The best retinol and retinal serums for smoother, firmer skin – tested | Skincare
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Retinol is the buzziest ingredient in skincare – and for good reason. You’ve almost certainly heard of it, but are you actually using it? Some studies suggest topical retinol can improve the appearance of fine lines and other signs of skin ageing. I’ve been using it to smooth the look of wrinkles and rejuvenate my complexion for years, and here’s why it’s worthy of a place in your routine, too.
Let me first point out that when I say retinol, I’m really talking about a wider family of retinoids – vitamin A derivatives that include retinol itself. Retinol is just one member of the family, but it’s become well known thanks to its widespread use in over-the-counter skincare.
The benefits of retinoids, from accelerating cell turnover to stimulating collagen production, are well evidenced. Tretinoin was first prescribed in the US in the 1970s as an acne treatment, and retinoids soon revealed their potential beyond breakouts, helping to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fade pigmentation and smooth skin texture.
However, any changes don’t happen overnight. It can take time to develop a tolerance to retinoids, as side effects such as redness and irritation are common. Over a short period, though, “you can expect to see early improvements in skin texture and brightness within four to six weeks and more significant results around pigmentation, acne or fine lines closer to eight to 12 weeks with consistent use,” says Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, GP and aesthetics doctor. It’s also even more important than usual to use a broad-spectrum face SPF, as retinoids can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Why you should trust me
I’m an experienced beauty editor with 17 years as a journalist, so I’ve witnessed the retinoid revolution first-hand – from the early pioneers to today’s more advanced formulas. Pretty much every skincare brand now has at least one retinoid product in its lineup.
Part of my job is to test these products as they launch, so you’d be hard-pressed to find a retinoid I haven’t slathered on my face at some point. And as a fortysomething showing all the natural signs of ageing – fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation – I’m the ideal test case.
How I tested
Having carefully considered all the retinol (and retinoid) products I’ve tested over the years, I started by putting together a list of my favourite 15 products. To make the cut, the formula had to be one I’d used until the bottle was empty – or bought again afterwards. For a beauty editor who’s sent skincare to test every day, that’s the real test of a product: whether I’d choose to use it again when I have countless others to try.
I used each product as part of my evening routine for a minimum of eight weeks. As my skin is already accustomed to retinoid use, I could do this without affecting my skin barrier. If you’re new to retinoid use, introduce them into your regime slowly – I really can’t emphasise this enough.
The products were assessed on texture, ease of use, side effects, noticeable skin changes, value and ingredients. Below you’ll find my list of the 10 best performers.
The best retinol and retinal serums in 2026
Best retinal serum overall:
Medik8 Crystal retinal
Medik8
Crystal retinal, 30ml
from £36
Why we love it
Advanced retinal formula; no irritation in testing
Why we don’t love it
Prices vary depending on strength of formula
Retinal (short for retinaldehyde) has been fast and furiously coming for retinol’s popularity crown, with an increasing number of beauty brands turning to this advanced retinoid. Medik8 has been using retinal since 2018, and this serum is now among the bestselling retinal serums worldwide.
Why we love it
Heavily hyped by experts and consumers alike, I’m here to add to the noise: this vitamin A serum really is excellent. The brand claims it works faster than standard retinol while being gentler on the skin. Medik8 says its crystal encapsulation gradually releases retinal throughout the night, limiting the risk of irritation. And that’s why it’s always my go-to recommendation: I’ve seen such speedy skin rejuvenation and haven’t experienced any of the irritation that can come with integrating retinol into your skincare routine.
I’ve seen this formula banish breakouts, fade pigmentation, plump out lines and wrinkles and firm the skin with continued use. By gradually working my way up the ladder to increase the strength, I’ve seen increasingly impressive results. Add to this its light and easy-to-apply texture, and it really is the best over-the-counter retinoid serum I’ve tried.
It’s a shame that … if you’re new to retinoids, you may still experience breakouts, flaking or dryness.
Product: serum
Recyclable packaging: all recyclable except for the pump
Size: 30ml
Price per ml: from £1.20
Strength and type: 0.01 to 0.24% retinal
Vegan? Yes
Certified cruelty-free? No
Medik8
Crystal retinal, 30ml
from £36
Why we love it
Advanced retinal formula; no irritation in testing
Why we don’t love it
Prices vary depending on strength of formula
Best budget retinal serum:
Naturium retinaldehyde cream serum
Naturium
Retinaldehyde cream serum, 50ml
from £32
What we love
Great value; fragrance-free; two strengths
What we don’t love
Some may find it drying
US skincare brand Naturium has been gaining serious momentum in the UK beauty space. That’s because it strikes the sweet spot between science-led skincare – including some top-notch body care – and affordable luxury.
