Advertising Sponsored by Tru Alchemy, the makers of Retinol Reset

2024's Best Retinol Serums for Wrinkles, Age Spots & Dull Skin

Our beauty editors reveal the top 5 retinol products for firmer, younger-looking skin.

Advertiser Disclosure

a group of different colored lipsticks

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 the must-have skincare ingredient.

It's even being used by people in their early 20s to help with everything from blemish marks to maintaining healthy-looking skin for a more youthful appearance as they age.

Unfortunately, not all retinol products are created equally. 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 and texture

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 high-quality retinol products support 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. So if you've tried retinol in the past and experienced harsh side effects, this could be why. 

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 help balance out some of retinol's common side effects.

Other Ingredients To Look For

BakuchiolA plant-based marvel that provides similar visible wrinkle and line diminishing effects as retinol without irritation. Using bakuchiol together with retinol allows for powerful results with less sensitivity, making it an ideal ingredient combo for all skin types.

NiacinamideA potent form of Vitamin B3 that helps soothe and minimize the appearance of oil, diminish the look of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and also supports a smooth-looking complexion.

SqualaneAn anti-oxidant moisturizer that locks in hydration to keep the skin looking clear, calm, and healthy.

Hyaluronic AcidOften listed as Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid soothes and deeply moisturizes while the 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

Retinol Serum or Retinol Cream?

Retinol typically comes in a serum or cream form, but there are some key differences between the two. Serums are typically able to penetrate deeper into the skin, whereas moisturizers sometimes have a thick consistency that sits on the outer layer of your skin. That's why our beauty editors and experts alike recommend opting for a serum over a cream.

“I think there’s two big benefits to having it as a serum. One would be that it’s a lighter-weight product. And two, for layering abilities. Sometimes if it’s not in a serum formulation, cream on cream or lotion on lotion doesn’t seem to blend well," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erum Ilyas.

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 2024:

When putting together our rankings, we consider the quality of ingredients, safety, return policies, projected effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.

First, here's a side-by-side comparison of how industry-leading retinol serums stack up against each other.

packaged goods
*Scroll to compare

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

Owned by the Smarter Reviews Group of Companies

hat
a light blue tube

Total Ranking

9.7/10

A+

Overall Grade

PROS

  • First-time customers get 10% off with code First10
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Squalane
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances and dyes
  • Cruelty Free
  • 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 for a more youthful appearance.

It contains bakuchiol, which helps with irritation when coupled with retinol. It also includes niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, 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 More 

2. 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

hat
a small container with a label

Total Ranking

9.1/10

A-

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Transparent percentage of their formula
  • Bakuchiol

  • Hyaluronic acid
  • 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 More

3. Midnight Ritual Retinol

number
a close-up of a tube

Total Ranking

8.8/10

B+

Overall Grade

PROS

  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Fragrance-free

  • Cruelty-free

CONS

  • Contains pro-retinol
  • Lacks bakuchiol
  • Lacks squalane
  • Doesn't disclose percentage of retinol
  • 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 marketed 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 More

4. Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum

hat
shaker

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, which is a positive for sensitive skin, however, it lacks a few of our key balancing 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 More 

5. Retinol B3 Serum

number
a tube of blue liquid

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
  • Doesn't disclose percentage of retinol
  • 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 may not be as potent or balanced as some of the other products on our list. 

This formula is marketed 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 More 

CITATIONS

  1. Mukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, Korting HC, Roeder A, Weindl G. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):327-48. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327. PMID: 18046911; PMCID: PMC2699641.
  2. Zasada M, Budzisz E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Aug;36(4):392-397. doi: 10.5114/ada.2019.87443. Epub 2019 Aug 30. PMID: 31616211; PMCID: PMC6791161.
  3. Kong R, Cui Y, Fisher GJ, Wang X, Chen Y, Schneider LM, Majmudar G. A comparative study of the effects of retinol and retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016 Mar;15(1):49-57. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12193. Epub 2015 Nov 18. PMID: 26578346.
  4. Spierings NMK. Evidence for the Efficacy of Over-the-counter Vitamin A Cosmetic Products in the Improvement of Facial Skin Aging: A Systematic Review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021 Sep;14(9):33-40. PMID: 34980969; PMCID: PMC8675340.
  5. Kafi R, Kwak HS, Schumacher WE, Cho S, Hanft VN, Hamilton TA, King AL, Neal JD, Varani J, Fisher GJ, Voorhees JJ, Kang S. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007 May;143(5):606-12. doi: 10.1001/archderm.143.5.606. PMID: 17515510.
  6. Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR, Notay M, Trivedi M, Burney W, Vaughn AR, Nguyen M, Reiter P, Bosanac S, Yan H, Foolad N, Sivamani RK. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Feb;180(2):289-296. doi: 10.1111/bjd.16918. Epub 2018 Sep 21. PMID: 29947134.
  7. Kafi R, Kwak HS, Schumacher WE, Cho S, Hanft VN, Hamilton TA, King AL, Neal JD, Varani J, Fisher GJ, Voorhees JJ, Kang S. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007 May;143(5):606-12. doi: 10.1001/archderm.143.5.606. PMID: 17515510.
  8. Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. doi: 10.1111/ics.12117. Epub 2014 Mar 6. PMID: 24471735.
  9. Bluemke A, Ring AP, Immeyer J, Hoff A, Eisenberg T, Gerwat W, Meyer F, Breitkreutz S, Klinger LM, Brandner JM, Sandig G, Seifert M, Segger D, Rippke F, Schweiger D. Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing - Experimental evidence for a holistic treatment approach. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022 Jun;44(3):377-393. doi: 10.1111/ics.12784. Epub 2022 Jun 9. PMID: 35514037; PMCID: PMC9328396.
  10. Puyana C, Chandan N, Tsoukas M. Applications of bakuchiol in dermatology: Systematic review of the literature. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Dec;21(12):6636-6643. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15420. Epub 2022 Oct 31. PMID: 36176207.