The Best Over-The-Counter Retinols
Retinol is one of those incredible ingredients that seemingly does it all and with so many amazing results it’s easy to see why. It helps treat fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, works to clear up acne and more. However, there is some hesitation about using retinol due to the fact that it can cause irritation to the skin and make you sensitive to the sun. Wearing sunscreen daily should already be in your regular routine but if it’s not, then it’s even more important to apply your SPF when using retinol products. The key to using retinol, especially for those with sensitive skin, is practicing patience. While starting out, some might find using it only one to two days a week works best and then gradually working your way up to more frequent use as your skin adjusts. With so many amazing products out there, it can be hard to decide the type of retinol for you so we have rounded up some of our favorites to help point you in the right direction!
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream, $25 rocskincare.com
Take care of the delicate skin around your eyes with this hydrating cream that reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles while decreasing dark circles for brighter-looking eyes.
Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $125 skinbetter.com
AlphaRet, a proprietary retinoid that offers little-to-no irritation, combines with glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to improve skin’s texture and hydration and works to protect your skin from free-radicals.
Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil, $80
dermalogica.com
If aging wasn’t tough enough, adding in adult acne can really start to take its toll, but with this two-in-one solution treating your skin is easy. Thanks to salicylic acid and time-released retinol, these two ingredients work together to treat acne, prevent future breakouts and visibly reduce hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] Retinol Eyes, $47
laroche-posay.us
Pure 0.01% retinol, a retinol booster and caffeine blend together in a weightless texture to treat the delicate skin around the eyes reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles without irritation. Good for those with sensitive skin and eyes.
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L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum .3% pure retinol, $37
lorealparisusa.com
Fight deep wrinkles and even your skin tone while you sleep with this potent serum which contains 0.3% pure retinol along with L’Oréal’s patent-pending technology, Retinol Guard, which helps to protect the retinol from destabilizing from external factors like air and light.
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentration, $58
firstaidbeauty.com
If you have sensitive skin or are new to using retinol this 0.25% serum is a great option. It uses pure retinol concentrate along with the brand’s proprietary Skin Saver Complex which works to improve signs of aging while also calming and nourishing the skin helping to keep irritation minimal.
Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum, $69
drdennisgross.com
Say hello to a vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free eye serum that uses retinol to improve skin elasticity and fight crepiness. Ferulic acid offers sun damage protection and antioxidants for healthy, smooth, brighter-looking skin.
PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night, $110
pcaskin.com
Salicylic acid, 0.5% retinol, and niacinamide make this product ideal for acneic skin. This nighttime treatment only needs a pea-sized amount to be applied to leave you with clear, even-textured skin that is free of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum, $65 peterthomasroth.com
Time-released microencapsulated 1.5% retinol and vitamins C and E treat uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles by gently exfoliating the skin and moisturizing all while you sleep in this oil-free, fragrance-free formulation.
Leah Goldblatt is a beauty and fashion writer with a passion for photography and travel. Follow along her journey traveling with her husband in an RV @lifemoretraveled.
