Anyone at all interested in skincare has no doubt heard about the many benefits of using a retinol serum. The powerhouse ingredient is mostly known for its ability to address key signs of skin ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation, but also has benefits for congested and textured skin, too.
Derived from vitamin A, a key nutrient needed for skin cell function, retinol (along with retinal and retinyl derivatives) sits under the umbrella term of retinoids. All retinoids work by increasing skin’s cell renewal process which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in order to smooth, brighten, and even skin’s appearance.
I first started using retinol in my late twenties. Initially, I used it to help clear my acne breakouts and the stubborn hyperpigmentation they left behind. Over the years, I’ve also noticed that retinol has really helped to improve my overall skin tone and texture and to reduce the lines on my neck and forehead. To be honest, I can’t imagine a time when a retinol serum won’t feature within my daily skincare routine.
Of course, one of the main concerns people have before using a retinol serum is whether they’ll experience any dryness and irritation. It is very normal for retinol to cause some issues with sensitivity when you first start using them, however I’ve found that as long as the rest of my skincare routine is comprised of hydrating and barrier-strengthening products, then my skin is totally fine. The key, as well, is to start with a low dose retinol and build your skin up to using a stronger percentage.
While retinol can be found in everything from moisturisers to peels, it’s best applied via a serum. Serums are thin in texture and highly concentrated, which makes then a great vehicle for active ingredients like retinol as they can absorb quickly. They’re also formulated to be used daily, which allows you to maintain the consistency needed to achieve the promised results.
The thing about serums (and especially retinol-based serums) is that they can be pricey. So, below I’ve compiled an edit of the best affordable retinol serums. Expect all the results, minus the price tag.
The best affordable retinol serums:
1. The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
This high-strength formula draws upon retinal, one of the stronger vitamin A derivatives to help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Retinal has the potential to work up to ten times stronger than retinol, making it more effective, but also potentially more irritating. For that reason, this serum is recommended to those who are already familiar retinoid users.
2. Naturium Retinol Complex Serum
In clinical studies, 97% of users found that this this affordable retinol serum delivered an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles in just four weeks, while 85% of users noticed firmer-looking skin within eight weeks. Impressive results, especially for a serum that costs just £22.
3. Beauty Pie Super Retinol
This popular retinol serum combines a gentle encapsulated retinol with hydrating hyaluronic acid and barrier-strengthening ceramides, making it an excellent choice for new-to-retinol users. The consistency is quite thick and creamy, so it’s especially beneficial for those with dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
4. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Specifically formulated with hyperpigmentation and post-breakout marks in mind, this serum sees retinol paired with niacinamide which also helps to even out tone and smooth skin texture. Plus, like all CeraVe products, the formula is packed with ceramides which help to prevent any dryness or irritation from occurring.
5. Versed Press Start Gentle Retinol Serum
This affordable retinol serum from Versed is another great pick for sensitive skin or retinol newbies. It’s full of skin-soothing ingredients like rosehip seed oil, chamomile, and aloe vera to help minimise the risk of irritation. Made with encapsulated retinol and bakuchiol, it helps to smooth, refine, and plump skin over time.
6. The Inkey List Super Solutions 1% Retinol Serum
Designed with stubborn scars, marks, and wrinkles in mind, this potent retinol serum was created in partnership with dermatologists to deliver the best results possible without compromising skin. The lightweight and fast-absorbing formula contains 1% retinol as well as nourishing squalane and apricot kernel oil.
7. Byoma Sensitive Retinol Oil
With a very gentle form of retinoid and a nourishing oil-based formula, this is a great introduction to retinol for sensitive skin types—or even those who have tried the ingredient in the past and found it irritating.
8. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
The Ordinary have a whole host of retinoid serums, each with a different strength so you can start low and build up to a stronger strength as your skin's tolerance improves. Thanks to nourishing squalane (an oil-like substance which won't clog pores), this purse-friendly buy is a great option for all skin types.
9. Super Facialist Retinol+ Anti-Ageing Restoring Serum
Formulated with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this is a great option for mature skin types who specifically want to address signs of skin ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and sagging skin.
10. Minimalist Retinol 0.3% Face Serum
Aside from retinol, this multitasking serum contains antioxidants (vitamin E and coenzyme Q10), plus bakuchiol and squalane to help address all aspects of skin ageing. The minimal ingredient list will appeal to those with reactive skin types.
11. e.l.f. Cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinol Serum
Despite costing just £22, this serum combines two particularly potent derivatives of vitamin A, making it one of the most effective affordable retinol serums out there. Whether your concerns are signs of ageing, clearing breakouts, or simply maintaining good skin health, this formula will deliver impressive results.
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