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2023's Best Retinol Serums for Wrinkles, Age Spots & Dull Skin
Our beauty editors share what to look for in a retinol product for firmer, younger-looking skin.
Advertiser Disclosure
Backed by more research than perhaps any other skincare ingredient, retinol helps reduce visible signs of aging—like wrinkles, fine lines, loose skin, and discoloration.
With millions of consumers already experiencing firmer, clearer, youthful-looking skin, it's no wonder so many dermatologists recommend retinol as a skincare must-have. We'll show you what to look for in quality retinol serum that will reveal a firmer, brighter, more even-toned complexion.
A Quality Retinol Serum Can:
Gently exfoliate dull, dead cells for smooth skin
Reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
Help fade dark spots & soften rough patches of skin
Support a brighter, even skin tone
Minimize the appearance of breakouts & oily skin
How does retinol restore younger-looking skin?
As we age, our body produces less collagen and elastin—the two proteins that keep our skin looking firm, smooth & youthful.
Consistent use of retinol supports these essential building blocks to visibly tighten skin and pores, while also making wrinkles and fine lines appear "filled in" so you can look your best at any age.
How to minimize irritation from retinol
For those new to retinol, there's a chance you could experience some minor side effects—think redness and peeling. This risk increases with higher concentrations of this powerful active.
That's why we recommend looking for a formula that contains less than 1% retinol. We also advise that you find a product with nourishing and hydrating ingredients to balance out the retinol.
Ingredients To Look For
BakuchiolA plant-based marvel that provides similar wrinkle and line diminishing effects as retinol without the irritation. Using bakuchiol with retinol allows us to use a lower concentration of retinol for the same results and less sensitivity, making it ideal for all skin types.
NiacinamideA potent form of Vitamin B3 that helps soothe and balance your skin's oil production, diminish the look of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and also supports a smooth-looking complexion.
SqualaneA skin moisturizer that visibly balances oil production, while locking in enough hydration to keep the skin looking clear, calm, and healthy while using a powerful active like retinol.
Hyaluronic AcidOften listed as Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful ingredient that soothes skin and deeply moisturizes to offset the potential irritation of retinol while skin is under repair.
A retinol serum with these ingredients can do wonders to keep your complexion looking firm, clear and smooth, but there are other things to consider before making a purchase:
Ingredients To Avoid
Pro-retinolsPro-retinols such as retinyl palmitate, acetate and linoleate may be a common find on store shelves, but they simply don't stack up to the real power of true retinol. If you're looking for maximum results from your skincare routine, then it's definitely worth investing in products that contain actual retinol. So, even when the advertising or packaging mentions retinol, make sure you check the ingredient label for the word “retinol” before buying.
Synthetic Dyes or FragrancesThese synthetic additives may cause skin irritation, clog pores, cause blemishes, and even deplete your skin of its essential nutrients and oils.
What Else To Consider When Choosing A Retinol Serum
The Right Packaging
Because retinol is sensitive to light, it can lose its potency over time if not packaged and stored correctly. Look for a serum in a dark-colored glass bottle, like amber or blue, that helps protect the integrity of the product.
Real Results Take Time
A retinol serum can help you achieve a more youthful complexion, but don't expect miracles overnight. When used consistently for 3 months or more, retinol can reduce the look of wrinkles, fine lines & hyperpigmentation—revealing firmer, smoother, more even-looking skin.
Money-Back Guarantee
Everyone's skin is unique, so not every product works the same way. While research suggests retinol can be beneficial, it doesn't guarantee results — and some highly concentrated products may even cause mild irritation. Make sure your money is well-spent by choosing a product that backs up their claims with a 100% money-back, no-questions-asked guarantee.
Top 5 Retinol Serums of 2023:
When putting together our rankings, we consider the quality of ingredients, safety, return policies, projected effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
Below are the final rankings from our beauty editors, complete with detailed reviews of each retinol serum:
1. Retinol Reset: .75% Retinol + 1% Bakuchiol Serum
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Total Ranking
9.7/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Bakuchiol
- Niacinamide
- Squalane
- Fruit extracts for plump and dewy skin
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances and dyes
- Made in the USA
- 60-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Exclusively sold online
- Only sold in the U.S. & Canada
The Bottom Line
Tru Alchemy's Retinol Reset: .75% Retinol + 1% Bakuchiol Serum is our #1 pick because of its potent formula that moisturizes while supporting the skin's barrier function.
