Since this is one of the stronger treatments on our list, we definitely recommend building up tolerance gradually, especially if you have sensitive skin. Start with one of the other lighter formulations reviewed here, or incorporate the A-Passioni cream into your skincare routine very slowly over time, combining it with another moisturiser or oil if it’s causing dryness. Retinol helps speed up this turnover process and promote brighter, smoother skin. It also goes deeper into the skin to encourage collagen production and further plump the skin. Sun damage To answer all of your burning retinol questions, we looked to the experts to decode the ingredient in the simplest terms. Ahead, we broke down the need-to-know info to add retinol into your routine, including the shopping tips and our favorite retinol creams and serums to date. What Is Retinol? If you want to target deeper issues like fine lines and sun damage, you may eventually want to opt for a higher percentage. The best retinol creams and serums you can buy in 2023 1. Skinceuticals Retinol 0.3%: The best for first-time users

When applying, first cleanse, tone, and exfoliate your face. (Only do all three of these steps if they’re included in your current skin care routine.) Zasada M, et al. (2019). Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Each week, if your skin has done well, add at night until you’re applying it every night or as instructed,” Panzica adds.

The best retinol creams and serums for 2023 are:

According to Rajani Katta, MD, a board certified dermatologist who serves as voluntary clinical faculty at the Baylor College of Medicine and the McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Houston, retinol is a skin care ingredient that’s derived from vitamin A. This fragrance-free cream feels soft and goes on smoothly, absorbed easily into skin. The Rapid Wrinkle Repair range also includes a serum, facial oil, eye cream, post-treatment moisturiser, and a retinol cleanser. For best results, Neutrogena recommends building up use of the cream over time until you’re using it twice per day, following up your morning use with a good sunscreen. Since topical retinoids increase the skin cell turnover of the skin, they increase the glow and smoothness of the skin,” she says. “Moreover, topical retinoids can also help penetration of other active ingredients like topical lightening creams.”

No-frills hero brand CeraVe has developed this resurfacing serum with encapsulated retinol – a type of retinol that is formulated with a carrier to penetrate gently but deeply into the skin – with brightening vitamin B3, anti-inflammatory licorice root, and lightweight moisturising peptides. The result is a serum that gently exfoliates blemish-prone skin and moisturises without adding oiliness. The serum also helps heal and improve the appearance of acne-related scars and leaves skin feeling soft, firm and smooth. Retinol can even strengthen the skin, helping protect it against further environmental damage. (Just keep in mind it can leave the top layer of skin thinner and more sensitive to sunlight, so you’ll want to apply sunscreen with extra vigilance.) The extras Mukherjee S, et al. (2006). Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: An overview of clinical efficacy and safety. That doesn't mean over-the-counter retinol isn't effective, however. "Retinol can benefit skin at levels as low as 0.01 percent to the maximum recommended level of 1 percent," Robinson tells Allure — great news for newcomers who may want to start at a lower level and work their way up in retinol strength.But this happens less frequently as you age, which can lead to a duller complexion. You might also begin to notice fine lines and wrinkles — these can appear at any age. So why is it so mystifying? Some people say retinol is the best thing that ever happened to them; others complain that it leaves their skin red and dry. Then there's the question of how to incorporate it into your skincare routine—you can't just slather it on willy-nilly or you could get burned, maybe even literally. Plus, with the hundreds of products on the market, how do you know which formula is right for you? Because retinols can be drying, it’s ideal to follow with an effective moisturizer to help keep skin hydrated and [the] skin’s barrier protected,” Gabriel notes. If you’re new to retinol, it’s best to start with a low-concentration product to allow your skin to build up tolerance to the exfoliating effects of the vitamin. This luxury product from skincare specialists Skinceuticals is an excellent introduction to retinol. The retinol is suspended in a moisturising formula, with soothing frankincense to counteract dryness and irritation, and is clinically proven to improve rough skin, fine lines, and dark spots in eight weeks of regular use. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean skin at night, starting twice per week and building up over time to nightly use. Retinol creams and serums containing higher concentrations of the active ingredient tend to be more expensive than lower-strength products, with some products boasting a more luxurious combination of ingredients alongside. Nevertheless, there are some excellent no-frills retinol products on the market that work every bit as well as their pricier counterparts for clearing skin and smoothing fine lines – and we’ve included recommendations below at a range of price points. How should I use retinol skincare?