The best drugstore retinols give you the smoothing, brightening perks of a retinoid without a dermatologist visit or a prescription. Retinol, a vitamin A–derived ingredient, is often considered the gold standard for addressing signs of aging because it helps support collagen and speeds up skin-cell turnover, which can improve the look of fine lines, uneven tone, and texture over time. Drugstore retinols can also be a good option for someone who is unable to tolerate a prescription retinoid because they’re generally formulated with hydrating ingredients to help mitigate inflammation, according to Marisa Garshick, MD and board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
We tested 20 over-the-counter retinols over the past year and narrowed it down to 7 of the best picks, all of which are under $45. Our top overall drugstore retinol is the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum because it’s gentle, derm-recommended, and helps smooth the look of post-acne marks and uneven texture without triggering irritation. We also found options for mature skin types who want to target eye wrinkles, a great retinol moisturizer, and other effective formulas.
Our top drugstore retinols
- Best Overall: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, $18
- Best for Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, $10
- Best for Acne: La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum, $45
- Best for Beginners: Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%, $29
- Best for Wrinkles: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, $30
- Best for Mature Skin: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer, $22
- Best Eye Cream: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream, $22
Best Overall: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
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- Pros: Non-comedogenic; fragrance-free
- Cons: You’ll likely need to build up tolerance (start 2-3 nights/week)
If you want a drugstore retinol that feels hard to mess up, this is it. Dr. Garshick recommends this encapsulated retinol serum as one of her favorites because it’s designed to release slowly, which can make it easier to tolerate. “It’s formulated as an encapsulated (or slow-released and deep-penetrating) retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness. It also incorporates niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and deliver all-day hydration,” she says. In other words, you’re getting retinol plus a supporting cast that helps buffer the dryness and irritation people often associate with starting a retinoid.
In our testing, the texture lands somewhere between a serum and a light moisturizer, and it layers easily under a basic night cream. Several testers noted it felt gentle on skin that’s prone to redness, and over time, it helped skin look smoother, brighter, and more even.
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“It has a whipped, thick formula that dries down nicely and has never (in the slightest) made me irritated or red. The formulation is potent, instantly clarifying congested skin and areas riddled with dark spots and acne scars—a lot of which I have around my nose and on my chin. After using this every few nights for the past three months, my skin looks brighter, even-toned, and softer than ever. I’m obsessed!”
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says:
“This is a great beginner-friendly, dark spot-correcting retinol serum. It was actually the first retinol product I ever used in my late 20s, and I continue to use it now in my 30s. I’ve gone through three bottles. The serum-moisturizer hybrid is very lightweight and absorbs nicely on the skin,” she says. “I’ve never had a bad reaction on my combination skin, and I notice it feels a lot smoother and more radiant after consistent use. As always, make sure to follow the instructions so you don’t overuse it,” she reminds users.
Fast facts:
- Skin types: Sensitive skin types, acne-prone skin
- Key ingredient(s): Retinol, licorice root, niacinamide, ceramides
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
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- Pros: Lightweight; very moisturizing
- Cons: A little oily and it doesn’t have the best smell
For sensitive skin, simplicity helps, and this formula keeps things straightforward: retinol suspended in squalane, a moisturizing ingredient that can make the experience feel less drying. Ariel Ostad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City recommends this pick if you want to shop for OTC retinol. “It’s simple and comes with squalane, which helps buffer dryness,” he says. The moisturizing base helps keep skin hydrated and soft, even as retinol penetrates to slough away dead skin and dark spots. It keeps skin in check, and also features jojoba seed oil to add another layer of moisture, plus antioxidant-rich tomato-leaf extract to gently protect the skin from free radicals and UV.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I’ve struggled with a lot of uneven skin texture due to acne scars from former breakouts, so I’m always looking for a retinol to help smooth and even out my skin tone in these areas. I was impressed with this serum upon first use: it’s lightweight and leaves skin feeling hydrated and not stripped. After using it for a few weeks, I’ve noticed an improvement in my acne scars around my nose and on my chin—the area looks clearer and smoother. The only thing I didn’t love about this serum was the smell, but that’s easy to overlook after seeing some pretty great results for only $9.”
