The Best Retinols We Tested and Loved
Every product we feature in Éditaires is chosen with care by our editors and community. We may earn a small commission if you decide to shop through the links in our stories.
Retinol is one of skincare’s most powerful ingredients and these are the formulas that impressed us the most for their results and thoughtful formulations.
Let’s start with a product that pulls no punches. SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 is one of the strongest over-the-counter options available, designed for seasoned retinol users who want transformative results. With a high concentration of pure retinol at 1.0%, it targets stubborn signs of aging, breakouts, and uneven texture with precision. The formula is supported by bisabolol, a calming ingredient derived from chamomile, which helps to temper potential irritation. It’s best applied sparingly and always followed by a rich moisturizer. This is the product you graduate to when your skin is already familiar with retinoids and you’re ready to see faster, deeper changes.
For those looking for luxury with scientific depth, Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum makes a case for being worth the splurge. What sets it apart is the patented TFC8 complex, a proprietary blend of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules naturally found in the skin. It works alongside a time-released retinol to gradually improve skin tone, minimize pores, and give that almost-filtered finish without ever feeling too strong.
The Matter of Fact Wrinkle + Texture Concentrate is a sleeper hit with a sophisticated formula that marries 0.2% retinol with brightening ingredients like tranexamic acid and niacinamide. We saw a marked difference in tone and texture after just a few weeks, particularly around the mouth and forehead where creases like to settle in. The texture is rich but fast-absorbing, and the addition of allantoin helps buffer the retinol to keep skin calm.
If you’re looking for something backed by dermatologists and still incredibly pleasant to use, Allies of Skin Retinal 0.05% & Peptides Repair Night Cream checks all the boxes. It uses retinaldehyde, a potent vitamin A derivative that’s one step closer to retinoic acid than traditional retinol, which means faster results. But it’s cleverly cushioned with peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid so it feels like a true treatment cream rather than a harsh active. Think of this as a multi-functional night cream that just happens to have a highly effective retinoid in it.
For sensitive skin types or anyone who prefers their actives French and pharmacy-grade, Avène Retrinal 0.05 Cream is a classic for a reason. It uses retinaldehyde, like Allies of Skin, but pairs it with Avène’s iconic thermal spring water and a soothing cream base. The results are cumulative but meaningful, skin feels smoother, looks brighter, and never gets angry. This is the kind of retinoid that builds skin health while working subtly behind the scenes.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Serum is a clinical one that bridges efficacy and an elegant formula. With 0.06% encapsulated retinaldehyde, stabilized for slow release, this product speeds up cell turnover and helps fade pigmentation without the downtime. What impressed us most was the texture, it’s like a luxe serum-meets-cream that leaves skin feeling plumped and hydrated. Medik8 also builds their system in strengths, so you can start low and level up gradually if desired.
With its minimalist branding and medical-grade background, Dr. Sebagh Retinol Night Repair is not messing around. The formula includes a high-performance retinol complex boosted by vitamin C, which makes it not only a resurfacer but also a brightener. The finish is dry-touch, which makes it ideal under other skincare or even makeup the next day. It's a great choice for those who want to get serious without going prescription-level strong.
Lastly, The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion is the most affordable on this list but still makes a strong impression on the skin. This formula features retinaldehyde at 0.2%, which is no small amount, especially given its closer proximity to retinoic acid than traditional retinol. The emulsion texture feels like a lightweight lotion and layers well under moisturizers. While you may experience a little tingling if you’re new to stronger actives, the results, smoother skin and more refined pores are absolutely worth the slow build-up.
Whether you’re just dipping into the world of retinol or ready to graduate to something more intensive, each of these picks delivers visible improvement without sacrificing skin comfort.