Best Retinol Creams: How to Choose and Use Retinol

When it comes to “anti-aging” skin care, retinol is the gold standard. It improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and lessens hyperpigmentation. But it also increases skin cell turnover and collagen production. These factors mean that it can dry out your skin and make it more sensitive. 

The best retinol creams balance effectiveness with ingredients that help reduce dryness and irritation. Before we get into the article, it’s important to note that “anti-aging” skin care products aren’t for everyone. Everyone’s skin changes as they get older. And while some people choose products marketed for anti-aging, it’s also fine to embrace the natural aging process.

That being said, here’s how to choose the best retinol cream for your skin type and how to use it successfully. 

What is retinol, and how does it help with anti-aging?

Retinol is a topical form of vitamin A you can get over the counter (OTC). When you put it on your skin, it turns into its active form, which is known as retinoic acid. Pure retinoic acid (tretinoin) is available by prescription. 

When we talk about anti-aging benefits to using retinol, that means that the product does the following:

• Increases collagen by boosting production and blocking breakdown 

• Enhances skin cell turnover

• Thickens skin

• Improves fine lines and wrinkles

• Brightens skin

• Evens pigmentation

• Smooths rough texture 

7 best retinol creams to try

The best retinol creams include ingredients that support the skin barrier and avoid irritants like fragrance and drying alcohols. There are many effective retinol creams available, but here are some popular OTC and prescription options to try. 

Which retinol product should you choose for your skin type?

The best retinol product for you is one that you can tolerate using every night. If you’re unable to build up your nighttime tolerance, you can try using it over your moisturizer or switch to a lighter product. 

Recommendations for well-tolerated retinol products are based on your skin type.

What are the biggest differences between retinol products?

Retinol products can vary in several important ways, including:

• Strength: Higher-strength options work faster but can be more irritating. 

• Formulation: Creams and oils tend to be more moisturizing, while gels, lotions, and serums feel lighter. 

• Supporting ingredients: Many are combined with different ingredients, like alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids, built-in moisturizers, or antioxidants. 

• Prescription vs. OTC: Prescription-strength products are stronger, but they can also be more drying and irritating. While prescription-strength retinoids work best for acne, they don’t necessarily work better for anti-aging. 

What are the side effects of using retinol?

The major side effect of topical retinol is skin irritation, which can look or feel like: 

• Redness 

• Dryness 

• Stinging or burning 

• Peeling 

Your skin can also become more sensitive to other products, the sun or wind, and to procedures like lasers, waxing, and chemical peels. Stronger, prescription-strength retinoids are more likely to cause side effects than OTC retinols. 

What to know before using retinol

Before starting a retinol, it’s best to simplify your regimen. Avoid other potentially irritating active ingredients, like alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids. Either of these in combination with retinol could make your skin more sensitive to the retinol. 

Here are some tips for starting to use retinol:

• Start by using a little at a time. All you need is a pea-sized amount for your entire face.

• For the first few weeks, use it every other day or every third day. 

• You can build up to every day as tolerated. 

• Keep your skin well-hydrated with a moisturizer.

• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen daily, as retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. 

• Stop using your retinol a week before intense sun exposure or any facial procedure, like waxing, lasers, or peels.

• You should avoid using retinol if you’re pregnant or nursing. 

Frequently asked questions

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Written by:

Maryann Mikhail, MD

Maryann Mikhail, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and medical writer based in South Florida. She is the founder of Waverly DermSpa in Fort Lauderdale and holds a voluntary faculty position at the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami MIller School of Medicine.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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