If you’re dealing with acne, you may want to consider adding retinol to your nightly skin care routine. Retinols are vitamin A derivatives and are a subtype of retinoids, which are powerful skin transformers, says Dr. Linda Honet, a board-certified dermatologist and president of Honet Dermatology/Cosmetic. They can be so effective that they have become a popular key ingredient in creams, serums and more.
To help you decide whether retinol might be beneficial for your skin, we consulted dermatologists on everything you should know about it, including tips for application. Additionally, we offer up our experts’ favorite retinol creams and serums, as well as some top-rated products in line with their guidance.
SKIP AHEAD What is retinol? | How we picked the best retinol products of 2025 | The best retinol products | The best retinoid products | Why trust NBC Select?
Derived from vitamin A, retinol is an active ingredient that “has been shown to increase skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen, the building block for skin, which makes it great for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation,” says Dr. Caren Campbell, a board-certified dermatologist based in California’s Bay Area.
In 1971, the FDA approved retinoids — the class of vitamin A derivatives that retinol falls into — as a topical treatment for acne. Subsequent studies have shown that retinol can improve fine wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and more.
There are several benefits to incorporating retinoids into your skin care routine. They include:
We spoke with board-certified dermatologists about what to consider when shopping for retinol products. Here’s what they recommend:
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Our list includes various expert-recommended retinol products (serums, creams and gels) along with a few highly-rated formulas and NBC Select-staff favorites in the mix, too. We also include various retinoid products, which experts say are stronger than retinol.
Honet says that this retinol serum is a “tried and true” option — it has gone through more than 100 clinical studies to confirm its effectiveness on improving sagging skin and skin texture, according to the brand. According to RoC, the formula includes a mineral complex to help hydrate the skin and help make the retinol more effective. Retinol serums, like this one, are best used after cleansing in the evening, before you put on moisturizer, according to Honet.
Product type: serum | Other key ingredients: mineral complex
What we like
NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown and NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider both recommend this serum from Shani Darden. The retinol in this formula is encapsulated, which the brand says makes it less irritating than other types. It uses AHAs to improve your skin’s texture, and apple extract as an antioxidant to help protect against free radicals, according to the brand. Brown, who’s seen results from previous use, suggests it for those who are experienced with retinol and don’t have very sensitive skin: “It is definitely for people who can handle that potent combination of lactic acid and retinol,” she says. For best results, she recommends easing your way in, and trying the serum out for a couple days each week to start.
Product type: oil | Other key ingredients: alpha-hydroxy acid, apple fruit extract
Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream is a good and relatively affordable retinol cream, according to Honet. Like other formulas on our list, it has hyaluronic acid in it to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and give the skin a smoother appearance without irritating the skin, according to the brand.
Product type: cream | Other key ingredients: hyaluronic acid
What we like
Honet is also a fan of Peter Thomas Roth’s “impressive, clinically effective” products, and she specifically likes the brand’s Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum. The serum has time-released 1.5% retinol — which is on the higher side for retinol products — as well as vitamins C and E. and squalane, to moisturize the skin, according to the brand. The time-release mechanism means the retinol is encased in a lipid that dissolves slowly as it sits on skin so it penetrates more slowly as well, making it more gentle on skin and great for all skin types, according to Peter Thomas Roth.
Product type: serum | Other key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E, squalane
What we like
Like the serum from Peter Thomas Roth, the retinol in this Alastin formula is time-released, which can be more gentle on skin. I am a devotee to this brand — Greenwald uses their moisturizer, SPF and this retinol serum four times a week. After a few months, she noticed fine lines around her eyes were definitely not as noticeable and says her skin feels so soft and hydrated any time she slicks it on.
Product type: serum | Other key ingredients: oat extract, silver mushroom
What we like
Murad’s overnight treatment, which has a 4.8-star average from 635 reviews on Sephora, uses retinal, a type of retinoid that is more powerful than retinol and has similar benefits of smoothing skin texture and clearing breakouts. The retinal in this formula is encapsulated, which allows it to slowly release to limit irritation, according to the brand. It also has olive leaf extracts in its formula to help with hydration.
