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On your A game: Top retinol serum picks for every skin type and routine
Written byMedico Digital
Reviewed byDr Guy Ratu
Retinol serums are cult favourites for smoothing, brightening and tackling fine lines. From gentle options for sensitive skin to pro-ageing heroes, here's our top picks and tips for using them safely.
Our top picks
100% Natural
Vitaskin
Vitaskin Vitamin A Intense Cell Renewal Oil
Buy 1 Get 1 Free
£18.49
Suitable For Sensitive Skin
REN
REN Bio Retinoid™ Youth Concentrate Oil
Clearance
£15.60
£26.00
Vegan
Q+A
Q+A Retinol 0.2% Facial Serum 30ml
£9.60
RRP £12.00
What is retinol serum?
Retinoids are a major deal within the skincare industry, with experts praising their potential to improve fine lines, combat signs of skin ageing and support overall skin quality.1,2
Over the years, retinol has made its way into mainstream skincare ranges. While high-strength retinol is usually only available on prescription, there are plenty of lower-strength retinol-containing products available over-the-counter.1
When it comes to retinol, the options are endless – serums, creams, eye treatments, oils and gels, all offering something unique.
Generally, serums are designed to target specific skin problems. With their high concentration, they can deliver the active ingredient into the skin.3 But what makes retinol serums stand out?
What are the benefits of retinol serum?
Retinol and other retinoids are among the top skincare ingredients for a reason.1
Retinoids may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and enhance your skin’s overall appearance.1 Retinol serums tend to be oil-based, which helps them get absorbed into the skin.4 However, retinol can be a bit potent for people with delicate or dry skin.1 In such cases, a serum that’s formulated specifically for delicate skin may be a gentler option.
Luckily, there are a variety of different retinol serums to choose from, including products designed for people looking for gentler alternatives, so you can find one that works best for you.
Our top retinol serum picks
Antipodes’ Eve Bio-Retinol Serum is a plant-based, skin-boosting formula powered by natural vitamin A. This radiant-supporting serum helps production for smoother, more luminous skin. The vitamin A comes from cacay oil and bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol.
To use, apply three to four drops to cleansed face, neck and décolletage (upper part of the chest), gently massaging into the skin. For best results, follow with your favourite Antipodes® moisturiser.
Thoughtfully crafted with all skin types in mind, Q+A Retinol 0.2% Facial Serum is both soothing and effective. This gentle formula helps target fine lines and wrinkles, while calming bisabolol and hydrating squalane deliver comfort and moisture for delicate skin.
Apply one pump in the evening, before moisturising, evenly to a dry face while avoiding the area directly under the eyes. Massage in until fully absorbed.
Evolve combines the power of bio retinol and a burst of vitamin C in one handy product. Infused with vitamins A, E and F, all blended into a nourishing rosehip oil.
It also contains bakuchiol oil and sea buckthorn oil – rich in vitamin C, omega fatty acids and beta carotene to help improve the skin’s appearance, hydration and texture.5
Just apply one to two drops to cleansed skin or mix directly into another moisturiser or serum.
Vitaskin’s Vitamin A Intense Cell Renewal Oil is a lightweight formula that contains a retinoid and carrot seed oil. Rich in vitamins A and E, it helps promote softer, smoother and visibly younger-looking skin.
It contains two sources of vitamin A: retinoids and carrot seed oil. Plus, the nourishing vitamin A and E work together to counteract skin dryness.6 Apply as the final step in your skincare routine and for best results, pair with the full Vitaskin Vitamin A range.
Designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this bio retinol oil from REN is suitable for delicate skin. It also boasts nourishing and replenishing qualities. It’s a great plant alternative to retinol, Bidens pilosa helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.7 Whilst rosehip oil delivers essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and sea buckthorn oil works to help improve skin firmness and reduce roughness.8
At night, warm five drops in the palm of your hand and gently pat over your face, neck and décolletage. Sediments may appear – just shake well before use.
How to use retinol serum safely
Retinol is powerful, so it’s important to ease into it.1,2 If you’re new to retinol, the American Association of Dermatologists advises starting with the lowest concentration and using it every other night.9
Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s best to only use it at night and apply sun protection during the day.9 And remember, retinol-containing products should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to the baby.1,9
Always follow the usage instructions on your retinol serum for best results.
The final say
With so many retinol serums on the market, you can choose from different concentrations, types of retinoids and added ingredients or vitamins.
Just remember: start small, gradually build up your concentration and give your skin a chance to adjust. If you’re looking to learn more about this skincare favourite, read our guide on our favourite retinol creams for your eyes, skin and body.
Disclaimer - This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Milosheska D, Roškar R. Use of retinoids in topical antiaging treatments: A focused review of clinical evidence for conventional and nanoformulations. Adv Ther. 2022;39(12):5351–75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-022-02319-7
2. Mambwe B, et al. Cosmetic retinoid use in photoaged skin: A review of the compounds, their use and mechanisms of action. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2025;47(1):45–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.13013
3. Vaidya S. Review on face serum. Asian J Pharm. 2024;18(3):740–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.22377/ajp.v18i3.5626
4. Zasada M, et al. A clinical anti-ageing comparative study of 0.3 and 0.5% retinol serums: A clinically controlled trial. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2020;33(2):102–16. https://doi.org/10.1159/000508168
5. Correia G, Magina S. Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(7):1938–45. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15748
6. Pinto et al. Vitamin E in Human Skin: Functionality and Topical Products. Vitamin E in Health and Disease - Interactions, Diseases and Health Aspects. 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.98336
7. Dieamant et al. Antiageing Mechanisms of a Standardized Supercritical CO2 Preparation of Black Jack (Bidens pilosaL.) in Human Fibroblasts and Skin Fragments. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/280529
8. Koskovac et al. Sea Buckthorn Oil—A Valuable Source for Cosmeceuticals. Cosmetics. 2017;4(4):40. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics4040040
9. American Association of Dermatologists. Retinoid or retinol? [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jan 28]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
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