Smooth It Out

16 Best Retinol Creams, Serums, and Oils That Target Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Your first-class ticket to smoother, firmer skin is right here.
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Collage: Laneen Wells; Source images: Courtesy of brands

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Retinol is the answer to almost any skin issue—acne, fine lines, dark spots, drooping, dullness, dark circles, enlarged pores—you can think of. Incorporating the best retinol cream into your routine can help address all of these concerns and improve your skin's appearance and texture with consistent use (emphasis on consistent use, folks).

We consulted our editorial team as well as board-certified dermatologists in order to curate this list of the best retinol creams. And if you need a refresher on all things retinoids, take a look at our Retinol 101 section.

The Best Retinol Products, at a Glance:

Retinol 101: Covering The Basics

Best Retinol Cream Overall: Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream in white bottle

Eau Thermale Avène

Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

Why It's Worth It: Instead of retinol, Eau Thermale Avène's RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream is formulated with its sibling, retinaldehyde (commonly known as retinal, hence the product name), and the brand's Thermal Spring Water, which soothes and calms the skin in the event of irritation. In case you need a refresher, retinal is more potent than retinol and takes less time to work—hello, faster results. (Though, with any skin-care product, you need to use it consistently.) The brightening cream smooths and evens skin, leading to a radiant glow with regular use.

Editor Tip: As with all retinol formulas, we recommend applying at nighttime and, without fail, wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day.

Key Ingredients: Retinaldehyde, vitamin E, peptides | Who It's For: Everyone | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Every night | Retinol Content: 0.1% retinaldehyde | Formula: Velvety cream

Best Retinol for Beginners: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 white thin tube on light gray background

SkinCeuticals

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3

Why It's Worth It: SkinCeuticals' Retinol 0.3% formula is a low-dose formulation made specifically for beginners—notably, the retinol is encapsulated so it releases over time. This nighttime treatment is spiked with soothing bisabolol extract and boswellia serrata extract (derived from frankincense) to ensure stinging is minimal, if present at all. Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, Louisiana, bills this as a great over-the-counter retinol—a.k.a. anyone who doesn't necessarily want to seek a prescription-strength retinol should consider this. Plus, seasoned retinol users can upgrade to SkinCeuticals' 0.5 or 1.0 formulas.

Editor Tip: The packaging might seem small but all you need is a pea-size amount every night to cover your entire face—so this will last you quite a while. To target fine lines and wrinkles below your face, we recommend grabbing the retinol-infused SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, glaucine | Who It's For: Retinol beginners | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Every night (gradually build up frequency when starting) | Retinol Content: 0.3% retinol | Formula: Lightweight cream

Best Retinol for Wrinkles: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream in a tube with clear cap

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream

Why It's Worth It: In as little as a month, La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream (a past Allure Best of Beauty Award winner) can noticeably diminish the look of wrinkles and soften fine lines. This particular cream's smoothing benefits come from a combination of pure retinol and lipohydroxy acid. The thick white cream melts like butter to completely reform the skin's look and feel. It's also gentle and won't irritate sensitive skin. Even so, treat it as you would any new retinol—start gradually before increasing frequency in use.

Editor Tip: Dab it around the lips to reduce lip lines.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, lipo-hydroxy acid, thermal spring water | Who It's For: Those targeting fine lines and wrinkles | Fragrance-Free: No | How Often to Use: Nightly | Retinol Content: Not specified | Formula: Cream

Best for Fine Lines: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream in rich brown jar

Dr. Dennis Gross

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

Why It's Worth It: You might've heard of the stabilizing powers of ferulic acid when paired with vitamin C, but did you know that it's also a mightily useful partner to retinol? Let us explain. In Dr. Dennis Gross's Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream, you'll find an age-defying concoction of retinol, bakuchiol (a popular, plant-based retinol alternative), rambutan, and ferulic acid that amps up your skin's collagen production to visibly smooth fine lines, treat dryness and roughness, and restore elasticity. Now that's the power of antioxidants (such as ferulic acid) at work.