Product type: serum | Other key ingredients: kangaroo paw flower, olive leaf extract
What we like
Something to note
This retinol night cream is a great option for beginners, says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider. “I am relatively new to retinol and haven’t broken out or had any bad reactions using this,” she says. (The brand sent samples to the NBC Select staff team to try.) “I make sure I layer with extra moisturizing products when using it and I haven’t had any peeling or dryness like I’ve had with some others I’ve tried.” This is the brand’s level one option — which is formulated with .15% retinol, and peptides to support skin elasticity — they also offer two other levels, which have increased retinol strengths. If you are new to retinol, the brand recommends starting with this level to avoid irritation.
Product type: cream | Other key ingredients: bioactive peptides
What we like
Something to note
Cerave makes some of our favorite skin products, including a cream to improve your skin barrier and one of the best moisturizers for dry skin. This serum pairs vitamin A with hyaluronic acid to improve skin texture and add moisture back into your complexion, according to the brand. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 941 reviews at Target.
Product type: serum | Other key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
What we like
Brown, a longtime fan of Sunday Riley, loves that she can use this retinol oil on its own without having to layer on a moisturizer afterwards. “It feels so soothing and my complexion is even and glowy whenever I apply this consistently,” she says. It uses ingredients like chamomile and blue tansy to help soothe skin, along with seed oils for minimizing fine lines, according to the brand.
Product type: oil | Other key ingredients: blue tansy, German chamomile, cold-pressed seed oils
What we like
Schneider loves the texture of this retinol moisturizer, which she received from the brand. “It’s super creamy, it feels like a moisturizer as compared to a serum” she says. “It’s on the thicker side so it’s really calming on my skin.” It’s designed to be non-irritating, making it great for beginners or those with sensitive skin, and uses ginger root extract to help soothe your skin while improving the look of fine lines, according to the brand. It should be applied in the evening after all other products, and it also works well for all skin types.
Product type: moisturizer | Other key ingredients: beta glucan, ginger root extract
In addition to retinol treatments, there are a variety of other retinoid products on the market. (Reminder, retinoids tends to be a bit stronger than retinol.) Our experts suggest looking for adapalene when shopping for retinoid products since it has been shown to minimize blemishes and fine lines.
What we like
Something to note
In 2016, the FDA approved Differin Gel for the over-the-counter acne treatment. Dr. Caren Campbell, a board-certified dermatologist based in California’s Bay Area, says that Differin — which has 0.1% adapalene in its formula — is a good over-the-counter retinoid option for those looking for something stronger than retinol. It has a 4.5-star average rating from over 77,000 reviews on Amazon and experts have previously told us that it also works well on acne scars caused by hyperpigmentation, too.
Product type: gel | Other key ingredients: n/a
What we like
Something to note
Another recommendation from Campbell, this gel from NBC Select-staff favorite brand La Roche-Posay is one of our favorite acne spot treatments, and has 0.1% adapalene in its formula to unclog pores and fight blackheads and whiteheads, according to the brand. It’s also fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, which is good for those with sensitive skin.
Product type: gel | Other key ingredients: n/a
What we like
AcneFree, which makes some of our favorite blackhead treatments and skin care products for oily skin, also has a 0.1% adapalene gel. This gel has a 4.5-star average rating from 8,189 reviews on Amazon and is the most affordable option on this list. You can apply it once at night to clean skin prior to wearing moisturizer.
Product type: gel | Other key ingredients: n/a
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Morgan Greenwald is a former NBC Select editor who covered various skin care topics including stories on hyaluronic acid and moisturizers for dry skin. Greenwald has tried dozens of skin care products and brands over the years, including retinol products. For this story, Greenwald spoke to multiple board-certified dermatologists.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle.
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