10 Best Retinol Creams of 2025
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The 10 Best Retinol Creams We Tested in 2025

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Published on September 10, 2025
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When it comes to easy, affordable, effective ways to improve your skin, nothing beats retinol.

Retinol is pure vitamin A, but this simple substance can provide a variety of benefits for your skin and help you see a noticeable difference if you add it to your skin-care routine. Retinoids, an umbrella group that includes retinol and any other vitamin A derivatives, are “among the most effective substances [in] slowing the aging process.”

The effects of retinol aren’t limited to while you’re using it, either — it does long-term good for your skin, too. “It would be like sunscreen, for example,” says Angela Lamb, MD, a dermatologist and associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. “Anything that's going to build collagen, increase skin cell turnover, or build elastin, you're going to see the effects while you use it, but let's say you use it for 10 years and then stop. All of that work you did for 10 years is still going to be in effect. It's going to be a permanent overall improvement to your skin.”

When you’re picking a retinol product, one of the most important decisions you have to make is relatively simple: Do you want to use retinol in a cream or a serum? A serum is intended to be layered together with a moisturizer, while a retinol cream delivers the anti-aging benefits of a retinol serum while hydrating the skin as well. We’ve put together a list of our favorite retinol creams to give you a solid list of one-product solutions to up your skin-care routine and give you radiant, youthful skin.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

$76.95 at Amazon
Buy on Amazon $76.95

Pros

  • Ferulic acid reduces environmental harm and brightens skin
  • Absorbs quickly with a matte finish
  • Effective against fine lines and wrinkles
  • Contains botanicals, including bakuchiol and rambutan

Cons

  • Not as effective on texture or dark spots
  • Retinol percentage is not readily advertised

Key Specs

  • Suitable for beginners: Yes
  • Retinol percentage: Not advertised
  • Size: 2 oz
Dr. Dennis Gross’s wrinkle cream uses a patented retinol blend that mixes trans retinol and encapsulated retinol with several beneficial medicinal plants. While trans retinol is the pure, active form of vitamin A, encapsulated retinol means that each molecule of retinol is enclosed in a microscopic casing, often a lipid, that slows down its absorption into the skin, making it less irritating and gentler on the skin.

Bakuchiol, which is derived from the purple babchi flower, and rambutan, a round fuzzy red tropical fruit, are both listed as ingredients, and research has shown that they have retinol-like anti-aging benefits.

 Bakuchiol in particular functions similarly to retinol in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, with a much lower risk for irritation, making both these botanicals perfect additions to a retinol wrinkle cream for sensitive skin.

Everyday Health writer Natasha Caleel had a positive experience with the cream. “I was hesitant to use a retinol product as I have dry, sensitive skin and they can often cause irritation. This product did not dry out my skin like others have and didn't cause any redness or irritation,” Caleel says. The cream “initially felt thick and buttery, but it absorbs quickly into a lightweight, nongreasy feel,” she says. Caleel found noticeable improvements to her wrinkles and fine lines but not much change to her skin’s texture or dark spots after two weeks of use. She also enjoyed how highly moisturizing the cream was on her dry skin.

It contains hyaluronic acid,

 ceramides,

 glycerin,

 shea butter,

 and squalane,

 which all help provide hydration while repairing the moisture barrier.
Retinol cream

Best for Dry Skin

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 + Peptide

Buy Now $39.99

Pros

  • Claims to hydrate skin for 24 hours
  • Fragrance-free, with low risk of irritation
  • Absorbs quickly after application
  • Smooth, velvety feel on the skin
  • Our testers reported noticeable skin improvement

Cons

  • Requires a lot of product to get good coverage
  • Not very effective for improving firmness or brightness
  • Not very effective on dark spots
  • Retinol percentage is not readily advertised

Key Specs

  • Suitable for beginners? Yes
  • Retinol percentage: Not advertised
  • Size: 1.7 oz

Olay has taken its popular Regenerist line of creams and added retinol and peptides to create a powerful moisturizer that’s designed to hydrate for 24 hours while boosting your skin with the anti-aging effects of retinol.

Everyday Health tester Catherine Brown loves applying this product. “The texture felt so velvety and decadent, but then it gets absorbed fully into the skin within moments,” Brown says. “I didn't have to worry about going straight to bed and having it smear all over my pillowcase.”