Editor Tip: It can be used both morning and night for around-the-clock repair.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan | Who It's For: Those seeking a combination retinol and moisturizer | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Morning (followed by sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher) and night | Retinol Content: Not specified | Formula: Cream

Best for Sensitive Skin: Obagi Medical Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex

Obagi Medical Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex in white tube with silver pump

Obagi

Obagi Medical Retivance Skin Rejuvenating Complex

Why It's Worth It: Dr. Turegano bills this lightweight moisturizer as a "gentle yet effective retinol." Why, you ask? This lightweight moisture stars retinaldehyde, a stable yet potent form of vitamin A that is better suited for more sensitive skin but still packs a punch in terms of improving elasticity and curbing the appearance of wrinkles. Furthermore, ingredients such as chamomile, shea butter, and vitamin E act as calming agents.

Editor Tip: It also contains vitamin C, which can help fade dark spots.

Key Ingredients: Retinaldehyde, argan oil, shea butter, vitamin E, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate | Who It's For: People seeking a weightless option | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Nightly before moisturizer (up to 3 pumps) | Retinol Content: Not specified | Formula: Lightweight lotion

Best for Hyperpigmentation: Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment in purple bottle

Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

Why It's Worth It: What makes Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment so unique is its active ingredient combination of retinol and vitamin C, an antioxidant known for its brightening effects and hyperpigmentation-reducing properties. As this topical treats your skin with the line-diminishing benefits of retinol, it also addresses discoloration and further firms the skin with the wonderful addition of peptides to its formula.

Editor Tip: You can use it along the orbital bone, although steer clear of the eyes themselves.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, licorice extract | Who It's For: People looking to address dark spots and uneven skin tone | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Three times per week to start; work up to every other night before nightly use as tolerated | Retinol Content: 1% retinol | Formula: Lightweight lotion

Best Retinol Range: Medik8 Crystal Retinal

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 silver pump bottle on light gray background

Medik8

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

Why It's Worth It: Like we mentioned, retinal works faster than regular 'ol retinol. Why? "Because "[retinal] can be directly converted to retinoic acid and is more stable than retinol," David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City previously explained, it's closer in efficacy to retinoic acid than retinol is. If you're new to retinol and don't have very sensitive skin, reach for Medik8's Crystal Retinal 3, which is dosed out at 0.03% retinal for results—minus irritation commonly associated with retinol. Toss in glycerin, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to soothe your barrier, and you've got yourself a gold-standard formula.

Editor Tip: Medik offers five strengths of Crystal Retinal: 1 (very sensitive skin), 3 (beginner), 6 (regular strength), 10 (advanced), and 20 (expert), so you can acclimate your skin over a longer stretch of time—or just stick with a specific concentration that works best for your skin.

Key Ingredients: Retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin | Who It's For: Retinol beginners | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the next two weeks, and then every night | Retinol Content: 0.03% retinal | Formula: Serum

Best Retinol for Acne: Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment

Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment in light grey bottle

Shani Darden

Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment

Why It's Worth It: The Allure Best of Beauty-winning Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment Serum goes above and beyond with the addition of exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (lactic acid, to be exact), which reduce the appearance of fine lines while having the added benefit of unclogging pores and minimizing breakouts. It's basically a two-in-one wrinkle and acne treatment that'll refine your skin texture, so it's especially great for acne-prone skin.

This formula is also gentle enough for senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen, a self-described sensitive skin type, to use. "Most retinol formulas leave my skin red and aching the morning after application, but this one houses aloe vera, glycerin, and rosemary leaf extract to hydrate and soothe, leaving behind fresh-looking skin that's not tight-feeling or itchy every single time I use it," she says. However, sensitive skin types should still proceed with caution and patch test before applying to their faces, considering that the brand doesn't disclose the retinol percentage.

Editor Tip: The retinol is encapsulated, meaning it's less irritating on the superficial layers of skin and is time-released.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, apple fruit extract | Who It's For: Combination and oily skin types | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Start with one to two nights a week, add a night each week, building up to as often as your skin can tolerate | Retinol Content: Not specified | Formula: Serum

Best for Advanced Retinol Users: SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex

Image may contain: Cosmetics, Bottle, and Shaker

SkinMedica

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex

Why We Love It: The SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex combines its star ingredient's skin-smoothing powers with a combination of antioxidants, including niacinamide and vitamin E, to create a powerhouse cocktail. This pro-grade formula fuses the two to create an intensive formula that tackles wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and skin sagging.

