The best retinol products for beginners are gentle, low-dose formulas that help your skin build tolerance without triggering redness, peeling, or irritation. If you’re new to it, starting with the right formula matters just as much as how often you use it. “Low-concentration retinols, retinals, or encapsulated retinols are generally preferred for beginners to help to reduce the potential for irritation,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
“It can also help to use formulas that combine retinol with other hydrating and calming ingredients.” This means you’ll want to look for products labeled as “encapsulated” retinol or low-dose retinol at or below a 0.5% concentration.
To find the most effective, beginner-friendly retinol serums and retinol creams, we put 20 products to the test. Our top pick was the La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum because it’s derm-recommended, suitable for sensitive skin types, and contains soothing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to ensure that the skin stays moisturised and soft even after application. We also found options for acne-prone skin, overnight treatments, and Korean retinol serums to try.
My favourite retinol serums for beginners:
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- What type of retinol is best for beginners?
- What should you not mix with retinol?
- How do you incorporate retinol into your routine when you’re a beginner?
- What is the best moisturizer to pair with retinol?
- When and how often should you apply retinol in your skincare routine?
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
1. Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum
This facial serum earns the top spot because it balances efficacy with comfort. Ariel Ostad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends it for beginners since it pairs retinol with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, two ingredients that help minimise dryness and irritation. The formula itself is lightweight, hydrating, and absorbs quickly. After application, the skin is left moisturised and fresh, not stripped or dried out. It plays well with other skincare ingredients, so you won’t have to worry about pilling, either.
In testing we found it noticeably improved skin clarity and smoothness within a few weeks. It layered seamlessly with moisturiser and sunscreen without pilling, and delivered visible brightening with consistent use. Though it’s pricier than some options here, the results and tolerability justify the investment for first-time users.
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“It has become a new staple in my collection. It does a great job of balancing both my oily areas and dry areas, and never leaves me feeling stripped or tight. The formula is quite hydrating and has already made a difference in the areas where I deal with acne scars most, particularly around my nose. I’ve been using it for around two weeks now and can confirm that the area is a lot more clarified and smooth.” —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Fast facts
- Best for: All skin types, especially combination and sensitive
- Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Percentage: 0.3%
2. Best Drugstore: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
For an affordable entry point, this formula that boosts collagen production is a standout. “This retinol serum is formulated as an encapsulated retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness,” says Dr. Garshick. Encapsulation allows for gradual release, helping reduce irritation while still delivering smoothing benefits. It contains niacinamide to help soothe skin and correct uneven skin tone, hyaluronic acid to plump fine lines, and ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and deliver all-day hydration.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says:
“This is a great beginner-friendly, dark spot–correcting retinol serum. It was actually the first retinol product I ever used in my late 20s, and I continue to use it now in my 30s. I’ve gone through three bottles. The serum-moisturiser hybrid is very lightweight and absorbs nicely into the skin. I’ve never had a bad reaction on my combination skin, and I notice it feels a lot smoother and more radiant after consistent use. As always, just make sure to follow the instructions so you don’t overuse it and apply SPF in the mornings.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“It has a whipped, thick formula that dries down nicely and has never in the slightest irritated or reddened me. The formulation is potent and it instantly clarifies congested skin and areas riddled with dark spots and acne scars—a lot of which I have around my nose and on my chin. After using this every few nights for the past three months, my skin looks brighter, more even-toned, and softer than ever. I’m obsessed!” —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Best for: Sensitive skin types, oily skin
- Key ingredients: Retinol, licorice root, niacinamide, ceramides
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Percentage: 0.3%
3. Best for Acne: Anua Retinol Serum
This 0.3% retinol formula is ideal for beginners dealing with breakouts. This anti-ageing serum has a blend of 0.3% retinol and 5% niacinamide to colour-correct redness and soothe skin. It also contains salicylic acid, which is a potent BHA and acne-fighting ingredient that helps shrink large pores and clarify congested skin. We also like that aloe is featured in the formula, which helps calm redness and sensitivity. You’ll be left with glass skin post-application, minimal texture, and improved bounce.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“It’s very lightweight, sinks quickly into skin upon application, and helps target uneven texture and inflammation. I’ve been breaking out on my chin recently and I put this to the test during a massive cystic acne flare-up—it did a great job of clearing up the area over the span of a few applications without drying it out massively. I was left with more even-textured skin that was less red and irritated.” —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Best for: Acne-prone skin
- Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, salicylic acid
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Percentage: 0.11%
4. Best Budget: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
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This pick is another favourite of Dr. Ostad, who loves this affordable formula for sensitive skin. He likes that it contains squalane, which helps buffer dryness and leaves skin encased in a veil of moisture. The retinol 0.5% is a very gentle concentration that targets dead skin cells, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture, and is potent enough to see results quickly, which makes it just as effective as more expensive retinols we’ve tried. It’s slightly oilier than others on this list but remains effective and accessible. In testing, we noticed improved clarity and smoother texture after two weeks of use.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I’ve struggled with a lot of uneven skin texture due to acne scars from former breakouts. So I’m always looking for a retinol to help smooth and even out my skin tone in these areas. I was impressed with this serum upon first use: it’s lightweight and leaves skin feeling hydrated and not stripped. After using it for a few weeks, I’ve noticed an improvement in my acne scars around my nose and on my chin—the area looks clearer and smoother. The only thing I didn’t love about this serum was the smell, but that’s easy to overlook after seeing some pretty great results for less than £15.” —A.M.K.