Why we love it
Naturium’s formula may not be at the bottom of the price scale, but it comes in a much larger-than-some 50ml tube, so you get a lot of vitamin A for your buck. There are two strengths to choose from here in the UK (in the US, there’s a third, stronger one).
Its lightweight texture absorbs in seconds, making it easy to add into your evening skincare routine. Note that while the serum is bright yellow out of the tube, it massages in clear, so don’t let that put you off.
Just like Medik8, it uses a sustained-release retinal, which the brand says supports skin comfort. I’ve experienced no irritation at all in use, and saw the same rejuvenating results over time. If you’re new to retinoids, I’d still suggest building it into your routine gradually, though.
It’s a shame that … my skin needs a rich moisturiser layered on top to keep dryness at bay.
Product: serum
Recyclable packaging: can be recycled at Boots
Size: 50ml
Price per ml: 64p
Strength and type: 0.05% and 0.10% retinal
Vegan? Yes
Certified cruelty-free? Yes
Naturium
Retinaldehyde cream serum, 50ml
from £32
What we love
Great value; fragrance-free; two strengths
What we don’t love
Some may find it drying
Best retinal cream for wrinkles:
Murad Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt overnight cream
Murad
Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt overnight cream, 50ml
from £98
What we love
Cutting-edge skincare; light but creamy texture; hydrating
What we don’t love
It’s expensive
Clinician-developed skincare is everywhere right now, but Dr Howard Murad was one of the first, in 1989. Now simply known as Murad, the brand is still very much ahead of the curve when it comes to clinical skincare, as this retinal cream shows.
Why we love it
It’s a powerhouse formula, combining encapsulated retinal with Murad’s NAD+ Lift Complex, which the brand says boosts production of NAD+, a coenzyme involved in cellular repair that declines with age.
Together, the duo makes an innovative tag team for targeting fine lines and wrinkles. I’ve found it so effective that after just four weeks, my complexion already looks smoother, plumper and firmer, with deeper lines noticeably softened.
But what I love most about this formula is that it feels like a “proper” night cream – its creamy texture is still beautifully lightweight, so you don’t feel like you’re going to bed with a mask on your face. Packed with hydrating ingredients such as squalane, hyaluronic acid and glycerine, to name a few, my dry skin is content, without any need to layer on something else – unlike other retinoid products.
It’s a shame that … it has such a high price, but you get what you pay for with this skincare investment.
Product: cream
Recyclable packaging: yes
Size: 50ml
Price per ml: £1.96
Strength and type: retinal (strength not specified)
Vegan? Yes
Certified cruelty-free? Yes
Murad
Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt overnight cream, 50ml
from £98
What we love
Cutting-edge skincare; light but creamy texture; hydrating
What we don’t love
It’s expensive
Best retinol serum for beginners:
The Inkey List Starter retinol serum
The Inkey List
Starter retinol serum, 30ml
from £9.51
What we love
Gentle formula for first-timers and sensitive skin
What we don’t love
The packaging is a little basic
Known for its hard-working, ingredient-led formulations at wallet-friendly prices, the Inkey List has done it again with two impressive new retinoid products: an advanced 0.2% retinal serum for experienced users and a beginner-friendly retinol, the latter of which I put to the test.
Why we love it
This gentle formula is ideal for first-time vitamin A users, and the brand claims it’s suitable for sensitive and rosacea-prone complexions. It combines 1% Granactive Pro+ and 0.01% retinal alongside hydrating, skin-barrier-supporting and calming ingredients.
In my testing, I experienced no side effects. It’s lightweight, silky and fragrance-free, making it easy to slot into an evening routine, although I did find it could leave my skin feeling dry without a hydrating moisturiser to follow. You may see improvements to skin texture within weeks, but with retinoids, the best results come from playing the long game. Think of this as a stepping stone to a stronger retinoid.
It’s a shame that … it’s a trivial point, but the packaging is basic.
Type: serum
Recyclable packaging: yes
Size: 30ml
Price per ml: from about 32p
Strength and type: 1% Granactive Pro+ retinoid and 0.01% retinal
Vegan? Yes
Certified cruelty-free? Yes
The Inkey List
Starter retinol serum, 30ml
from £9.51
What we love
Gentle formula for first-timers and sensitive skin
What we don’t love
The packaging is a little basic
Best retinol serum for mature skin:
Lancôme Rénergie CRx Triple Serum retinol
Lancôme
Rénergie CRx Triple Serum retinol, 50ml
from £96
What we love
Powerful with vitamin C, retinol and peptides
What we don’t love
It’s a splurge
Lancôme has been around for more than 90 years, but it’s still at the top of its beauty game. From mastering mascara to launching cutting-edge skincare – and this product is no exception.
Why we love it
In the Renergie CRx serum, Lancôme combines three actives: retinol, vitamin C and X-peptides, in a formula it says is non-irritating. The serum feels luxuriously silky and is a pleasure to use, giving instant hydration without stickiness.