It contains bakuchiol, niacinamide, squalane, and fruit extracts - all of which work to brighten, smooth, and moisturize skin. This formula is also free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances and dyes, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
Tru Alchemy offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked, which shows us they stand by their product.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More2. 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Total Ranking
9.1/10
A-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Bakuchiol
Sodium hyaluronate- Fragrance-free
Cruelty-free- 60-day return policy
CONS
- Lacks niacinamide
- Lacks squalane
The Bottom Line
Coming at #2 on our list is 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment by Paula's Choice. This product is made with bakuchiol and sodium hyaluronate. As a result, users say this lightweight lotion leaves their skin feeling hydrated and soft.
However, the formula is missing the benefits of key smoothing and brightening ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and squalane. So, it may not be the best choice for people who are hoping to reduce the look of fine lines and deep wrinkles.
Fortunately, Paula's Choice does offer a 60-day guarantee so you can get your money back if you don't see the results you were looking for.
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Midnight Ritual Retinol
Total Ranking
8.8/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free
Cruelty-free
CONS
- Contains pro-retinol
- Lacks bakuchiol
- Lacks squalane
- Short 30-day return policy
The Bottom Line
Midnight Ritual Retinol by Summer Fridays ranks a bit lower on the list, coming in at #3. This serum is formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil that work together to help support the skin's barrier, while keeping it hydrated.
This serum is formulated for sensitive skin, but it does lack some of our key ingredients, such as bakuchiol and squalane.
Unfortunately, Summer Fridays only offers a short 30-day return policy, which may not be enough time to know if this product really works for you.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
Total Ranking
8.4/10
B
Overall Grade
PROS
- Squalane
- Fragrance-free
- Strong reviews
CONS
- No niacinamide
- No hyaluronic acid
No bakuchiol- Short 30-day return policy
The Bottom Line
Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum by Peter Thomas Roth came in 4th on our list because it’s made with a potent time-released retinol that works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The formula is fragrance-free, so it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, however it lacks a few of our key ingredients, such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and bakuchiol.
Additionally, Peter Thomas Roth offers a short 30-day return policy - not giving consumers much time to determine if this product works for them.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Retinol B3 Serum
Total Ranking
8.0/10
B-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
- Suitable for sensitive skin
CONS
- No squalane
No bakuchiol- Contains fragrance
- Contains pro-retinols
- Short 30-day return policy
The Bottom Line
La Roche-Posay's Retinol B3 Serum ranks 5th on our list because while this product has a few of our key ingredients, it also contains pro-retinols, and is not fragrance-free.
This formula contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which work to protect the skin's barrier and maintain hydration. However, this serum lacks squalane and bakuchiol, so it's not as potent as some of the other products on our list.
This formula is made for sensitive skin, but some customers noted a strong, unpleasant smell. Additionally, La Roche-Posay only offers a 30-day return policy - leaving you with a short window to determine if this product is right for you. *
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
We may receive compensation from certain of the companies whose products are featured on this website. As a result, we receive payment when you purchase a product using the links on this website. This website is owned and operated by the same company that has ownership interest in certain products featured on this website. This compensation and our ownership interest may affect how and where products appear on the site, including the order in which they appear. This site does not include and rate all products in each category.
Go back to pageOur Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
CITATIONS
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- Necas, J., Bartosikova, L., Brauner, P., & Kolar, J. (2008). Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan): a review. Veterinární Medicína, 53(No. 8), 397-411. doi: 10.17221/1930-vetmed
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- Kafi, R., Kwak, H., Schumacher, W., Cho, S., Hanft, V., & Hamilton, T. et al. (2007). Improvement of Naturally Aged Skin With Vitamin A (Retinol). Archives Of Dermatology, 143(5). doi: 10.1001/archderm.143.5.606
- Lu, Y., Lou, Y., Xie, J., Peng, Q., Shih, W., Lin, Y., & Conney, A. (2009). Tumorigenic Effect of Some Commonly Used Moisturizing Creams when Applied Topically to UVB-Pretreated High-Risk Mice. Journal Of Investigative Dermatology, 129(2), 468-475. doi: 10.1038/jid.2008.241