7 of the best retinol serums

Have you heard some great stuff about retinol serums?

Are you already using one and are curious to see if you’re using the best one?

Or perhaps you just can’t get enough of them and love reading all about them?

Or maybe, just maybe, this is your first venture into the world of retinol serums….and if is, then welcome!

Because once you discover the world of retinol serums, you’ll want to know all there is to know about them…

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What retinol serum is
• The difference between retinol serum and creams
• How to use retinol serum
• 7 of the best retinol serums
• Retinol serum reviews
• Answers to frequently asked questions about retinol

What is retinol serum?

Is a derivative of Vitamin A that’s a major deal within the skincare industry.

Pretty much everybody, the experts included, have raved or are raving about its anti-aging abilities.

Back in the day, the main way of getting your hands on it was via a skincare professional.

But over the years, it’s made its way into mainstream skincare ranges.

Because of this, it’s more readily available over-the-counter, and there’s lots of choice, ranging from retinol serums and creams, to retinol eye cream, oils and gels.

Just so you know, ‘pure’ retinol is only available via prescription, but there are lots of retinol products readily available online and on the shelves.¹

How does it work?

Retinol works its magic by increasing how quickly skin cells rejuvenate and repair, making it a force to be reckoned with for all sorts of skin.

It’s widely used to help prevent the signs of ageing, e.g. fine lines, wrinkles and creases, as well as to help fade pigmentation, fight blemishes and help reduce sun damage.

As for how it actually works, retinol works its magic in our skin, reducing pore congestion, help stabilising and balancing pigments.

For more insight on retinol read, ‘Is retinol good for skin?’

What percentage of retinol should I use?

Just as they’re available in different forms, retinol products, retinol serums included, come in lots of different strengths.

Retinol in itself is a powerful active ingredient, which means it can trigger skin if you use the wrong strength.

That’s why they come in a range of different percentages, so you can tailor your retinol use to your skin’s exact needs.

Always start low and then gradually work your way up to using higher levels of retinol, which will enable your skin to get used to it, and to avoid it becoming over-aggravated.²

• If you’ve never used retinol before or have fair or sensitive skin – you should start with a retinol serum that has a really low percentage, so around the 0.025% mark.
• If you have normal or combination skin – you can start with a higher strength retinol product, one that contains 0.25% retinol, with a view to working up to 0.5%
• If your skin is darker, thicker and tougher – then you may be able to 0.4% retinol to begin with, and work up to 1.0% retinol

The highest concentration of retinol you can get without a prescription is 2.0%.

An important note before we move on…

No matter what strength retinol serum, cream, gel or oil you’re putting on your skin, always, always wear an SPF 30 or higher.

This is because retinol makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays and sunlight can impact how effective it is.³

Note: this is one of the reasons why most retinol guidance recommends you apply it at night, so it won’t be broken down by being exposed to the sun).⁴

For more best practice advice on applying retinol read, ‘How to use retinol.’

Is retinol cream or serum better?

Ah, yes, which one should you choose? Is there a difference? Does it matter?

Generally speaking, if you have dry or sensitive skin, then you should go for a retinol cream, which will contain some form of moisturising ingredients.

Not to mention the fact that retinol can initially dry your skin out, so if you already have dry skin, then you’ll want to keep it as moisturised as possible.⁵

Handpicked content: The best serum for sensitive skin

If you have oily or combination skin, then it’s probably best you use a retinol serum because most of them are water-based.

You may even want to use your retinol serum as a moisturiser, save having to put too many products on your skin.

Which retinol serum is the best?

Knowing which are the best creams with retinol isn’t easy because there are so many different retinol serums, creams, oils and gels out there, right?!

But it’s not impossible to find the best products, you’ve just got to know where to look (as well as know what you’re looking for).

In terms of knowing where to look, you’re definitely in the right place, especially now that we’re going to share some of the best customer-rated retinol serums with you.

Summary

• Retinol serum is a derivative of vitamin A that is primarily used in skincare products for its anti-aging effects and ability to help with blemish-prone skin.
• It works by increasing regeneration and unclogging pores.
• You can get retinol products in a range of concentrations, from 0.025% to 1%.

7 of the best retinol serums

1. Grounded Egyptian Gold Retinol Facial Serum 50ml

Customer rating: 4.4 stars

Egyptian Gold Retinol Serum will help stimulate the production of new skin, leaving your skin looking super youthful with an amazing shining glow.

How to apply it

• Drip a little bit of Egyptian Gold Retinol serum on to the face and neck and massage it in
• Make sure to rub the serum into the skin
• Then leave it on to work its magic

JadeA - 5/5 stars
“Smooth cool serum that helps smoothness and clarity to skin. Retinol made my sensitive neck and chest flaky, so do buffer with moisturiser in that area if you have similar skin sensitivity.”

Tab H = 5/5 stars
“Love, love, love this product, it’s a little bit of heaven in a bottle! My skin feels amazing! I have pigmentation on my face, this product has helped to reduce the colour, forehead lines are less visible, and over all texture of my skin smooth and soft!”

