11 of the Highest Rated Drugstore Retinol Products of 2024
Looking to upgrade your skincare routine with retinol but not sure where to start? Look no further than your local drugstore or Amazon for the best drugstore retinol products.
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Today, plenty of retinol options are available that are nearly as effective as a tretinoin prescription.
Prescription tretinoin may be the gold standard, but drugstore retinol is a more accessible and budget-friendly option.
The good news is that high-quality over-the-counter retinol products still give noticeable anti-aging benefits.
This guide will explore the best drugstore retinol. It covers everything from overall favorites to options for different skin concerns.
And don’t worry, we did our research.
We reviewed dozens of clinical research articles. We also tracked the best board-certified dermatologists and scoured Reddit for real reviews on the best retinol products that work.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase a product through my link at no extra cost to you. All items are carefully curated by me and reflect my honest opinion.
Retinol vs. Prescription TretinoinÂ
Both retinol and prescription tretinoin work by increasing cell turnover, leading to improved skin texture, reduced signs of aging, and increased collagen production.
However, tretinoin is more potent compared to retinol.
Here’s why:
Tretinoin works more directly. It’s in its active form and doesn’t need to convert within skin cells.
Applying an over-the-counter retinol to your skin triggers a conversion process. This process happens within the skin cells before retinol can work.
First, the skin converts retinol into retinaldehyde (also called retinal). Then, it turns retinal into retinoic acid (the active form of vitamin A) using specific enzymes.
When retinol turns into retinoic acid, it connects to receptors in the skin cells and does its job by activating genes. This boosts collagen, speeds up cell renewal, and improves skin texture. Read all about it in this article.
On the other hand, tretinoin (also known as retinoic acid) is already in the active form of vitamin A, so it doesn’t require conversion within the skin.
When applied, tretinoin binds to skin cells’ retinoic acid receptors, starting the processes that lead to the same anti-aging benefits.
Because it’s in the active form, tretinoin is more effective, but it can also be more irritating, especially at first.
Retinol is still effective and is great for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
I have a tretinoin prescription. But, I still use over-the-counter retinol in my routine.
Related: The Tretinoin Skincare Routine Proven To Make Your Skin Glow
Benefits of Retinol
Retinol has been studied extensively and is a proven anti-aging ingredient. Some of the best retinol benefits include:
- Collagen production: Retinol promotes collagen synthesis. This helps plump the skin and reduce wrinkles.
- Improving skin texture: Regular use of retinol can make skin smoother and reduce pore size. It reduces the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface.
- Boosting cell turnover: Retinol accelerates the production rate of new skin cells, leading to a brighter and more even skin tone.
- Treating acne: Retinol can also effectively treat acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
- Reducing dark spots: Retinol targets hyperpigmentation, which helps reduce sun spots and dark spots caused by sun damage, acne scars, or melasma.
What to Look For in a Drugstore Retinol
When it comes to selecting the best drugstore retinol product, here are a few things to consider:
- Retinol Concentration: Look for a product with a sufficient concentration of retinol, typically around 0.1% or higher, for optimal effectiveness.
- Formulation: Look for retinol products with stable formulations, indicated by terms like “encapsulated” or “time-release,” which ensure potency over time.
- Additional Key Ingredients: To hydrate and minimize irritation, consider products with added skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or antioxidants.
- Packaging: Opt for products packaged in opaque, airtight containers to protect the retinol from light and air exposure, which can degrade its potency.
Now that you know what to consider in a solid drugstore retinol, let’s check out our top picks.
Best Overall Retinol
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
RoC’s Night Cream combines retinol with minerals like zinc, copper, and magnesium. This combination reduces the appearance of fine lines and improves skin texture.
What reviewers say: …” Within 90 days of consistent use, my skin had improved noticeably. It is not as thin, has more elasticity, and appears healthy and more youthful”.
I have used this one for years in my skincare routine, and it’s the one I always return to. It’s effective but gentle enough to use frequently without damaging your skin barrier.
Best Budget Retinol
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane
The Ordinary’s Retinol 1% in Squalane is perfect for those on a budget. It smooths skin texture and reduces signs of aging without breaking the bank.