Together, the three actives target the signs of ageing, with vitamin C helping to brighten and peptides intended to soothe the skin. On paper, the serum ticks all the boxes, and I found it equally impressive in use. Having come to the end of the bottle, my skin is smoother, more even-toned and more radiant, with pores and lines less visible.
It’s a shame that … it has such a big price tag. Shop around, though, since it’s sometimes on offer.
Product: serum
Recyclable packaging: yes
Size: 50ml
Price per ml: from £1.92
Strength and type: 0.3% retinol
Vegan? No
Certified cruelty-free? No
Lancôme
Rénergie CRx Triple Serum retinol, 50ml
from £96
What we love
Powerful with vitamin C, retinol and peptides
What we don’t love
It’s a splurge
The best of the rest
The Ordinary retinal 0.2% emulsion
The Ordinary
Retinal 0.2% emulsion, 15ml
from £15.20
Why we love it
High-strength retinal at a lower price
Why we don’t love it
It’s a tiny bottle
Best for: experienced users
Disrupting the beauty space with its ingredient-led skincare at affordable prices, the Ordinary has proven that beauty innovation can be made accessible to all. A case in point is this 0.2% retinal. The Ordinary recommends it for experienced retinoid users rather than beginners, but the brand says continued use can leave skin looking smoother, firmer and more even-toned.
It’s beautifully lightweight and a little goes a long way, but I have a few niggles. The yellow hue of the retinal can stain clothing – I learned the hard way – so take care when applying. More disappointing is that you get only 15ml for the price, which isn’t quite the excellent value for money I’ve come to expect from the brand.
It didn’t make the final cut … because it may be the cheapest, but it’s also the smallest bottle.
Product: serum; recyclable packaging: yes, through TerraCycle and at Boots; size: 15ml; price per ml: from about £1.01; strength and type: 0.2% retinal; vegan? Yes; certified cruelty-free? Yes
The Ordinary
Retinal 0.2% emulsion, 15ml
from £15.20
Why we love it
High-strength retinal at a lower price
Why we don’t love it
It’s a tiny bottle
Kiehl’s retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose serum
Kiehl’s
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose serum
from £38.50
Why we love it
Gentle retinol for beginners and sensitive skin
Why we don’t love it
There are cheaper beginner alternatives
Best for: dry skin
Combine sophisticated formulations, apothecary-style packaging and a heritage dating back to 1851, and it’s easy to see why Kiehl’s has become such a trusted, much-loved brand. And for me, this is one of its standout products: a gentle retinol Kiehl’s says is designed specifically for first-time users and those with sensitive skin.
It contains ceramides, which the brand says help strengthen the skin barrier and improve tolerance of retinol. Having worked my way up the retinoid ladder from beginner formulas to more advanced, I’ve used plenty of bottles of this over the years and have never seen any side effects – not even the dryness that’s so common with retinoid use.
It didn’t make the final cut because … cheaper gentle (although not as luxe) formulas, such as the Inkey List’s Starter retinol serum above, are available.
Type: serum; recyclable packaging: recyclable bottle, non-recyclable pump. Kiehl’s recommends using its own returns scheme; size: 30ml; price per ml: from about £1.28; type and strength: retinol (strength not specified); vegan? No; certified cruelty-free? No
Kiehl’s
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose serum
from £38.50
Why we love it
Gentle retinol for beginners and sensitive skin
Why we don’t love it
There are cheaper beginner alternatives
CeraVe Resurfacing retinol serum
CeraVe
Resurfacing retinol serum, 30ml
from £23.50
What we love
Great for blemish-prone skin and post-acne marks
What we don’t love
Needs to be used consistently to see results
Best for: acne-prone skin
Before retinoids were recognised for their anti-ageing benefits, they were, as mentioned, used to treat acne. This gentle, lightweight retinol serum is great for tackling blemish-prone skin, and it does so with the help of a few other actives. While retinol increases skin cell turnover, niacinamide soothes, and liquorice-root extract helps skin appear brighter.
And, being CeraVe, it’s packed with the brand’s signature ceramides to strengthen and support the skin barrier. In tests, I found it gentle, easy to use, and hydrating, which makes it a great choice for retinol beginners and those with sensitive skin.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it takes time to see results.
Product: serum; recyclable packaging: only through the Boots recycling scheme; size: 30ml; price per ml: about 78p; strength and type: retinol (percentage not disclosed); vegan? No; certified cruelty-free? No
CeraVe
Resurfacing retinol serum, 30ml
from £23.50
What we love
Great for blemish-prone skin and post-acne marks
What we don’t love
Needs to be used consistently to see results
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing night serum capsules
RoC
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing night serum capsules, 10.5ml
from £35.99
What we love
Easy to travel with; won’t overuse
What we don’t love
Small bottle
Best for: retinol capsules
RoC says it was the first skincare company to offer stabilised retinol with other ingredients over the counter, and it has several high-quality retinol products in its lineup. My favourites are these biodegradable capsules, which limit exposure to light and air, preserving the retinol’s potency. The pre-measured dose also stops you from using too much.
