Best retinoid serums
Retinoids carry the deepest research file of any active for the appearance of lines and rough texture, but they are fragile and easy to underdose. We grade each retinoid serum on the strength of its actives, whether they hit studied levels, and whether the packaging keeps them stable, then rank by SerumProof score. The list runs from the highest total down.
- 1$14.9, ~$9/moThe OrdinaryRetinal 0.2% Emulsion
An unusual amount of well-evidenced retinal for the money, delivered and packaged properly. It is more assertive than the encapsulated retinols, so ease in slowly. On proven active per dollar it is one of the strongest picks on the whole board.
- 2$16, ~$5/moThe Inkey ListRetinol Serum
A lot of disclosed, sensibly delivered retinol for under twenty dollars, packaged the way retinol should be. 1% is not a beginner strength, so ramp up slowly. As a low-cost way into a well-evidenced active, it is very easy to recommend.
- 3$75, ~$23/moShani Darden Skin CareRetinol Reform
A well-delivered encapsulated retinol with an AHA bolted on for quicker-looking texture payoff, sensibly packaged. You pay a facialist premium over near-identical drugstore encapsulated retinols, and the lactic acid is the main thing you are paying extra for.
- 4$29, ~$5/moNaturiumRetinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%
A well-evidenced retinal at a genuine dose, microencapsulated and disclosed, in a large 50ml bottle for under thirty dollars. On proven active per dollar it is one of the strongest retinal picks on the board.
- 5$85, ~$26/moSunday RileyA+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
A genuinely high-dose retinoid serum with unusually clear disclosure, pairing a top-of-range 1% encapsulated retinol with a gentler ester and proper protective packaging. You pay a prestige price, and the strength is not a beginner level, but on potency, delivery and transparency it is one of the stronger cosmetic retinoids for the appearance of fine lines.
- 6$14.9, ~$4/moGeek & GorgeousA-Game 5
A budget retinal that gets the important things right: a well-evidenced active, encapsulated, in packaging that keeps it stable. The starting strength is gentle, which is the point. For the price it is one of the better ways to try retinal.
- 7$87, ~$26/moMedik8Crystal Retinal 6
Retinal is among the best-evidenced cosmetic retinoids, and this is a careful version of it: encapsulated, disclosed and properly packaged, with a strength ladder to grow into. You pay a mid-tier price for the delivery and the stability. On evidence and formulation it earns it.
- 8$25, ~$8/moCeraVeSkin Renewing Retinol Serum
A second CeraVe retinol, this one pointed at fine lines, with proper encapsulation and barrier support at a drugstore price. The undisclosed strength is the catch, but on delivery and value it is very easy to recommend.
Ranked by our SerumProof score. See how scoring works.