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Any skincare expert will tell you that anti-aging and retinol are inextricably linked. So why is the potent anti-wrinkle ingredient still so mystifying? Some women say it's the best thing that ever happened to them; others complain it leaves their skin red and dry. Because it's never too early (or too late!) to stave off the signs of aging, we looked to the experts to decode retinol—or is it retinoids?— in the simplest of terms. Retinol, which is another name for Vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient for addressing a number of skin concerns. "It can help to fight acne, stimulate collagen production, and has anti-inflammatory properties," says Dr. Michele J. Farber of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
But if you're in the market for it, it's important to know that there's a distinct difference between retinol and its sister, retinoid. "Retinols and retinoids are both vitamin A derivatives," explains Dr. Farber. "They have both been formulated to be applied to your skin in topical form, but retinoids are stronger than retinols. While over-the-counter retinol creams do have many of the same benefits, they often work more slowly."
And though its touted as the gold standard in anti-aging, this powerhouse isn't just for the older crowd. Incorporating retinol into your routine in your twenties can help keep sun damage in check and help prevent lines from developing.
"In your twenties, starting a healthy skincare regimen when you're young will help you to age gracefully and keep your skin in the best shape possible," says Dr. Farber. "Women should start off using retinol creams during their twenties as this is the time when sun damage starts to become apparent." However, you want to be wary of not using anything that's too strong. "To avoid acne flares, a light formulation, not a heavy cream is the way to go," says dermatologist Dr. Patricia Wexler. If redness or irritation occurs, re-evaluate the concentration, frequency, and formulation. SPF is always necessary when using a retinol. "Your goal would be using retinol to get smoother, more evenly pigmented skin, with less post inflammatory pigmentation," says Wexler. Here, we've rounded up the best retinol-infused products so you can incorporate them into your routine stat.
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1
The Reviewers' Favorite
Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
The stellar reviews on this night cream speak for themselves. No matter your skin type, this formula strengthens your skin's moisture barrier—which is key for preventing breakouts and damage—while it plumps up wrinkles.
2
The Cult Favorite
Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Crème
This drugstore option has been a fan favorite for years. The creamy texture pampers the skin while a potent dose of retinol lifts dark spots and smooths fine lines.
3
For French Girl Skin
A313 Vitamin A Pommade
Pharma Developpement
frenchpharmacy.com
$22.99
Parisian women know good skin, and this French pharmacy staple is one of their secret weapons. It's a simple formula, so apply directly to the skin or mix a little in with your favorite night cream.
4
The Budget Pick
Regenerist Night Recovery Cream
If you need to banish fine lines and dark spots on a budget, pick up this vitamin-infused night cream.
5
For Max Strength
Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream
SkinCeuticals
dermstore.com
$76.00
Skin repairs itself overnight, and this PM formula takes the process up a notch with a high concentration of retinol and a skin-calming blend of bisabolol, which is derived from the famously soothing chamomile plant.
6
The Luxury Pick
Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil
111Skin
dermstore.com
$230.00
"Comfortable" usually isn't the first word that comes to mind when you think of retinol—it can be a little abrasive for new users and those with sensitive skin—but this luxurious oil makes the case. The rich oil coats skin in both wrinkle-fighting retinol and hydration.
7
The Editor Fave
Skin Care Retinol Reform
Shani Darden Skin Care
sephora.com
$88.00
This one is an editor favorite, and for good reason: an extra boost of lactic acid helps lift discoloration and fade the acne spots and scars that plague us all.
8
For Beginners
Retinol Face Serum For Post-Acne Marks
CeraVe is as gentle as it gets, so if you're just trying to dip a toe into the pool, reach for this complexion-cradling option first.
9
For Retinol Pros
Retinol 0.5 Retexturizing Cream
Obagi360
Dermstore
$62.00
This stuff is definitely powerful, and it's perfect for those of you looking for a step up from your beginner formulas. But don't let its potency scare you: it uses entrapped retinol, which gradually releases over time for an exfoliation that won't burn.