The flip side to how well the cream absorbs was how much Brown had to use. “I found myself using about three times as much as I would have liked in order to get the coverage and feel that I felt would be beneficial. For me it definitely required a generous dollop,” she says.

While Brown noticed a great improvement to her skin texture when the product was on, the effect washed off in the shower, and the lasting effects on her skin texture were less noticeable. After using the cream for a month, Brown didn’t notice any effect on her dark spots or any improvement in firmness or brightness. But she did find the cream highly hydrating, and that it made her skin significantly smoother.

In general, the effects of retinol become more apparent after use over an extended amount of time. Olay’s formula includes both retinol and retinyl propate, another retinoid that penetrates less deeply and causes less irritation than retinol.

 This cream also contains vitamin B3, which reduces inflammation and strengthens the moisture barrier, and amino peptide, which stimulates collagen and elastin production to promote plumper, firmer skin.

Best Gel for Acne

Differin Adapalene Gel

$13.76 at Amazon
$14.48Now 5% Off
Buy on Amazon $13.76

Pros

  • Does not cause sensitivity to sunlight
  • A top choice for new retinoid users
  • Previously prescription only but now available over the counter
  • Effective against both acne and signs of aging

Cons

  • May be more drying than a cream
  • May cause irritation to sensitive skin
  • May cause temporary acne

Key Specs

  • Suitable for beginners: Yes
  • Retinol percentage: 0.1 percent adapalene (equivalent to about 0.5 to 1 percent retinol)
  • Size: 0.5 oz
Differin is the name brand form of adapalene, which is a next-generation retinoid previously only available via prescription. Differin’s gel formula works great for fighting acne, but that’s not all. Adapalene is just as effective against signs of aging, and 0.1 percent adapalene is one of Dr. Lamb’s top choices for beginners with sensitive skin, regardless of why they are using retinol.

Not only is Differin Adapalene Gel generally better tolerated by the skin than retinol, but unlike retinol, it does not make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. While retinol is typically applied at night just for this reason, you can use adapalene during the day without slathering on extra sunscreen. However, Lamb recommends that beginners seeking anti-aging results start with an adapalene cream, rather than a gel. “Gels tend to be more drying. So you're going to look for it in a cream base,” she says. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a 0.1 percent adapalene cream, you’re going to need to get a prescription, which is why this formula is specifically suited to acne.

“When I used it on my skin that experiences occasional hormonal breakouts, I didn’t notice the dramatic results of prescription-strength tretinoin,” says Jill Di Donato, a writer for Everyday Health. “But the over-the-counter accessibility, low price, and generally milder profile make it an excellent entry point for those looking to incorporate a retinol alternative into their anti-aging regimen,” she says.

Adapalene is also more powerful than pure retinol, since it binds directly to your skin’s retinoid acid receptor, and doesn’t need to be converted to retinoic acid before your skin can use it, unlike retinol. So a 0.1 percent concentration is actually closer to at least a 0.5 percent retinol cream.

Best for Wrinkles

Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

$61.75 at Amazon
$65Now 5% Off
Buy on Amazon $61.75

Pros

  • 1 percent retinol concentration
  • Four peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production
  • Effective against fine lines and wrinkles 

Cons

  • High potential for irritation
  • Not suitable for sensitive skin

Key Specs

  • Suitable for beginners? No
  • Retinol percentage: 1 percent
  • Size: 1 oz
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is a top pick for users focused on reducing the appearance of wrinkles. This cream’s high concentration of 1 percent pure retinol — the highest strength retinol that can be sold over the counter — is balanced with four peptides that, like retinol, stimulate collagen and elastic production, leading to plumper, firmer skin.

“It’s a keeper because it’s visibly diminishing the 11 sign in my forehead, and I haven’t experienced any irritation,” says Di Donato, who has been using the product nightly for over a year. The formula’s effectiveness lies not only in its retinol potency but the four additional peptides in the mix. Together, retinol and peptides can cause a high rate of skin cell turnover, leading to diminished wrinkles and fine lines.

