Searching for a skin care staple that targets fine lines and wrinkles? Look no further than retinol, a buzzy ingredient that's added to various creams and serums to help combat signs of aging. Retinol itself is a form of vitamin A that helps increase skin cell and collagen production, all while exfoliating the skin.
Whether you have mature skin or suffer from acne, retinol is a great solution to help say goodbye to your troublesome skin care concerns. Many retinol products (like retinol creams) are even used to hydrate the skin and help users achieve a more youthful glow.
Dr. Angela Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai in New York City, stopped by TODAY to share a few of her favorite retinol oils, lotions and more from trending brands like Kiehl's, Mad Hippie and Fig.1.
Keep scrolling to shop these dermatologist-approved retinol picks, along with a few budget-friendly drugstore options as well. Trust us, your skin will thank you.
"Perfect" for dry skin$24.99$34.99
The best retinol products seen on the 3rd hour of TODAY
Mad Hippie Super A Retinol Serum for Face
This face serum, which is infused with hyaluronic acid, helps treat wrinkles and improve the appearance of sun-damaged, aging skin. "This product is perfect for beginners because it contains a mix of retinol and non-retinols, like bakuchiol," explains Lamb. She adds that this is a plant-based alternative to retinol.
Byoma Sensitive Retinol Oil
Great for retinol beginners and those with sensitive skin, this hydrating oil is formulated with squalane and, of course, vitamin A. This lightweight serum is designed to help improve the skin's tone and texture while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, according to the brand.
Lamb suggests that this product can be used as a moisturizer alternative all year round and is good for those that prefer a lighter moisturizer. "Although this is an oil, it is a lite oil, so absorbs quickly and can be mixed with other products," she explains.
TODAY producer Faissal Darwish tested this product every day for two weeks and saw positive results.
Kiehl's Fast-Release Wrinkle Reducing Night Serum
Lamb is a big fan of this popular night serum that is good for normal, dry, combination and oily skin. Free of fragrances and parabens, this lightweight serum helps target loss of firmness and elasticity as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
"This serum contains a higher concentration of retinol at 0.3%, which is strong enough to offer visible results without being too harsh, especially for those who are familiar with retinol but prefer a more controlled formula," suggests Lamb.
RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream
"This is a perfect product for someone with dryer skin who wants an intense moisturizer/retinol," recommends Lamb. Formulated with retinol and hyaluronic acid, this dermatologist-tested cream hydrates the skin for 48 hours and visibly reduce wrinkles after only one week of usage. This hydrating retinol cream also has over 10,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
Fig. 1 Pro-Retinol Eye Cream
This eye cream features pro-retinol and bioactive peptides to help support collagen production. Also enriched with hyaluronic acid, squalane and ceramides, this luxe cream helps treat dark circles and fine lines. Lamb suggests layering this cream on top of a moisturizer as it is a nice compliment to any of the other products.
Medix 5.5 Retinol Body Lotion
Enriched with ferulic acid, shea butter, vitamin E and green tea, this full-body retinol lotion is known to effectively firm skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damaged skin and crepey skin.
This dermatologist- and allergy-tested cream also helps smooth the skin's rough texture and brightens your skin tone. Lamb recommends applying to damp skin, if possible and also mentions it can be used year-round.
Nivea Skin Firming and Toning Gel Cream
This cream promises to improve firmness in as little as two weeks.
$13.98
Amazon
Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil Serum
Our editors love this oil for hydration without a greasy feel.
$21.54
$23.49
Amazon
Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth Nail Treatment & Strengthener
This treatment can be used as both a base and top coat.
$4.48
Amazon
Essence Lash Princess Mascara
We love this affordable formula that doesn’t compromise lift.
$4.99
Amazon
$4.99
Ulta
$4.99
Target
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
One editor has been wearing this classic shade for over 20 years.
$21.25
$25.00
Amazon
$25.00
QVC
$25.00
Nordstrom
Rizos Curls Curl Defining Cream
Define curls and tame frizz with this nourishing cream.
$15.39
$21.99
Amazon
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
This affordable find is an easy introduction to retinol.