Fast facts:
- Skin types: Combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin
- Key Ingredient(s): Retinol, squalane, jojoba oil
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Acne: La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum
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- Pros: Smoothes uneven skin texture; formula is lightweight and non-sticky
- Cons: Pricey
If acne, clogged pores, and post-breakout texture are your main concerns, this serum is a strong option that still feels gentle. The formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t seep into pores and cause more breakouts, and has a blend of pure retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. The retinol helps plump skin and reduce dead skin cells that can lead to acne, while niacinamide soothes and addresses redness, inflammation, and congestion. Hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin hydrated and non-stripped after application. While this serum is more expensive than some of the other picks on the list, it’s well worth the price tag if you’re looking for something gentle, yet effective for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“It does a great job of balancing both my oily areas and dry areas, and never leaves me feeling stripped or tight. The formula is quite hydrating and has already made a difference in the areas where I deal with acne scars most, particularly around my nose. I’ve been using it for around two weeks now and can confirm that the area is a lot more clarified and smooth.”
Fast facts:
- Skin types: Combination skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin
- Key Ingredient(s): Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Beginners: Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%
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- Pros: Nongreasy; quickly absorbs
- Cons: If you have very sensitive skin it might cause a little tingling
If you’re new to retinoids and want something that feels approachable, this cream-serum hybrid is a smart place to start. Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City, recommends this gentle cream-serum if you’re just dipping your toe into retinol. She notes the formula’s pH level (6–7) matches the skin’s natural pH, which may help support barrier comfort. “I love how it also contains bio-fermented oligopeptide, which is a combination of yeast extract and soy amino acids that provide gentle exfoliation properties,” she says. In our testing, it absorbed quickly, played well under a moisturizer, and felt like an easy “first retinoid” texture, especially for people who find pure serums too harsh or too drying.
Glamour contributor Devon Abelman says:
“This serum has a liquidy gel texture that absorbs into skin almost instantly without feeling sticky or tight, and layers perfectly under a rich moisturizer. I wake up with glassy skin every time I use it,” she says.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“This formula really hits the mark for moisturizing and effectiveness. It feels like a typical moisturizer, but addresses skin concerns like a serum would, in a more targeted way. My skin drinks it up, and my dark spots have noticeably decreased after using this for a couple of weeks now.”
Fast facts:
- Skin types: Acne-prone skin; dry skin; wrinkles
- Key Ingredient(s): Retinaldehyde, glycerin, vitamin E
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Wrinkles: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum
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- Pros: Affordable; targeted applicator
- Cons: Fragrance may be irritating
This is the classic drugstore pick for a reason. Dr. Garshick also sings high praises of this deep correction wrinkle serum because it’s lightweight, gentle, and an effective way to firm skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, forehead wrinkles, and crepey skin. “In addition to retinol, it is formulated with glycerin and bisabolol to help hydrate and soothe the skin, and I recommend it to all skin types,” she says. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to start slow and build up tolerance as needed to avoid dryness and irritation. Dr. Garshick also likes that this formula works as a preventive measure and can help treat existing sun damage. The packaging also makes it easy to apply precisely to the areas you want to target, and it’s an easy option for people who prefer a more “treatment” format rather than a full-face cream.
Glamour contributor Zoe Weiner says:
“This formula comes in an itty-bitty tube that allows for super-precise application, which means you can quite literally squeeze the product along each and every one of your fine lines and wrinkles. The formula gets its power from the dynamic duo of hyaluronic acid and retinol. It delivers both immediate and long-term effects. The hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin to instantly—albeit temporarily—plump fine lines and wrinkles, and the retinol boosts collagen production to smooth their appearance over time. As a longtime user of this product, I can confirm that it’s got a great delivery system with an even better formula—plus, it’s easy to use.”
