Everything You Need to Know About Retinol and the 12 Best Serums to Try Now

A go-to brand for the likes of Victoria Beckham, Hailey Bieber and Priyanka Chopra to name a few, Augustinus Bader is known for its potent, high-tech formula. This retinol serum is powered by the brand's TFC8 complex, which guides nutrients to where they are needed most in the skin. Read our full review of Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum here.

Best for: A luxury experience

Why it's the best: This serum has a rich, creamy texture which feels luxe and indulgent upon application.

Expert's review: "I tested this retinol over a six week period and noticed that my complexion had become more even-toned, my pigmentation from hormonal acne breakouts quickly lessened, and my skin had tons more radiance. Sold." - Eleanor Vousden, Who What Wear UK beauty editor

Customer review: "The only reason I won’t give this serum 5 stars, is the price. Overall, the serum was a delight to use and my skin did look great when using it. The consistency of the serum is more liquid than my usual retinol. This meant only a pea sized amount was needed for my face and neck. And the serum glided over my skin nicely. But using this serum repeatedly and long term unfortunately is not in my budget."

If you're shopping for skincare but don't want to break the bank in doing so, The Inkey List is a great brand to start with. This affordable retinol serum tackles blemishes and evens skin tone over time to leave you with brighter, smoother skin.

Best for: Anyone shopping with a low budget

Why it's the best: Contains potent and stabilised forms of retinol, but costs just £14

Expert review: "If you want to minimise irritation and redness, opt for a slow-release retinol like this one from The Inkey List. I found that it didn't irritate my sensitive skin, thanks to the addition of nourishing squalane." - Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor

Customer review: "I’ve got my whole family on this because it’s that good! Made my skin improve so much. I had a lot of tinny bumps on my skin which I couldn’t get rid of but after 2 weeks on this and they all gone. So glad I started using it."

This gentle creamy serum is the perfect place to start your retinol journey. It helps to visibly address the look of fine lines and uneven skin tone and texture without causing any redness, dryness, or sensitivity.

Best for: New retinol users

Why it's the best: Utilises a sustained-release retinaldehyde which means that the usual retinol side effects such as dryness and irritation, are reduced.

Expert review: "One of the best products I've had the pleasure of trying in the last few months. As someone who is blemish-prone, not only has it helped to really clear my skin, but it's also the brightest, smoothest, plumpest and generally happiest it's been for a long time. So much so, my husband has been continually feeding back how good it looks—for reference, he's someone who didn't bat an eyelid at my new curtain bangs. High praise indeed." - Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor

Customer review: "My first time using an actual decent stable retinol. It’s extremely gentle on my skin and it doesn’t break me out. I notice that if I use it after I’ve had a breakout it really helps speed up the healing process. I use it 2 to 3 times a week and it pairs really well with the vitamin cCof this brand in the morning."

If you've worked your way up through the ranks of retinoids and have stopped seeing results from stronger serums, try this to get back on track. The (already potent retinol) is boosted by TTS³, a delivery system which amplifies its efficacy even further.

Best for: Advanced retinol users

Why it's the best: Formulated with high levels of active ingredients, making it well suited to skin that's already accustomed to using high-strength retinoids.

Expert review: "As someone who has dabbled with prescription retinoids I'm well versed in the difference between high-strength and low-strength formulas. While stronger retinoids typically come with a host of unpleasant side effects, such as increased dryness and sensitivity, this one, impressively, doesn't. Yet at the same time, it quickly delivers the smoothng, brightening, and plumping benefits you expect to see from such a potent formula." - Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician

Customer review: "I think this is a fantastic product. Having previously used Tretinoin and suffered dryness and flakiness for years, I really appreciate this formulation which does not cause such side effects, and keeps skin hydrated all night."

Also developed for regular retinol users, Retinoid 2 is the stronger of Skin Rocks' two formulas. It's specifically developed with mature skin in mind, and is especially beneficial for addressing fine lines and wrinkles.

Best for: Mature skin

Why it's the best: Targets common signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and loose skin.

Expert review: "I frequently recommend this to friends and clients who are used to using retinoids but haven't seen results from weaker formulas. It uses some of the most impressive and potent retinoids out there, so you really do see results before you've even finished the first bottle. I have deep lines on my neck and this has made a huge difference in reducing them." - Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician

Customer review: "Using Retinoid 2 for four weeks has made such a difference to my skin, particularly the texture, redness and fine lines. It is an absolute dream to use, the dosing guide being really useful and the fact it takes a few minutes to sink in means it’s not tight on my skin."

Breakouts and congestion are some of the most stubborn skincare concerns out there, and while anti-inflammatory and cleansing ingredients will help, nothing quite beats a high strength retinoid. Powered by tretinoin (an retinoid typically only available on prescription), this serum works hard and fast to transform skin tone and texture.

Best for: Breakout-prone skin

Why it's the best: Specifically developed for acne treatment, tretinoin works by promoting skin cell turnover, unclogging pores, and regulating sebum production to prevent and clear breakouts.

Expert review: "I credit this specific retinol with finally clearing the stubborn acne I lived with since my teens. What's brilliant about Skin + Me is the support and guidance that the brand's experts provide. Your dose starts small and increases gradually so that you can experience the benefits of tretinoin without the unpleasant side effects." - Grace Day, beauty editor and esthetician

Customer review: "I tried multiple retinol serums over the years, none of which helped to clear my stubborn acne and the red marks that every spot leaves behind. After three months of using this my skin was transformed. I now rarely break out at all, and my hyperpigmentation and scarring are gradually but noticeably fading."

