Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
If you are seeking glowing, smooth skin, retinol might be just the perfect panacea for your pretty face. This powerful ingredient has proven itself time and again as one of the most effective anti-aging skincare products there is, touted for its ability to reduce visible signs of aging like dark spots, wrinkles, a dull complexion and loss of firmness and elasticity.
This ingredient’s strongest and purest form, retinoic acid, is only available with a prescription, but luckily, there are oodles of over-the-counter serums, creams and oils available using the accessible derivative of this vitamin, which are also gentler on the skin. That said, incorporating retinol into your routine takes some strategy. If you’re new to this powerful ingredient, avoid overwhelming your skin by starting with a weekly rendezvous, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin gets acquainted with its superpowers. For maximum benefits, apply it at night after cleansing, toning and moisturizing. But remember, retinol has a unique relationship with sunlight, so make sure to team up with its best buddy — sunscreen. Stick with it, and you’ll see visible changes in about six weeks.
With so many options flooding the market, we’ve curated a meticulously crafted selection of the best retinol serums and creams out there. Dive into our list to find the perfect match for your skincare needs and get ready to glow.
Summary of the best retinol cream
Best overall:Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Best for sensitive skin: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Best for acne-prone skin:The Inkey List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum
Best bang for your buck: The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
Made in Canada: Maritime Naturals Retinol Moisturizer
Best retinol creams explained
Best overall: Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Enhanced with exfoliating bakuchiol and brightening ingredients like vitamin C and licorice root extract, this skin-loving serum could replace three products on your shelf. It uses a controlled-release delivery system and is supported with peptides which help signal the skin to produce more collagen and slow down the breakdown of collagen. And while it may work overtime, it balances itself out with plenty of calming properties thanks to ingredients like oat extract, and ceramides to help with the sensitivity. All things aging considered, this fragrance-free cream should be in every skincare junkie’s arsenal. We also appreciate the airless pump to maintain product potency.
Benefits: Cruelty-free, vegan, supported with peptides
Volume: 30ml
Price: $89
Retinol Percentage: 1 per cent
Where to buy:Sephora | Amazon
Best for sensitive skin: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
This silicone-free, superfood-rich cream is praised for its potent yet gentle formulation, making it suitable for sensitive skin and those new to using retinol. We adore the bright pink air-tight twist top which helps preserve the integrity of the retinol, and we appreciate that the main body of the bottle is recyclable, although that may contribute to the higher price point of this pick. While it’s retinol-rich, it also contains Vitamin F, passionfruit, apricot, marula and jojoba oils plus antioxidants like kale and winter cherry. Just a pea-sized amount will do, and no need to be precious — this formula works well with others and can be layered in any order, whether applied onto dry, wet or oiled skin.
Benefits: Cruelty-free, vegan
Volume: 30ml
Price: $100
Retinol Percentage: 1 per cent
Where to buy: Sephora
Best for acne-prone skin: The Inkey List SuperSolutions 1% Retinol Serum
This water-based hero contains two forms of retinol (1 per cent retinol acetate and 0.5 per cent granactive retinoid) as well as squalene and apricot kernel oil to soothe skin and protect against loss of moisture, offering a hydrating home run in the anti-aging category. The majority of people who used this lightweight yellow cream formula reported visibly resurfaced skin, as well as minimized dark marks, deep scars, and discolouration often left over from breakouts. While the squeeze-tube packaging isn’t airless, the opaque container will help with the product’s shelf-life, and the price point can’t be beaten.
Benefits: Clean formula, vegan, hydrating
Volume: 30ml
Price: $34
Retinol Percentage: 0.5 per cent
Where to buy:Sephora | The Inkey List
Best bang for your buck: The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary has a cult following for its reputation for selling effective ingredients at affordable prices, and fans won’t be let down by their Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. This contains a retinoid derivative instead of pure retinol which may be less irritating for those with sensitive skin than its counterpart. Users have praised this product for its lightweight texture and pleasant smell, but be sure you’re using sunscreen or avoiding high sun times while using it as the product’s potency will make you more prone to burns. After cleansing, glide it onto clean, dry skin at night and allow a few minutes for it to absorb before applying any other products.
Benefits: Contains a retinol derivative
Volume: 30ml
Price: $12
Retinol Percentage: 1 per cent
Where to buy: Sephora | The Ordinary
Made in Canada: Maritime Naturals Retinol Moisturizer
This retinol serum was created for the specific needs of dry and dehydrated skin. It instantly smooths skin’s texture and absorbs quickly, so you wake up feeling fresh and invigorated. Made with naturally-derived and certified organic ingredients like aloe and jojoba oil, green tea and sweet orange oil, we love the product as much as we love to support Canadian businesses.
Benefits: Canadian, cruelty-free
Volume: 120 ml
Price: $42
Retinol Percentage: 1 per cent
Where to buy:Amazon
Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter.
Want a deal? We may have a coupon code for that coveted item in your basket.