Other creds: Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

2. Vitaskin Vitamin A Rejuvenating Night Serum

Suitable for vegans, this rejuvenating serum is packed with retinol and carrot seed oil, containing high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E to help promote softer, smoother and visibly younger-looking skin.

How to apply it

It’s recommended you apply this night serum to your skin after cleansing as part of your night-time skincare routine and before you apply your moisturiser.

Anonymous - 5/5 stars
“Absolutely love this product. Results are brighter, clearer and tighter skin. On my third bottle!”

Lizzie22 - 5/5 stars
“Really nice lightweight serum that absorbs into the skin quickly I’ve already noticed a difference in the redness in my skin and will defo carry on using it my skin feels fab after using it!! Will be buying again as it’s great for my sensitive skin.”

Other creds: 99% natural, 100% vegan.

3. Vitaskin Vitamin A Intense Cell Renewal Oil Vitaskin Vitamin A Intense Cell Renewal Oil

Customer rating: 4.3 stars

Vitaskin’s Vitamin A Intense Cell Renewal Oil is a lightweight oil that contains retinol and carrot seed oil.

It contains high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E to help promote softer, smoother and visibly younger-looking skin.

100% natural and 100% vegan friendly.

How to apply it: Apply as final step in your skincare routine. For best results, combine with the full Vitaskin Vitamin A range.

Tashie - 5/5 stars
“I'm in my early 40s and my skin is dryer than before. This serum is rich and a small amount goes a long way. My skin soaks it up. It leaves a gentle sheen on my face, this could be because I use too much! Love it.”

Roadster - 5/5 stars
“I bought this about 2 weeks ago. I'm noticing the difference on my face. I would recommend this Vitaskin Vitamin Intense Cell Renewal oil. It's not very oily on your face.”

Other creds: Suitable for vegans

4. Oleus Retinol Serum 50ml

Customer rating: 4 stars

Oleus Retinoid Serum is a 100% vegan and natural lightweight serum that’s known for aiding collagen production to encourage a youthful-looking complexion.

How to apply

• Massage 2 to 3 drops of Oleus Retinol Serum on to cleansed skin on face, neck and/or body
• Can be combined with the Oleus moisturiser

Other creds: Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

5. Evolve Bio Retinol + C Booster 15ml

Customer rating: 5/5 stars

Evolve combines both Bio Retinol and C Booster in one handy serum. With vitamins A, C, E and F blended into a natural and gentle base of rosehip oil.

How to apply it

Apply 1 to 2 drops on cleansed skin or mix directly into your moisturiser or serum.

Other creds: Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Skyepup - 5/5 stars
"I add a couple of drops to organic rose hip oil. For a nighttime moisturiser. This product works well."

6. Evolve Bio Retinol Gold Mask 60ml

Customer rating: 5/5 stars

Okay, we know this isn't a serum, but this particular face mask works on skin to deliver the same rejuvenation benefits that retinols offer.

However, unlike retinol, which can make skin sensitive to the sun, Evolve’s Gold Mask can be used at any time, all-year round, making it the perfect way to nourish and protect your skin and enhance your summer glow.

It also contains rosehip oil and argan oil, making it rich in Omega 3 and 6 that help to look after and moisturise to create glowing skin.

Meanwhile, the gorgeous golden shimmers come from the sustainably-sourced mineral, mica, making it an extremely luxurious face mask. It’s also natural, vegan and certified COSMOS Organic.

Denise - 5/5 stars
"The Best mask I have ever had! There are so many gold masks on the market but I am happy I chosen evolve beauty range. The price is reasonable and I can already see the results on my skin. Would definitely recommend!"

7. Disciple Dreamy Skin Retinyl Oil 20ml

Customer rating: 5/5 stars

Packed with potent fatty acids to help moisturise the skin, this night oil provides all the benefits of retinol with the moisturising effect of rosehip oil too.

How to apply it

• Gently massage 3-4 drops into cleansed face and neck in the PM
• Use SPF in the morning

Other creds: Suitable for vegans and vegetarians

How to pick retinol serum

With a variety of different retinol serums on the market, it can be hard to know which one to go for.

If you’re just starting out with retinol, it’s widely recommended that you start with a lower concentration.

However, if you’ve been using it for a while now and your skin has adjusted, you can go for a slightly higher concentration – and then keep slowly building.

Is retinol serum safe for everyone e.g. during pregnancy?

Generally speaking, retinol is safe to use – even for those with more sensitive skin.

However, it is not recommended for pregnant people, or those trying to get pregnant to use retinol serum.⁶

The final say

There are a wide range of retinol serums for you to try – from differing concentrations to added beneficial ingredients and vitamins.

But just remember to start small, and gradually build up your concentration and increase your use slowly over time.

Feeling all raring to go with retinol now?

We hope this article has helped you get your head around it and given you a useful steer on some of the retinol serums that are already working wonders for some people.

Which of the retinol serums above have caught your eye and are potentially going to be working their way into your skincare regime?

Last updated: 31 August 2021