Editor Tip: This intensive pick is formulated for those who already use retinol products, so beginners may want to opt for something else on this list.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, soybean oil, niacinamide, vitamin E | Who It's For: Anyone who's a retinol pro looking for a concentrated treatment | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Nightly (If you've never used retinol before, start with twice-a-week applications, gradually increase to every other night, and then as often every evening as tolerated.) | Retinol Content: Not specified | Formula:

Best for Dry Skin: IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream

IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream in clear jar

IT Cosmetics

IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream

Why It's Worth It: Apart from two types of retinol, "free" and encapsulated retinol, this IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream also features "niacinamide, vitamin E, and panthenol to moisturize and soothe [the skin]," Dr. Turegano calls out. If you have ultra-sensitive skin and crave extra assurance, you can always pair this treatment with another moisturizer formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Editor Tip: The pump top might be our favorite design feature. It keeps all of the retinol goodness sealed shut and away from potential contaminants (we've all been guilty of leaving our skin-care bottles and tubs open), dispenses the perfect dose, and makes application mess-free.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, glycerin, vitamin E, vitamin B5 | Who It's For: People seeking extra moisture | Fragrance-Free: No | How Often to Use: Nightly | Retinol Content: Not specified | Formula: Lightweight cream

Best Retinol Serum: Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum

Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum in blue bottle

Augustinus Bader

Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum

Why We Love It: Augustinus Bader is known for its signature skin-enhancing ingredient, TFC8, a proprietary combination of growth factors that promote cellular growth and healing. When you combine this compound with retinol, you get The Retinol Serum, a.k.a. the only thing your skin needs for an intensive reduction of fine lines wrinkles, blemishes, and dark spots. To minimize irritation and redness, this formulation is spiked with a calming zinc complex.

Editor Tip: After applying, seal in this serum with an added layer of TFC8 by reaching for Augustinus Bader's The Cream, a fan-favorite formula for its lightweight, hydrating feel.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, TFC8, zinc, manuka honey extract, magnolia extract, pepper extract | Who It's For: Mature, oily, and blemish-prone skin | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Nightly | Retinol Content: 0.06% pure retinol | Formula: Serum

Fastest-Acting: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream in gold jar with gold cap

RoC

RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream

Why It's Worth It: Retinol requires consistent use but that doesn't mean all retinols don't have a component of instant gratification. Let us explain: RoC's Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream contains hyaluronic acid to immediately plump and smooth skin, while retinol increases collagen and elastin for longer-term payoff. What's more impressive is that the brand holds more than 35 patents on its technology, including its exclusive retinol.

Editor Tip: This pick is fragranced so take note if your skin is reactive and/or sensitive.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Who It's For: People seeking immediate results | Fragrance-Free: No | How Often to Use: Every other night before gradually increasing to nightly use as tolerated | Retinol Content: Not specified | Formula: Rich cream

Best Retinol Oil: 111Skin Black Diamond Retinol Oil

111Skin Black Diamond Retinol Oil in black colored bottle and silver pump

111Skin

111Skin Black Diamond Retinol Oil

Why We Love It: The 111Skin Black Diamond Retinol Oil encapsulates all the line-smoothing power of retinol in the rare form of an oil. Containing a powerful 2.5% concentration of two retinoids, its oil format cushions your skin with moisturizing squalane, coconut oil, and glycerin to keep sensitivity and irritation at bay. This serum also contains diacetyl boldine, an antioxidant known for its conditioning and brightening properties.

