16 Best Dermatologist-Recommended Retinol Serums To Smooth And Brighten Every Skin Type 2023

Infused with nourishing melon and raspberry oils, Farmacy's retinol serum is great for dry skin types, but it's also lightweight enough to play nicely with oily skin. This contains both retinol and retinal (a faster-acting form of retinol), the latter of which is an ingredient Dr. Zeichner is a fan of.

Both Dr. Engelman and Dr. Zeichner recommended this one as a good choice for those with sensitive skin. "The non-irritating formula can generally be used across all skin types without causing irritation," says Dr. Zeichner. He also loves that it contains squalane, a skin-strengthening ingredient.

A personal favorite of mine because I have dry skin and am shopping on a budget, Dr. Gohara also approves of The Ordinary's serum, too. "I'm a fan of this serum because it's infused with squalane, which enhances skin barrier function to increase hydration," she says.

This one gets right to the point with a pure formula that doesn't contain a lot of extras—it's perfect if you already like your current skincare routine, but just want to add a retinol in. "This one's great for everyone from retinol beginners to pros," says Dr. Gohara, who says you can even use this on your whole body if you have acne or hyperpigmentation on your back or bum.

"It's highly-concentrated, easy to layer, and doesn't have many other ancillary ingredients that can decrease the efficacy of the retinol."

"Encapsulated retinol is specifically formulated to even out skin tone, especially after acne," says Dr. Gohara, who's a fan of this budget buy from Cerave. The lightweight and fast-absorbing formula is particularly great for oily skin types, too.

Dr. Engelman recommends that beginners start out with a retinol that has a lower percentage/dosage of the ingredient, and Dr. Gohara is a particular fan of this one from First Aid Beauty, which contains just .25 percent of retinol. "A perfect choice for beginners who want to dabble in the world of retinol, one single pump of this dispenses the perfect amount," she says. "And, the formula is creamy enough to keep skin hydrated, too."

A personal favorite of mine, I have melanin-rich skin which means I'm prone to dark circles. Luckily, I learned that retinol can even be used under the eyes, something Dr. Gohara recommends to allow for brightening and collagen production. I've been using this for years now, and I love that it's hydrating and that the stick formula makes it super easy to apply.

"This works by retexturizing the skin with a silky formula to minimize fine lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Engelman, who recommends this one to her patients who want to treat hyperpigmentation. "The skin-conditioning ingredient, vitamin E, promotes moisture in the cell barrier while the retinol is working to resurface the skin."

"I like these capsules because they help maintain the potency and stability of the retinol itself," says Dr. Zeichner, who recommends this to treat wrinkles. "Plus, you can’t over-apply because it comes in a specific, metered dose." Bonus: They're great for travel!

Whether you have dry skin or not, Dr. Zeichner recommends a serum that has hydrating ingredients in it, because that'll help to protect the skin's barrier. Biossance's formula contains both squalane and hyaluronic acid—two ingredients that are nourishing without leaving your skin feeling greasy.

Again, this isn't exactly a serum, but it's another affordable option that Dr. Gohara recommends for wrinkle treatment. She loves that it has a really lightweight feel, too, so this is great for those with oilier skin.

I used this affordable gel and swore by its efficacy through my teen acne years. "This gel is much gentler than other products but it contains a powerful retinoid to clear acne and prevent future breakouts, as well as to prevent acne scarring," says Dr. Engelman.

"Formulated with an antioxidant technology that enhances the retinol effect, this is one of my favorites," says Dr. Gohara. You can even use this one all over the body if you want to treat hyperpigmentation or acne elsewhere, too.

Because retinol is such a potent and effective ingredient, it can be hard to find it affordably. That's why Zeichner recommends Pond's wrinkle cream—no, it's not technically a serum, but if you want to incorporate retinol in your routine on a budget, this is a great place to start.

Ok so yes, this one is expensive, but my pro tip is that you can often get it on sale on Amazon, so budget buyers will want to watch out for that. And, it's a good investment if you have dry skin, according to Dr. Engelman. "These soothe and hydrate dry skin with a ceramide formula while repairing the skin barrier and minimizing signs of aging," she says.

Skincare nerds like myself already know all about bakuchi, and derms are a fan now, too. Dr. Engelman says the ingredient is a great option if you have ultra sensitive skin or want to keep getting retinol-esque benefits while pregnant or breastfeeding. "Studies have shown that bakuchi/bakuchiol functions in a similar way to retinol, providing anti-aging benefits by increasing cell turnover and collagen production," she says.

I'm a huge fan of Ranavat's ultra hydrating bakuchi creme, but I also recommend these more affordable bakuchiol drops if you're on a budget.