$18.68
$21.99
Amazon
$21.99
Ulta
$18.68
$23.73
Walmart
Laura Geller Color Correcting Powder Foundation
This foundation builds effortlessly to achieve a chic makeup look.
$17.99
$37.00
Amazon
$14.40
$36.00
Laura Geller
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist
This spray promises to lock in makeup for up to 36 hours.
$10.98
$13.99
Amazon
$10.99
Target
Mielle Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil
Experts say that rosemary oil can help with hair growth.
$9.97
Walmart
$7.69
$10.99
Ulta
$9.57
Amazon
More retinol products to shop
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
Don't break the bank with this cost-effective formula that contains encapsulated retinal (a faster-acting form of retinol) and synthetic oat analogues. According to the brand, this vegan serum firms and smooths skin after only two uses (recommended use is once a week).
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Shop TODAY Contributor Colleen Sullivan tested this affordable retinol serum and was pleasantly surprised by the results. "Truthfully, I’m mad at myself for not incorporating retinol earlier," shares Sullivan. "The serum does sting for about 10 seconds upon application, and I did see some white flakes early on, but that’s about it," she says.
"Adding this anti-aging ingredient to my skincare regime was an easy and inexpensive beauty move," suggests Sullivan. "I’m happy to say small areas of pigmentation have diminished and my skin looks fresher than ever. I’ve got a great glow on!" she raves.
Related
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
A Shop TODAY Beauty Awards 2024 winner for best overall anti-aging moisturizer, this skin care favorite earned a perfect score from our team of editors. It also has over 30,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
If you suffer from sensitive skin, this anti-aging moisturizer from L'Oreal is a must as it is free of parabens and fragrances. Formulated with pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, this smooth moisturizer is designed to reduce wrinkles as well as firm and brighten skin in one week.
DERMA-E Retinol Line Smoothing Hydro Gel Patches
Not only do these gel patches plump and hydrate the skin, but they also help reduce fine lines, wrinkles and crow's feet. Ideal for sensitive skin, these non-irritating patches are infused with rose water and all-natural hibiscus flower petals as well as a blend of retinol and bakuchiol.
NatureLab Perfect Clean Scalp Balancing Sake Rinse
Winner: Best overall scalp treatment
$21.00
Ulta
$21.00
NatureLab
$21.00
Amazon
Shark HT202 SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush
Winner: Most innovative blowdry brush
$99.00
Amazon
$99.99
Ulta
$99.00
Sephora
Nakery Beauty Lift-Tox Multi-Power Firming Rich Cream
TODAY readers can save 35% off this product with code TODAY, on the brand's site.
$40.88
$44.00
Amazon
$44.00
Nakery Beauty
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Oil
Winner: Best overall body oil
$38.00
Amazon
$38.00
Sephora
$38.00
Sol de Janeiro
E.l.f. Glow Reviver Tinted Lip Oil
Winner: Best overall lip oil
$8.00
Target
$8.00
Amazon
$8.00
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel
Winner: Best tinted eyebrow gel
$27.00
Sephora
$27.00
Benefit Cosmetics
$27.00
Ulta
Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Age Rewind Body Cream
Winner: Best for crepey skin
$19.99
$24.99
Amazon
$25.70
Walmart
Marc Anthony Grow Long Biotin Leave In Conditioner Spray
Winner: Best budget leave-in conditioner
$7.67
Amazon
$9.49
Target
$8.99
Walgreens
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez All of the Above Eyeshadow Stick
Winner: Best overall eyeshadow stick
$22.00
Rare Beauty
$22.00
Sephora
$22.00
Kohl's
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Winner: Best budget lengthening mascara
$8.32
$12.99
Amazon
$9.99
Target
$9.09
$12.99
Ulta
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Kit
Winner: Best overall makeup brush set
$18.57
$19.99
Amazon
$19.99
Ulta
$19.99
Target
Meet the expert
- Dr. Angela J. Lamb, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She’s currently the Vice Chair of Clinical Operations at Mount Sinai Dermatology.
How we chose the best retinol products
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, like Dr. Lamb, to provide a list of reputable products (in this case, retinol products). We also comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