Best for Firming

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

$88 at Walmart
$216.70Now 59% Off
Buy on Walmart $88

Pros

  • Formulated for firmness and elasticity
  • Triple retinoid blend allows for different rates of absorption
  • Designed to maintain healthy skin barrier
  • Effective against wrinkles and fine lines

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners
  • Retinol percentage is not readily advertised

Key Specs

  • Suitable for beginners: No
  • Retinol percentage: Not advertised
  • Size: 1.7 oz

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream did an outstanding job, particularly in terms of firming, during our testing. “I went into this product test with high expectations because I love Murad products, and this retinol still managed to exceed them,” says Everyday Health editor Ashley Ziegler. “I noticed results within days of using this product regularly. My skin looks slightly brighter, hydrated, and firm. I have deep wrinkles in my forehead, and while this product doesn’t eliminate them, it truly does help reduce their appearance.”

This pick is one of the more expensive creams on our list, but according to Ziegler, “a little goes a long way, so a single bottle will last a long time, giving you a lot of product for the price.”

The secret to Murad’s effectiveness lies partly in its signature retinol blend, which includes three retinoids that release at different speeds for a powerful yet gentle effect over time. The formula also contains vitamin B3, in the form of niacinamide, which helps keep skin healthy by protecting the moisture barrier, and peptides, which are building blocks in helping the skin produce more collagen, leading to a tighter, firmer appearance.

 

Best Dermatologist Recommended

Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream

$41.40 at Amazon
$46Now 10% Off
Buy on Amazon $41.40

Pros

  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Comes in three strengths for gradual increase
  • Refillable dispensers reduce waste and cost
  • Brand is funded, founded, and led by women

Cons

  • Some users find the cream too thin
  • Some users find the level 1 cream (0.15 percent retinol) ineffective

Key Specs

  • Suitable for beginners? Yes
  • Retinol percentage: 0.15 to 0.6 percent
  • Size: 1.7 oz

Fig.1 is one of Lamb’s top choices for a retinol cream. Not only does the product deliver quality, high-performance results, but this female-led company presents its product in a unique tiered structure. Fig.1's levels (0.15 percent, 0.3 percent, and 0.6 percent) allow users to gradually increase their retinol concentration, and it clearly states the retinol content of each of its creams, while many companies leave consumers guessing.

The company is also transparent about its sustainability ratings (no surprise, since they’re good). Fig.1 sells refills for its glass bottles and has a lower than average rating for both carbon emissions and waste impact. The refills are $5 less than the starter kit, and the starter bottle is interchangeable with all three potencies, so the Earth and your wallet share the benefits.

The retinol in all of Fig.1’s creams is encapsulated, meaning it is gentler on skin but no less powerful. The formula also contains peptides to help provide what your skin needs to create more collagen, and several botanicals, including evening primrose oil, which provides essential fatty acids that nourish skin, soothe irritation, and enhance firmness.

Retinol cream

Best for Fine Lines

Blue Lagoon Iceland BL+ Retinol Cream 0.3%

$144 at Amazon
$160Now 10% Off
Buy Now $160

Pros

  • Blue-green algae from Iceland’s Blue Lagoon
  • Silica content promotes collagen production
  • Effective against fine lines 

Cons

  • May not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin
  • Pricey

Key Specs

  • Suitable for beginners? Yes
  • Retinol percentage: 0.3 percent
  • Size: 1 oz
If you think the price of this retinol cream is a little steep, it’s still a lot less expensive than visiting Iceland’s Blue Lagoon for a dip. The lagoon attracts individuals with severe dermatological issues due to its high content of silica, sulfur, and algae. Silica helps soothe inflammation, while minerals help promote healing and skin health. The blue-green algae in this lagoon is unique to this location. It has been found to have benefits for skin, particularly psoriasis, but even healthy individuals have seen an improvement in uneven pigmentation.

 The algae was discovered in 1996, patented in 2006, and is now grown in a lab and used only in Blue Lagoon’s skin-care line.

The cream also contains 0.3 percent retinol, which is better tolerated, thanks to the product’s supporting benefits of the algae, silica, and minerals, giving you the powerful effects of retinol in tandem with the healing and renewing benefits of the Blue Lagoon’s water content.