The formula combines ceramides with retinol, and I didn’t experience any drying or redness in testing, even when used daily. My skin felt soft, healthy and comfortable, while continued use left my complexion looking smoother and brighter and fine lines softer – which is why I regularly go back to using them.
It didn’t make the final cut because … you get only 10.5ml in total, so they can work out quite expensive.
Product: serum; recyclable packaging: only through the Boots recycling scheme; size: 10.5ml; price per ml: from about £3.43; strength and type: retinol (strength not specified); vegan? No; certified cruelty-free? Yes
RoC
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing night serum capsules, 10.5ml
from £35.99
What we love
Easy to travel with; won’t overuse
What we don’t love
Small bottle
La Roche-Posay retinol B3 serum
La Roche-Posay
Retinol B3 serum, 30ml
from £38.40
What we love
Trusted brand for sensitive skin; gentle formula
What we don’t love
Pricey
Best for: sensitive skin
French pharmaceutical brand La Roche-Posay is known for a problem-solving approach to skincare, so it’s no surprise it’s mastered the art of creating a retinol serum for sensitive skin. It’s particularly well suited to those who may have struggled with retinol dryness and irritation in the past.
The reason for this is a gentle formula that includes skin-soothing and skin barrier-strengthening B3 (better known as niacinamide) and glycerine for hydration. I’ve found this cocktail of ingredients ensures it’s well-tolerated by my skin, with none of the irritating side effects of retinol.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s for sensitive skin only – there are better options for other skin types.
Product: serum; recyclable packaging: not entirely; size: 30ml; price per ml: £1.28; strength and type: 0.3% retinol; vegan? No; certified cruelty-free? No
La Roche-Posay
Retinol B3 serum, 30ml
from £38.40
What we love
Trusted brand for sensitive skin; gentle formula
What we don’t love
Pricey
What you need to know
What are the benefits of using retinol serums?
Retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives such as retinol and retinal, are skincare powerhouses backed by scientific evidence that shows they do two clever things.
Firstly, they can speed up the skin’s natural renewal process. “Retinoids help to increase cellular turnover, which naturally slows down as we age,” says El Muntasar. “This means the skin sheds more effectively, revealing newer, fresher skin underneath that looks brighter, more hydrated and even.” They continue to be recommended for those who have acne, as they help unclog pores, reduce inflammation and outbreaks, and fade hyperpigmentation.
Retinoids’ second clever trick is their ability to support collagen and elastin production. As these essential proteins decline, lines, wrinkles and a loss of firmness become more apparent. “They’re not just treating one concern; they’re improving the skin’s underlying structure,” says Dr Sheila Li, founder of Mediject Clinic. “Over time, skin becomes smoother, brighter and more resilient.”
What percentage of retinol is most effective
There is no set answer to this. The most effective percentage is the one your skin can tolerate without disrupting the barrier or needing to stop. All the dermatologists I’ve interviewed advise starting with the “go low and go slow” method.
Starting on a low percentage minimises the risk of dryness, irritation, redness and peeling – all common side effects of using retinoids. This gives your skin time to get used to the active and build up tolerance to it.
“Build tolerance gradually,” says Li. “Apply two or three nights a week at first, and increase slowly.”
How to use retinol serum
Retinoids are best used in your evening routine when your skin naturally goes into repair mode, but also because they can increase photosensitivity. This makes a broad-spectrum SPF an even more essential part of your morning routine.
“I recommend pairing a retinoid with a simple, barrier-supporting moisturiser and avoiding too many active ingredients alongside it, especially in the early stages,” says El Muntasar. “Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide help support the skin and reduce irritation.”
I like to layer Aestura’s Atobarrier365 cream on top of any retinol product I’m using. It’s a Korean bestseller that’s packed with skin-strengthening ceramides and keeps skin calm and hydrated.
Why are some retinoids prescription-only?
It all comes down to potency. “Prescription-only retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene, work faster and treat more severe skin conditions,” says Dr Leah Totton, medical doctor and cosmetic specialist. “But they also carry a higher risk of irritation, redness and peeling and so require medical supervision for safe use.”
For more:
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The best cleansers for every skin type
The best eye creams to banish bags, puffiness and fine lines
The best face moisturisers for every budget
Sabine Wiesel is a freelance beauty editor. Having reviewed skincare products for more than 17 years, she sticks to ingredients like retinol that are backed by science. Her job may sound glamorous, but with so many products constantly on the go, you should see the state of her bathroom
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