Fast facts
- Best for: All skin types, someone looking to try retinol on a budget
- Key ingredients: Retinol, squalane
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Percentage: 0.5%
5. Best for Wrinkles: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum
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For a great serum for mature skin, this retinol for beginners can address more deep-set wrinkles – and Dr. Garshick loves that this skin-renewing serum that penetrates deeply and increases cell turnover.
This formula comes in a tiny tube that allows for super-precise application, which means you can quite literally squeeze the product along each and every one of your fine lines and wrinkles. “It’s also formulated with hydrating glycerin and bisabolol to help moisturise and soothe the skin, and I recommend it to all skin types,” she says.
Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine says:
“After a week of daily use, RoC’s retinol serum proved to me why everyone from dermatologists to your mom recommends using retinol. There’s a spot on my upper cheekbones, close to my eyes, where the skin looks significantly less saggy and thin. I noticed I looked refreshed and less tired—I often look fatigued when my eyes sag down, and this serum is an anecdote to that. A couple of caveats: Retinol is a powerful ingredient, so be careful what other products you layer it with. I accidentally paired it with a vitamin C cleanser and my face felt tingly afterwards. But after smoothing on a rich moisturiser, it disappeared. Retinol is a now a permanent part of my skin care tool kit.” —Charlotte Twine, Glamour contributor
Fast facts
- Best for: Wrinkles, aging skin
- Key ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, bisabolol
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Percentage: >1%
Frequently asked questions
What type of retinol is best for beginners?
Start with a low concentration of retinol if you’ve never tried the ingredient before, Dr. Ostad says. A great beginner percentage is 0.1%–0.5% every two to three nights, and build your tolerance each night. Look for buffered formulas that contain ceramides, glycerin, and squalane to mitigate irritation. Bakuchiol is a retinol alternative that’s also gentle enough for first-time users and is suitable if you’re pregnant or nursing, unlike regular retinol.
Once your skin is adjusted (a.k.a. you are able to use it every night without irritation), you can visit your board-certified dermatologist to see if a prescription retinoid or tretinoin is right for you. Beginners can also try a retinal (retinaldehyde) serum once your skin has fully adjusted if they want something a little more potent.
What should you not mix with retinol?
Avoid skincare products that contain benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, and BHAs if you’re using retinol. You should also not pair retinol with vitamin C in the same routine (instead, use retinol at night and vitamin C in the morning) to decrease potential irritation. It’s also important to stay away from harsh toners, scrubs, and physical exfoliants when using retinol, says Dr. Ostad.
How do you incorporate retinol into your routine when you're a beginner?
The experts broke it down here:
- Week 1–2: Use retinol 1–2 nights per week
- Week 3–4: Use retinol 3 nights per week
- After 4–6 Weeks: Try nightly if your skin tolerates it
If you experience a flare-up, the dermatologists recommend slowing down and increasing hydration.
What is the best moisturizer to pair with retinol?
“It is best to use a thicker moisturising cream or lotion that will help to nourish the skin, boost hydration, and calm irritation,” says Dr. Garshick. She recommends looking for key ingredients like ceramides to support the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, and niacinamide to calm and soothe the skin.
When and how often should you apply retinol in your skincare routine?
Apply a pea-size amount of retinol at night after cleansing and before moisturising, a few times per week. “As your skin builds tolerance, you can gradually increase to every other night or nightly use, depending on how the skin responds,” says Dr. Garshick. It’s important to use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen every day if you are using retinol in your skin care routine.
How we tested
We tested retinols for beginners by taking a look at the product’s ingredients, how gentle they were during application, and their efficacy in reducing dark spots, wrinkles, and lines. The ones that made the cut had low concentrations of retinol or encapsulated retinol flocked with hydrating and soothing ingredients like aloe, ceramides, niacinamide, and more. The best beginner retinols were very gentle upon application and didn’t leave our skin red, inflamed, stripped, or irritated. Finally, the best retinols for first-time users did what they set out to: helped address hyperpigmentation and left our skin looking clearer, softer, firmer, and more even-toned.
Meet the experts
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in NYC.
- Ariel Ostad, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in NYC.
This story originally appeared on Glamour US.