“I’ve been using this brand for years, and my combination skin finds this product very hydrating,” says Di Donato. “I enjoy this product because the texture melts into my skin, leaving my complexion radiant by the morning. I experienced no signs of irritation, dryness, or peeling. If you’re looking for something that's not irritating, the mineral-rich formula delivers. It’s a prestige skin-care product, but its price point is more accessible than some of the other luxurious retinols out there.”

The formula also contains glycerin and squalane, which help hydrate and maintain the skin barrier.

Best Next-Generation Retinoid

Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream

$97.85 at Amazon
$103Now 5% Off
Buy on Amazon $97.85

Pros

  • Contains HPR
  • Ceramide helps protect the skin barrier
  • Contains many moisturizing ingredients
  • Delivers fast results

Cons

  • Some users find the scent too powerful
  • Lightweight cream is less hydrating than thicker cream
  • Retinol percentage is not readily advertised

Key Specs

  • Suitable for beginners: No
  • Retinol percentage: Not advertised
  • Size: 1.7 oz
Elizabeth Arden’s retinol products mix ordinary retinol with hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), also called granactive retinoid. This newer retinoid has been found to be highly effective yet gentler than ordinary retinol. In a study of 16 next-generation retinoids, “the stability of the newer hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) was the most prominent.”

 This outstanding stability means this retinoid won’t degrade or react as much to sunlight, meaning less irritation to your skin, while still being highly effective.
In addition to being relatively stable, HPR has a “small molecular weight and does not require biotransformation.”

 Small molecules can penetrate deeper into the skin, and unlike retinol, HPR doesn’t need to convert into retinoic acid before it can be absorbed. It can bind directly to retinoid receptors in the form it is already in, meaning it can be absorbed deeper and faster than pure retinol.

Elizabeth Arden added a healthy dose of ceramides to this formula to help strengthen skin and help maintain the skin barrier, as well peptides to help firm skin, and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate.

Retinol cream

Best Sunscreen

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Moisturizer Sunscreen

Buy Now $21.99

Pros

  • SPF 30
  • Effective in smoothing skin
  • Absorbs well 

Cons

  • May irritate skin initially
  • Using retinol during the day is risky
  • Retinol percentage is not readily advertised

Key Specs

  • Suitable for beginners? Yes
  • Retinol percentage: Not advertised
  • Size: 1.7 oz

If there’s one common rule of thumb in using retinol, it’s to use it only at night, since it will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. However, rules are made to be broken, especially when people are getting products over the counter, without consulting a dermatologist on proper use. Neutrogena also makes this retinol moisturizer without the added sunscreen, and perhaps this SPF formula came about in response to people damaging their skin by using it during the day. Even if you’re applying retinol only at night, “because of the increased skin cell turnover, you can get a bit more sun sensitivity,” says Lamb. “So you want to make sure you're using good sunscreen because that can sometimes be a surprising factor for people.”

Several reputable retinol product manufactures, including Paula’s Choice and Elizabeth Arden, insist that it’s fine to use retinol during the day, as long as it’s under strong sunscreen. We prefer to stick to Lamb’s advice: “Most of them, you really do have to use it at night, just because of the way it interacts with the sun.” UV light degrades retinoids, making them much less effective in fighting aging while simultaneously increasing the negative impacts of the sun on your skin. But if you’re determined to use retinol during the day, using a cream that also contains SPF 30, like this one, is certainly advisable.

“I started using it twice a day but had to knock it down to once every other day after I noticed some red and burning on my cheeks and under my eyes,” says Everyday Health writer Jen Sinclair. “I loved how quickly it absorbed into my skin and how light it felt. Once I got over the redness and burning — about 10 days in — the product disappeared on my skin.” Sinclair used the cream for four weeks, and after the initial adjustment period, she did notice results: “My skin was smoother along my cheeks and definitely not as red. It also helped improve the look of my crow's-feet just a tad. My face was much smoother overall than it was before.”

Best for Soft Skin

LaNeige Retinol Firming Cream Treatment

$37.05 at Amazon
$39Now 5% Off
Buy on Amazon $37.05

Pros

  • Calming scent is great before bedtime
  • Includes 5D hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin
  • Only need a pea-sized amount per application

Cons

  • Half-ounce size
  • Results are subtle

Key Specs

  • Suitable for beginners? Yes
  • Retinol percentage: 0.045 percent
  • Size: .05 oz
LaNeige combines pure retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and madecassoside, which is extracted from a plant called Centella asiatica (also known as gotu kola), which can have a therapeutic effect on scars and acne, as well as other skin conditions.