10
For Mature Skin
Super Nova Serum
Joanna Vargas
Derm Store
$295.00
Apple fruit extract is the secret ingredient in this glow-imbuing serum. It boosts cell renewal and minimizes wrinkles for that plump, dewy skin you see all over Insta.
11
For Green Shoppers
Gentle Retinol Night Serum
Marie Veronique
Credo
$110.00
A potent combination of vitamins A, C, and E makes this clean formula perfect for even the most sensitive skin.
12
The Magic Serum
A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
Sunday Riley
dermstore.com
$85.00
Don't let this serum's potency scare you: it's filled with soothing ingredients like Hawaiian honey to keep your complexion comfortable while you remove wrinkles.
13
The Quick Peel
Designer Balm
Skin Design London
neimanmarcus.com
$52.00
Rose, retinol, and hyaluronic acid are a triple threat in this luxe balm. Massage it into the skin and rinse it off after fifteen minutes for an instantly glowy complexion.
14
The Rich Formula
Dark Spot Fix
Verso
dermstore.com
$95.00
Dab this concentrated formula on your most stubborn dark spots and scars to help clear your complexion.
15
The Minimalist
S.T.A.R. Light Retinol Night Oil
StriVectin
nordstrom.com
$99.00
A single drop of this dry-finish oil can give your nightly moisturizer an anti-aging boos, and its chia seed oil and plant-derived squalene helps hydrate the skin while it's being exfoliated.
16
The Budget Eye Cream
Retinol Eye Cream
The INKEY List
Selfridges.com
$11.50
Crow's feet are natural, but a tiny dose of retinol can help those crinkles look less prominent. The slow-release ingredients in this formula help to avoid irritation in the eye sensitive area.
17
The Moisturizing Eye Cream
Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
amazon.com
$69.00
As you age, the eye area can become more dry and fragile, which can exacerbate crow's feet. The ferulic acid in this powerful formula gently exfoliates to remove dry spots while imbuing the area with retinol and hydrating oils.
18
The Skin Tone Evener
Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin
PCA Skin
dermstore.com
$111.00
Yellowing is one age concern that's often left by the wayside, but niacinamides are paired with hi-tech retinol in this formula help even the skin tone in even the most sensitive skin types.
19
Best for Brightening
+Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
Kate Somerville
sephora.com
$90.00
A brighter complexion is one way to instantly appear more youthful, and this cream combines Vitamin C with wild gooseberry to defend against skin-marring free radicals.
20
Most Hydrating
Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream
Clark's Botanicals
dermstore.com
$105.00
Even the most sensitive skin will drink up this intensely hydrating cream overnight, and you can expect a major glow in the morning.
21
The Capsules
Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
Elizabeth Arden
ulta.com
$25.50
The brand's signature capsules have a cult following, and this retinol-infused option was created to fade even your deepest lines.
22
The Vegan Pick
A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Drunk Elephant
sephora.com
$74.00
A little dollop of this cream goes along way with this vegan formula. While it includes a potent amount of retinol, a triple peptide blend that works to strengthen and firm the skin is what takes this option up a notch.
23
The Algae Pick
Age Defense Retinol Complex
SkinMedica
dermstore.com
$78.00
Algae and a proprietary antioxidant complex make sure skin stays supple while a potent .5% retinol exfoliates away uneven skin tone.
24
The Sleeping Mask
Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Face Mask
Glow Recipe
sephora.com
$49.00
This creamy formula is meant to be the scrumptious last step in your night routine. Nutrient dense-avocado nourishes the skin while polyhydroxy acids gentle exfoliate for minimized pores and a smoother visage by morning.
25
Best Patches
Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask
If you're not ready to jump in and try a retinol-infused eye cream, shoot for something more temporary. Stick these potent little patches in the fridge fifteen minutes before you slap them for a cooling, tranquil at-home spa treatment.
26
The Booster
BOOST 1% Retinol Booster
Paula's Choice
amazon.com
Add a pump of this concentrated booster to your go-to day cream or overnight mask to give them an smoothing, anti-aging kick.
Taylore Glynn
Taylore Glynn is the Beauty and Health Editor at Marie Claire, covering skincare, makeup, fragrance, wellness, and more.
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