Heralded as a hero ingredient for its anti-ageing properties, we round-up some of the best products whether you’re on a budget or looking to invest
BEST ON A BUDGET
The Inkey List – Retinol Serum
This wallet-friendly option from The Inkey List is made with 1 per cent stable ‘Retistar’ retinol, which is equivalent to 0.05 per cent making it an ideal option for newbies who should start off slow. Another reason it’s great for beginners is it contains hydrating ingredients like squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and castor oil to help nourish the skin and reduce irritation from occurring. The weightless serum sinks into the skin in seconds and can be followed up with your favourite PM moisturiser. (Pro tip: Don’t forget to apply it around the eyes, as the skin is significantly thinner in that area than the rest of the face.)
Verdict: This serum is quite viscous because it contains castor oil, so it’s a great one for drier skin types or anyone who prefers a richer treatment at night.
Buy here (£9.99).
BEST ON A BUDGET
This retinol-spiked night cream also contains bakuchiol – an ingredient that’s been touted as a “natural alternative” to vitamin A – along with peptides that work to plump and firm the skin. Together, the age-defying trifecta helps to fade fine lines and wrinkles, as well as smooth out unwanted texture and large pores. Despite being labelled as a cream, it’s so lightweight that even those with the oiliest of skin will enjoy using it. And, because it’s made with vitamin E, glycerin, and soybean oil, the risk of having an adverse reaction to this formula is super low.
Verdict: This is a lovely night cream formulation for folks with oily skin as it’s ultra-lightweight, yet still hydrating enough to help revitalise skin overnight.
Buy here (£19.99).
BEST ON A BUDGET
The Ordinary – Retinol 1% in Squalane
Another excellent starter retinol, this elixir from The Ordinary features a highly stable form of the vitamin A derivative in a base of squalane – which is ultra-calming and therefore combats irritation from ensuing. In addition to squalane, it also contains jojoba oil, a great moisturiser that hydrates the skin and prevents water loss. We love how simple the ingredient list is – plus, the under £6 price tag sure doesn’t hurt either.
Verdict: This incredibly cost-effective retinol is encapsulated in soothing squalane to reduce redness and irritation from ensuing.
Buy here (£5.80).
BEST ON A BUDGET
If you’re already a fan of face oils, then this skin-soothing formula from Pixi will be right up your alley. Enriched with sweet almond, cranberry seed, jojoba, and sunflower seed oils, it leaves skin plump, juicy, and super-moisturised – sans any irritation from the retinol. In addition to both retinol and retinyl palmitate (a form of the ingredient that’s known to be non-irritating), it also features a blend of collagen-boosting peptides, as well as calming plant extracts. With continued use at nighttime, your skin will look visibly brighter, smoother, and firmer in just a few weeks.
Verdict: Enriched with soothing plant extracts and nourishing oils, this is an excellent starter retinol for anyone new to it.
Buy here (£26).
BEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
Oskia – Retinoid Sleep Serum Level 1
While the brand has several “levels” of retinol, we recommend starting out slow with this guy – unless your skin is already accustomed to 0.2 per cent, which, in that case, feel free to try their Level 2. As if retinol wasn’t enough, this formula also features a full complex of ingredients designed to fight signs of ageing, including vitamins C, E, and D3. Additionally, the oil-serum hybrid includes anti-inflammatory agents like sunflower seed oil and rosemary leaf extract, which aid in reducing redness and help leave skin soft, smooth, and calm.
Verdict: This opulent serum includes antioxidant-dense ingredients (as well as retinol) to fight environmental stressors while you snooze.
Buy here (£78).
BEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
Zelens – Power A Treatment Drops
Another retinol oil worth adding to your arsenal is this one by Zelens, as it’s packed with several forms of the vitamin A byproduct – including retinyl palmitate and hydroxypinacolone retinoate – for maximum benefit. Additionally, it contains a unique botanical blend of fruits and vegetable extracts, like pumpkin, carrot, broccoli, and spinach, all of which are rich in vitamin A, too. On top of that, it features nourishing omegas, free radical-fighting vitamin E, and antibacterial geranium oil.