After a motorcycle accident took a large, deep chunk of skin off my shoulder, my dermatologist told me to rub pure Centella asiatica cream on the scab twice a day. It healed quickly and with zero scar, and this humble plant has been my favorite skin-care botanical ever since. Not only does it have powerful regenerative properties, madecassoside is also anti-inflammatory and soothing, making it a perfect complement to retinol’s potentially irritating effects.

This formula also boasts 5D hyaluronic acid. This form of the acid comes in five molecular weights, making it more effective at sinking in and absorbing into different skin layers. It also has peptides to provide skin with the necessary tools to build collagen, essential in creating firmer, smoother skin.

“It's a little sticky when you first apply it, but it quickly dissolves into your face nicely,” says Simone Scully, an editorial director at Everyday Health who tried this product. “It comes in a tube that makes it pretty easy to dose the pea-sized amount it recommends you use, and it absorbs in maybe a minute or two.” Scully particularly appreciates the cream’s pleasant scent, which she calls “calming, especially before bed.” Overall, the cream made her skin feel softer. “I plan to keep using it as part of my nightly skin-care routine because it does seem to be working,” she says.

Comparison Table

Superlative
Suitable For Beginners?
Retinol Percentage
Size
Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
Best for Sensitive Skin
Yes

Not advertised

2 oz
Buy Now $76.95
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 + Peptide
Best for Dry Skin

Yes

Not advertised
1.7 oz
Buy Now $39.99
Differin Adapalene Gel
Best for Acne
Yes
0.1 percent adapalene (equivalent to 0.5 to 1 percent retinol)
0.5 oz
Buy Now $13.76
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Best for Wrinkles
No
1 percent
1 oz
Buy Now $61.75
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
Best for Firming
No

Not advertised

1.7 oz
Buy Now $88
Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream
Best Dermatologist Recommended
Yes

0.15 to 0.6 percent retinol

1.7 oz
Buy Now $41.40
Blue Lagoon Iceland BL+ Retinol Cream 0.3%
Best for Fine Lines
Yes
0.3 percent
1 oz
Buy Now $160
Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream
Best Next-Generation Retinoid
No
Not advertised
1.7 oz
Buy Now $97.85
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Moisturizer Sunscreen
Best Sunscreen
Yes

Not advertised

1 oz
Buy Now $21.99
LaNeige Retinol Firming Cream Treatment
Best for Soft Skin
Yes
0.045 percent
0.5 oz
Buy Now $37.05

How We Chose the Best Retinol Creams of 2025

Retinol cream tested, before and after
Everyday Health

To select the best retinol creams, we researched, tested, and collected expert feedback on a number of retinol creams. Eight of the 10 creams on this list were tested by the Everyday Health team, along with several others that didn’t make the cut.

We asked Lamb for her top recommendations and favorite types of retinoids. She also provided advice on using retinol correctly.

During our research, we looked at concentrations, types of retinoids, additional ingredients, potential for irritation, efficacy, and user feedback to create this list of outstanding creams that cater to a variety of skin types and results.

What to Look for When Buying Retinol Cream

When you’re choosing a retinol cream, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Focusing on a cream that suits your skin, fits your budget, and is formulated to help with your specific skin-care goals will help you determine the best cream for you.

  • Skin type: If you have sensitive skin, you’ve already made a great choice in opting for a cream over a serum. Creams are generally less concentrated than a serum, since they’re designed to be used alone, rather than layered together with a moisturizer. It’s still a good idea to look for a cream with a low concentration or an encapsulated retinol for less irritation. If you have normal skin and aren’t overly worried about side effects, choosing a stronger formula, with 0.5 to 1 percent pure retinol, may work for you and deliver faster results.
  • Budget: Over-the-counter retinol creams come in a wide range of price points, and more expensive does not necessarily mean stronger or better. Do you need mineral water from an Icelandic lagoon in your retinol cream? Maybe not. But you may enjoy it. You can get an effective retinol cream for under $20, but if a cream appeals to you based on a certain ingredient, or even because you enjoy the packaging, that doesn’t make it a waste of money. Consider your experience, not just getting the most bang for your buck, to select something you’re really going to enjoy and appreciate.
  • Skin-care goals: All retinoids have the same fundamental action on the skin, but every cream has a different concentration of retinol. Many may contain other beneficial active ingredients. You may want a cream that’s focused more on radiant, glowing skin, or you may want one that works very well on fine lines and wrinkles. You may want something highly moisturizing, or you may want one that feels more lightweight. Keep in mind how you want the product to feel on your skin and what you want it to do best, and look for creams that have a concentration and additional active ingredients to cater to those goals.

