Retinol serums and retinol products are quite easily the most useful products in your skincare routine. From helping to smooth out the skin, to reducing acne and improving the appearance of pigmentation, they're the products all facialists can agree work.
Shani Darden is one the leading celebrity facialists in L.A, and handles the complexions of a bevvy of beauties including Jessica Alba and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. She believes that retinol is the ingredient everyone should be using, and attributes it to the glowing skin of all her supermodel clients.
I personally think everyone should be on retinol if they can handle it. It can totally turn your skin around - Shani Darden, The Cut
If you're not familiar with retinol or simply wonder how to use it with other skincare products, discover why and how you should include it in your skincare routine with our "How To Apply Retinol: A Step By Step Guide" article.
Our Top 10 Best Retinol Serums Picks
- Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
- Clinique Fresh Pressed Vitamin Retinol Duo
- Filorga NCTF-Intensive
- Medik8 Retinol 3TR Serum
- bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum
- ESPA Rejuvenating Night Booster
- Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM
- Rodial 10% Retinol Booster Drops
- First Aid Beauty Retinol Serum
- Zelens Power A Treatment Drops
Which is the best retinol serum for me?
1. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum 30ml
Murad is one of the most trusted names in skincare, so it's little wonder their
Retinol Youth Renewal Serum made our top 10 list. Formulated with a powerful trio of retinol actives, including a time-released retinol, retinol booster and fast-acting retinoid, the serum melts into the skin upon application for a refined and radiant finish.
2. Clinique Fresh Pressed Vitamin Retinol Duo 6ml
A double whammy against pigmentation, dullness and skin ageing, the
Clinique Fresh Pressed Vitamin Retinol Duo has been specially formulated to brighten and revive the complexion. The set contains a Vitamin C Booster alongside an overnight treatment rich in Vitamin A (aka retinol) to help transform the complexion. While the Vitamin C works to transform the texture and tone of fatigued skin, the Vitamin A serum helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Filorga NCEF-Intensive Concentrated Multi-Correction Face Serum 30ml
The
Filorga NCTF-Intensive Serum has been specially formulated for those with visible signs of skin ageing such as deep wrinkles and lack of elasticity. The super lightweight treatment is made with NCTF®, a unique complex that mimics the effect of injectable anti-ageing treatments without the use of needles. Combining retinol and Vitamin C, expect beautifully brighter and visibly youthful results.
4. Medik8 Retinol 3TR Serum 15ml
The
Medik8 Retinol 3TR Serum is a lightweight formula that helps to transform your skin tone and texture in one go. Made with 0.3% retinol, the serum uses time release technology to gradually release the ingredients into your skin. This is perfect for sensitive skin as it prevents irritation and any discomfort!
5. bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum 30ml
For those looking for a cleaner alternative to a traditional retinol product, you will love the
bareMinerals Ageless Genius Firming and Wrinkle Smoothing Serum. Enriched with encapsulated Vitamin A, the serum also contains a blend of brightening botanicals such as cherry, calendula and ginseng root, which work to shield against environmental aggressors and keep the skin protected, healthy and glowing.
7. Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM 30ml
Brilliant if you don't have much time for a skincare routine (as it's meant to be applied overnight for a magical treatment as you sleep),
Peter Thomas Roth's Retinol Fusion PM has been specially formulated to exfoliate and renew the skin for gorgeously glowing results. Infused with 1.5% microencapsulated retinol, which is gently released when applied onto the skin, the lightweight serum helps to improve the appearance of breakouts, fine lines and pigmentation.
8. Rodial Retinol 10% Booster Drops 30ml
The
Rodial 10% Retinol Booster Drops are a brilliant treat for ageing, pigmented or blemish-prone skin. Working to boost the rate of cellular turnover, the drops help to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as slough away dead skin cells and impurities for a gorgeous glow. Perfect for clarifying an uneven skin tone, these work wonders for brides wanting to transform their complexion before the big day.
9. First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate 30ml (Sensitive/Beginner)
For those new to retinol, you will
First Aid Beauty's Retinol Serum, which has been specially formulated for those first introducing a retinol treatment into their skincare routines. Containing a base of 0.25% retinol (perfect for beginners), the treatment also contains a soothing Skin Saver Complex with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to keep the skin protected against dehydration and irritation caused by traditional high-strength retinol products.
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