If you’ve stayed away from prescription retinol (the miracle anti-aging ingredient that will also give you the smoothest and clearest skin of your life) we don’t blame you—it can be irritating. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol stimulates collagen production and cell turnover, which can help soften wrinkles, smooth skin texture, correct dark spots, and clear acne. But all that skin-perfecting power comes at a cost, including dryness, redness, irritation, and sun sensitivity. These side effects usually subside after a few months—but if you don’t have time to wait, we’ve got a solution: retinol creams. You reap all the benefits, plus added hydrating, nourishing ingredients to minimize dryness and irritation. Ahead, learn about the tried-and-true retinol creams that are worth integrating into your nightly routine ASAP.
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A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Drunk ElephantSephora
$74.00
This concentrated formula packs a punch; try incorporating into your routine one or two days a week, then increase as your skin gets acclimated.
|2|
Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream
skinceuticals.com
$76.00
Arguably the strongest cream on this list, it contains the highest concentration of retinol and botanical extracts to not only to reduce the appearance of fine lines but also treat acne.
|3|
Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème
RoC
ulta.com
$100.00
When you see retinol and hyaluronic acid on the same ingredient list, you know to snatch up it quick. Say goodbye to fine lines and dry, cracked skin — it’s the perfect cream for this winter.
|4|
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
Olay
target.com
$28.99
This fragrance-free cream is perfect to slather on before bed. It delivers a big dose of hydration with retinol so you are left with little to no irritation.
|5|
+Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer
Kate Somerville
ulta.com
$90.00
Cushioning retinol in an ultra-rich cream with hyaluronic acid and fatty acids helps avoid irritation, while the addition of vitamin C provides an extra dose of protective anti-aging power.
|6|
StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Intensive Night Moisturizer
STRIVECTIN
nordstrom.com
$112.00
If you want to wake up to instant smoother and brighter skin, this is the moisturizer for you. It works overnight to reduce the appearance of fine lines and hydrate your skin for a dewy morning glow.
|7|
Retinol Intense+
Chantecaille
saksfifthavenue.com
$140.00
Aptly named intense, it’s loaded with double the amount of retinol, along with brightening botanicals, and rosewater to soothe the skin.
|8|
Redermic R Retinol Cream
La Roche Posay
laroche-posay.us
$56.99
Made with pure retinol, an exclusive retinol booster complex, and exfoliating salicylic acid, use this lightweight cream to reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet.
|9|
Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
L’oréal Paris
lorealparisusa.com
$24.99
The anti-aging all-stars—retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C—get cozy in this wallet-friendly formula. If you’re looking to get into retinol but don’t want to spend a small fortune, this jar is a good place to start.
|10|
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Hyaluronic Acid & Retinol Cream
Neutrogena
target.com
$22.49
You’ll notice smoother, brighter skin and softened lines in just a week of daily use. But as with all retinol, you’ll need to keep using it for the results to stick around.
|11|
Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
Murad
sephora.com
$49.00
A rich, skin-coddling cream that also boasts flower and red algae extract to enhance the anti-aging and line-smoothing effect of the retinol. Use it every night during the winter, then pull back during the warmer months to a few times a week.