Editor Tip: 111Skin recommends introducing this oil into your skin-care routine about two to three evenings per week and gradually increasing usage as tolerance develops.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, granactive retinoid, squalane, glycerin, coconut oil, diacetyl boldine | Who It's For: Anyone with discoloration concerns | Fragrance-Free: No | How Often to Use: Start by using one to two times per week (three to four drops) and increase frequency gradually | Retinol Content: Not specified | Formula: Oil

Best Intensive Retinol: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream in white bottle with pink cap

Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Why It's Worth It: Dr. Kim recommends A-Passioni Retinol Cream, which contains 1% retinol encased in nourishing oils like passionfruit, apricot, jojoba, and marula. It also happens to a Best of Beauty Award winner, in case that sways you. However, "It's important to note that 1% retinol is a relatively high concentration and could be irritating to people with sensitive skin, especially patients with eczema or rosacea," Dr. Kim cautions.

Editor Tip: The ideal frequency is different for everyone, so start slow and small (a pea-sized amount) in terms of dosage and build up over the course of a few weeks. "I typically recommend patients apply a moisturizer on top to alleviate any potential dryness," Dr. Kim adds.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, and palmitoyl hexapeptide-12), vitamin F | Who It's For: Experienced retinol users looking to boost results | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Start with once or twice a week, gradually increasing frequency to every other night, and then every night as tolerated. | Retinol Content: 1% retinol | Formula: Cream

Best for All Skin Types: Verso Night Cream

Verso Night Cream in white bottle with black colored text

Verso

Verso Night Cream

Why It's Worth It: Want to know a fascinating fact about this antioxidant-enriched Verso Night Cream? Its fan base comprises folks of all skin types—oily, prickly, dry, pimple-prone, young, not-so-young—you name it. While its star ingredient, retinyl retinoate, is less fierce than retinol, one study found it to be more effective at stimulating hyaluronan production than both retinol and retinoic acid.

Editor Tip: "Hyaluronan helps retain water in our cells and is involved in cell division and migration," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson. Ramping up your supply can not only abet vitamin A's brightening actions but also increase skin's tolerance and offset any desiccating side effects.

Key Ingredients: Retinol 8, oat, turmeric | Who It's For: Everyone | Fragrance-Free: No | How Often to Use: Nightly (can also be used on neck) | Retinol Content: Not specified | Formula: Cream

Best Drugstore Retinol: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer in jar with silver cap

Olay

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

Why It's Worth It: The beauty of some over-the-counter retinol formulas is the drugstore prices. Ringing in at less than $40, Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer promises that its retinol (yes, actual retinol) quickly promotes smoother, brighter skin, and it gets additional hydrating and firming support from niacinamide (a.k.a. vitamin B3) and a line-reducing peptide. This fragrance-free night cream is an ideal starter retinol for your retinoid-virgin skin and budget.

Editor Tip: The formulation was tested by people with a wide range of skin tones.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, retinyl propionate, niacinamide, peptides | Who It's For: Those who don't want to sacrifice results for affordability | Fragrance-Free: Yes | How Often to Use: Nightly | Retinol Content: Not specified | Formula: Cream


Retinol 101: Covering The Basics

What is retinol?

Retinol is a transformative skin-care ingredient otherwise known as pure vitamin A. Along with a bunch of other vitamin-A derivatives starting with the letter R, retinol is an example of a retinoid—that's the catchall term for these A-based formulas, both the over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) varieties, like tretinoin. (Adapalene is the only prescription-level retinoid available over the counter—Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1% is a popular option.)

What does retinol do?

Retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A that immediately binds with receptors on our skin cells, causing them to behave in a healthier capacity. This directive can translate to countless improvements, like normalized cell turnover for clear, glowing skin; balanced pigment production for fewer dark spots; and revved-up collagen synthesis for smoother skin and tighter pores.

Does retinol help with acne?

Yes. Specifically, "The increase in cell turnover helps unclog pores," Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics, previously explained. "This also helps decrease the appearance of brown or red post-acne spots—post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—as well as help collagen synthesis for acne scarring," Dr. Farhang added.

If your acne is severe, consult your board-certified dermatologist as you may need a stronger, prescription-strength retinoid, such as tazarotene and isotretinoin.

How much retinol should I use?