Fast facts:
- Skin types: Those targeting fine lines and wrinkles
- Key Ingredient(s): Retinol, glycerin, bisabolol
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Best for Mature Skin: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
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- Pros: Thick and cushiony texture; plumps skin and helps reduce wrinkles and sagging
- Cons: A little greasy
If your skin is drier, thinner, or more easily creased by makeup as you’ve gotten older, a retinol moisturizer can feel more comfortable than a standalone serum. This Olay moisturizer is great for mature skin because it not only addresses discoloration with retinol, but it also targets sagging skin and wrinkles. It has a thick, creamy texture that is best applied at nighttime to help your skin rejuvenate by morning. Retinol works to correct and reduce the appearance of uneven skin texture and wrinkles, while collagen peptides deeply hydrate, plump, and support collagen growth.
Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine says:
“This retinol cream has earned a place on my nightstand right off the bat—and I’m picky. Yes, I can feel a tingling sensation, but it’s not severe. I was surprised at how quickly it absorbed—like, lickety-split—unusual for a night cream. And the best part is, after the first night of using it, I woke up the next morning with my skin feeling smoother and plumper, an ideal surface for putting on makeup. Over a few days of use, the discoloration and lines on my face are a bit less prominent, since the brightness of my complexion is taking center stage.”
Fast facts:
- Skin types: Mature skin types
- Key Ingredient(s): Retinol, collagen peptides
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Best Eye Cream: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Eye Cream
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- Pros: Lightweight texture; a little goes a long way
- Cons: Takes a few minutes to dry down
If you’re looking to target crow’s feet and wrinkles around the eye, Dr. Garshick loves this formula from Neutrogena. “It addresses dark circles, lines and dullness without causing dryness or irritation,” she says. The formula features retinol and hyaluronic acid to help plump the delicate eye area and make dark circles look brighter, and smooths texture and evens tone. It also works to reduce puffiness and can be used every day once tolerated. The dermatologists we spoke with recommend starting applying it every two to three days to start.
Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley says:
“It’s soft and silky and goes on very smoothly with no piling. It does take a few minutes to fully absorb, but I liked that because it felt nice and cool on my tired eyes during this time. Once it dried down, it did leave a slightly tacky finish, but the traditionally dry (and sometimes itchy) skin around my eyes felt super hydrated.”
Fast facts:
- Skin types: Those targeting eye wrinkles
- Key Ingredient(s): Retinol, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a drugstore retinol?
It is important to look at the concentration and also any other key ingredients that can help ensure tolerability and reduce irritation, according to Dr. Garshick. “Some examples include barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. For those who are dry, a cream may be preferred while for those who are oily, a serum may be best,” she says.
Are drugstore retinols good for wrinkles? What about acne?
Drugstore retinols can target both wrinkles and acne, if you have sensitive skin and might not be able to tolerate a prescription retinol or tretinoin. “Retinol helps to stimulate collagen production which helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by thickening the skin. For acne, it is best to look for drugstore formulas that include an adapalene (like Differin adapalene gel) which is a type of retinoid. This has been shown to help reduce clogged pores and breakouts,” says Dr. Garshick.
How should you incorporate a drugstore retinol into your skincare routine?
Start with 1–2 nights per week in the first 2–4 weeks if you’ve never used retinol before. He recommends applying retinol first, then following with a moisturizer to reduce irritation. “Retinol increases sun sensitivity, so it’s important to never use it in the morning. Even if you are applying it at night, you must wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ to protect your skin,” he says.
How we tested
Testers ranging between ages 30–60 tested drugstore retinols by evaluating their ingredients, their prices and overall effectiveness. The best ones not only had potent concentrations of retinol, but also featured hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and peptides to soothe and plump skin. The best ones we tested also came in at under $50, and are available at local drugstores. The best retinols that made this list were also quite effective in reducing our dark spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and acne scars over time.
Meet the experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD and board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City
- Ariel Ostod, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
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