What Should I Know About Retinol Before Trying It?

Assuming you’re already using sunscreen, retinol may be the best addition you can make to your skin-care routine, but there is a caveat: With great power comes great potential for irritation. Retinol can cause redness, flaking, and inflammation, and it both reacts to sunlight and makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

 Because they react to sunlight (with the exception of adapalene), most retinoids should only be applied at night and washed off in the morning. If you’re going to use retinol during the day, make sure you’re applying at least SPF 30 on top of it if the product doesn’t already contain sunscreen.

Even if you’re only using retinol at night, “You’re going to burn more easily,” says Lamb. This is because retinol increases skin cell turnover, and those new skin cells are going to be more sensitive to the sun. But “it’s not as bad as people think. Some people think, they can’t use it in the summer, and that's 100 percent not the case. You can still use it and you'll be perfectly fine.” Lamb adds that people should already be vigilant about sun care, wearing hats and sunscreen, and reapplying when needed, which is key to using retinol safely.

There’s often an adjustment period when starting retinol. It’s perfectly normal for your skin to show signs of irritation at first, so start low and slow with a gentle formula. Lamb advises applying retinol every other day, or even every third day at first, to let your skin adjust slowly.

Why Isn’t High-Potency Retinol Available Over the Counter in the European Union?

The European Union (EU) has a concentration limit of 0.3 percent retinol on all products sold over the counter. In the United States, the limit is a much higher, at 1 percent. However, for prescription retinoids, the regulations are the same in the EU as they are in the United States.

Lamb says that people can definitely overdo it and miss the direction to apply moisturizer first and go slowly. "I think it’s easily missed," she says. "So it's good to have a doctor overseeing your dosage." It's not that the EU considers retinoids dangerous, Lamb adds, but it does bring into focus how using strong retinoids on one’s own can lead to improper use and serious irritation.

FAQ

What is encapsulated retinol?

While pure, unadulterated retinol is still commonly found (including in many creams on this list), research has led to several chemical processes that modify retinol so your skin can tolerate it better. 

One of the most common is encapsulation. When a product says its retinol is encapsulated, it means each molecule of retinol has been encased with fat or acid. Encapsulated retinol is more stable than pure retinol, so it won’t degrade as quickly, and it also slows down the release of the retinol, making it more tolerable for your skin and less likely to cause irritation than pure unencapsulated retinol.

“It's formulated in such a way that it's gentle. It doesn't mean that it takes more steps to break it down,” says Lamb.

A retinol serum should be layered with a moisturizer, while a retinol
cream already contains a moisturizer. With a cream, you can simplify your nighttime routine by one step (or two if it contains SPF), since your retinol cream doubles as a moisturizer. If you’d rather a one-and-done solution, a cream is your answer.

For beginners, a cream base is generally the best tolerated option, according to
Lamb. If you’re just starting out with retinol and not sure how your skin will react, starting with a cream will lower your chances of negative side effects.

When it comes to the product itself, many over-the-counter retinoid creams are significantly more expensive than their prescription counterparts. However, a visit to a reputable dermatologist can be expensive and time-consuming, and if you’re looking to use prescription-strength retinol, seeing a dermatologist in person is definitely a good idea.

If you want to skip the office visit and try prescription-strength retinoids, you can get them via telehealth. RedboxRX charges $20 a month plus a $20 consultation fee, while Walgreens charges about $35 to $75 for an online visit with a dermatologist.

But be careful! Tretinoin, a powerful prescription-only retinoid, is much more likely to cause negative side effects, especially if used without close supervision from a doctor.

According to a study published in 2024, “Tretinoin exerts severe side effects such as irritation, scaling, redness, dermatitis, and dryness. A first-generation retinoid  — retinol provides an equal anti-aging benefit but with fewer side effects and reactions.”