With nearly 11,000 reviews on Amazon, at 4.5 stars, this one is clearly a fan favorite. Reviewers rave about how quickly they saw results with this product.
The lightweight formula absorbs easily into the skin without feeling greasy or heavy.
Best Retinol for Textured Skin
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum is the best option for those with textured skin. It contains encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, and three different ceramides to help improve skin texture while minimizing irritation.
Reviewers with sensitive skin types also love this product because it delivers the benefits of retinol without causing redness or dryness.
Best Retinol for BrighteningÂ
Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C
Can you combine retinol and vitamin C together at the same time? Yes, you can!
In fact, this study shows that combining vitamin C and retinol together decreased photoaging.
The Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Retinol + Vitamin C combines the benefits of retinol with the brightening power of vitamin C.
Moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, and macadamia oil also help to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness or flaking.
Best Retinol for Acne-Prone Skin
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Differin Gel isn’t marketed as an anti-aging retinol, but many have used this inexpensive acne treatment to combat the signs of aging.
It contains adapalene, a retinoid type that helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
It’s gentle enough for daily use and helps improve overall skin texture.
Reviewers rave about how this product has helped to clear their acne and improve the overall texture of their skin.
It’s also non-comedogenic, which won’t clog pores or worsen acne.
Best Retinol for Dry Skin
Olay Regenerist Retinol Moisturizer, Retinol 24 Night Face Cream
This Olay Retinol Cream has Vitamin B3+ (niacinamide) and retinol. It gives 24 hours of hydration while reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s great for dry skin. It’s the best retinol cream we’ve found (so far) that provides deep moisture without feeling greasy.
Best Retinol for Advanced Signs of Aging
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Anti-Wrinkle Night Moisturizer
Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Moisturizer has an impressive .3% stabilized retinol that has been clinically proven to fight signs of skin aging.
Because this one has a higher concentration, starting slowly is important to avoid irritation.
Best Retinol for Eyes
RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream
Specifically designed for the delicate eye area, RoC’s Eye Cream targets crow’s feet, dark circles, and puffiness – with visible results in about 12 weeks.
The gentle formula doesn’t irritate the eyes and can be used morning and night (don’t forget the SPF).
Do you really need a specific retinol eye cream?
Not necessarily, but your face formula might be too strong for the eye area, which is why we love this one specially made for the eye area.
Plus, this eye cream has almost 20,000 five-star reviews and is under $20 – can’t beat that!
Best Retinol for the Body
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion, With Retinol & Peptide Complex
This Gold Bond Retinol Lotion is a whopping 13oz and can be used on your face and body – amazing!
It contains retinol and peptides to firm the skin visibly within one week.
You can slather this all over your body and entire face for a no-fuss routine without many skincare products.
Best Retinol for Travel
RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Wrinkle Night Serum Capsules
These tiny capsules by ROC contain a concentrated dose of retinol serum perfect for on-the-go.
Not only do they portion out the perfect pea-size amount, but the pure retinol is also stabilized in each capsule to maximize potency.
Reviewers rave about how smooth their skin feels after using these for one night. I pack these every trip, keeping me on my retinol routine.
Best Retinol Body Wash
Olay Cleansing & Renewing Nighttime Body Wash
TL, DR: This particular Olay body wash is the BEST and smells absolutely amazing.
It has the vitamin B3 and retinol to keep skin hydrated and reduce acne breakouts.
Do retinol body washes actually work if you’re just rinsing them off? Hard to say, honestly. However, I noticed when I use this, my skin stays clear and soft.
I’ve linked below so you can check out reviews yourself, but PSA: this is cheaper at Target, so get it there instead!
Choosing the Best Retinol For You
There are plenty of options when it comes to finding the best drugstore retinol.
Whether you’re on a budget, have sensitive skin, want to brighten your complexion, or tackle acne or advanced signs of aging, there’s a retinol for you.
Remember to start slow and gradually introduce retinol into your skincare routine. Retinol can be strong and cause irritation if used too frequently or in high concentrations.
And always wear sunscreen during the day, as retinol can increase sun sensitivity.
Have you tried any great drugstore retinol products? Tell us in the comments!