If you are prone to irritation and redness, look no further than this high street hero. Packed full of ceramides and niacinamide, it is specifically formulated to help skin deal with the sensitising effects of retinol.

Best for: Sensitive skin

Why it's best: Ceramides work to strengthen the skin barrier, preveningting dryness and dehydration, and improving skin's resilience

Expert review: "This serum is so thick and creamy that it almost feels more like a moisturiser. It's this nourishing formula that makes it a perfect pick for those who deal with sensitive skin—but you'll still notice the benefits of retinol, especially for dull and textured skin." - Grace Day, beauty editor and esthetician

Customer review: "Been using this for a few weeks and noticed how much brighter my complexion is! I had a compliment saying my skin looked very glowy and healthy and I swear it is down to this product, haven’t seen much visible reduction to my acne scars or pigmentation but overall it is definitely changing my complexion for the better!"

The brainchild of celebrity facialist Shani Darden, this gentle retinol serum is ideal for those who want to experience the benefits of retinol while also addressing key signs of oil skin. Plus, celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kim Kardashian swear by the stuff.

Best for: Oily skin

Why it's best: Alongside retinol, 2% lactic acid helps to promote exfoliation and skin cell turnover, reducing excess sebum, unclogging blackheads, and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores.

Expert review: "I'm a huge fan of Shani Darden as a brand for its effective, hardworking formulations. This treatment is particularly good if you're prone to excess shine and enlarged pores. It also fades dark spots and repairs wrinkles caused by sun damage while building collagen within the skin to make pores appear smaller." - Mica Ricketts, freelance beauty editor

Customer review: "Love applying this one overnight, waking up to even toned glowing skin every time. Good quality packaging, texture and dispenser too."

If you have dry skin then chances are you're wary of dabbling with retinol. You're in safe hands with this gentle formula, which contains just 0.2% pure retinol, so you can get your skin used to the ingredient without causing any dryness or irritation.

Best for: Dry skin

Why it's best: The base of this formula is squalane, a nourishing oil-like substance which mimics your natural oils and helps to support your skin barrier in order to prevent and treat dryness.

Expert review: "Retinol does have a bad rep for causing dryness and sensitivity so it's understandable that those who already have dry skin might be hesitant to use it. If that sounds like you then I'd highly recommend this formula as your starting point. I love how softening and nourishing it feels, thanks to the squalane base—which also makes it a joy to apply by massaging onto skin." - Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician

Customer review: "Just started using retinol on my skin and this one is perfect. Might work my way up for for now this is the ideal amount: doesn’t irritate my skin and I can see results!"

The eye area is delicate and prone to sensitivity so your regular retinol serum may be too harsh to apply here. But of course, if you want to address fine lines, wrinkles, and discolouration in the eye area, retinol really is your best friend. This serum combines retinol with ceramides to moisturise skin and strengthen the skin barrier.

Best for: The eye area

Why it's best: Specifically formulated with the eye area in mind in order to deliver results without unwanted side effects.

Expert review: "The eye area is often the first place where people notice fine lines and wrinkles appear so it can be all too tempting to apply your retinol serum here. I was thrilled when I first heard that this product would be launching because most retinol serums are far too harsh for this delicate area. This one is gentle but still potent, so you'll see visible benefits." - Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician

Customer review: "I bought this product as I started to notice some fine lines under my eyes. I have terribly sensitive skin so I decided to start with strength number 3. Using 2-3 times per week I have found that this has improved my eye area greatly. I haven’t found that this has reacted with my skin or make it dry. Would purchase again!"

It totally makes sense that the skincare ingredients we use on our faces will also have a multitude of benefits for the skin on the rest of our bodies, too. This serum can be used to address common issues like sun damage on the chest, wrinkles on the neck, and textured skin on the backs of arms.

Best for: Skin from the neck down

Why it's best: Targets signs of ageing on the body, such as sun damage, loose skin, and wrinkles

Expert review: "Retinol and glycolic acid combined makes for a powerful skin smoothing and brightening treatment. While the duo would be too strong for use on the face, they're perfect for the thicker skin of the body, where issues like bumpy skin and sun damage can be move evident and stubborn. This has become a staple in my bodycare routine, especially ahead of the summer months." - Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician

Customer review: "This product is amazing! I use this on chest, shoulders and décolletage for the reduction of redness, dryness, pigmentation etc from sun exposure in my younger years. It’s beautifully spreadable when applied directly after the shower at night, when skin is a little damp still….(it can be a bit harder to get an even spread when you’re bone dry, keep in mind)."

Specially formulated with a mix of retinol, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and bakuchiol, this is a hardworking nighttime serum that will help you wake to plumper, healthier-looking skin come morning. Whether you experience fine lines and wrinkles or congestion and pigmentation—or both—this serum will deliver on every front.

Best for: All skin types and concerns

Why it's best: In addition to retinol, azelaic acid and niacinamide help to brighten, calm, clear, and hydrate skin.

Expert review: "I've seen so many people transform their skin while using this serum, so it's definitely one of my most frequently recommended products. The addition of azelaic acid helps those who experience redness and sensitivity, while niacinamide helps to address dehydration and enlarged pores. I love that it feels gentle, but you still see dramatic before and after results within a few months of use." - Grace Day, freelance beauty editor and esthetician

Customer review: "I am almost 3 months into using the serum, and I must say that I am impressed so far. I have definitely experience some purging as to be expected as I have struggled with acne for almost 10 years! However I was always afraid to use prescription retinoid, but this retinoid is incredibly gentle and hydrating on my skin, I have not experienced any irritation or dryness. I did notice an improvement in my acne scars and my skin overall looks brighter and smoother. I can't wait to see the long term results."