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Mary Dennis

Author

Mary Dennis is a Singaporean American health and science writer based in New York. Her work has been published in the Beijinger, Nautilus, South China Morning Post, Motherly, and Verywell Mind.

Her interest in covering mental health increased after the pandemic revealed our society's increasing need for care and information about how to manage our emotional health. She is passionate about maternal mental health issues in particular, and is the founder of Postpartum Brain, a website designed to educate and encourage people to learn more about perinatal mental health issues.

Mary has a masters degree in science journalism from Columbia University.

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Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York City. Her professional interests include Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic and laser procedures, and immunodermatology.

She is a procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery.

Dr. Bard has written numerous book chapters and articles for many prominent peer-reviewed journals, and authored the textbook The Laser Treatment of Vascular Lesions.

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Fact-Checker

Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news. He has a background in investigative and science journalism and has worked on documentary films about war and trauma, health, sanitation, and the changing climate around the world. His interest in health and medicine started after an early career as a medical and legal translator.

De Guzman is a longtime health and fitness enthusiast who is interested in nutrition, diet, and mental health. He participates in endurance sports and cross-trains in several traditions of martial arts from Southeast Asia. De Guzman is interested in how the progressively complex movements of martial arts training can improve cognition and mental well-being, especially for those with PTSD and for those approaching middle age and beyond.

De Guzman has a dual B.A. in communications and international studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He is committed to factual storytelling and evidence-based reporting on critical choices that affect our planet.

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Nicole Bonaccorso

Editor

Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.

Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.

In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.

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Jill Di Donato

Tester

Jill has over 15 years of experience writing about women's health, wellness, and beauty. She has deep knowledge of buzzy products and what makes them popular with consumers. She's tested hundreds of skin care products, tools, and medical aesthetics procedures throughout her career, and she has interviewed top dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and holistic physicians to stay on top of the latest in skin health and wellness.

Jill is the former associate editorial operations director of the beauty group at Dotdash Meredith, where she worked on brands such as Shape and Byrdie, editing health, fitness, skin care, wellness, and body care commerce content.

She's also a former sex and relationship writer, and has made national television appearances to discuss sexual wellness topics for women. In addition to anything beauty and sexual wellness, Jill specializes in writing about body neutrality and mental health.

Jill has a degree in sociology, with a focus on gender studies and she has taught sociology classes at Barnard and Columbia University.

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Ashley Ziegler

Tester

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.

Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.

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Simone Scully

Tester

Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science journalist, covering topics such as the psychological impacts of living with chronic conditions, nationwide gaps in menopause healthcare, grief, neonatal loss, and the latest wellness trends over her career. Her byline has been published by over 35 publications, including Healthline, Well+Good, InStyle, Psych Central, Romper, Narratively, Nautilus magazine, and more.

Before joining Everyday Health, Simone was an editorial director of health and parenting commerce and service content at Dotdash Meredith. She oversaw a team of editors and writers that published content across nine different sites, including the Verywells, Parents, Health, and Shape. Prior to this, she also worked as an editor at The Weather Channel's Weather.com, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. A project Simone oversaw at Weather.com on the health and environmental impacts of global water shortages won several awards in 2020, including the CMA award for Best Series of Articles, an IAC award, and an Eppy award, among others.

Simone received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where she focused on science and health long-form reporting and photojournalism. Her master's thesis explored the treatment of prolonged grief disorder following a miscarriage or the loss of a child. She was also awarded the John Horgan Award for Critical Science and Health Journalism at graduation.

Born in Minnesota, Simone lived 14 years in France until she graduated high school, then three years in London to get her bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband, son, dog, and cats. When she's not working, you can find her writing fiction or plays, hiking in national parks, or tending to her garden and indoor plants.

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Catherine Brown

Tester

Catherine began a career based on health while working at an orthodontist's office, then became a certified yoga and meditation teacher, but soon recognized a call to follow a path in natural wellness through plants.

She is an herbologist who has worked with plant medicine for over two decades. She specializes in Andean and Amazonian medicine from South America. She has consulted for Colombia University and the New York Psychiatric Institution in their studies on plant medicine for mental health.