Verdict: This powerful oil features three different types of retinol, so it packs one helluva punch.
Buy here (£120).
BEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
Elizabeth Arden – Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
These single-dose, retinol-filled capsules are not only convenient and easy to use, but the caps themselves help to protect the efficacy of the formula (fun fact: Retinol doesn’t like light or air), which is definitely a bonus in our book. Aside from vitamin A, each skincare “supplement,” if you will, includes ceramides to boost moisture and peptides to improve firmness and elasticity, as well as green tea leaf extract and avocado oil for their anti-inflammatory benefits. 60 capsules come in a jar, and you should use one nightly or every other night for best results.
Verdict: These fine-line fading capsules also contain soothing agents like green tea and avocado oil, making them a good go-to for sensitive skin types.
Buy here (£72).
BEST LUXURIOUS BUYS
Murad – Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
This featherlight, yet immensely hydrating serum features the brand’s Tri-Active Technology, which contains a fast-acting retinoid, time-released retinol, and a retinol “booster.” On the hydration front, it’s made with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and shea butter which prevents moisture loss and irritation. All you need is a thin layer at night, and you should start to see fine lines and hyperpigmentation begin to fade after a few weeks or months, depending on your skin type.
Verdict: This highly effective serum is packed with nourishing ingredients that help stave off redness and flaking.
Buy here (£78).
BEST MASS MARKET BUYS
Olay – Retinol24 Night Serum With Retinol & Vitamin B3
Don’t underestimate the power of drugstore formulas like this one, folks, as believe it or not, many of them are totally comparable to their high-end competitors. This creamy, gentle retinol serum also features niacinamide, another youth-boosting ingredient that helps fade fine lines, texture, and dark spots. Additionally, you’ll find moisturising agents like amino peptides, glycerin, and dimethicone, which work to smooth and condition the skin.
Verdict: In addition to retinol, this airy serum contains vitamin B3 – AKA niacinamide – to aid in smoothing skin texture and clearing pores.
Buy here (£17).
BEST MASS MARKET BUYS
L’Oréal Paris – Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Pro Retinol Night Cream
Another foolproof find from the drugstore, this cream is rich, hydrating, and leaves skin glowing and healthy by morning. Ideal for folks with drier skin types, this PM moisturiser features a blend of glycerin, apricot kernel oil, beeswax, and meadowfoam seed oil – all of which help with soothing the skin, too. Definitely consider giving this dermatologist favourite a shot if you’re looking for a cream version of retinol for your routine.
Verdict: It’s a decadent cream you can score at the drugstore – and by you, we mean anyone with normal to dry skin who needs the added hydration.
Buy here (£12).
BEST MASS MARKET BUYS
Eucerin – Q10 Active Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream
Great for even the most sensitive skin, this fragrance-free option from Eucerin features another famous ingredient called “coenzyme Q10,” which, like retinol, works to fight and reverse signs of aging. Formula-wise, this rich cream is perfect for normal to dry complexions, albeit those with oily skin may not be huge fans. Nonetheless, it’s an amazing accessible option if you’re looking to ward off fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation – sans the hefty price tag.
Verdict: It marries two famous age-fighting ingredients – coQ10 and retinol – to combat fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.
Buy here (£19).
BEST MASS MARKET BUYS
No7 – Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate
This creamy, cooling serum combines retinol with the brand’s “Matrixyl 3000 Plus” peptide technology, and together, they work to dramatically minimise fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity over a few months. On the flip side, it also contains chamomile for its calming benefits – along with glycerin and dimethicone for hydration and smoothing. Because it’s such a lightweight formula, it’s a lovely option for oily and acne-prone skin; however, those with dry skin can use it too, we just recommend using a solid moisturiser on top.
Verdict: It contains calming chamomile and feels featherlight on the skin, making it a solid pick for acne-prone people.
Buy here (£25).