All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
To find the best retinol serums, we snagged some recommendations from derms and tested a ton for ourselves.
Courtesy of brands / Sarah Felbin / Abbey Stone / Laneen Wells
Now, were glowingand ready to share our favorites.
Our top picks
FAQs about retinol serums
Whats the most effective form of retinol?
From there, you might advance to 1%past that, Dr. Gohara recommends following a dermatologists guidance.
Original video by SELF commerce writer Jessica Kasparian
Which ingredients should you look for in a retinol serum?
Plus, sunlight can mess with retinol and make it less effective, she explains.
Then, gently apply a pea-sized amount of a retinol serum to your forehead, cheeks, and chin.
Once it dries, layer your nighttime moisturizer on topto support your skin barrier.
Translation: Its well worth the higher price tag (and the title of best overall).
These aredry skin heroesthat can stop flakes and scaly patchesbeforethey become a problem.
It has helpedlighten my dark spotsand fade my acne scars.
While its not the cheapest option on this list, its a solid value.
There are hundreds of pumps in each bottle, our tester says.
And since I only use one a day, I’m paying less than a penny for each one.
It’s a total girl math bargain!
If youre looking for a middle-of-the-road retinol concentration, this is a great option at 0.3%.
(It just might be too strong for very sensitive skin, according to Amazon shoppers.)
It absorbed right into my skin without leaving any residue behind.
There are lots of other retinols out there.
While we havent tested these yet, we still think theyre solid, dermatologist-recommended options worth shopping.
Glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract moisture, while squalane acts as a protective seal to lock it in.
It also contains peptides to plump up fine lines.
This is a strong formula that delivers anti-aging benefits, but requires careful introduction, Dr. Gohara says.
Moisturizers like squalane and jojoba seed oil will take care of any dryness that comes up.