She is a Reiki master and has been recently exploring the world of sound healing.

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Natasha Caleel

Natasha Caleel, OTR/L, PCES

Tester

Natasha Caleel, MS, OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist, women's fitness expert, and postpartum corrective exercise specialist with over two decades of experience helping women navigate fitness through all stages of motherhood. She holds a master's degree in occupational therapy and specializes in prenatal and postpartum corrective exercise, perimenopause fitness, and injury prevention for women.

As the founder of Sage Society, a women-only fitness studio, Natasha has created evidence-based fitness programs specifically designed for women's unique physiological needs. Her expertise spans rehabilitation and performance, bridging the gap between physical therapy and traditional fitness training. She specializes in helping women transition safely from postpartum recovery to strength training, addressing common issues like diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, and hormonal changes during perimenopause.

Featured in multiple news outlets for her innovative approach to women's fitness, Natasha is passionate about educating women on evidence-based exercise practices. She regularly shares her expertise on social media, helping women understand the science behind female-specific training needs and debunking common fitness myths that can be harmful to women's health.

Through Sage Society, Natasha has created a model for inclusive, women-centered fitness that addresses the unique barriers mothers face, including on-site childcare and programming that accommodates hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle and life stages.

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EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Zasada M et al. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postȩpy Dermatologii I Alergologii. August 2019.
  2. Fang Y et al. Mitigation of retinol‐induced skin irritation by physiologic lipids: Evidence from patch testing. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. August 2024.
  3. Sekar M et al. Rambutan fruits extract in aging skin. Aging. 2020.
  4. Chaudhuri RK et al. Bakuchiol: a retinol‐like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti‐aging effects. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. June 2014.
  5. Bravo B et al. Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence. Dermatologic Therapy. October 2022.
  6. Lueangarun S et al. The 24‐hr, 28‐day, and 7‐day post‐moisturizing efficacy of ceramides 1, 3, 6‐II containing moisturizing cream compared with hydrophilic cream on skin dryness and barrier disruption in senile xerosis treatment. Dermatologic Therapy. October 2019.
  7. Chen HJ et al. Moisture retention of glycerin solutions with various concentrations: a comparative study. Scientific Reports. June 17, 2022.
  8. Lin T et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. December 27, 2017.
  9. What Is Squalane? Cleveland Clinic. December 23, 2022.
  10. Wang Q et al. The synergistic effect of retinyl propionate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate on skin aging. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. February 2023.
  11. Joshi M et al. Modulatory role of vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E on skin health, immunity, microbiome, and diseases. Pharmacological Reports. September 2023.
  12. Rusu A et al. Recent Advances Regarding the Therapeutic Potential of Adapalene. Pharmaceuticals. August 28, 2020.
  13. Guide to Different Retinol Strengths & Their Retinoid Equivalents. City Skin Clinic. April 28, 2024.
  14. Choi HY et al. Revolutionizing Cosmetic Ingredients: Harnessing the Power of Antioxidants, Probiotics, Plant Extracts, and Peptides in Personal and Skin Care Products. Cosmetics. September 12, 2024.
  15. Rao S et al. Clinical and histologic findings after use of a novel combined retinol, tripeptide, and glaucine containing cream in the treatment of photo‐aged skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. October 2023.
  16. Boo YC. Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation. Antioxidants. August 21, 2021.
  17. Jeong S et al. Anti-Wrinkle Benefits of Peptides Complex Stimulating Skin Basement Membrane Proteins Expression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. December 20, 2019.
  18. Blaak J et al. An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care applications. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. February 2022.
  19. Grether-Beck S et al. Blue Lagoon Algae Improve Uneven Skin Pigmentation: Results from in vitro Studies and from a Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled, Split-Face Study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. 2022.
  20. Temova Rakuša Ž et al. Retinoid stability and degradation kinetics in commercial cosmetic products. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. July 2021.
  21. Zhong J et al. Topical retinoids: Novel derivatives, nano lipid‐based carriers, and combinations to improve chemical instability and skin irritation. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. October 2024.
  22. Park KS. Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. November 20, 2021.
  23. Narsa AC et al. A Comprehensive Review of the Strategies to Reduce Retinoid‐Induced Skin Irritation in Topical Formulation. Dermatology Research and Practice. August 2024.