"When it comes to a retinol cream, it's important to know what percentage of retinol is included in the formula to determine if the product is actually going to deliver all the glorious benefits vitamin A has," David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains. "Studies have shown that retinol is about 10 times less potent than prescription-strength retinoic acid, so I usually recommend products with at least 0.25% retinol."

How often to use retinol

First-time users should start by using retinol once or twice a week, gradually increasing to every other day—if your skin can handle it, you can bump up to nightly use. Whatever the frequency, there may be an adjustment period, so just be prepared. It's normal!

Over-the-counter vitamin-A formulations, like those with retinol and retinaldehyde (often shortened to retinal), tend to be weaker because the skin has to convert them to retinoic acid before they can take full effect. With any retinoid, especially if you have sensitive skin, practice restraint and apply a pea-size drop only one or two nights a week until your skin acclimates.

Will retinol irritate my skin?

New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, reminds us that some degree of irritation—like dryness, peeling, redness, flaking, and burning—is normal and should subside by the fourth week. You can also buffer your retinoids with a squirt of anti-inflammatory serum or lotion—like formulas spiked with niacinamide, polyphenols, lipids, and ceramides. These are doctors' orders (well-established ones) that we've long practiced and preached.

Even still, this hasn't completely spared many of us from going through quite a few retinoid rough patches or falling for common retinol myths. (News flash: They don't increase your risk for developing sunburns, but you should obviously still wear SPF regardless to avoid sun damage.) Landing on a retinol that your skin won't reject takes patience and knowledge, but most of the latter's credit goes to the cosmetic chemists who've dreamed up innovative ways to deliver all the magic of this molecule without the cursed side effects.

In our extensive search for non-irritating retinols, we've discovered plenty of standouts that are at once ultra-effective yet gentle enough for the retinoid-intolerant. What makes these non-prescription gems so transformative is that they all contain either pure retinol or a next-generation derivative shown to turn on those same aforementioned receptors to spark visible change.

What not to mix with retinol

As explained by Chicago-based dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, avoid mixing retinol with benzoyl peroxide as they neutralize each other, and thus, make both far less effective—we definitely don't want that. However, you can separate the two and use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and reserve retinol for nighttime application. Similarly, if you want to use both vitamin C and retinol in your skin-care routine, use vitamin C in the daytime and retinol at night.

Other no-no's? Mixing retinol with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) will result in major irritation and barrier disruption. Dermatologists recommend alternating the days you use AHA and retinol, or replacing salicylic acid with peptides—the latter enhances the penetration of retinol.

Retinol alternatives and products

If you have sensitive skin, are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, or simply don't want to deal with this active's side effects (stinging, flaking, and skin purging, to name a few), you should consider the retinol alternatives explained below.

Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer in clear jar

Alpyn Beauty

Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer

Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream: A white pump top bottle with clear cap and black text on a light gray background

Beekman 1802

Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream

BeautyStat Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer: A white jar with a pink cap and pink text on a light gray background

BeautyStat

BeautyStat Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is the most well-known retinol alternative out there. "Bakuchiol, like retinol, works by increasing cell turnover, thereby stimulating collagen production and diminishing wrinkles, skin laxity, and overall photo-damage," Ellen Marmur, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure without the sting commonly associated with retinoids.

Niacinamide

If discoloration is your concern, niacinamide is the antioxidant for you. "Niacinamide works with your skin's natural chemistry to improve overall skin texture by rebuilding a lipid layer, minimizing the appearance of pores, and preventing UV damage and inflammation as an antioxidant," Seattle-based board-certified dermatologist Brandith Irwin, MD, previously told Allure. Also known as vitamin B3, this powerhouse ingredient evens skin tone, minimizes redness, and reduces inflammation.

Peptides

Last but certainly not least are peptides, a must-have for diminishing the look of wrinkles and sagging. Dr. Kim previously told Allure that peptides are designed to boost and replenish amino acids, also known as the building blocks for collagen production. Often recommended for mature skin, peptides can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and leave skin firmer.

Meet the experts

  • Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, Louisiana
  • David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City
  • Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist
  • Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
  • Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seattle, Washington
  • Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Tuscon, Arizona, and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas. 

For our list of retinol creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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