Everything You Need to Know About Retinol and the 14 Best Serums to Try Now

Despite being a beauty editor, I've been afraid of retinol for the longest time. In fact, I've written previously about how I totally avoided it for years after a particularly adverse reaction to a dermatologist-prescribed retinol and only came around when I discovered a certain £20 retinol product that transformed my skin. I'll be honest, though: When it comes to trending ingredients, retinol has to be up there with one of the most confusing in the industry. Advice varies greatly on when you should start using it, how often you should be using it and where it should sit within your current skincare routine.

But that's about to change. Ahead, I've got the lowdown on exactly what retinol is, why it's the ingredient that I'm recommended most by experts, and most importantly, the best retinol serums to try now.

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Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about retinol and to find a serum that will work for you.

What even is retinol?

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A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is a gentler version of tretinoin—the kind of retinol that you might be prescribed by a dermatologist (and that my skin hated). It's a bit of a does-it-all ingredient, but one of its main benefits is that it acts as a natural exfoliator for your skin, which means it removes dead skin cells from the top layer to reveal the fresh, glowy skin beneath.

But there's more. Retinol does pretty much everything from minimise fine lines and pores to encourage cell renewal and diminish breakout-causing bacteria. It's no surprise then that retinol is one of the most-recommended skincare ingredients and alongside SPF has proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent signs of ageing.

When should you start using retinol?

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(Image credit: @TYLYNNNGUYEN)

Most facialists and skin experts that I have spoken to recommend that everyone aged 30 and over start using retinol immediately. But if you have specific skincare concerns like congestion, scarring or regular breakouts, then it won't do you any harm to start using a retinol serum earlier.

If you do have oily/combination skin, then a retinol serum is ideal, as it's lightweight in texture and won't weigh your skin down. Of course, though, if you do prefer richer formulations, then you can look for a retinol cream or moisturiser instead. (You'll get the same results—it's just down to personal preference.)

Oh, and it's important to note here that if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, then you should totally avoid retinol.

Where does retinol fit in your routine?

Retinol serums should always be used at night and applied to clean skin. Our skin works to rejuvenate itself overnight, so adding in a skin-repairing ingredient like retinol here makes sense.

While a lot of retinol serums are coined for daily use, most skin experts recommend that you start introducing the ingredient slowly. Start with once or twice a week for a couple of weeks, and then build it up slowly as your skin adjusts. Keep an eye on your skin—a little dryness or irritation is normal, but decrease the frequency of your application if you notice anything more than this.

You can go straight to bed after you've applied your retinol serum, but if your skin does feel a little tight, then apply a gentle moisturiser afterwards. In fact, if you have sensitive skin, then it's often recommended that you apply a moisturiser first and your retinol serum on top.

The next morning, be sure to apply an SPF, as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.

Keep scrolling to shop the 16 best retinol serums around.

Shop Our Favourite Retinol Serums:

1. The Best Glow-Boosting Retinol Serum: Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform
2. The Best Luxury Retinol Serum: 111Skin Black Diamond Serum
3. The Best Retinol Serum for Beginners: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
4. Best Affordable Retinol Serum: The Inkey List Retinol Serum
5. Best Nighttime Retinol Serum: Dr. Sam's Flawless Nightly Serum
6. The Best Hydrating Retinol Serum: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
7. The Best Retinol Serum for Your Eyes: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3

1. The Best Glow-Boosting Retinol Serum: Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform

2. The Best Luxury Retinol Serum: 111Skin Black Diamond Serum

3. The Best Retinol Serum for Beginners: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

4. The Best Retinol Serum for Celebrity Skin: Augustinus Bader the Retinol Serum

5. The Best Retinol Serum for Sun-Damaged Skin: Paula's Choice Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum

6. Best Affordable Retinol Serum: The Inkey List Retinol Serum

7. Best Nighttime Retinol Serum: Dr. Sam's Flawless Nightly Serum

8. The Best Hydrating Retinol Serum: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

9. The Best Non-Irritating Retinol Serum: First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum

10. The Best Plumping Retinol Serum: Pixi Botanical Collagen Retinol Serum

11. The Best Retinol Serum for Instant Results: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum

12. The Best Retinol Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

13. The Best All-Rounder Retinol Serum: Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum

14. The Best Retinol Serum for Signs of Ageing: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

15. The Best Retinol Serum for Scarring & Hyperpigmentation: Skin + Me Daily Doser

16. The Best Retinol Serum for Your Eyes: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3

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Mica Ricketts
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