1% concentration of vegan retinol with all-star ingredients like plant oils, peptides, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to nourish, plump, and brighten sun-damaged skin. Thanks to the gentle exfoliation, this award-winning cream also helps smooth uneven texture.
Price at time of publish: $74
Key Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, niacinamide, plant oils | Retinol Concentration: 1% | Dosage: Pea-sized amount daily | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Exfoliating
Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum
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Award-winning formula
Time-released retinol
Non-irritating
Expensive
According to Dr. Madfes, "All retinoids increase cell turnover." But Shani Darden's Retinol Reform takes it a step further with lactic acid to gently slough off dead skin cells, improve texture, and brighten dull complexions.
Price at time of publish: $88
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, lactic acid, aloe | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: One to two pumps nightly | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Cream
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Face Moisturizer
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Olay
Contains two retinoids
Nice consistency
Fragrance-free
Unhygienic container
Olay's Retinol24 cream gets to work while you get your beauty sleep. The formula combines retinol with retinyl propionate (a gentler retinoid) and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to firm, smooth, brighten, and hydrate your skin.
Price at time of publish: $46
Key Ingredients: Retinol, retinyl propionate, niacinamide | Retinol Concentration: Not listed | Dosage: Small amount nightly | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Editors Say
"This is my all-time favorite nighttime moisturizer, no competition. As someone who errs on the oily side, I was opposed to even using a moisturizer for a long time. What I love about this one is that it leaves my skin feeling really hydrated (not at all greasy), and the retinol helps to fade my regular bouts with hyperpigmentation." — Eden Stuart, Associate Editor
Best for Body
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
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Amazon
Absorbs quickly
Hydrating formula
Fragrance-, phthalate-, and paraben-free
May cause a slight stinging effect
Your face and neck aren't the only places prone to crepiness and wrinkles. With this in mind, this whole-body treatment from Paula's Choice allows you to reap the benefits of retinol from the shoulders down. The brand excels at trustworthy formulas, and this one is no exception: fatty alcohols, vitamin C and E, and grapeseed oil impart immediately supple skin.
Price at time of publish: $29
Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, vitamin C, panthenol | Retinol Concentration: 0.1% | Dosage: Small amount daily | Size: 4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Olivia Hancock
What Our Testers Say
"If you want your skin to feel like silk, then you need Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment in your life. Since I started using this, my skin has been so soft and supple." — Olivia Hancock, Product Tester
Final Verdict
Peter Thomas Roth Fusion PM Night Serum reigns in the over-the-counter retinoids department, thanks to its high concentration of encapsulated retinol and blend of skin-brightening antioxidants. But if you're on a budget, The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane has an effective formula that garners results.
Meet the Expert
- Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, of Madfes Aesthetic Medical Center, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation, chemical peels, fillers, and general skin care. She is also an attending physician at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
- Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology and the Director of Clinical and Cosmetic Research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He specializes in multiple areas of cosmetic and medical dermatology, including acne.
What to Look For in an Over-the-Counter Retinol
Hydrating Ingredients
The first thing board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, recommends looking for in an over-the-counter retinol product is a moisturizing formula. "We know that retinol can cause skin irritation for the first two to four weeks of use, so it's important to look for a product that's also hydrating," he says. Look for formulas that include humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid or oil-based emollients meant to deeply nourish parched skin.
Skin-Barrier-Supporting Ingredients
Hydration aside, Zeichner recommends also looking for formulas that support and strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier since irritation is a sign of a compromised barrier. Look for formulas that incorporate soothing and strengthening ingredients such as ceramides, fatty acids, niacinamide, and probiotics.
A Stabilized Formula
Retinol is notorious for being an unstable skincare ingredient, meaning that exposure to sunlight, air, and heat can deactivate it and render it useless. While it's important to store any retinol cream or serum properly (like in a cool place out and of direct sunlight), Zeichner also recommends seeking out formulas that contain stabilized forms of retinol, such as an encapsulated retinol. These may end up being pricier products, but they're worth it in the long run as they'll be more effective and have a longer shelf-life.
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a commerce beauty writer and self-proclaimed skincare aficionado. She interviewed board-certified dermatologists for this story, compiled their product recommendations and formula insights, then referenced several peer-reviewed journals, looked at reviews, and combed through ingredients lists before landing on the final selections. As a long-time retinoid user, Theresa has tried many products on this list, including those from The Ordinary, RoC, Dr. Dennis Gross, Olay, Neutrogena, and Public Goods.
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